“Most families move through a sequence: occasional help, then regular home care, then a higher level of care,” said Fosco. “Sequencing that deliberately is different from reacting to each new crisis.” Look for a facility before it’s needed, if possible, so the process is less stressful.
- Medicare’s “Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home” is a good starting point with practical information about what to look for in a long-term care facility.
- Find a dementia care program through this searchable database of vetted programs.
- Medicare’s Care Compare: Recommended by Fosco for “quality ratings on nursing homes, home health agencies, and hospice providers.”
- Finding Local Services is a government site with multiple links and resources to help locate facilities and compare costs.
“Many caregivers do not realize that support may be available to them, in part because every caregiving situation is different, and it is not always clear what kind of help is needed or where to find it,” said Minnick. When you’re not sure what’s possible, reach out to one of the resources above and ask. There may be more help available than you realize, both for your loved ones and for you as a caregiver.
