Choosing the Right One Will Keep Life Worth Living

A rapidly increasing number of Americans are being faced with questions about how to best care for family members, or for themselves, as they grow older. Assisted living facilities provide an ideal solution for people who can't quite manage on their own, but do not need extensive medical care; skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are best for people who require regular medical attention.

Depending upon where you live there may be anywhere from two or three to more than a hundred nearby facilities to choose from. Having choices is a plus, however as you explore your options, keep in mind that all assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are not created equally. This fact is especially crucial if your loved one requires significant medical attention.

Finding SNFs with Quality Respiratory Therapy

Among the elderly, the need for respiratory care such as long-term oxygen therapy or ventilator-assisted breathing are extremely common. These health issues call for specialized attention from experts like respiratory therapists.

If proper respiratory care is one of your concerns, be sure to consider what respiratory therapists say about selecting a quality skilled nursing facility. The American Association for Respiratory Care also encourages you to avail yourself of the other resources we have collected here. These tools will walk you through the process of finding the highest quality facility for yourself or a loved one. You'll find guidance on questions to ask, warning signs to watch for, and sources to consult.

Skilled nursing and assisted living facilities can be excellent solutions to long-term care concerns -- just be sure you choose the right one!

Finding the Best Facility for You or Your Loved One
(we apologize if links provided experience technical problems beyond our control)

Nursing Homes: Selection, Inspections, and More (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

A Consumer's Guide to Nursing Facilities (American Health Care Association)

Is Assisted Living the Right Choice? (Consumer Reports)

Nursing Home Compare (Health Care Financing Administration: Medicare)

Talking with Your Parents about Medicare and Health Coverage -- Long-Term Care Needs (Medicare Rights Center and the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation)

Other Helpful Resources
(we apologize if links provided experience technical problems beyond our control)

Administration on Aging (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
The AoA administers programs designed for older Americans and their families as well as those concerned about providing the opportunities and services to enrich the lives of older persons and support their independence.

Elder Care Locator (HHS Administration on Aging)
This nationwide directory assistance service helps older persons and caregivers find local support resources for aging Americans. Call toll free: 1-800-677-1116.

HMO: Right for You? (Consumer Reports)

How to Hire a Home Health Aide (Consumer Reports)

Medicare HMOs and Supplement Policies Update (Consumer Reports)

General Medicare Consumer Information (Health Care Financing Administration: Medicare)

Medicare Health Plan Compare (Health Care Financing Administration: Medicare)

Senior Health (The Human Internet: About.com)

The information linked to and contained on this website is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your physician or respiratory therapist.

Reviewed: August, 2002.