Choosing a nursing home

Moving into a nursing home may be a planned decision based on a gradual loss of independence or a crisis upon discharge from a hospital. During gradual loss of abilities, home and community-based care, senior housing, retirement communities, and assisted living facilities are viable options. Contact your ombudsman program for more information.

All states have an Ombudsman Office; the National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center has a list for all 50 states.

In Texas, the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) provides general information about nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Twenty-eight local ombudsman programs serve as reliable and credible sources with more specific information about Texas facilities.

Online resources to help in choosing a nursing home

Find and compare long-term care providers (DADS)
You can get additional information about nursing homes at the link above or by calling DADS Consumer Rights and Services at 1-800-458-9858.
Medicare's Nursing Home Compare (Medicare)
This tool has detailed information about every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.
Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
This publication is designed to help people make informed decisions about nursing home care, whether the decision is being planned for in advance or being made unexpectedly.
Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration on Aging)
The Eldercare Locator is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community. You can find local information resources on the website, or calling toll-free 1-800-677-1116.

Online resources related to paying for nursing home and assisted living facility care

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Updated: September 6, 2011