CompareNursingHomes.org is designed to help you find and compare nursing homes.

It can help you and your family make your best choice, whether you are planning ahead, or need to make an unexpected decision. It includes information about different types of long-term care, how to find and compare nursing homes in your area, and how to pay for nursing home care. It also provides contact information for organizations that can help answer your questions.

Choosing a nursing home can be very stressful for you and your loved ones. It is helpful to plan ahead, visit and compare several nursing homes, and make good financial plans early. Planning ahead gives you and your family more control. It can help make sure that your needs are met so you can get good quality care. Depending on your needs and resources, you may have other long-term care choices; like community services, home care, or assisted living.

 
Nursing Homes

Some nursing homes are set up like a hospital. The staff provides medical care, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy. There might be a nurses' station on each floor. Other nursing homes try to be more like home. They try to have a neighborhood feel. Often, they don't have a fixed day-to-day schedule, and kitchens might be open to residents. Staff members are encouraged to develop relationships with residents.

Some nursing homes have special care units for people with serious memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease. Some will let couples live together. Nursing homes are not only for the elderly, but for anyone who requires 24-hour care.

 
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Senior Information

Aging and Your Eyes
Are you holding the newspaper farther away from your eyes than you used to? Join the crowd -- age can bring changes that affect your eyesight. Some changes are more serious than others, but no matter what the problem, there are things you can do to protect your vision. The key is to have regular eye exams so you can find problems early.
Arthritis Advice
"Arthritis" is not just a word doctors use when they talk about painful, stiff joints. In fact, there are many kinds of arthritis, each with different symptoms and treatments. Most types of arthritis are chronic. That means they can go on for a long period of time.
Choosing a Doctor
Mrs. Wiley had a big surprise the other day when she called her doctor's office to make an appointment. The receptionist told her that Dr. Horowitz was retiring at the end of the year. After all this time - after the doctor had treated her for strep throat, bladder infections, and that nasty broken wrist; after helping her through menopause - she felt like she was losing a trusted friend. Mrs. Wiley worried that she wouldn't be able to find a new doctor she would like.
Cancer Facts for People Over 50
Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. Great Uncle George may have always liked his liquor, so his family may not see that his drinking behavior is getting worse as he gets older. Grandma Betty was a teetotaler all her life-she started having a drink each night to help her get to sleep after her husband died. Now no one realizes that she needs a couple of drinks to get through each day.
A Good Night's Sleep
Since he retired, Edward dreads going to bed at night. He's afraid that when he turns off his light he will just lie there with his eyes open and his mind racing. "How can I break this cycle?" he asks. "I'm so tired-I need to get some sleep."
Just like Edward, you want a good night's rest. Getting enough sleep helps you stay healthy and alert. But many older people don't sleep well. If you're always sleepy, it may be time to see a doctor. You shouldn't wake up every day feeling tired.
Flu -- Get the Shot
Each winter, millions of people suffer from the flu. Flu-the short name for influenza-is caused by viruses. Viruses are very small germs. Some viruses can spread easily from one person to another. They cause illnesses or infections like the flu.
For some people, flu is a mild illness. For older people, especially those who have health problems like diabetes or heart disease, the flu can be very serious.
Alcohol Use and Abuse
Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. Great Uncle George may have always liked his liquor, so his family may not see that his drinking behavior is getting worse as he gets older. Grandma Betty was a teetotaler all her life-she started having a drink each night to help her get to sleep after her husband died. Now no one realizes that she needs a couple of drinks to get through each day.
Diabetes in Older People
Everyone feels blue now and then. It's part of life. But, if you no longer enjoy activities that you usually like, you may have a more serious problem. Being depressed, without letup, can change the way you think and feel. Doctors call this "clinical depression."
Foot Care
When we are in love, we may be "swept off our feet." When we don't want to do something, we are said to have "cold feet." A sensible person "has both feet on the ground." Sometimes we even "vote with our feet."
Falls and Fractures
A simple fall can change your life. Just ask any of the thousands of older men and women who fall each year and break (sometimes called fracture) a bone.
Crime and Older People
Lucy is worried. She's lived in the same neighborhood for 50 years, but things seem to be changing. Last week, her friend Rose was walking to the store when a young man ran by and pulled her purse right off her shoulder. Two weeks ago, Joe, the man upstairs, put his grocery bags on the curb while waiting for the bus, and before he knew it, someone had picked up his bags and run off. Lucy feels sad to think she might have to move. She wonders, is anywhere safe for older people anymore?
Exercise and Physical Activity
"After walking on a treadmill at the local community center, I knew I'd be happier outside. So, I got a step counter and started walking in my neighborhood. Since then, I've seen yellow tulips bloom in spring and red dogwood leaves drop in fall. I always come home with more energy and happy to go on with the rest of the day." Marian (age 77)
Depression
Everyone feels blue now and then. It's part of life. But, if you no longer enjoy activities that you usually like, you may have a more serious problem. Being depressed, without letup, can change the way you think and feel. Doctors call this "clinical depression."
Considering Surgery?
Have you been told by your doctor that you need surgery? If so, you're not alone. Millions of older Americans have surgery each year.
For most surgeries, you will have time to find out about the operation, talk about other treatments with your surgeon (medical doctor who does the operation), and decide what to do. You also have time to get a second opinion.