This is a special kind of social worker or nurse. A geriatric case manager, geriatric care manager, or service coordinator can help you plan your care, as well as help you find the services you need. This specialist is particularly helpful when you and members of your family live far apart. If no case manager is available, your healthcare provider and their staff also can help you find the services you need.

A neighbor may know about a certain service or care that's available. Your healthcare provider and the Area Agency on Aging have information on adult day-care centers, meal programs, companion programs, transportation services, and other available programs.

The state insurance commission can explain the complex issue of private long-term care insurance and offer tips on how to buy it. Medicare and private Medigap insurance do not cover long-term care; they only pay for short-term home health and nursing home care.

Assisted living centers are found in large apartment buildings and homes. They often include meals, recreation, security and help with bathing, dressing, taking medicine, and housekeeping. Skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) provide medical care round the clock and rehabilitation for more frail residents. Sometimes these two facilities are found at the same site, in a continuing care community.

Set up an appointment, but also go unannounced and at different times of the day. Watch to see if the staff treats residents with respect and tries to meet the needs of each person. Check if the building is clean and safe. Find out what kinds of social activities and exercise programs are offered. Note if residents have personal privacy. Visit around mealtime and see how the residents interact and if you like the food.

Each state's health department conducts an annual inspection of nursing homes. You can read the results of these annual inspections at the nursing homes you visit. If you have questions, the nursing home staff should be able to answer them. Many nursing homes also voluntarily participate in accreditation programs. One is the Joint Commission's Long Term Care Program.

What's important is that the nursing home offers group activities that offer mental, physical, and social stimulation.

Make sure you understand the contract before you sign it. Ask your lawyer to explain anything you don't understand.