Learn More about Home Health and Hospice

Primary Listings

Home Care Services (MedlinePlus)

MedlinePlus website on home care services explains how to choose quality home health care services. It also describes adult day care, alternatives to nursing homes, hiring a home care worker or agency (see Home Health Care by Administration for Community Living), billing practices, Medicare’s home health benefit, home modification, telehealth, assisted living and more.

Other Helpful Listings

Eldercare Locator – Search services for independent living Editor's Pick

Eldercare Locator is a way to search for services supporting senior independent living. US Department of Health and Human Services provides a free public service through the US Administration on Aging, to help seniors and caregivers find resources anywhere in the country. In addition to the website, you may call 1-800-677-1116 on weekdays to speak with someone who can help (English or Spanish). Very easy to use, by putting in your zip code.

Long-Term Care Data (AARP) 2020

AARP’s Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard for 2020 provides data on long-term care and state rankings. At the top of the rankings are Minnesota, Washington, and Wisconsin. The scorecard examines LTSS system performance in the areas of affordability and access, choice of setting and provider, quality of life and quality of care, support for family caregivers, and effective transitions. Includes average 2019 prices for home health and nursing home care (see p. 62). Median private room in a nursing home is reported at $102,200 (although it’s $362,628 per year in Alaska, and below $70,000 in Missouri and Oklahoma). The median cost of Home Care with 30 hours per week (at $23/hour) is $35,880 in the US. Average cost for assisted living is estimated at nearly $50,000. Individual state detail is provided for nursing homes and home care. Full reference edition is 104 pages. Published September 2020. The most current available data, collected for this Scorecard, generally cover the period 2016–2019. These data were collected and analyzed in 2019, and so the Scorecard paints a picture of comprehensive LTSS system performance before the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic began. The new scorecard is expected in 2023.

Resources for Caregivers of Seniors

If you’re a caregiver for a senior, find additional resources here. The Aging Life Care Association (formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers) has compiled an extensive list of resources for seniors and their caregivers. Categories include associations, community/social services, government and care management. Consumers can also search for an Aging Life Care Expert.

See Also: More Senior Resources at Consumer Health Ratings

Consumer Health Ratings’ category of Seniors, Age 65+ provides extra selected resources for caregivers and older adults. Resources are listed on eldercare, home safety, finding an Aging Life Care Professional, health issues as one ages, avoiding falls, things to know about nursing homes. These resources are free. Go to Learn More/Health Conditions, or click here.