Straight answers for families.
What senior living costs, who pays for what, how to choose a community and how to read the inspection record. Sourced, plain English, no sales pitch.
How much does assisted living cost? (2026)
Assisted living cost a national median of $6,200 a month in 2025. Compare nursing home, home care and adult day costs, and learn what drives price.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living? What it covers (2026)
Medicare does not pay for assisted living. Here is what it does cover, how Medicaid, VA benefits and long-term care insurance can help, and 2026 figures.
Assisted living vs. nursing home: which does your parent need?
How assisted living and nursing homes differ in care, staffing, regulation, cost and who pays, plus how to tell which one your parent needs.
Signs it's time for assisted living, and how to talk about it
Warning signs a parent may need assisted living, how to raise a move with respect, getting siblings on board, legal papers to have ready, and trial stays.
How to choose an assisted living community: step by step
A step-by-step guide for families: assess needs, set a budget, check the state license and inspections, tour, ask key questions and read the contract.
How to read nursing home inspection reports and star ratings
What Medicare's nursing home star ratings, citations, fines, the abuse icon and staffing numbers mean, and how to use them when you visit.
What is an aging life care manager? Roles, costs, hiring
What aging life care managers (geriatric care managers) do, their training and certifications, how they charge, and questions to ask before you hire one.
What is a board and care home? Small residential care explained
Board and care homes are small licensed homes with meals, personal care and 24-hour supervision. How they differ from assisted living, costs, what to ask.