Choosing a Nursing Home

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People go to nursing homes for different reasons, like if they’re sick, hurt, recovering
from surgery, or have chronic care needs or disabilities that require ongoing nursing
care. If you need nursing home care, it’s important to know how nursing homes work
and where to find one that’s right for you. Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare to find and
compare nursing homes, and get detailed information about quality of care.
What’s nursing home care?
Nursing homes are facilities for people who usually need 24-hour care. Nursing homes
can provide skilled nursing care or rehabilitation care for people with short-term or
outpatient care needs. They may also offer long-term and specialized care for people
with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Nursing home care includes:

  • Short-term care for people who need rehabilitation after surgery, like physical therapy
    after a hip or knee replacement
  • Short-term care for people who need skilled nursing to recover from an illness, like
    pneumonia
  • Long-term care for people who need help with activities of daily living, like bathing,
    dressing, or eating

Does Medicare cover nursing home care?
Medicare may cover short-term nursing and other related care, like rehab care.

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers short-term nursing home or rehab
    care (up to 100 days) in a Medicare-certified nursing home after hospitalization.
  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits and physical, speech, or
    occupational therapy, even if you get these services while in a nursing home.
  • Medicare Part D (drug coverage): Covers prescription drugs you need while in a
    nursing home.
    Medicare generally doesn’t cover long-term nursing home stays.
    Visit Medicare.gov/providers-services/original-medicare/nursing-homes for more
    information.
    What if I need long-term care?
    Your state’s Medicaid program may cover long-term nursing home care if you qualify,
    even though Medicare doesn’t. Medicaid may also help cover:
  • Home-and community-based services, like at-home care, home-delivered meals,
    home modifications, and adult day care
  • Services in an assisted living facility, depending on your needs and the state you
    live in
    Contact your state’s Medicaid office if you have questions or need help. Visit
    Medicaid.gov/about-us/where-can-people-get-help-medicaid-chip to find contact
    information for your state.
    The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is a federal agency that can also help
    you find long-term care resources. ACL funds support programs in the community
    to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with
    disabilities, and their families and caregivers. Visit ACL.gov to learn more. You can
    also use the Eldercare Locator at Eldercare.acl.gov, or call 1-800-677-1116 to find help
    in your community.
    Before you make any decisions about long-term care, talk to someone you trust like a
    family member, your health care provider, or a social worker.

How can I find & compare nursing homes?
To find nursing homes, visit Medicare.gov/care-compare:

  1. Select “Nursing homes including rehab services.”
  2. Enter your location or the name of the nursing home you’re interested in and select
    “Search.”
  3. Select the nursing home you’re interested in. Use the “Compare” feature to
    compare up to 3 nursing homes side by side.
    You can find information like:
  • Star ratings of 1 to 5 stars
  • Health and safety inspection
    reports
  • Quality measures
  • Staffing levels
  • Nursing homes cited for
    abuse
    All nursing homes on Medicare.gov/care-compare are Medicare-certified. This means
    they offer services at a level of quality Medicare approves and have passed certain
    inspections.

reprinted from Medicare.com.

Deed Fraud

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For many older Americans, their home is their greatest asset and it’s critical to their financial well-being. Deed fraud can put all that at risk.
Deed fraud, known also as title theft, occurs when someone illegally transfers ownership of property by filing forged deed documents. Perpetrators can then go on to sell the home. While not common, real estate experts say they’ve seen an uptick in recent years. And it can be a mess to untangle when it does happen.
How It Works•Criminals use public records information and stolen personal data to commit deed fraud.•The stolen deed along with the owner’s stolen identity can then be used to sell the property, and the criminal takes off with the proceeds.•Scammers primarily target homes that are not occupied, like undeveloped land, second homes, and vacation homes.
What You Should Know•Homes with no mortgages or high equity are particularly attractive to criminals.•If someone steals your title, the good news is that the law is on your side; the bad news is that it could take money and time to reverse.•If you carry title insurance, which most homeowners do, you’re likely protected.
What You Should Do•Most lenders require title insurance if you have a mortgage, but if you bought your house with cash, you may not carry it. Look into your options. (But avoid title lock insurance, which the FTC says is bogus.)•Check to see if your state has free alerts for owners when their property is the subject of a filing (this map highlights the states that do). Or check with the county recorder’s office in your area to see if they have a notification system.•If you own vacant land, an unoccupied home or a rental property, make regular visits to inspect it. If you’re not in the same town, have someone keep an eye out for ‘For Sale’ signs or development. •If this happens to you, report the crime to law enforcement, and contact your county recorder’s office and title insurance company.
 

reprinted from AARP Fraud Watch Network

Before You RSVP, Make Sure the Invitation Isn’t a Scam

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Beware of “You’re invited” texts and emails from friends or family; the only ones having a party are the scammers who send them.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeing a rise in reports of consumers receiving fake invitations. But the invitations are only inviting trouble if you engage with them.
How It Works•You receive an unexpected text or email that looks like it’s from a well-known invitation platform like Evite or Paperless Post.•The message might list someone you know as the host, but it asks you to enter your email username and password to view the event details.•Other versions direct you to enter your phone number and share a special passcode to RSVP.
What You Should Know•If you provide this information, the scammer can take over your email account and send the exact same scam to your contact list.•Real online invitations do not require you to log into your email account or share a temporary security code just to see the details.•Scammers are trying to steal your email account login credentials or trigger an unauthorized password reset to break into your account.
What You Should Do•Set your computer and phone software to update automatically so your devices can defend against the latest security threats.•Enable two-factor authentication where it’s offered. It adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for criminals to log into your email account even if they steal your username and password.•If you receive an unexpected invite, resist the urge to click. Instead, check with the host directly through a separate call or text to make sure it’s real.•Act quickly if compromised: If you think a scammer has your email information, change your password as soon as possible – and let your email contacts know an invitation from you is a scam.
 

Avoid Moving Scams

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For many older Americans, downsizing or moving closer to family is an exciting start to a new chapter. Personal belongings represent a lifetime of memories; moving scams put all of that at risk. Read on to find out what to look for when planning a move.
How It Works•Operators build flashy websites, flood them with paid positive reviews, and claim unusually low prices to attract customers.•At the last minute, the “moving company” may claim they need more money for more supplies or that they failed to factor in a bedroom.•They might show up, load the truck, and then raise the price significantly and refuse to deliver your belongings if you don’t pay.•They may charge a high upfront fee and then fail to show up entirely.
What You Should Know•The Better Business Bureau received over 700 complaints against moving companies in 2025.•The US Department of Transportation requires interstate movers to register and have a DOT number (check the mover’s website); many states require the DOT number for intrastate carriers.•Legitimate movers use weight to estimate moving costs while impostor companies use cubic feet because measuring volume is easier to manipulate.
What You Should Do•Walk away from a company that only offers estimates over the phone.•Be wary of large upfront payments or payments in full.•Get everything in writing and ask questions about anything you don’t understand.•If your belongings are held for ransom, get help from local law enforcement.•To file a complaint against a moving company, go to the National Consumer Complaint Database Homepage at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov.
 

reprinted from AARP Fraud Watch Network

Deed Fraud

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For many older Americans, their home is their greatest asset and it’s critical to their financial well-being. Deed fraud can put all that at risk.
Deed fraud, known also as title theft, occurs when someone illegally transfers ownership of property by filing forged deed documents. Perpetrators can then go on to sell the home. While not common, real estate experts say they’ve seen an uptick in recent years. And it can be a mess to untangle when it does happen.
How It Works•Criminals use public records information and stolen personal data to commit deed fraud.•The stolen deed along with the owner’s stolen identity can then be used to sell the property, and the criminal takes off with the proceeds.•Scammers primarily target homes that are not occupied, like undeveloped land, second homes, and vacation homes.

What You Should Know•Homes with no mortgages or high equity are particularly attractive to criminals.•If someone steals your title, the good news is that the law is on your side; the bad news is that it could take money and time to reverse.•If you carry title insurance, which most homeowners do, you’re likely protected.
What You Should Do•Most lenders require title insurance if you have a mortgage, but if you bought your house with cash, you may not carry it. Look into your options. (But avoid title lock insurance, which the FTC says is bogus.)•Check to see if your state has free alerts for owners when their property is the subject of a filing (this map highlights the states that do). Or check with the county recorder’s office in your area to see if they have a notification system.•If you own vacant land, an unoccupied home or a rental property, make regular visits to inspect it. If you’re not in the same town, have someone keep an eye out for ‘For Sale’ signs or development. •If this happens to you, report the crime to law enforcement, and contact your county recorder’s office and title insurance company.
 

reprinted from AARP

3 latest scams

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Fake ticket salesScammers create websites and social media profiles to sell fake sports or concert tickets.
Travel scamsScammers may create fake travel listings, like bogus vacation rentals, to trick you into sending money. Also, avoid using public USB charging stations, as they can be used to install malware on your device.
Toll scamsScammers send fake notifications saying you owe a toll. They’re trying to steal your information. Avoid clicking any links and delete the message.

reprinted from Bank of America

Sweepstakes Scams

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Sweepstakes scams have been around for decades, and they continue to work because they tap into something powerful: the excitement and emotions that come with the possibility of winning big. Right now, the AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline is seeing a spike in reports of these scams.
Before you or a loved one celebrates a big win, know the warning signs of this scam.
How It Works•You receive an unexpected call, text, email, or letter claiming you’ve won a sweepstakes, lottery, or other prize.•Before you can collect your winnings, you’re told you must pay fees, taxes, shipping costs, or other charges.•You may be asked for personal information and directed to pay a specific way via wire transfer, a payment app, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
What You Should Know•To appear legitimate, criminals often impersonate government agencies or trusted organizations, such as Publishers Clearing House (which is now in bankruptcy).•Some scammers even use video calls, fake badges, and official-looking documents to convince you that the prize is real.•You can’t win a contest you never entered, and legitimate prizes don’t require payment to claim them.•Like many scams, sweepstakes scams share three key red flags: unexpected contact that leads to a surge of emotion and contains urgency.
What You Should Do•When you notice these three red flags together, take what AARP calls an “active pause”—an intentional step back to think through the situation, and consider what you know about it. That brief pause can help you spot the scam before you have money or personal information stolen.•If you’re not sure about a contest or company, search their name online with terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam” to see what others are reporting.•Learn more about AARP’s campaign, Pause, Reflect, Protect, at aarp.org/pause.
 

reprinted from AARP

Help Protect Loved Ones from Scams

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The scourge of elder financial abuse takes two forms—known perpetrators abusing the trust and needs of older adults and criminal perpetrators seeking to make them believe something that isn’t true to steal from them. Both types of this crime are vastly under-reported. However, the Federal Trade Commission, accounting for underreporting of scams, estimates that criminals stole as much as $81.5 billion from adults age 60 and over in 2024 alone. Let World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, remind us to be proactive to deter financial crimes. 
Protect Financial Accounts•Bank online. It is safer than traditional banking in that it gives account holders 24/7 access to review activity and allows for real-time alerts to flag suspicious transactions. It can also prevent criminals from setting up online access to our accounts if we haven’t already done so.•Add a trusted contact to financial accounts. This person can’t make transactions but can be alerted to suspicious activity or if the account holder can’t be reached.
Monitor and Freeze Credit•Review your credit reports for unauthorized activity. You can request free credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—at annualcreditreport.com.•Place a credit freeze with each bureau to help prevent new financial accounts from being opened using stolen information.
Block Unwanted Calls and Text Messages•Check with your phone carrier or a trusted third party for free or low-cost call and text blocking services to keep the spam and scam robocalls at bay.•Add all your numbers to the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov). While it won’t stop scammers, it can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls and texts.•If your smartphone has a “Report Spam” option, use it to flag the message to your carrier.
 

reprinted from AARP Fraud Watch Network

Avoid Medicare scams

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Someone you don’t know calls, emails, or texts you offering free medical equipment or services. What should you do? Hang up. Delete it. Only you and your doctor should decide what care and services are right for you.

Scammers want your Medicare information so they can bill Medicare for services you don’t need — like hospice (end-of-life care), home health care, or durable medical equipment (like a brace or cane).

Hospice scams are particularly harmful. If a scammer signs you up for hospice care without your knowledge, you could lose access to your regular Medicare benefits.

Crush Fraud

Remember: Never give out your Medicare Number and don‘t sign anything for free services — it‘s a scam. If you think you may have experienced fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report it online at Medicare.gov/fraud.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

NOTE: To root out fraud, Medicare has temporarily stopped allowing new home health and hospice agencies from opening. This doesn’t affect your care. If you and your doctor decide you need home health or hospice services, you can still get them from existing agencies in your area.

Steer Clear of Traffic Violation Scams

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Scammers often recycle what works. After toll road scams spread last summer, a new version is emerging—messages claiming you owe money for a traffic or parking violation.
The Federal Trade Commission and AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) have seen a recent surge in reports about these messages. It’s one of the latest ways criminals are trying to steal money and personal information.
How It Works•You receive a text with a picture of an official-looking traffic or parking violation notice.•The notice lists a court date and time and offers two choices: attend the hearing or pay the small fine immediately (often around $6).•A QR code directs you to a payment site to settle your unpaid balance.•The message urges you to act quickly and warns of default judgments, fines or enforcement actions if you don’t respond.
What You Should Know•These messages are designed to look realistic and may reference your state or local area, using official-sounding language and fake case numbers.•Because the amount is small, criminals hope you’ll scan the QR code and pay without questioning it.•The goal is to steal your money and personal information, or to infect your device with malicious software that could lead to financial loss and identity fraud.
What You Should Do•Avoid responding to unsolicited messages, clicking links or scanning QR codes without first previewing the link it’s trying to send you to.•If you think the message might be real, contact the court or parking authority directly using a trusted phone number or official website—not one provided in the message.•If your smartphone has a “Report Spam” option, use it to flag the message to your carrier.
 

reprinted from AARP Fraud Watch Network