Hospital discharge staff and geriatric care physicians can provide immense support in selecting the appropriate level of care for a loved one as well as viable options. Still, it is important to be your own advocate.

It is important to carefully evaluate any home before allowing your loved one to be placed in it. Check for state inspection records – they are easy to obtain. Also, visit with the management and assess their commitment and professionalism.

Plan ahead. Buy long-term care insurance if you can afford it — and do it early. Current medical care normally involves nursing homes for most seniors.

Knowing exactly what type of care is necessary and for how long the care is needed will help you choose a nursing facility for those exact needs.

You should always involve your loved ones in the process, even if you think they might not remember...You need to make sure [the nursing home] is a good fit, and the best way to do that is to get them involved.