Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions families ask first about families.care — how the directory works, what it costs, and how it helps with Medicare, Medicaid, and VA funding.
How do families use families.care?
Families start with a care type, city, or ZIP, compare local provider counts, cost baselines, reviews, and quality signals, then reach out to the providers that fit when they are ready.
Is families.care free for families?
Yes. Families can search, compare, and save options without any subscription or fee. Providers pay to manage and promote their listings, never families.
How much does senior care cost?
Costs vary by care type and location. As rough national baselines: in-home care runs about $27/hr (~$4,000+/mo), assisted living about $3,000–$6,000/mo, memory care about $5,000–$8,000/mo, and nursing homes about $8,000–$10,000/mo. Use the cost calculator for an estimate near you.
What types of senior care are there, and how do I choose?
The main options are in-home care, assisted living, memory care, adult day care, home health, and nursing homes. The right fit depends on how much help with daily activities and medical care is needed, and whether your loved one can safely stay at home. Our compare-care-types page lays them out side by side.
What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living provides housing, meals, and help with daily activities for seniors who are largely independent but need some support. A nursing home (skilled nursing facility) provides 24/7 licensed medical and nursing care for those with significant health needs — it costs more and is more heavily regulated.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living or nursing homes?
Generally no. Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care such as assisted living or extended nursing-home stays. It may cover short-term skilled nursing or home health under specific conditions, usually after a hospital stay. Medicaid and VA benefits are the more common routes for long-term care, and the rules vary by state.
What is Medicaid, and who qualifies for senior-care coverage?
Medicaid is a joint federal-and-state program that can cover long-term care for people with limited income and assets. Eligibility, covered services, and waiver programs differ significantly by state. Our Medicare & Medicaid guide and Medicaid search filters help you start; confirm specifics with your state program.
Does families.care help with Medicare, Medicaid, or VA questions?
Yes. families.care offers funding guides, Medicaid-ready search filters, VA benefit resources, and a cost calculator so families can start with practical next steps. Coverage rules still vary by state and provider, so treat these as a starting point.
Where do the listings, ratings, and reviews come from?
Listings are compiled from public records — including CMS and state licensing databases — and cross-checked against provider websites and public records. Quality ratings come from official sources such as CMS. Reviews are submitted by families and moderated; your inquiries are never shared or sold.
How do I contact a provider?
Open any provider profile to see their phone number, website, and a contact form. Reaching out is free, and your inquiry is private — it is never shared or sold to third parties.
What is the guided care finder?
It is a short questionnaire — care type, location, budget, timeline, insurance, and language — that matches you with suitable local providers. It is a faster starting point than browsing if you are not sure where to begin.
I run a senior-care business — how do I claim or manage my listing?
Providers can claim their free listing to update details, respond to family inquiries, and get found by more families. Visit the Claim Listing page to get started.