How to search for assisted living near you
The fastest way to find assisted living facilities nearby is to start with your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Every county in the United States has one, and staff there know which facilities are operating in your region, what services each one offers, and often which ones have openings. You can find your local AAA by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visiting eldercare.acl.gov and entering your zip code.
A second direct route is your state's long-term care ombudsman office, which investigates complaints about assisted living facilities and keeps current lists of licensed providers. The ombudsman can tell you which facilities have recent complaints on file and which ones residents have praised. You can find your state ombudsman through the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Center at ltcombudsman.org.
Online directories like A Place for Mom, Senior Living, and Caring.com let you filter by location, price range, and services offered. These sites do not verify every claim a facility makes, so treat them as a starting point rather than a final source. Always call the facility directly to confirm current pricing and availability.
Key Takeaways
- Your Area Agency on Aging knows which assisted living facilities operate in your county and can tell you about services and current openings in one call.
- Your state's long-term care ombudsman keeps records of complaints and can tell you which facilities have had problems reported.
- Online directories are useful for filtering by location and price, but you should call facilities directly to confirm details.
- Visiting in person and talking to current residents and their families gives you information no website can provide.
- Licensing and inspection records are public documents you can request from your state's health department or long-term care licensing office.
What information to gather before you visit
Before you call or visit a facility, write down what matters most to your situation. Do you need memory care because of dementia? Do you need help with medications? Do you need physical therapy or wound care? Do you have pets? Do you need a specific religious or cultural environment? Facilities vary widely in what they actually provide, and a facility that is excellent for one person may not work for another.
Also write down your budget. Assisted living costs vary by region and by the level of care provided, and prices change. Call your state's Medicaid office to ask whether assisted living is covered under your state's Medicaid waiver program — some states cover it, others do not, and coverage rules differ. If you are a veteran, contact your local Veterans Affairs office to ask about Aid and Attendance benefits, which can help pay for assisted living in some cases.
Questions to ask when you call or visit
When you reach a facility, ask these specific questions: What is the current monthly cost, and what does that include? What services cost extra? What happens if a resident needs more care than the facility can provide — do they help you move to a nursing home, or do they discharge you? Can you tour the facility and speak with current residents and their families? What is the staff-to-resident ratio, and how many staff are present at night?
Ask about medication management: Does the facility dispense medications, or do residents manage their own? Ask about meals: Are they prepared on-site, and can the facility handle special diets? Ask about activities and outings. Ask whether the facility has had any violations or complaints filed with the state — they are required to tell you if you ask directly. Ask what the process is if you want to leave or if the facility wants you to leave.
How to check a facility's inspection and complaint history
Every state licenses and inspects assisted living facilities on a regular schedule. These inspection reports and complaint records are public documents. To find them, contact your state's Department of Health or Department of Aging — the name varies by state. You can also search online for "[your state] assisted living inspection reports" or "[your state] long-term care complaints."
When you read an inspection report, look for patterns rather than single incidents. One medication error is concerning but not necessarily a sign of systemic problems. Multiple medication errors, staffing shortages, or repeated violations of the same rule suggest deeper issues. The ombudsman office can help you understand what you are reading and what questions to ask about specific findings.
What to do during a facility visit
Visit at different times of day if you can — morning, afternoon, and evening reveal different things about how a facility runs. Notice whether staff greet you and residents, whether residents look clean and well-cared-for, and whether the facility smells clean. Ask to see a resident room and a common area. Look at the bathroom — is it accessible, clean, and equipped with grab bars?
Talk to residents and their families if they are willing. Ask them what they like about the facility and what they wish was different. Ask whether staff respond quickly when residents need help. Ask whether the food is good and whether residents feel safe. Ask whether they feel the cost is worth what they receive. These conversations often reveal things that no official document will.
Red flags that suggest you should look elsewhere
Do not move forward if a facility will not let you tour, will not let you speak with residents, or will not show you their inspection records. Do not move forward if staff seem rushed, irritable, or unwilling to answer questions. Do not move forward if you see signs of poor hygiene, odors, or residents who appear neglected or distressed.
Be cautious if a facility pressures you to decide quickly, will not put the cost and services in writing, or will not explain what happens if you need more care than they provide. Be cautious if multiple residents or families mention the same complaint — that suggests a real problem, not a one-time incident. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong during a visit, it probably is.
Understanding costs and what is covered
Assisted living costs vary widely by state and region. In some areas, basic assisted living runs $3,000 to $5,000 per month; in others it is higher. Memory care, which is specialized care for dementia, usually costs more. Most facilities charge a base monthly fee and then charge extra for additional services — medication management, wound care, incontinence supplies, or transportation to medical appointments.
Ask the facility to provide a written list of what the base fee includes and what costs extra. Ask whether there are entrance fees or deposits, and what happens to that money if you leave. Ask whether the facility will accept Medicaid if your money runs out — some do, some do not. Ask about price increases: How often do they happen, and how much do they typically increase?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if assisted living is the right choice for someone?
Assisted living works best for people who need help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or medication management but do not need the 24-hour nursing care that a nursing home provides. If someone has advanced dementia, severe medical needs, or needs constant supervision, a nursing home may be more appropriate. Talk with their doctor about what level of care they actually need.
Can I move someone into assisted living against their will?
This depends on whether the person has legal capacity to make decisions. If they do, they have the right to refuse. If they have been declared incompetent by a court and you are their legal guardian, you may have the authority to make the decision. An elder law attorney can explain your specific situation and what legal steps may be needed.
What should I do if I find a problem after someone moves in?
Talk to the facility manager first and give them a chance to fix it. If the problem continues or is serious, contact your state's long-term care ombudsman. The ombudsman can investigate complaints and advocate on behalf of the resident. Keep written records of what happened, when, and what you reported.
Are there assisted living facilities that take Medicaid?
Some do, but not all. Medicaid coverage for assisted living varies by state — some states cover it under a waiver program, others do not. Even in states that do cover it, not every facility accepts Medicaid. Ask your state Medicaid office which facilities in your area participate, or ask facilities directly whether they accept Medicaid.
What if I cannot afford assisted living?
Talk with your Area Agency on Aging about lower-cost options in your area, including subsidized senior housing, home care services, or adult day programs. Ask about Medicaid waiver programs that may cover in-home care. Ask the Veterans Affairs office if you or a family member is a veteran. Some nonprofits also offer reduced-cost assisted living for people with limited income.