Nursing home or assisted living: what is the difference

Nursing homes give 24-hour nursing care and are rated by Medicare. Assisted living helps with daily life and is licensed by the state. How they differ and how to check each.

How to read Medicare star ratings for nursing homes

What the 1 to 5 stars mean, the three parts behind the overall rating, why size matters, and how to use the stars together with a visit.

How to choose a care home in California: a short checklist

Six steps for families: decide the kind of care, make a short list, read the official record, call, visit more than once, and check the agreement before signing.