Nursing Home Resources and Elder Care Information

National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care was originally formed as NCCNHR (National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform) in 1975 out of public concern about substandard care in nursing homes. The current mission includes advocacy, consumer education and empowerment (both for residents and their families), as well as promoting best-practices in care delivery.

Nursing Home Compare   The primary purpose of the Nursing Home Compare tool is to provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified Nursing Home in the country.  Comparison information is also available at Medicare’s website: http://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Nursing Home Survey and Certification  CMS maintains oversight of the survey and certification of nursing homes and other medically related facilities.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Nursing Home Quality Initiative  The Nursing Home Quality Initiative is provided by CMS and publishes information on Nursing Homes in every state.

The Community Connector (previous FirstGov for Seniors)  For government resources for seniors on money, health and consumer issues.

National Coalition for Elder Care Reform  The Senior Citizens Bureau (SCB) is a national, non-profit, professional association for accredited senior industry professionals that provides a free and easily accessible Information Database where seniors and other interested parties can listen to specials, discounts, fraud alerts , complaint history, background information and more pertaining to nursing homes, nursing facilities, case managers, product manufacturers, medication and various other product and service providers.

The US Special Committee on Aging  Throughout its existence, the Special Committee on Aging has served as a focal point in the Senate for discussion and debate on matters relating to older Americans. Often, the Committee will submit its findings and recommendations for legislation to the Senate. In addition, the Committee publishes materials of assistance to those interested in public policies which relate to the elderly.

The National Council on Aging  Founded in 1950, NCOA is the nation’s first association of organizations and professionals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well being, and contributions of older persons.

The National Center on Elder Abuse Provides a wide array of information. Consumers can look up specific resources for their state.

American Society on Aging  Nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the knowledge and skills of those working with older adults and their families.

Texas State Medical Board.  Locate information about a physician and other licensed medical providers in Texas.

Texas Board of Nursing. Get information on licensed nurses in the state of Texas.

Find general information on many health conditions.  http://www.webmd.com/

U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) Recalls. FDA’s latest market withdrawals. recalls and safety alerts on pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Find consumer information on FDA approved drugs.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Medication Guides. Medication guides, similar to pharmacy paper printout guidelines, with warnings and information from the FDA on certain prescription drugs.

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (TX DADS). TX DADS is the regulatory agency for the State of Texas that administers long-term services and supports for people who are aging (seniors) and also for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (TX DADS) – How to Make a Complaint. For more information on how to make a complaint against a Texas nursing home or assisted living facility.

AARP. AARP’s website provides information on resources for many senior issues.