What You Need to Know
Far too often, the decision about entering a nursing home is made during a crisis. Several Maryland agencies and legal organizations have compiled the information here to help you know what your choices are ahead of time. This information should help you evaluate nursing homes and alternatives, plan your finances and discuss your wishes with your family.

You may order a free printed copy of Nursing Homes: What You Need to Know by calling the Maryland Attorney General's Office at (410) 576-6500.

In addition to the advice found here, visit the Maryland Health Care Commission's Web site at www.mhcc.state.md.us for further advice and comparative data about each nursing home operating in Maryland.

The Federal government also provides data on patient care at every nursing home in the U.S. at www.medicare.gov

NEED INFO ON ASSISTED LIVING? See Assisted Living: What You Need to Know at the Maryland Department of Aging's website at www.mdoa.state.md.us/Housing/ALGuide.pdf.

This information is brought to you by a cooperative effort of:

• Maryland Attorney General's Office, Consumer Protection Division
  
• Maryland State Bar Association
  
• University of Maryland School of Law, Law and Health Care Program
  
• Maryland Department of Aging
  
• Legal Aid Bureau, Inc.
  
• Maryland Legal Assistance Network