Finding local services
Search for home health agencies, transportation, meal delivery, and more near your loved one.
What services are available
The local services finder in the Services section searches by zip code for: home health agencies with CMS quality ratings and Medicare acceptance status, adult day programs that provide supervised activities and social interaction, meal delivery services including Meals on Wheels and local alternatives, transportation services for medical appointments and errands, in-home personal care agencies, caregiver support groups, Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, and respite care providers. Results are shown by proximity with key details and contact information.
Understanding CMS quality ratings
Nursing homes and home health agencies include star ratings (1-5 stars) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These ratings are based on actual health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures, not self-reported data. They are the most objective quality indicator available to consumers. A 5-star home health agency has demonstrated excellence across multiple dimensions. Look at the individual component scores (health inspections, staffing, quality measures) since overall ratings can sometimes mask weakness in one area.
How to use the services finder
Navigate to the Services section and choose the type of service you need. Results appear sorted by distance from the care recipient's zip code. Each listing shows the provider name, address, phone number, distance, and available quality information. Save services you are considering to a shortlist for easy comparison. When you find a potential match, call to verify current availability, costs, insurance acceptance, and specific services offered, since this information can change more frequently than directory listings are updated.
Your local Area Agency on Aging
Every region in the United States has an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that provides free information, referrals, counseling, and sometimes direct services for seniors and their families. AAAs are funded by the federal Older Americans Act and are an excellent starting point if you are unsure what services you need. They can help with: benefits counseling, care planning, connecting to local resources, resolving Medicare and insurance issues, and elder rights advocacy. The app helps you identify and contact your local AAA with one tap.
Tips
Always check CMS ratings before choosing a home health agency or nursing home. Ask about Medicare and Medicaid acceptance to understand out-of-pocket costs before committing. Visit facilities in person before making any placement decision. Read reviews for patterns rather than reacting to single positive or negative reviews. Your local Area Agency on Aging is free, expert, and underused. Call them early in the process, even before you think you need formal services, because planning ahead gives you more and better options.