Helping families navigate aging parent care with practical resources, clear steps, and less overwhelm

Thinking about touring assisted living facilities? This guide will help you ask the important questions that truly matter when evaluating care, safety, staffing, costs, and quality of life for your loved one.

PACE and GUIDE are Medicare programs created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to support older adults and their families. PACE helps people age 55+ with higher care needs stay safely in the community with all-inclusive medical and support services, while GUIDE focuses on improving dementia care and supporting caregivers through coordinated, compassionate guidance.

Most families don’t realize there is a federally funded office in every county designed to help older adults stay safe and independent at home. Area Agencies on Aging connect families to important services like meals, transportation, caregiver support, respite care, and more—often free or donation-based. For many adult children navigating care for an aging parent, this can be one of the most important first places to start.

Trying to figure out which type of care is right for your aging parent can feel overwhelming. This simple 2026 guide explains the differences and includes the most important questions to ask while touring a community or speaking with staff by phone or email. Whether you're planning ahead or making an immediate decision, this guide will help you ask informed questions and feel more confident throughout the process.

A practical, easy-to-follow guide designed to help adult children support their aging parents in staying safe and independent at home. It offers valuable tips, simple safety adjustments, and key considerations to reduce risks, increase confidence, and make everyday living more manageable for both you and your loved one.