Medicare Care Compare

Search and compare Medicare-certified nursing homes, hospitals, hospice programs, home-health agencies, physicians, dialysis facilities, and other providers.

Online: www.medicare.gov/care-compare/

Medicare

Questions about Medicare coverage, claims, appeals, notices, complaints, and covered services. Medicare can also explain how to appoint a representative.

Call: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY 1-877-486-2048

Online: www.medicare.gov/

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Licenses and regulates many Florida healthcare facilities and investigates consumer complaints involving regulated providers and facility conditions.

Call: 1-888-419-3456

Online: apps.ahca.myflorida.com/hcfc/

For facility comparisons and inspection information, use FloridaHealthFinder.

Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Free, confidential advocacy for residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult family care homes. The program receives and investigates complaints made by or on behalf of residents.

Call: 1-888-831-0404

Online: ombudsman.elderaffairs.org/file-a-complaint/ription text goes here

Eldercare Locator

A public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living that connects older adults and families with local aging services nationwide.

Call: Call or text 1-800-677-1116

Online: eldercare.acl.gov/home

ElderSource - Area Agency on Aging & ADRC

The state-designated Aging and Disability Resource Center serving Volusia and Flagler Counties. Connects older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers to local programs and supports.

Call: 1-888-242-4464; Florida Relay 711

Online: myeldersource.org/get-help/elder-helpline/

HelpLine hours listed by ElderSource: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Review the most recent update and decide what you most need to understand. A short written list helps you stay focused and avoids relying on memory. Confirm visiting hours, infection-control requirements, and whether you need to arrange a conversation with nursing, therapy, dietary, social services, or another team member.

Note recent changes in condition, falls, wounds, appetite, weight, mood, sleep, pain, mobility, medications, therapy, or hospital visits.

Write your three highest-priority questions.

Bring eyeglasses, hearing devices, or communication aids your loved one needs, if appropriate.

Plan to observe first and ask questions calmly and privately.

Bring only what will help you verify information or support your loved one. Protect private health and financial information while traveling.

A current medication list and known allergies, if available.

A notebook or visit log with dates, names, observations, and promised follow-up.

Relevant discharge instructions, appointment summaries, or prior questions.

Copies of healthcare surrogate, power-of-attorney, guardianship, or release documents when applicable.

Comfort items or properly labeled personal belongings permitted by the facility.

Look at the whole picture rather than one isolated detail. Compare what you see with your loved one's usual condition and care plan. Ask the resident how they feel and what matters to them.

Alertness, breathing, pain, mood, communication, and new confusion.

Skin condition, hygiene, clothing, positioning, mobility, and assistive devices.

Food and fluid access, meal assistance, swallowing precautions, and weight concerns.

Room safety, call-light access, cleanliness, personal belongings, and dignity/privacy.

Whether ordered supports appear available, such as oxygen, off-loading devices, braces, alarms, or therapy equipment.