FAST for stroke
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
Immediate care
Emergency — what to do right now
If there is trouble breathing, chest pain, possible stroke, a serious fall, sudden severe confusion, or another immediate danger, call 911. Do not drive yourself in an emergency.
Fall at home
Do not lift someone alone if there is severe pain or possible injury. Keep them safe and tell responders about blood thinners or important medicines.
After the ER
Keep discharge papers, medication changes, follow-up instructions, and the name of the clinician or clinic to contact.
Live nationwide lookup
🔒 No account required
Find senior-care resources by ZIP code
Searches public CMS/NPPES provider data. Always call to confirm services, hours, licensure, coverage, availability, and eligibility.
Hospitals
CMS Medicare dataNursing homes / rehab
CMS certified provider dataClinics & health centers
NPPES NPI RegistryVision, optometry & eyeglasses
NPPES NPI RegistryPharmacies
NPPES NPI RegistryMedicare medical equipment & supplies
Official CMS supplier directoryShows suppliers and items listed in Medicare’s supplier data. Confirm the exact item, coverage, availability, and whether the supplier accepts Medicare assignment before buying or renting.
Everyday life & community
📍 Uses your ZIP search
Senior-friendly services near your area
After you search a ZIP code, these buttons open current local searches for rides, delivery, in-home help, activities, and trips.
🚐Rides & doctor appointmentsMedical rides, errands, senior transportation, and non-emergency trips.
🛒Groceries, meals & deliveryGrocery delivery, prepared meals, and pharmacy delivery.
🏠Home care & companionshipPersonal help, companion services, and everyday support.
👓Vision & eyeglassesOptometry, optical shops, and eyeglass centers nearby.
🎲Senior centers, bingo & socialActivities, games, clubs, and places to socialize.
🚌Day trips & group outingsBus trips, tours, excursions, and pickup options.
Local events & outings
Find current activities around your area
We do not invent event listings or times. These links search current public calendars and announcements; confirm dates, costs, reservations, pickup, and age requirements with the organizer.
📅 Senior center activities
📚 Library events
🌳 Parks, recreation & trips
🎱 Bingo & social games
🗺️ Day trips & tours
🎰 Casino trips & pickup (21+ where applicable)
Senior Care Compass does not operate trips or gambling services and does not endorse a particular casino. This finder only helps locate public announcements; always verify with the organizer.
Real people can help
Can’t find what you need?
Call 211 or the Eldercare Locator for local help with transportation, meals, housing, caregiver support, benefits, and aging services.
Why We Built Senior Care Compass
Honoring Our Mother
A Living Tribute • Born 1937
Our beloved mother is still with us, and this is a living tribute. As she has needed more care and support with age, her strength, love, faith, and grace continue to guide our family. Senior Care Compass was built in her honor so seniors and the people who love them can find clear, practical help — without feeling alone.
She taught us to show up with kindness, to never leave anyone behind, and to make things easier for the next person. Her journey reminds us how quickly a family can need trustworthy information, local resources, and a compassionate place to start.
We hope this compass makes that path a little easier for another family—while we continue to cherish our mother, learn from her, and care for her every day.
With love, from her sons Edwin & Al Roman ❤️
And the whole Roman family
Family • Faith • Service • 1937 — Always
Practical resource hub
Help for the parts of senior care families deal with every day
Open any section. After a ZIP search, location-sensitive headings will update to the ZIP you entered.
How to find care fast
- Use the live ZIP finder above for Medicare hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and pharmacies.
- Medicare Care Compare — compare Medicare-certified providers.
- HRSA Find a Health Center — locate community health centers.
- Ask your primary-care office whether home visits, telehealth, or home health may be appropriate.
What to bring to any visit
- Photo ID and insurance cards
- Current medication list or pill bottles
- Allergies, recent falls, and emergency contact
- A short list of questions you need answered
Questions to ask the clinician
- What are the most important warning signs?
- Could any medicines cause dizziness or interactions?
- Who should we call after hours?
- What follow-up should happen and when?
Mobile & home-based care
Availability varies by area and insurance. Ask Medicare Care Compare, your health plan, primary-care office, or Area Agency on Aging for local options.
Find pharmacies
Use the live ZIP finder above for NPI-registered pharmacy organizations. Call to confirm hours, delivery, insurance, and whether the location is open to the public.
Medication assistance
NeedyMeds lists patient-assistance resources. Medicare Extra Help may reduce Part D costs for eligible people.
Medication safety
- Keep one current medication list
- Include OTC medicines and supplements
- Use one pharmacy when practical
- Ask before stopping or changing a prescription
Meals on Wheels
Use Meals on Wheels America to find a local program. Services and eligibility vary locally.
Food assistance
Feeding America can help locate food banks. Call 211 for local pantries and delivery programs.
Delivery tip
When using grocery delivery, save common items, add substitutions, and make sure the senior has a clear plan for receiving refrigerated or frozen food.
Local help
Call 211 for community resources and Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to connect with the Area Agency on Aging serving the ZIP you entered.
Safety & protection
- Emergency or immediate danger: 911
- Suspected elder abuse: ask Eldercare Locator for the correct Adult Protective Services office
- Scams and fraud: FTC ReportFraud
- For police non-emergency matters, use the official local department number
Benefits screening
BenefitsCheckUp can screen for multiple programs. Eligibility rules vary by program and location.
Food & utilities
Explore SNAP and LIHEAP. State and local agencies make eligibility determinations.
Medicare & prescriptions
Extra Help can reduce Medicare Part D costs for eligible people. Medicare Savings Programs may also help with Medicare costs.
Phone service
Lifeline is the federal communications assistance program. Check current eligibility and support directly with the official program.
Veteran benefits
VA Aid & Attendance / Housebound may increase pension benefits for eligible veterans or survivors who meet VA requirements.
Medicaid & local relief
Medicaid home- and community-based services, property-tax relief, and other programs are state-specific. Start with your state Medicaid agency, 211, or Eldercare Locator.
Start with official information
- Medicare Care Compare for Medicare-certified nursing homes, home health, hospice, and other providers
- Your state licensing agency for assisted-living inspection/licensing information
- Eldercare Locator for local aging-service guidance
Questions to ask on a tour
- What is included in the monthly price?
- What costs extra as needs increase?
- How is overnight staffing handled?
- How are falls, emergencies, and hospital transfers handled?
- What are the move-out or discharge criteria?
- How are medication and memory-care needs handled?
Staying home longer
- Home-safety assessment
- Meal and pharmacy delivery
- Transportation plan
- Home-care or home-health evaluation when appropriate
- Backup plan for caregiver absence
Compare total cost
Do not compare only the base monthly rate. Include added care fees, medication support, transportation, supplies, private-duty care, and likely future increases.
Food banks
Feeding America can locate food banks serving your area.
Senior nutrition
Ask the local Area Agency on Aging about congregate meals, home-delivered meals, and nutrition programs for older adults.
USDA programs
Programs such as SNAP, CSFP, and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program have specific eligibility and state/local availability rules. Use official USDA or state sources.
Daily care log
- Date and sleep
- Meals and fluids
- Medications taken
- Pain, mood, bathroom changes
- Falls or new symptoms
Medication tracker
- Medication name
- Dose and time
- Reason for taking it
- Prescriber and pharmacy
- Allergies or reactions
5-minute fall check
- Secure or remove loose rugs
- Nightlights in halls and bathroom
- Proper grab bars near toilet and shower
- Clear walking paths
- Ask about dizziness or balance problems
Emergency sheet
- Doctors and phone numbers
- Medication and allergy list
- Insurance information
- Advance directive location
- Family contact and preferred hospital
Caregiver backup plan
- Who can step in for one day?
- Who has keys and medication information?
- What happens if the caregiver becomes ill?
- Which respite options are available?
Use at appointments
- Bring a short concern list
- Write down medication changes
- Ask what symptoms require urgent care
- Confirm the next appointment or test
A careful guide for a difficult moment
Includes the first 24–48 hours, how to compare funeral providers, FTC rights, cost benchmarks, Social Security, Veterans benefits, and grief support.
Reviewed and updated
The guide was reviewed September 27, 2026 and avoids stale local business rankings or claims that cannot be verified.
Care planning
Four questions to help organize the conversation
This does not diagnose a condition or decide placement. It gives your family a practical care category to discuss with qualified professionals.
Senior care questionnaire
Question 1 of 4About 2 minutes
1. What is the current living situation?
Choose the option that best reflects the senior's situation today.
2. What is the primary concern?
Pick the issue creating the greatest need for support.
3. How would you describe the current health status?
Think about day-to-day health and how much help is normally required.
4. What level of support is desired?
Select the level closest to what the family is looking for.
Care category to explore
Recommended next steps
Need local help?
Use the ZIP finder above, Medicare Care Compare, Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, or 211.
Use the ZIP finder above, Medicare Care Compare, Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, or 211.
Community resource tip
Know a useful local senior resource?
Keep the name, phone number, ZIP code, and a short note about what the resource does. We will add a true submission workflow before presenting this as a review-and-publish feature.
Important: Senior Care Compass is a free informational guide. It is not medical, legal, financial, or insurance advice and is not affiliated with Medicare, CMS, SSA, VA, or another government agency. Public provider listings can change. Confirm current hours, services, credentials, insurance participation, costs, and eligibility directly with the provider or official program. If there is an immediate medical or safety emergency, call 911. Read the full Health & Benefits Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.