- In an emergency, call 911.
- If your loved one is in the hospital, ask the nurse to connect you with the discharge planner, case manager, or social worker.
- Call the free national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 8am to 9pm Eastern.
Veterans and their families
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for help paying for care at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home. Many families never ask. These are the places to start.
Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits
Monthly payments added to a VA pension for veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities or are mostly homebound.
County Veterans Service Office
Trained officers who help veterans and families file VA claims, including Aid and Attendance, at no cost.
VA Caregiver Support Line
Support and connection to local VA caregiver programs for those caring for a veteran.
Homemaker and Home Health Aide care
A trained aide comes to the veteran's home to help with bathing, dressing, meals, and errands, and can give family caregivers a break. The aides work for agencies under contract with the VA. Ask a VA social worker to start.
State Veterans Homes
State-run homes offering nursing home, domiciliary, or adult day health care for veterans.
Paying for care
Costs and coverage are confusing. These programs give free, unbiased answers.
HICAP: free Medicare counseling
California volunteers who give one-on-one help with Medicare and health insurance questions.
Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver
Helps eligible adults with significant care needs live in licensed assisted living instead of a nursing home. Openings are limited, so there is often a waitlist.
Checking a community before you choose
Every licensed community has a public record. Look before you sign.
California facility search
Search for licensed assisted living and residential care communities in California, and review their inspection reports.
Medicare Care Compare
Ratings and inspection results for nursing homes and other Medicare providers.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline
Free, confidential help with concerns about care, safety, or rights in a long-term care community. Available 24 hours a day.
Support for caregivers
You don't have to carry this alone.
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline
Around-the-clock support and information for families living with memory loss or dementia.
Orange County Office on Aging
Local information and referrals for older adults and caregivers in Orange County. Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Questions to ask on a tour
Bring this list. The answers tell you more than the brochure.
- What is included in the monthly cost, and what costs extra?
- How often do rates increase, and how much advance notice is given?
- How many caregivers are on duty during the day and overnight?
- What happens if care needs increase?
- Under what circumstances would a resident need to move out?
- How are medications managed?
- How do you keep families updated?
- Do you accept veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, or Medi-Cal?
- Can I see your most recent state inspection report?
- Can we visit at mealtime, unannounced?
Download a printable checklist (PDF) with space to write down each community's answers.
CareMatch isn't affiliated with these organizations and doesn't receive payment for listing them. Phone numbers and links were checked against each organization's official website in October 2026. If something has changed, please call us at (949) 942-8365 and let us know.
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