Understanding Care Settings
A plain-language overview of common care settings such as skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, board & care, home health, hospice, and palliative support.
Request guidance →Resources
Know what to ask before the next care decision.
Use these guidance topics and public resources to prepare for discharge conversations, understand care settings, review coverage questions, and know what information to gather before moving forward. For situation-specific help, request guidance or contact Prime Care Link directly.
Discharge Planning Checklist
Key questions to confirm before leaving the hospital or facility, including timing, equipment needs, transportation, follow-up appointments, home safety, and support at arrival.
Request guidance →Family Caregiver Guide
Practical points for families stepping into a caregiving role, including communication, daily routines, supervision needs, and signs of caregiver strain.
Request guidance →Coverage & Payment Basics
Plain-language questions to ask about Medicare, Medi-Cal, private pay, managed care, and long-term care insurance before selecting a resource.
Request guidance →For Case Managers & Social Workers
How Prime Care Link can support discharge teams with resource identification, family communication, and referral follow-through.
Request guidance →Care Terms, Explained
Common terms such as SNF, ADLs, custodial care, DME, home health, hospice, and palliative care explained without jargon.
Request guidance →Official public resources
Government and nonprofit resources for further reading. These links open in a new tab. Prime Care Link is not affiliated with these organizations and does not control their content.
- Medicare.gov ↗
Official U.S. Medicare information, coverage basics, and plan tools.
- Medicare Care Compare ↗
Compare Medicare-certified hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, hospice providers, and other care providers.
- Medi-Cal ↗
California's Medicaid program, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
- California Department of Aging ↗
Statewide programs and services for older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and long-term care residents.
- LA County Aging & Disabilities ↗
Local services and supports for older adults, dependent adults, and adults with disabilities in Los Angeles County.
- 211 LA ↗
Los Angeles County hub for health, human, housing, food, and community service referrals.
- Eldercare Locator ↗
National service connecting older adults and caregivers with local aging resources.
- Family Caregiver Alliance ↗
Education, tools, and support resources for family caregivers.
- California Long-Term Care Ombudsman ↗
Information and support for concerns involving residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care facilities.