This guide represents part of AARP's comprehensive consumer education effort in the area of long-term care. The purpose of the guide is to provide information for consumers as they look for a nursing home, arrange for admission, and adjust to life in the home after admission. Section 1 introduces the guide. Section 2 describes how to assess needs, including the payment for nursing home care. Section 3 discusses admissions. Section 4 discusses entering and adjusting to nursing home life. Structure, services, and staff are described in section 5. Section 6 describe getting what an individual needs in a nursing home, including the use of an ombudsman or the state licensing and certification office. Section 7 discusses issues of poor care or abuse. Appendix A provides a checklist for selecting a nursing home, including sections on location; general physical characteristics; attitudes and atmosphere; safety; medical, dental, nursing, and dietary services; pharmaceutical services; food services; social services and resident activities; residents' rooms; transportation; and financial considerations. Appendix B provides the nursing home residents' bill of rights as determined by federal legislation. Appendix C describes nursing home staff required by federal regulations. Appendix D lists addresses and telephone numbers for the National Association of State Units on Aging. Appendix E lists addresses and telephone numbers for state long-term care ombudsman offices. Appendix F lists addresses and telephone numbers for state agencies on licensing and certifications. Appendix G lists 11 publications and 5 organizations as resources. (CML)