As the population rapidly ages, it is increasingly vital for the aging and their loved ones to evaluate quality of care and options at nursing.

The Maryland Health Care Commission recently released its “Maryland Nursing Home Guide,” including information about more than 200 comprehensive-care nursing facilities and 34 continuing-care retirement communities, including quality of care and results of recent inspection visits.

“Public reporting of health care quality serves two purposes: It gives patients and families information to help guide health care decisions, and it gives providers additional incentive to improve the care they provide,” said Dr. Rex Cowdry, executive director of the commission, in a statement.

The Guide is located on the Commission’s Web site at mhcc.mary land.gov or by calling 410-764-3482.