If you are considering a nursing home or assisted living facility for yourself or a loved one, you will want to conduct thorough research before making your choice. In the state of New York, the task is made easier by resources available from the New York State Department of Health.
The Department of Health’s website provides a county-by-county database of nursing homes in the state. You can access the list for a particular county by visiting www.nursinghomes.nyhealth.gov and choosing a county. You can then compare the quality of nursing homes in that county according to a number of different metrics, such as the percentage of patients who self-report pain, who have new or worsened pressure sores, who were given appropriate vaccines, and who needed increased help with daily activities. It is possible to view all of the quality measures for a particular nursing home, or to focus on one particular metric and compare the performance of all the nursing homes in that county. Citizens can also request copies of individual inspection results from the Department of Health.
For assisted living facilities, the Department of Health has a county-by-county directory available at www.health.ny.gov/facilities/adult-care/. The contact information for each facility is listed along with the number of beds and the type of facility. The state distinguishes between Adult Homes, Assisted Living Programs and Enriched Housing Programs. The Department of Health also maintains a list of adult care facilities that do not have proper certification, have closed, or should not be used for another reason, such as the revocation of their operating certificate. The Department inspects adult care facilities each quarter, citing them for violations, and publishes the results on its website.
The Department of Health can also provide you with information about your rights and responsibilities as a resident of an assisted living facility or a nursing home, what questions you should ask and what information you are entitled to when you are choosing a facility, and other alternative types of care, such as adult day health care.
Learn more at http://www.elderlawnewyork.com/
