Seniors

Long Term Care

How to Choose a Long Term Care Facility

Realizing that you or your loved one needs the level of care found only in a nursing home can be a difficult realization. And it's easy to become overwhelmed by all the options when you are choosing the right home. You’ll want to do some research to make sure you're making the best decision possible. Here are a few ideas:

• Ask people with experience (doctors, clergy, social workers, and friends) for their insights and advice. Take a look at our list of frequently asked questions about nursing homes.
• Tour as many nursing homes as you can.
• In N. Y. State, nursing homes are inspected every 9- to 12-months. The survey is posted in a place where you can see it. Read it.
• Sample a meal.
• Attend a resident and/or family council meeting.
• Try to choose a home that's close to the senior's loved ones, so they can visit often.

Often called “skilled nursing facilities,” some nursing homes have expertise in caring for specific health problems including brain injury, dementia, AIDS, ventilator-dependency and stroke.

Some post-operative patients living at home or in assisted living, find the best recovery and rehabilitation takes place during a short-term stay in a nursing home.

How URMC Can Help

At URMC we offer all levels of senior living facilities, ranging care from retirement living, to enriched (or assisted) living, to short or long-term skilled nursing homes. For people who are able to live at home and choose to do so, we have Adult Day Care which offers a change of scene for the senior and respite for the caregivers. At Strong Health’s Meadowbrook facility, day care services can include speech therapy, rehabilitation, and dialysis.

It’s Important to Plan Ahead

Seniors should be involved in planning for their own care as much as possible. Unfortunately, a health crisis is often the reason you need to find a nursing home–in a hurry. Don't wait for the last minute; it’s always best to have a plan in place. The senior's health, safety, and sense of well being will benefit in the years to come.

Helpful Links

For a comprehensive 82-page booklet addressing all issues of nursing home care, call the New York State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program at 518-474-7329 or 800-342-9871.

The Ombudsman (pronounced Om-Boodz-Man) works to guarantee quality lifestyles for all nursing home residents. They also investigate any complaints. The Ombudsman will help you make an informed choice by sharing the latest survey results with you.

For a complete directory of all nursing homes in N.Y. State, including quality of care ratings and other important information, contact the N.Y. State Department of Health.

Patients Rights

Every nursing home resident has legal rights to dignity, respect, a comfortable living place, and other important issues. To get the free booklet, “Your Rights as a Nursing Home Resident in NY State,” write to Publications, NY State Dept. of Health, Box 2000, Albany, NY 12220.