Residential Health Care Facilities

Nursing home placement for an individual is determined by a written evaluation which assesses the physical, psychological and social needs of the applicant. The form to assess eligibility must be completed by a doctor or a designated medical representative. Forms can be obtained at a hospital, from the nursing homes or from the Department of Social Services.

Medical eligibility must be determined in advance of placement.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH NURSING HOME PAYMENTS

Medicare

If a person requires skilled nursing care, Medicare Part A may pay for a limited number of days in a health care facility. Medicare does not pay for long term custodial care.

Medicaid

For Medicaid assistance with nursing home payments, personal assets are evaluated for eligibility. To prevent spousal impoverishment, New York State has implemented laws which allow the community spouse to retain specified assets and income.

If nursing home placement is medically approved, financial assistance with the monthly cost of nursing home care may be available. For information and application contact:

Nassau County Department of Social Services
Medicaid
60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Suite 160
Uniondale, New York  11553

NURSING HOME INFORMATION

The Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs has published "When Considering Nursing Home Care” This publication contains a list of all nursing homes in Nassau County, and information on the admission process, paying for nursing home care, residents’ rights and alternatives to nursing home placement. To obtain a copy, call: NASSAU COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR CITIZEN AFFAIRS 227-8900

NURSING HOME-OMBUDSERVICE PROGRAM

Funded by the NASSAU COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR CITIZEN AFFAIRS, and operated by Family and Children's Association, this program is designed to improve the quality of the day-to-day lives of elderly residents of nursing homes and adult homes. Individual complaints and concerns about care are handled. Volunteers are recruited, trained and state certified to work closely with administrators, staff, residents and families to help resolve difficulties.

For information, contact:

Ombudservice Program
336 Fulton Avenue
Hempstead, N.Y. 11550
292-1300

NURSING HOME COMPLAINTS

For complaints about hospitals and nursing homes contact:
New York State Department of Health
Complaint Hotline
1-888-201-4563

For complaints about patient abuse or financial fraud for Medicaid residents, contact:

Attorney General for Medicaid Fraud Control
300 Motor Parkway, Suite 210
Hauppauge, NY 11788
1-631-952-6400
www.oag.state.ny.us

Nursing Home Advocacy

Friends and Relatives of Institutionalized Aged (FRIA) helps relatives become effective advocates for the needs of loved ones in nursing homes. It provides consumers with information about selecting, evaluating and financing elder care.

FRIA
18 John Street, Suite 905
New York, NY 10038
www.fria.org

1-212-732-5667

Helpline 1-212-732-4455