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Preface | What is NCJW? | Notes to the Consumer | Senior Center Program

With a 1974 grant from the Administration of Aging of the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Urban Institute, a non-profit research organization in Washington, D.C., developed a set of materials and methodology to be used in studying nursing homes. The grant was awarded on the basis of their identification of the need for public information concerning nursing homes. Twenty-two communities and sponsoring organizations were chosen to implement the pilot projects. The National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Rochester Section, Inc., was asked to take project responsibility in Monroe County. Sponsoring this nursing home survey and arranging for its publication and distribution in 1978 was in keeping with the community service goals and educational program policies of the National Council of Jewish Women.

The positive response of the community through its continued use of the guide has made NCJW acutely aware of the importance of updating and reprinting THE CONSUMERS GUIDE TO NURSING HOMES, ALTERNATIVES AND RELATED SERVICES IN MONROE COUNTY. Staff at the Monroe County Office of the Aging and social workers at our local hospitals suggested we continue to update our alternatives section first instituted in our 1982 revision. We also are pleased to present further revisions to our 1991 and 1996 editions to aid the consumer in coping with both the financial realities of geriatric care and the procedures to follow during the placement process. We are pleased to include these exciting changes in alternative care presently available in Monroe County.

We wish to recognize the Nursing Home Administrators for their assistance in providing the information included in this guide. We would like to express our gratitude to the women and men who worked on this project. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication were the key elements in the success of this 6th edition.

Karen G. Pariser, Editor
1997

The purpose of this guide is to provide information to consumers about nursing homes and alternative solutions to nursing home care. Related services available in our community are also included.

Deciding what to do when a person can no longer live independently is not easy. Often a decision must be made during a crisis by a person and his or her family who have never coped with this problem before. THE CONSUMERS GUIDE TO NURSING HOMES, ALTERNATIVES AND RELATED SERVICES IN MONROE COUNTY is designed to make the selection process easier. It is not intended that the directory be used as the only resource in selecting long-term care. Rather, it is designed to give comprehensive information on how to approach the whole question of long-term health care, where and how to look and what guidelines to use in making a care plan. It is suggested that this guide be used to select a few nursing homes and/or alternatives which seem to offer the needed services and preferred atmosphere. Review the information in this guide and visit facilities before making the appropriate decision.

The 1996 edition is divided into sections based on the new concept Continuum of Care. It is designed to follow needs based on simple assistance in order to keep your loved one at home. Additional sections provide information on community day care programs, assistive living communities and nursing homes.

Please be advised that most nursing homes have a waiting list for admission. These lists may change on a day-to-day basis. Considerations for admission are based on need, health status and the financial ability of the applicant. After narrowing down your choice of homes, it is advisable to apply to more than one nursing home that meets your criteria. Remember to continue to check regularly as to the status of the application.

The information presented in this book is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. Federal and state regulations on Medicare/Medicaid are constantly changing. Regulations listed are as of July, 1995. Please verify current rates as you use this book. No guarantees can be made as to the quality of services delivered. Please feel free to photocopy portions of this guide.

The Senior Center Program is administered by the Monroe County Office for the Aging, 375 Westfall Road, Rochester, New York, 14620. 274-7800. Centers are for senior citizens, age 60 and over (and their spouse of any age). Meals are served and a variety of services and recreational programs are provided.