According to the New York Times, seniors seeking public senior housing face longer wait times than those seeking ALRs, but that doesn’t mean your loved one should think they’ll be able to get a room right away. Applying early and discussing different options for assisted living in case your loved one’s preferred facility does not have vacancies are the best ways to avoid waiting lists. Before you start applying, call the institutions to see if they have any waiting lists.
There are Top 10 assisted living properties in New York to select from, but finding the proper one for a loved one can be difficult for some families. While New York requires all ALRs in the state to keep their inspections and licenses up to date, this does not guarantee that all facilities provide the same benefits or care to their patients.
- Licensing and supervision
Every 12 to 18 months, the New York Department of Health inspects and licenses each assisted living facility. An ALR must follow the DOH’s standards to renew their license and verify that their facility delivers the highest quality care to their residents. A facility’s license can only be valid for two years before it needs to be renewed.
- Ombudsman for Long-Term Care (LTCOP)
For elders, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) acts as a resident advocate. Seniors can register a complaint with the state if they believe a facility does not follow state standards, complete their duties as stipulated in the resident agreement or honor their elder rights. On behalf of the resident, the LTCOP analyzes these complaints and seeks resolutions.
The LTCOP is a non-profit organization that provides free services to all residents of New York’s care facilities. Residents can learn more about the LTCOP or request assistance by calling their local Office for the Aging. In addition, the LTCOP can advise elders on their care alternatives and provide information on programs that can help them pay for it.
- Waiting lists
It’s not uncommon for some seniors to achieve the eligibility standards for admission to a facility but must wait weeks or months to move in. Many seniors are placed on assisted living waiting lists, so your loved ones must plan as they approach retirement.
- Reverse Mortgage
Before applying for a reverse mortgage, those contemplating it must first attend a counseling session. The majority of people who apply for a reverse mortgage are seniors who live on a fixed income, so they must acquire all of the facts before deciding. A reverse mortgage isn’t for everyone, and counseling can assist potential borrowers in avoiding making rash judgments.
- New York Interconnects
The NY Connects initiative provides seniors in New York with reliable and unbiased information on community-based care services. The Top 10 assisted living properties in New York program aims to educate seniors about their care alternatives and connect them with services and places that are a good fit.
