When your family member's medical needs can no longer be met safely at home, or during a hospital stay you are told that your loved one needs rehabilitative services, you may have to consider residential assistance or long term care placement.

New York State nursing homes licensed as skilled nursing facilities provide around –the-clock registered nursing care, social services, recreational activities, and physical, speech, and occupational therapies.  In New York State, nursing homes are inspected by the Department of Health every 12 to 15 months.    

Many people, of varying ages, spend short periods of time in nursing homes to recover from an acute illness. Often after a hospitalization, your friend or family member may need a combination of personal care and rehabilitative services called sub-acute care.  Medicare covers most sub-acute care for individuals 65 years old and up.