Q: I don't understand all the terms and abbreviations used when discussing long term care (LTC) with providers. Where can I learn about LTC and nursing home terminology?
A: Click here to view FRIAs glossary of descriptions, explanations and meanings of common terms.
Q: What are nursing home residents' rights?
A: The New York State Health Code guarantees to all nursing home residents specific rights. Click here for the Nursing Home Resident's Bill of Rights.
Q: As a caregiver, I need support to take care of my loved one. Where can I go for help?
A: The Mount Sinai Caregivers Resource Center at Mount Sinai Hospital provides information about programs and services available to caregivers.
Other resources can be retrieved online at:
National Alliance for Caregiving
A list of support groups can be accessed at FRIA's Caregiver Support section
Q: I have heard it is important to have a health care proxy in place for my loved one? What is a health care proxy and how do I get one?
A: A health care proxy is a legal document an individual signs to appoint someone to act as her health agent in case she becomes mentally incapacitated. You do not need a lawyer to fill out a health care proxy. Click here to learn more about Advanced Directives or download a Health Care Proxy form directly from the New York State Department of Health website.
Q: I think I need legal assistance in arranging my loved one's affairs. Where can I find a lawyer?
A: FRIA does not recommend any one lawyer for assistance. The New York Bar Association can help you find a lawyer to meet your needs. Eldercare lawyers are specialists in laws that affect the aging.
FRIA's knowledgeable helpline counselors are always a good place to start when you have questions about long term care, particularly nursing home care, in New York City. However, there are many other organizations which may be useful resources for your specific long term care needs, or which may be able to answer questions outside of FRIA's domain. FRIA offers the following list of resources for your edification.
Advocacy Groups:
Coalition of the Institutionalized Aged and Disabled
NCCNHR The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care (formerly the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform)
Long Term Community Care Coalition
Information:
Alzheimer's Disease
Culture Change:
End of Life Care:
Medicare and Medicaid
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Personal Guide to Medicare
Mental Health
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)
Government Offices / Resources:
New York State Department of Health (Includes information on Medicaid eligibility and application)
New York City Department of the Aging (DFTA)
DFTA Center for Information and Referral Service
Social Security Administration
Office of the Attorney General
Government Information and Resources:
