Contact the nursing home admissions coordinator at least every week to check on the status of your application and express your interest in the facility. If you need assistance with this process, geriatric case managers or social workers at community service organizations or home health agencies are available to help. These persons can act as your advocate through the long and sometimes frustrating process of obtaining admission to a nursing home. If you have concerns or questions about the home once placement has been made, you can call the New York State Department of Health at 423-8021 during working hours. These inquiries are completely confidential, so you need not be concerned about any possible repercussions on a family member in the facility.
Ombudsmen investigate complaints regarding the facility.
An ombudsman can help you if your problem cannot be resolved by speaking with facility staff and administration. The right to contact a Long Term Care Ombudsman is without repercussion and is mandated under State and Federal law. Ask the Facility Administrator if an ombudsman serves your particular home or facility or call Lifespan at 454-3224, and ask for the Ombudsman Program.