State to Evaluate Continuing Care Needs
Albany, August 19, 1998 – Govenor Pataki has directed the State Health Department to evaluate the need for additional nursing home beds to meet the long–term care needs of veterans in the Central New York area as part of a statewide study, the State Health Department announced today.
Veterans' groups in Onondaga County have strongly endorsed conversion of the Syracuse Developmental Center, which was closed by the State in June, 1998, to a veterans' nursing home and health facility. Prior to seeking federal approval for such a project, local veterans' organizations and State and federal legislators have asked the State to initiate a bed needs assessment for the region.
The Health Department is conducting a statewide Continuing Care Service Needs Assessment to identify areas and types of need and barriers to access throughout the State. In addition to looking at the availability of nursing home beds, the department will review the accessibility of alternatives to institutionalization such as adult day health care, assisted living and home care.
Governor Pataki has directed the Health Department to include in its study an analysis of the long–term care needs of veterans living in the 18–county area served by the Syracuse Veterans' Adminisration Medical Center.
The goal of the health department's statewide study is to work toward creating a seamless, integrated system of continuing care for the frail elderly. The department wants to identify consumer needs and preferences, as well as barriers that may exist to creating, accessing and using long–term care services and supports.
The Health Department expects the workgroup to complete the statewide assessment by late Fall. The assessment is being conducted by a statewide committee comprised of representatives of the Department of Health, Office for the Aging, Office of Advocate for the Disabled, AARP, health care provider associations and consumer advocates.
