United Hebrew Named U.S. News 'Best Nursing Home' for 7th Year

Finding a nursing home with attentive and caring staff who provide expert medical care to meet a loved one’s specific needs can be a stressful decision, especially when it needs to made quickly after a life-changing health event. So it is welcome news for families to hear about such facilities via the nationally-known U.S. News & World Report “Best Nursing Homes” list, which includes United Hebrew of New Rochelle as one of its top-rated nursing homes for 2017-18. The recognition affirms the reputation of United Hebrew’s skilled nursing facility, located on its 7.5-acre campus of comprehensive care, as a haven where residents are safer and better cared for than most other facilities, while enjoying a higher quality of life.

United Hebrew earned the distinction of being among the top 2,286 nursing homes nationwide, and the top 84 (out of 613) in New York State, according to the publication, which evaluated more than 15,000 nursing facilities for its “Nursing Home Finder” web-based decision tool to help individuals and families find long-term skilled nursing care. In addition, United Hebrew’s overall 5-star rating means that it rates the highest in terms of health and safety standards, nurse staffing and care times, and quality of care.

“We’re honored to recognized for the superior care we provide to our residents, and to be included in the top tier of nursing homes in New York State and across the nation,” said Rita Mabli, president & CEO of United Hebrew. “The larger reward, of course, is seeing our approach make our residents feel safe and at home, and leading high quality lives.”

Ms. Mabli attributes the facility’s recognition to its commitment to expert and compassionate care, and a low staff turnover rate less than 5% (national studies show turnover rates for nursing home staff that range from 55 to 75%). “Many of our nurses and staff members have been with us for decades,” says Ms. Mabli. “The consistency in our care enables our residents to develop long-term relationships with our residents, whom we care for like family. Of course, the best way to see our caregiving in action is to visit us!”

United Hebrew has achieved a top spot on the publication’s list for the past seven years, even as the criteria became more challenging. Previously, ratings were assigned based on data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that sets and enforces standards for nursing homes. If a nursing home earned an average of 4.5 stars (on a scale of one to five) it was considered a five-star home and a “Best Nursing Home.” But CMS data showed that some homes dipped below 4 stars from month to month but were still considered a Best Home. Last year, U.S. News changed the methodology to show a comprehensive picture of the data, which resulted in a fewer top performers.

The skilled nursing facility is part of United Hebrew’s campus of care, which includes Burke Rehabilitation at United Hebrew, Willow Towers Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, independent senior housing, and home care. United Hebrew has received accolades locally, regionally and nationally for its patient-centered care, including the American College of Healthcare Administrators (ACHCA) Eli Pick Facility Leadership award, and the Women’s Choice Award.