1. Introduction and Overview
Elmhurst Care Center, located at 100-17 23rd Ave, East Elmhurst, NY 11369, is a skilled nursing facility offering a range of services for seniors. With 240 certified beds, this Medicare and Medicaid-certified facility provides comprehensive care in a strategic location near major hospitals in New York City.
2. Services and Care Options
2.1 Core Services
| Service Category | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nursing | 24-hour professional nursing care | – 12-16 hour nursing supervision – Medication management – Wound care – Pain management |
| Rehabilitation | Comprehensive therapy services | – Physical therapy – Occupational therapy – Speech therapy – Recreational therapy |
| Memory Care | Specialized programs for cognitive conditions | – Secure environment – Cognitive stimulation activities |
| Adult Daycare | Daytime care and activities | – Respite for family caregivers – Structured daily programs |
2.2 Specialized Care Programs
- Cardiac Recovery: Tailored care for post-cardiac event patients
- Post-Surgical Care: Specialized support for recovery after operations
- Stroke Rehabilitation: Focused therapy to regain functions post-stroke
- Pulmonary Care: Specialized treatment for respiratory conditions
3. Amenities and Lifestyle
3.1 Living Spaces
- Private and semi-private rooms with private bathrooms
- Emergency call systems in all rooms
- Housekeeping and laundry services
3.2 Community Amenities
- Activity center for social engagement
- Library and game room
- Outdoor walking paths
- Beauty salon and barber services (availability may vary)
3.3 Dining Experience
- Restaurant-style dining with nutritious meal options
- Special accommodations for various dietary needs
- Healthy snacks and kosher meals available
4. Daily Activities and Resident Engagement
Elmhurst Care Center offers a variety of activities to promote physical, mental, and social well-being:
- Physical Wellness: Daily exercise classes, rehabilitation sessions
- Social Engagement: Community events, game nights, holiday celebrations
- Educational Programs: Health education workshops, guest lectures
- Creative Activities: Arts and crafts sessions, music therapy
- Spiritual Care: Multi-faith worship services
- Entertainment: Movie screenings, music performances
5. Resident Experience and Testimonials
5.1 Overall Ratings
- Facility Rating: 2.4/5 based on 7 reviews (Caring.com)
- Resident Review Score: 7.1/10 (FamilyAssets)
5.2 Positive Feedback
“The facility is exceptionally clean, the food is delicious, and the staff is attentive to the residents.” – Frank’s Sister (March 2, 2016)
“Elmhurst was beautiful, and they were caring to the seniors there. They had a 24-hour nurse station and home attendants that came to do laundry and clean rooms.” – Irma2 (October 25, 2014)
5.3 Areas for Improvement
“There is only a handful of CNAs that care about their job quality. It is mostly a revolving door. A resident will not have the same CNA, so no real connection to the residents’ needs are ever met.” – J.J.2020 (January 22, 2019)
“Communication with staff is near impossible… A lot of theft also. Laundry incompetent, lost clothes, dirty laundry piles up for days.” – Anonymous (Date not specified)
6. Pricing and Financial Information
6.1 Monthly Cost Range
| Care Level | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Care Starting Price | $1,234 |
| Average Cost | $7,796 |
| Maximum Cost | $14,357 |
6.2 What’s Included
- 24/7 access to certified caregivers
- Three meals per day
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Utilities (excluding phone and cable)
- Participation in activities and social events
6.3 Payment Options
- Medicare certified
- Medicaid certified
- Private insurance accepted
- Private pay options available
7. Management and Staff Quality
7.1 Staffing Analysis
| Staff Category | Hours Per Resident/Day | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Total Nursing | 2.9 hours | 3.6 hours (state average) |
| RN Coverage | 0.5 hours | 0.4 hours (state average) |
| LPN Coverage | 0.3 hours | 0.8 hours (state average) |
| Nurse Aide Coverage | 2.0 hours | 2.4 hours (state average) |
While Elmhurst Care Center exceeds the state average in RN coverage, it falls short in total nursing hours and LPN coverage, which may impact the consistency and quality of care.
7.2 Quality Metrics
- Overall CMS Rating: 2.0/5
- Quality Rating: 4.0/5
- Staff Rating: 3.0/5
These metrics indicate areas for improvement in overall care quality and staffing levels.
8. Unique Features and Programs
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Offering a full spectrum of therapy services with individualized treatment plans
- Strategic Location: Proximity to major hospitals in New York City, facilitating seamless transitions for post-operative care
- Cultural Integration: Regular celebrations and activities that reflect the diverse New York City community
9. Comparison with Local Competitors
| Feature | Elmhurst Care Center | Sunrise At East 56th | Coterie Hudson Yards | Atria Kew Gardens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,234/month | $14,144/month | $13,000/month | $3,995/month |
| Overall Rating | 2.0/5 (CMS) | 9.9/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.8/10 |
| Care Levels | Skilled Nursing, Memory Care | Assisted Living, Memory Care | Luxury Assisted Living | Assisted Living |
| Unique Selling Point | Comprehensive medical services, affordable starting price | Luxury amenities, specialized memory care | Modern facilities, premium services | Affordable pricing, quality management |
10. Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families
- Schedule an On-Site Visit: Given the mixed reviews, it’s crucial to tour the facility in person. Observe staff interactions, cleanliness, and overall atmosphere. Contact the facility at (718) 274-4800 to arrange a visit.
- Participate in a Meal and Activity: Join a meal service and participate in a community activity to gauge the quality of dining and engagement opportunities.
- Review Care Plans in Detail: Ask to see sample care plans and discuss how they are developed, implemented, and adjusted over time. This is particularly important given the comprehensive range of services offered.
- Discuss Staffing Patterns: Inquire about staff-to-resident ratios during different shifts and weekends. Given the lower-than-average total nursing hours, understanding the consistency of care across all shifts is important.
- Evaluate Communication Protocols: Ask about how family members are kept informed about residents’ health and well-being. Given the reported communication challenges, it’s crucial to understand their systems and processes.
- Assess Security Measures: In light of reported theft issues, inquire about security protocols for personal belongings and overall facility safety measures.
- Compare Costs Carefully: While Elmhurst Care Center’s starting price is competitive, ensure you understand all potential additional fees for services. Discuss how costs might change as care needs evolve.
- Explore Financial Assistance Options: Discuss the process for Medicare and Medicaid coverage, as well as any other financial assistance programs they may offer or be aware of.
11. Conclusion
Elmhurst Care Center offers a comprehensive range of skilled nursing and rehabilitation services at a competitive starting price point in East Elmhurst, NY. Its strengths lie in its diverse medical programs, strategic location near major hospitals, and range of amenities. However, challenges such as lower-than-average staffing levels, mixed reviews on care consistency, and reported communication issues need careful consideration.
For prospective residents requiring complex medical care or specialized rehabilitation, Elmhurst Care Center presents a viable option with its comprehensive services and affordable entry price. However, families should conduct thorough due diligence, including on-site visits and detailed discussions with staff, to ensure that the facility aligns with their specific care needs and expectations.
The decision to choose Elmhurst Care Center should be based on a careful evaluation of individual care requirements, budget considerations, and personal preferences, weighed against the reported strengths and challenges of the facility. While it offers comprehensive services at a competitive starting price, families should be prepared to be actively involved in their loved one’s care to ensure the best possible experience.
