New York State Health Facilities Association statement on National Skilled Nursing Care Week

Stephen Hanse, president and CEO of the New York State Health Facilities Association and the New York State Center for Assisted Living (NYSHFA/NYSCAL) – a statewide association representing nearly 450 long-term care facilities – issued the following statement in recognition of National Skilled Nursing Care Week.

“Skilled nursing care centers and their staff provide a​ steadfast commitment to providing high-level of care for their residents. This has never been more evident than the last two years during the pandemic. In addition to protecting and caring for their residents around the clock during a time of limited visitation and social distancing, staff stepped in and served ​as family members and friends to ensure that residents had the essential social connections they needed.”

“That is why NYSHFA | NYSCAL is excited to celebrate our heroic staff and the residents they care for this National Skilled Nursing Care Week, May 8-14, with the theme ‘Creating and Nurturing Connections.’

“We can think of no better time than National Skilled Nursing Care Week to voice how grateful NYSHFA | NYSCAL is to play a part in an industry that has some of the most hard-working, dedicated and caring individuals throughout the country.”

“What comes to mind are some of the touching stories we have heard and pictures we have seen where facilities and staff in New York state have gone above and beyond through these tough and uneasy times to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.”

“This year, facilities and their staff have strived for and achieved excellence and have persevered even through some of the most difficult times. We at NYSFHA | NYSCAL want to thank the skilled nursing facilities and their staff for the dedication, the hard work and for the care they provide every day to keep the frail, elderly population of New York state healthy and happy. They are true heroes.”

Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s frail, elderly and disabled. The week starts each year on Mother’s Day and is celebrated through the following Saturday.