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Bronx Nursing Home Makes List of Best Facilities in New York State by US News & World Reports
BRONX, NY-- HELP/PSI, a Bronx nursing home serving New Yorkers inflicted with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse problems has been named one of the best nursing homes of 2011 by U.S. News & World Reports.
HELP/PSI, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of treating people with HIV/AIDS.
While most people think of nursing homes as a final stop for the elderly, HELP/PSI works with younger people who are battling substance abuse, mental illness and HIV/AIDS. When Project Samaritan was founded 20 years ago there were few HIV treatment options available and most people died prematurely. Now with the advancements in treatment, people with HIV/AIDS who adhere to treatment are able to live long, productive lives.
Dr. Barbara Zeller, HELP/PSI’s Chief Medical Officer, said that for many patients a stay at HELP/PSI can be the difference between life and death.
“The people we take care of are at extremely high-risk of going out of care.” Dr. Zeller said. “People with HIV/AIDS who stay in care and are adherent to their medications are much more likely to be healthy. By offering our residents a roof over their heads, medical care, substance abuse treatment and psychiatric care, we give our residents an opportunity for healthy and productive lives.”
After receiving around-the-clock therapeutic care to cope with their illnesses, most patients return to their families and communities. The average stay for a patient at HELP/PSI is a year and a half.
“PSI has given me a whole new look at life and its possibilities,” said a former HELP/PSI patient. “I am so grateful to PSI for giving me hope in despair, an extended family and a rebirth into the success I am today.”
The U.S. News and World Reports rankings rely on information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that sets and enforces quality standards for all nursing homes enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. Nursing homes receive an overall rating of one to five stars from the government based on the number of stars earned in three categories: health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality of care. HELP/PSI received a five star ranking.
About HELP/PSI:
HELP/PSI was founded 20 years ago to address the needs of adults with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse issues. In addition to a nursing home in the Bronx, HELP/PSI now provides outpatient HIV treatment services, case management and primary medical care and dental services to people in Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. HELP/PSI is committed to building hope and empowering change.
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