A comprehensive new study ranks the Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation (CECR) at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset as one of the top nursing homes in New York State, putting the 256-bed facility in an elite group of elder care providers recognized nationwide.

Conducted by CareScout, a Wellesley, MA.-based company that reviews quality of care data at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and home health agencies nationwide, the study identified the top performing nursing homes in the New York Metropolitan area. The CECR received a "AAA" rating, which is considered a perfect score. To receive a "AAA" CareScout rating, nursing homes must meet exceptional quality of life and care requirements, maintain full compliance with all eldercare laws and regulations, and be free of any deficiencies noted by state and federal health officials during their inspection process. Other rating designations include "AA," "A," "B," "C" and "D."

Of the 16,400 government certified nursing home facilities in the United States, only 151 received CareScout's highest "AAA" rating. The CECR was one of only eight nursing homes in New York State to receive the "AAA" rating, and shared that honor with four other facilities on Long Island.

"This is an outstanding achievement for the Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation," said Dennis Connors, executive director of the CECR. "The study shows that the CECR is in the top one percent of organizations across the country receiving this prestigious honor. This distinction validates the excellent work of all our employees, which translates to the highest level of service and care to our patients and their families."

The CECR has been recognized as a center of excellence in caring for the elderly and those needing short-term rehabilitation. The CECR has had deficiency-free inspections for four years running from the New York State Department of Health - a rare distinction in the field - and last year received a score of 98 out of 100 from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.