The Westchester Visiting Nurse Services Group, Inc., the parent organization of VNS Westchester and Westchester Care at Home, announced that the two agencies have been re-accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. (CHAP). VNS Westchester was recognized under the CHAP Home Health Standards of Excellence, and Westchester Care at Home under the CHAP Private Duty Standards of Excellence. The accreditation period for both agencies runs through June 2016, extending their long-term accreditation status through this national accrediting authority.

CHAP accreditation demonstrates that the two agencies meet the industry’s highest nationally recognized standards in the categories of service they provide.  Rigorous evaluation by CHAP focuses on agency structure and function, quality of services and products, human and financial resources, and long-term viability.  “Our ongoing accreditation by CHAP reflects our agencies’ dedication to constantly striving to improve the quality of services that we provide to our patients.  I commend our staff for their hard work in rising to CHAP’s high standards and for embracing quality care as part of the culture of our organizations,” said  Westchester Visiting Nurse Services Group, Inc. President & CEO, Lou Nemnom.

 “We are very pleased that both VNS Westchester and Westchester Care at Home chose CHAP accreditation,” said Michael S. Grogan, CHAP’s Senior Vice President of Business Development. “Voluntarily selecting to achieve CHAP accreditation and meeting our high standards of excellence demonstrates their commitment to quality.  CHAP is delighted to work with their entire team through the ongoing process of quality improvement.”

VNS Westchester is the largest Medicare-certified, community-based nonprofit home healthcare agency serving Westchester, the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland counties. The agency provides skilled nursing with case management, rehabilitation, medical social work and home health aide services to people of all ages, and offers a wide range of specialty care programs and community health education.  In addition to receiving CHAP accreditation, the agency was named a 2012 HomeCare Elite™ top agency by the National Research Corporation, placing it in the top 25% in the nation.  VNS Westchester is based in White Plains, with a branch office in Brewster in Putnam County. For more information, call 914-682-1480 or visit www.vns.org

Westchester Care at Home, an affiliate of VNS Westchester, is a New York State Licensed Home Health Care Agency serving Westchester, the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland counties. The agency provides certified Home Health Aides to help seniors and others in need of assistance with activities of daily living, including personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping and errands, respite care and more. For information, call 914-997-7912 or visit www.vns.org/home-health-aides

CHAP is an independent, not-for-profit accrediting body for community-based health care organizations. Created in 1965, CHAP was the first to recognize the need and value for accreditation in community-based care. CHAP is the oldest national, community-based accrediting body with more than 5,000 agencies currently accredited nationwide. CHAP’s purpose is to define and advance the highest standards of community-based care.