For additional information, contact:

Jeff Paterson, APR

Director of Communication and Advancement

Office:     (716) 285-8224, ext. 234

Cell:        (716) 990-6178

Email:     paterson@hanci.com

HANCI Home Care accreditation is renewed

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., Sept. 17, 2009 - The Health Association of Niagara County Inc.'s home care program has earned a prestigious accreditation from the Joint Commission.

HANCI Home Care, which provides in-home services across Niagara County and on Grand Island, earned the Joint Commission's "Gold Seal of Approval" following a two-day site visit. HANCI demonstrated compliance with the Joint Commission's national standards for home care organizations.

HANCI Home Care was first accredited in 1997 and has successfully renewed its accreditation every three years since then. This year's accreditation marks HANCI's fifth consecutive successful Joint Commission survey.

"This accreditation isn't required," said John W. Kinner, HANCI executive director. "We choose to seek accreditation because we want to be the best, and we view our Joint Commission seal of approval as a tangible mark of excellence."

"In becoming accredited, HANCI Home Care was evaluated against a set of national standards by a Joint Commission surveyor experienced in the delivery of home care services," said Margherita Labson, RN, the Joint Commission's executive director for home care accreditation. "Achieving accreditation demonstrates HANCI's commitment to provide high quality and safe care to its patients."

HANCI has provided home care since 1976. The home care program provides in-home care and support to clients of all ages. HANCI can help with long-term cases, such as chronic and end-of-life illness, as well as short-term cases, such as rehabilitation and recovery. Services include home management, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands and personal care services. Information is available at 285-8224 or www.hanci.com.

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