Overview of Helen Keller National Center

Helen Keller National Center is a 52-bed Adult Home at 111 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point, New York, in Nassau County, administrated by Helen Keller Services for the Blind. Adult Home, the facility serves as headquarters of the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC), the only national program in the United States dedicated exclusively to vocational rehabilitation services for people who are DeafBlind. HKNC was established by federal legislation in 1967 under amendments to the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. The campus occupies approximately 25 acres.

Pets are not permitted.

The adult home license covers the residential component of HKNC’s Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Thirteen confirmed programs are documented: Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Adaptive Technology Training, Audiology Services, Communications Training, Creative Arts, Independent Living Training, Low Vision Services, Medical Services, Mental Health Services, Orientation and Mobility Training, Rehabilitation Counseling, Residential Services, and Vocational Training. HKNC operates 11 regional offices nationwide and maintains a national registry of individuals who are DeafBlind. Access is through state vocational rehabilitation agencies rather than standard assisted living placement channels.

The New York State Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care, has conducted 2 inspections on file, both with citations, compared to the state average of 9 inspections with 5 carrying citations. Seven total deficiencies have been recorded against a state average of 22. The most recent inspection, a renewal on November 7, 2024, identified 5 deficiencies related to food service and personnel training. An earlier renewal on April 7, 2022, found 2 deficiencies also in food service.

Zero complaints are on record against a state average of 79. No enforcement actions appear in available reports.

Families should ask about corrections following recurring deficiencies in food service and personnel training and understand the referral process through state vocational rehabilitation agencies.

(516) 944-8900
Bed community size
52-bed community Rank #678 / 748Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 678th out of 748 homes in New York. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other New York facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 11 / 100 Rank #1081 / 1173Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 1081st out of 1173 homes in New York. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across New York facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

About this community

License Details

Facility TypeAdult Home
StatusActive
CountyNassau
License Number400-E-040

Ownership & Operating Entity

Owner NameHelen Keller Services For The Blind

Therapy & Rehabilitation

1 service
Rehabilitation Services

Amenities & Lifestyle

Specific ProgramsComprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Adaptive Technology Training, Audiology Services, Communications Training, Creative Arts, Independent Living Training, Low Vision Services, Mental Health Services, Orientation and Mobility Training, Rehabilitation Counseling, Residential Services, Vocational Training

Contact Helen Keller National Center

Inspection History

In New York, the Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care performs unannounced onsite inspections to monitor compliance with state and federal healthcare regulations.

We don't publish a score for nursing homes with fewer than three inspections on record. This would unfairly reward providers with limited inspection history or those that have not been operating long enough to be cited.

Inspection score unavailable

Not enough inspection history to generate a score.

Average score for New York nursing homes: B 83/100

Inspection score not available. Not enough inspection history to score against the New York benchmark.

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the New York state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2022 vs. New York state average
Overall vs. NY average 2 Worse Metrics worse than New York average:
• Citations per inspection (150% above)
• Inspection citation rate (127% above)
7 Better Metrics better than New York average:
• Total citations (46% below)
• Citations per year (45% below)
• Total inspections (78% below)
• Inspections with citations (50% below)
• Total complaints (100% below)
• Complaints per year (100% below)
• Complaint investigations (100% below)
Latest Inspection November 7, 2024 Renewal

Citations Info Citations are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityNY Averagevs. NY Avg
Total citations Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 713 This facility has 46% fewer total citations than a typical New York nursing home (7 vs. NY avg 13).↓ 46% better
Citations per year Info Average citations per year since 2022. 1.83.3 This facility has 45% fewer citations per year than a typical New York nursing home (1.8 vs. NY avg 3.3).↓ 45% better
Citations per inspection Info Average citations per inspection. 3.51.4 This facility has 150% more citations per inspection than a typical New York nursing home (3.5 vs. NY avg 1.4).↑ 150% worse

Inspections Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityNY Averagevs. NY Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations. 29 This facility has 78% fewer total inspections than a typical New York nursing home (2 vs. NY avg 9).↓ 78% better
Inspections with citations Info Inspections that resulted in at least one regulatory citation. 24 This facility has 50% fewer inspections with citations than a typical New York nursing home (2 vs. NY avg 4).↓ 50% better
Inspection citation rate Info Percentage of inspections that resulted in at least one citation. 100%44% This facility has 56 percentage points higher inspection citation rate than a typical New York nursing home (100% vs. NY avg 44%).↑ 56% worse

Complaints & Investigations Info Complaints are formal concerns filed by residents, families, or staff. Investigations are on-site follow-ups.

This FacilityNY Averagevs. NY Avg
Total complaints Info Formal expressions of concern made by residents, families, or staff. 079 This facility has 100% fewer total complaints than a typical New York nursing home (0 vs. NY avg 79).↓ 100% better
Complaints per year Info Average complaints per year since 2022. 019.8 This facility has 100% fewer complaints per year than a typical New York nursing home (0 vs. NY avg 19.8).↓ 100% better
Complaint investigations Info On-site investigations triggered by complaints filed with New York regulators. 015 This facility has 100% fewer complaint investigations than a typical New York nursing home (0 vs. NY avg 15).↓ 100% better

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • November 7, 2024 relicensure survey found five deficiencies related to food service and personnel training.
  • April 7, 2022 relicensure survey cited two food service deficiencies, showing recurring issues in that area.
  • No complaints were substantiated in either inspection, but deficiencies have persisted without resolution.

Places of interest near Helen Keller National Center

Address 171.0 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Sands Point's city center to Helen Keller National Center's address, calculated via Google Maps.

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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in New York

Helen Keller National Center is located in Sands Point, New York.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in New York.

Get Financial aid guidance

Community First Choice Option

NY Medicaid CFCO

Age 65+ or disabled
General New York resident, Medicaid- eligible, care need (not necessarily nursing home level).
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $30,182 individual, higher due to NY Medicaid expansion
NY

Higher asset limit; urban density increases demand.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite care (240 hours/year) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.) Assistive technology ($500 avg.)

Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP)

NY EISEP

Age 60+
General New York resident, at risk of decline but not nursing home level.
Income Limits ~$2,500/month individual, varies
Asset Limits $15,000 individual
NY

Cost-sharing required above certain income; urban/rural balance.

Benefits
In-home care (3-5 hours/week) Respite (up to 10 days/year) Case management Transportation (~5 trips/month)

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)

NY SCRIE

Age 62+
General NYC resident, live in rent-controlled/stabilized apartment, spend >1/3 of income on rent.
Income Limits (2025) $50,000/year household
Asset Limits No strict asset cap, but income-focused eligibility.
NY

Limited to NYC’s rent-regulated units; high demand in urban areas.

Benefits
Rent freeze (e.g., covers increases of $50-$200+/month); tax credit for landlord

Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE)

NY SCHE

Age 65+
General NYC resident, own and live in a 1-3 family home, co-op, or condo.
Income Limits (2025) $58,399/year household
Asset Limits No strict asset cap, income-driven eligibility.
NY

Applies only in NYC; excludes large apartment buildings.

Benefits
Property tax reduction (5-50%, e.g., $500-$5,000/year based on income and property value)

New York Foundation for Senior Citizens (NYFSC) Home Sharing Program

NYFSC Home Sharing

Age One participant must be 60+ (host or guest)
General NYC resident, able to share living space.
Income Limits No strict limit, but targets those needing cost relief.
Asset Limits Not applicable; focus on housing need.
NY

Primarily NYC-focused; limited slots due to demand.

Benefits
Shared housing (reduces rent/living costs by 30-50%, e.g., $500-$1,000/month savings); optional light assistance between housemates

Frequently Asked Questions about Helen Keller National Center

Who is the owner of Helen Keller National Center?

The legal owner and operator of Helen Keller National Center is Helen Keller Services for the Blind.

Is Helen Keller National Center in a walkable area?

Helen Keller National Center has a walk score of 11. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

What is the license number of Helen Keller National Center?

According to NY state health department records, Helen Keller National Center's license number is 400-E-040.

How many beds does Helen Keller National Center have?

Helen Keller National Center has 52 beds.

Are there photos of Helen Keller National Center?

Yes — there are 4 photos of Helen Keller National Center in the photo gallery on this page.

What is the address of Helen Keller National Center?

Helen Keller National Center is located at 111 Middle Neck Road.

What is the phone number of Helen Keller National Center?

(516) 944-8900 will put you in contact with the team at Helen Keller National Center.

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