In this episode of I sat down with Sandra Lozano, Director of Admissions and Marketing at Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation. Sandra shares her 20-year journey in skilled nursing, from Nassau to Suffolk. The episode covers National Health Care Associates’ backing, staff culture, dietary accommodations, and why “leading with kindness” + innovation creates better outcomes. Contact, tours, and availability included.
Timeline summary
- 00:00 – Sandra’s background: 20 years in industry, corporate America to admissions/finance, worked Nassau, Bronx, Queens
- 01:42 – Current role: Director of Admissions and Marketing at Huntington Hills
- 05:12 – Daily role: Guiding families in crisis, referrals even if not to Huntington Hills
- 09:10 – Music therapy story: docile resident lit up, family emotional “she’s still in there”
- 15:40 – National Health Care Associates: 46 buildings, mostly CT/New England, only 2 on Long Island
- 20:06 – Respite as feeder for long-term: residents get used to environment, realize need level
- 25:43 – Discharge planning starts at admission: stairs, bathroom, home equipment, goals
- 32:10 – Respite logistics: admit 1–2 days before family leaves, paperwork done, emergency contacts set
- 39:25 – Tours critical: QR code virtual tour for residents who can’t visit, but in-person better
- 44:26 – Adjustment: 2–3 weeks, harder for family. Routine + socialization for mom
- 48:01 – Community grief, daughter wants to volunteer for life
- 52:00 – 3 differentiators: 1) Lead with kindness 2) Built to be SNF 3) LIE Exit 49 location
- 54:29 – Staff culture: family environment, inter-building retreats, Zooms across roles
- 57:50 – Close: Compassionate team + unique offerings = key reason to choose Huntington Hills
5 Key Takeaways
- Purpose-built design changes outcomes Built in 1999 as a SNF with identical floors, wide hallways, and home-like décor. Dementia residents transition easier, families feel welcome vs. Institutional settings.
- Technology prevents hospitalizations Circadian radar detects illness 3–5 days before symptoms. OB projector, Robin robot, music + pet therapy drive engagement. Tech is standard, not extra.
- Respite care reduces family crisis 10-day to 3-week stays let families travel with 24/7 nursing coverage. Often serves as low-pressure intro to long-term care when home is no longer safe.
- Couples stay connected across care levels 4 couples currently on different units. Staff facilitates daily visits. Shared building beats 5–10 miles apart, reducing stress and guilt.
- Guilt is normal, adjustment takes 2–3 weeks Families feel they broke promises. Residents gain routine, friends, activities. Story proves mom who “didn’t want to go” became facility social butterfly.
Links and Resources
- Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation
- Website: http://huntingtonhillscenter.com
- Admissions: (631) 439-3010, ext. 3059 for Sandra Lozano
Leave The Key Homebuyers
- Website: https://leavethekey.com/seniors
- Phone: (631) 388-7771
Final Thoughts
The through-line of both parts is dignity through design, tech, and kindness. Families arrive with guilt and outdated ideas of “nursing homes.” Huntington Hills counters with purpose-built space, predictive health tech, and staff who bring snow inside for residents who haven’t felt it in a decade. Respite care, couples support, and early education remove emergency pressure. When environment, innovation, and compassion align, families move from “I broke a promise” to “best decision we made.”
