I should start by saying that my 94 year old father is almost impossible to please. That being said, he cannot say enough good things about LISVH!
After a yearlong stay at an assisted living facility and a number of recent hospitalizations, it became clear that Dad's medical needs required 24/7 supervised care. During a weeklong stay at Stony Brook University Hospital (which BTW was ALSO a top-notch experience), our family all agreed that a rehab stay, followed by long term skilled nursing would now be best for Dad. LISVH was our first choice, so I immediately reached out, submitted an application for long term care, took a tour and crossed our fingers for bed availability if/ when Dad could be discharged from the hospital and cleared for a rehab stay. The social workers at SBUH helped us navigate this process.
It was easy to convince us that this was our 1st choice, but knew I needed a Plan B in case bed availability was an issue, so Gurwin in Commack was # 2 on the list.
From a cost perspective, everyone has a different situation, so your out-of pocket can vary greatly. Daily rates for Room and Board at SNF’s are higher than assisted living, but since 24/7 supervised care was our main priority, LISVH still came in at much more reasonable figure than comparable skilled nursing facilities in our area. Also, there is a Federal Per Diem discount offered to honorably discharged veterans, so keep that in mind when doing your cost analysis. The Admissions office helped me figure all of this out, so I recommend you reach out to them for any guidance.
Thankfully, Dad bounced back while at SBUH and we were thrilled to find out that he could transfer to LISVH for a rehab stay and long-term skilled nursing. Now that Dad has been there for a few weeks, I’m finally taking the time to recognize the following staff:
First and foremost, thank you to Fred Sganga, the Executive Director of LISVH, who called me the day my Dad was admitted- just to introduce himself and welcomed us to the place Dad will now call “home”.
Nick Lucas, Kristin Morgan, Lauren Mahoney, Aneal Lalla and everyone on the administrative staff were all so helpful and provided so much guidance as I navigated the whole process to ensure Dad was getting the best care.
Chris Loglia, the Assistant Director of Social Work was our point of contact upon admission. He was amazing! He really helped ensure Dad was getting settled in and answered so many questions.
Dr. Tongle Yu, the on-site geriatric physician has a great bedside manner, spoke to us in a way that we understood and made us feel at ease when asking him a million more questions.
Barbara- the HUC Unit Coordinator on Unit 1 North and Megan DiBenedetto (charge nurse) helped Dad acclimate to his spacious corner room on the 1st floor with a view, which apparently is in a brand-new section as of March 2026. Not sure how he lucked out, but we’re eternally grateful for this room assignment. The facility is clean, bright and spacious, and the manicured grounds, walking paths and outdoor seating areas are maintained beautifully.
Christie Mok, the nurse manager, as well the nutritionist, OT, PT and recreation team were in attendance at the 1st care plan team meeting and immediately recognized that Dad’s mental clarity is still pretty sharp, so he was able to participate in his care plan with the help of the nutritionist to fine-tune his menu to keep his blood sugar in line and satisfy his finicky palate.
Everyone across the board greets residents and visitors alike with smiles and positive energy- including the front desk reception team, admin offices, nursing staff, CNA’s, aides, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and café. I’m sure I’m missing someone on this list, but you get my drift.
If your loved one is in need of a rehab facility, skilled nursing facility or adult day health care, the Long Island State Veterans Home should absolutely be at the top of your list.
Thank you to LISVH for giving us peace of mind and helping Dad live the best life he can.
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There are rare institutions in this world where excellence is not merely a goal — it is the lived, breathing standard of every single day. The Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University is precisely such a place, and it is a standard set, sustained, and embodied by its extraordinary Executive Director, Fred S. Sganga, FACHE.
Our family's experience at this remarkable facility has been nothing short of life-affirming. Our father — a proud, 95-year-old veteran who gave decades of his life in service to this great nation — required extended residential care and physical rehabilitation. What we witnessed during his stay was nothing short of extraordinary.
From the moment he arrived, he was treated not merely as a patient, but as a hero deserving of every dignity, comfort, and kindness this world has to offer.
The words that come to mind again and again are: angelic. The nursing staff, the rehabilitation therapists, the aides, the administrative personnel — every single professional who crossed our father's path brought with them a warmth, a gentleness, and a professionalism that left our family in absolute awe. He was comforted when he needed comfort. He was encouraged when the road of recovery felt long. He was seen, truly seen, as the human being and American hero that he is. That is not an accident. That is leadership. That is Fred Sganga.
As a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Mr. Sganga brings an elite level of administrative mastery and visionary management to this facility that is reflected in every corridor, every interaction, and every outcome. The culture of excellence he has cultivated permeates the entire organization from the top down. You can feel it the moment you walk through the doors. There is an atmosphere of purpose, of pride, and of profound respect for the men and women who wore the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
The physical rehabilitation program is exceptional — structured, compassionate, and goal-oriented. Our father made progress that frankly exceeded our most optimistic hopes, and that is a direct testament to the skill and dedication of the rehabilitation team operating under Mr. Sganga's outstanding leadership. The medical attention was first-rate, attentive, and proactive. The facility itself is immaculate, thoughtfully designed, and maintained to the highest possible standard.
What Fred Sganga has built at the Long Island State Veterans Home is not merely a healthcare facility — it is a sanctuary. It is a place where the sacrifice of service is honored not with words alone, but with action, compassion, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence that is simply unparalleled anywhere in the region.
If you are a veteran, or if you have a beloved veteran in your family who requires residential care, rehabilitation, or long-term support — do not hesitate. Contact the Long Island State Veterans Home at 100 Patriots Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790. You will discover a new and elevated standard of respect, dignity, and best-in-class care that your hero has earned and richly deserves.
To Fred S. Sganga, FACHE, and to every compassionate professional under his auspices: our family's deepest, most heartfelt gratitude. You have honored our father. You have blessed our family. And you have reminded us all of what true service to our nation's veterans looks like. God bless you all.
YOU ARE TRULY ANGELS ON EARTH!!!
The LI Vets home in Stony Brook is an excellent facility. They take great care of my Dad, who loves being there. It is always clean and no offensive odor. I have been a nurse for 48 years and have never seen a nursing home as clean and well run as this facility Everyone is extremely helpful. Shout out to Justin and the whole staff on unit 1B, Susan in the business office, Mr. VanRossum, Jane, the Medicaid coordinator and all the dedicated employees
Thankyou Mr. Sganga for maintaining a safe place for our Vets!
My Dad was admitted to LISVH at the end of September. It was a very difficult decision to make. However safety was our main concern. I was out of town for the admission, but I was super impressed how many calls I received from different disciplines. One of my sisters was with him. So far it has been amazing. Everyone is so caring. The nurses so attentive and the nursing assistants very available. Everything is so clean and everyone so friendly - From admissions, the business office and up and down the chain of command. What a wonderful facility to honor the men and women who served our Country. 🇺🇸
The Long Island State Veterans Home is truly a remarkable place that shows how much our veterans are valued and cared for. The first thing you notice is the beautiful, well-kept grounds—lush lawns, peaceful walkways, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that instantly makes visitors feel at ease. It’s clear the staff takes pride in keeping the entire property clean and inviting, which creates a comforting environment for residents and their families.
I recently attended John Stapleton’s 100th birthday party here, and it was absolutely wonderful. The team went above and beyond to make the celebration special, from the decorations to the thoughtful attention they gave to John and every guest. You could feel the love and respect they have for the veterans in every detail of the event.
Most importantly, the care for the residents is exceptional. The nurses, aides, and support staff treat each veteran with dignity, compassion, and genuine kindness. It’s not just about providing medical care—it’s about creating a community where our heroes feel honored and appreciated every day.
If you are looking for a place where veterans receive top-notch care in a beautiful, family-friendly setting, the Long Island State Veterans Home is second to none. They provide an environment that celebrates service and shows true gratitude, making it a place I would recommend without hesitation.
