Question 1

Visitation Question

Accepted Answer

Following directives from the CDC and CMS, we are now offering in-person visitation with a COVID-19 prevention protocol. All visitors must wear a face mask and shield, and must refrain from eating or any physical contact (hugging/kissing) with the patients during their visit. To see our full visitation protocol please click here.

Question 2

Visiting hours Covid-19

Accepted Answer

With all of the directives from the CDC, the CMS, the state health department, both the state and the federal government, we have restricted all visitors in the facility, including vendors, until further notice. We recommend visiting from 8am until 8pm, after that time we lock our doors as most residents are asleep. But you are welcome to visit 24 hours a day. Please call in advance for after-hours visits to ensure access.

Question 3

How do I find out about the activities provided for the resident?

Accepted Answer

We strive to create social programs and individualized activities to match the capabilities and needs of each resident. This also has a powerful impact in the healing process of those residents involved in some type of rehabilitation. Specific activities include: active resident councils, musical performances, current events update, reading the newspaper, singing exercises, fitness activities, stretching exercises, religious meetings, outside entertainment, games, trivia, history, and volunteer involvement. We also strongly encourage families to participate with the residents in various activities. A monthly calendar is posted to keep residents informed of upcoming events such as birthday parties, movies, musical programs, outings, and other special events. We always welcome friends and family to visit and attend our special events.

Question 4

What role does Social Services play?

Accepted Answer

Our social services team assists both residents and their families during transitional periods. They also provide essential information, manage requests and concerns, and help in care and discharge planning for each resident. They can arrange professional services for Dental, Vision, Podiatry, Audiology, Power of Attorney, Dementia assessment, Psychosocial and Psychiatric Evaluation, and Individual therapy.

Question 5

How is the laundry done? Can family members take laundry home?

Accepted Answer

Should you wish to have your laundry washed by us, please notify the front office upon admission. Subsequently, if a family/caregiver is going to take care of the laundry at home, please let the nursing station know your plans. This way, the staff can place a sign on the closet door notifying our housekeeping staff to leave the clothing for family pick up. We request that the family provide a hamper for clothes and pick it up twice a week. All personal clothing is washed in an industrial washing machine at a temperature of 180 degrees. Make sure your loved ones’ clothing is appropriate for washing and drying in these hot temperatures. Avoid bringing clothing that requires cold or warm water, special care, or is subject to damage and fading. All clothing must be labeled. Please label the clothing with the resident’s name, NOT the room number or initials. Mark clearly and in large letters on the inside neckline or waistband. All items must be marked including socks, shoes, and other personal items.

Question 6

What articles of clothing should we bring?

Accepted Answer

We recommend approximately five changes of clothing and a pair of comfortable rubber-soled shoes. All articles should be washed, clearly labeled with the resident’s name in permanent ink and entered into the residents’ personal inventory log in the medical chart. Other personal items should be marked or engraved for identification. We advise that residents do not keep valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash in the facility.

Question 7

Is there a limit to the number of people who can visit at one time?

Accepted Answer

Although we do not have a formal policy stating visitation guidelines, we suggest using the common areas of the facility to meet with your loved one. If it is not possible to visit in one of the common areas, we suggest a limit of one to three people in a resident room at one time.

Question 8

Can children visit?

Accepted Answer

We encourage children to visit, however, we ask you to alert the charge nurse to anyone visiting the facility under the age 12.

Question 9

How often will a physician or health professional visit?

Accepted Answer

Physicians generally see residents upon admission and once every 30 days thereafter. However, our nursing professionals are in constant contact with all of the physicians that visit the facility. Some insurance companies require that physicians visit more often. Check with our nursing staff for further information.

Question 10

Can my loved one receive mail?

Accepted Answer

Mail is delivered to residents personally unopened on a daily basis except for weekends and holidays. Please send all mail using the following format: Alvarado Care Center Attn: ___________________ Room No. _____ 1154 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006. Consider using our Send a Greeting feature found on the website. You can easily send your loved one a message from the comfort of your own home, completely free of charge.

Question 11

Is smoking permitted in the facility?

Accepted Answer

For the safety and welfare of all residents, our staff holds all cigarettes and lighters. Staff members distribute these cigarettes to residents are predetermined times throughout the day. Smoking is only allowed in the designated smoking area, there is no smoking allowed inside the facility

Question 12

Where should I park when I come to visit?

Accepted Answer

There is ample parking in the parking lot with wheelchair access. Please observe all posted city parking signs. Avoid parking in spaces specifically reserved for the handicapped, employees and physicians.

Question 13

Can I bring my loved one’s favorite food?

Accepted Answer

Consistent with the provision of special diets, always consult with the nursing staff before bringing food to residents. Any food kept in the resident room must be in properly sealed and dated.

Question 14

Is there someone who provides haircuts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have beauticians available.

Question 15

Will my loved one’s room have a television?

Accepted Answer

All of the rooms currently feature a HD smart TVs with free cable television. Premium channels (Netflix, Hulu) can be purchased.

Question 16

Will my loved one have telephone access?

Accepted Answer

Telephone access is provided for residents and their guests.

Question 17

Will my loved one have internet access?

Accepted Answer

Highspeed Wi-Fi is provided for residents and their guests throughout the facility.

Question 18

How often will the Rehabilitation staff work with my loved one?

Accepted Answer

Your rehab director can inform you of the rehabilitation program designed for your loved one.

Question 19

Will Medicare cover my stay in the facility?

Accepted Answer

Residents must have a Medicare card that reads “Hospital Insurance.” They must also be admitted to the facility with a physician order within 30 days of a three consecutive night hospital stay. Generally, during the first 20 days of care, Medicare will pay 100%. For days 21-100, a daily co-insurance co-pay is required. Medicare does not cover skilled nursing fees over 100 days.

Question 20

Who do I talk to about food preferences? Are there alternate options to each day’s menu?

Accepted Answer

Upon admission our Registered Dietitian and/or Dietary Supervisor will interview your loved one regarding special needs with regards to food preferences. Our own food service personnel prepare all the meals. Special care is taken to serve flavorful and appetizing foods. All menus are developed according to prescribed medical diets ordered by the physicians. Should you wish for another food item on a particular day’s menu, please make the CNA aware of your request. This information will be passed on to the Dietary Supervisor and they will try their best to accommodate needs. Our Dietitian and Dietary Supervisor also monitor nutritional status using monthly weights, daily intake records and relevant lab data. The results of these assessments are discussed at care conferences

Question 21

What do we do if we have personal concerns?

Accepted Answer

Our primary concern is that your loved one feels comfortable here, and that their needs are being met. You should feel secure and at ease with our staff, particularly those providing direct care. If you have any concerns about a staff member, please alert the nearest staff member. If alerting a staff member doesn’t work, please file a report with the administrator’s office. They will be able to address any ongoing concerns you may have regarding a staff member.

Question 22

What is an Ombudsman?

Accepted Answer

An Ombudsman is an advocate for residents. They are a third party person NOT employed by the facility who comes by the facility periodically to monitor the activities of the facility. They are not able to tell the facility what to do, but are able to be a voice for a resident with a concern.

Question 23

Who do I talk to about questions in regard to financials, billing, and/or admission paperwork?

Accepted Answer

We employ a full time Business Office Manager for all financial and billing concerns. Should you have any questions regarding these matters please make an appointment to see our Business Office Manager by contacting the front desk/receptionist. The Admissions Coordinator will guide you through the necessary forms required on admission and review the rules and regulations regarding Medicare, Medicaid and various insurances.

Alvarado Care Center

About this place

Testimonials

FAQs

Care types offered

Things to know

Get in touch