Question 1

Is Carmel Hills a Nursing Home?

Accepted Answer

Technically, Carmel Hills is a skilled nursing facility. Carmel Hills offers 24-hour nursing care as well as physical, occupation and speech therapy for both short- and long-term residents.

Question 2

Are Nursing Homes Only For Terminal Patients?

Accepted Answer

While we do provide hospice or comfort care at the end of life, the majority of our residents come to us for nursing care and therapy services. Carmel Hills serves both short-term residents who primarily need therapy services and long-term residents who require varying levels of daily support.

Question 3

What Makes a Skilled Nursing Facility Different From an Assisted Living Facility or Senior Living Facility?

Accepted Answer

A skilled nursing facility provides 24-hour nursing care and full-time on-site therapy services. The nursing care includes medication management and assistance with daily activities such as hygiene, toileting and getting dressed. These services are often covered by insurance, such as Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Question 4

Are All Nursing Homes Licensed?

Accepted Answer

There are many levels of care homes and communities; independent living, assisted living, residential care for the elderly, and skilled nursing, to name a few. Carmel Hills is a state and federal license skilled nursing facility and is certified by Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California).

Question 5

How Many Beds Do You Have?

Accepted Answer

Carmel Hills Care Center has 99 beds.

Question 6

Does Carmel Hills Have Private Rooms?

Accepted Answer

Carmel Hills has 21 private rooms, most of which have a private bathroom. A few rooms share a bathroom with an adjacent room.

Question 7

How Much Does it Cost to Stay at Carmel Hills?

Accepted Answer

Without insurance, the private pay rate is $525 per day for a private room and $450 for a semi-private room shared with another resident. There is no required length of stay. The private pay rate does not include therapy services. Please contact our business office for therapy pricing and insurance coverage details.

Question 8

How Long Can I Stay?

Accepted Answer

Carmel Hills offers respite stays (typically 5-7 days) short-term rehabilitation (fewer than 100 days) and long-term custodial care.

Question 9

How Much Therapy is Provided?

Accepted Answer

Upon admission, and throughout a stay at Carmel Hills, our therapy team assesses an individual’s abilities, participation, and continued benefit from additional therapy. Therapy is typically provided 4-5 times per week, Monday through Saturday.

Question 10

What Insurances are Accepted?

Accepted Answer

Carmel Hills is a Medicare/Medicaid-certified facility. In addition to accepting Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), we have contracted services through HealthNet and United Healthcare.

Question 11

Who Pays For a Stay in a Skilled Nursing Facility?

Accepted Answer

Generally, there are three ways to pay for skilled nursing care. Medicare—a short-term rehabilitative stay usually involving the recovery from an injury or illness. Private pay—when skilled nursing is required for the long-term, residents may pay out of pocket to stay with us. Medi-Cal—after apply for Medi-Cal through the US Social Services Office, and gaining approval, Medi-Cal will pay for qualified individuals to stay long-term in a skilled facility.

Question 12

What is Medicare and Medi-Cal?

Accepted Answer

Medicare is health insurance offered through the Federal Government for those over 65 years of age. As health insurance, it covers health care related expenses, such as doctor visits, emergency room visits, treatments and sometimes medication. Medicare will cover a skilled nursing stay on a short-term basis as long as there is a “qualified stay” in an acute care hospital. A qualified stay typically includes at least three nights spent at the hospital. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program administered through the social security department. It is a need-based program that covers long-term care for qualified individuals. To qualify for Medi-Cal, an application must be submitted and criteria met to be eligible. The process for Medi-Cal takes approximately 45-60 days, assuming all requested documentation is provided in a timely manner.

Question 13

Does Carmel Hills Provide Medical Services?

Accepted Answer

We administer medications to our residents, perform assessments and evaluations, and communicate daily with physicians. We also coordinate medical services with various providers. These may include follow-up appointments with outside specialists such as orthopedic doctors, cardiologists, and neurologists as well as in-house appointments with labs, x-rays, and podiatrists.

Question 14

Who Decides When a Person Needs a Skilled Nursing Facility?

Accepted Answer

After an illness or injury, the hospital doctor may recommend a short stay in a skilled nursing facility. This is typically because the hospital completed their treatment, yet the patient may not be quite strong enough or it is not safe enough to return home.

Question 15

Can My Loved One Come to Carmel Hills From a Bay Area or Salinas hospital?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, yes! Regardless of which hospital provided care, patients have the right to choose their skilled nursing facility. The hospital usually has a discharge planner or care manager that will facilitate the referral. Inform them of your choice and be an advocate to ensure your expectations are met.

Question 16

What Makes Carmel Hills Stand Out Among Other Skilled Nursing Facilities?

Accepted Answer

Carmel Hills is the only privately owned skilled nursing facility in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. Owned and operated by brothers, Bob and Kim Bowersox, their motivation to buy the company was driven by the desire to provide the best care possible while maintaining a community of residents that benefit from an active yet peaceful environment. Whether staying for the short- or long-term, our residents can expect to feel safe, welcomed, and cared-for, provided quality meals, and offered a variety of opportunities to continue to live a full life.

Question 17

When are Visiting Hours?

Accepted Answer

Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. however we recognize the need for family members to be present at the bedside throughout our resident’s stay and can make accommodations as needed.

Question 18

Can my Loved One Receive Mail?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mail is delivered to residents daily except weekends and holidays. Please address it as follows: Carmel Hills Care Center, Attn: [Resident Name] Room No. _____, 23795 W.R. Holman Highway, Monterey, CA 93940

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