Brookdale Santa Catalina

The gals on the floor in the skilled nursing unit are everything anyone could wish for for their loved ones. They really care about their patients. Can't say that loudly enough!! They are, however, woefully understaffed. Call buttons take 30 minutes to an hour and a half to answer. Yesterday, the lady in the room across the hall fell while trying to get to her doorway to ask for help. She literally dragged herself across her floor into the doorway before I saw her and went running for staff. Meals are rarely as ordered, sometimes ridiculously so. And the management staff... The management at this location is as discombobulated as any place I've ever encountered. It's like the office staff, the medical records staff, the social service staff and especially the head nurse were pulled off the street yesterday. They have absolutely no ability to think ahead, think for themselves or make the journey easy for families. The financial office gave me a contract to sign that had nothing to do with our situation. When I pointed out the discrepancies, Rebecca told me to just ignore the fact that it required monthly fees up front (we weren't going as a monthly client). She seemed surprised when I balked at signing a $12,000 document that was inappropriate. She tried to explain it was their boilerplate and didn't matter. We compromised by not signing a contract. My mother went in after being hospitalized for an acute UTI. After one secondary test the first week of eight weeks, which tested positive, Julie, the lead nurse, continually pooh poohed our request to retest after a suitable period after antibiotics were done. Her "educated opinion" was that "all old people get UTIs". That may be true, but after hounding them for three consecutive tests - all that came back ecoli positive greater than 100,000 parts - and a fourth for a different, resistant bug for which they constrained her to her room and made personnel gown up and mask before coming in, the facility refused to take another test. I literally had to collect a urine sample and bring it to Sonora Quest myself. At this point we made the decision to bring her home for good and use an in house doc for her care. At this point at least six of the rooms in her corridor had quarantine kits outside patient doors. And no, they weren't there as normal policy. The social worker never got ahead of the eight ball. Never, not once, was she prepared to do something before it was absolutely necessary. I feel bad for the floor staff working there. Working with a completely befuddled and unorganized staff must make for very long work hours. We will try The Centre if future need arises. Caring for elderly parents is hard enough without a lame duck management crew adding to the burden.

It is with great respect that I recognize Maria Isabel Lopez, LPN, for her outstanding care of my brother, Frank Gonzalez, during his twenty-six months at Brookdale. Throughout this period, Ms. Lopez demonstrated remarkable dedication, professionalism, and kindness, all of which had a positive impact on Frank's quality of life. Her consistent positive attitude and commitment ensured that he experienced brighter and more enjoyable days. In my absence, I was reassured by her integrity and compassion, which provided complete confidence in the care she delivered. Ms. Lopez routinely went beyond expectations, frequently staying late to prioritize Frank's comfort, managing medical tests and submissions efficiently, and maintaining clear and patient communication regarding every aspect of his condition with both Frank and our family. Her sincere commitment to patient well- being and compassionate approach fostered a strong rapport with Frank, who held her in high regard and appreciated her unwavering efforts to provide exceptional care. I am deeply grateful to Ms. Lopez for her exemplary service throughout Frank's residence at Brookdale. On Franks initial day at Brookdale, Lino Vasquez, a CNA, was the first staff member he encountered, warmly welcoming both Frank and us to the facility. Throughout Frank's stay, Lino demonstrated consistent compassion and empathy , paying meticulous attention to detail while actively listening to Frank's needs and requests. He regularly assisted with meals, bathing, and hygiene, ensuring all care requirements were sufficiently addressed each day. Lino's prompt and reliable responses contributed significantly to Frank's positive experience at Brookdale. Lino consistently fulfilled and exceeded his professional responsibilities in caring for Frank. We greatly appreciated having such a dedicated and attentive caregiver supporting Frank, especially given the challenges associated with securing outstanding care. While many staff members provided quality support to my brother, Lino distinguished himself as exceptional.