My Dad has been at Pacific Palms for 2 years now, suffering from a host of ailments including dementia, Alzheimer's, incontinence, and congestive heart failure, among other health-related problems. Being bed-ridden and wheelchair bound, my Dad requires extensive physical assistance and care, of which, I am happy to say, that the nursing staff at Pacific Palms has been up to the challenge thus far.
Dad's nursing staff have been caring and accommodating, treating him with the utmost respect and with the lightest touch. While my Dad can be occasionally difficult (due to his dementia), the CNAs have been understanding and patient with him during his brief episodes. CNAs Melissa, Alma, Mona, Caramel (sp?) and Adriana, with Lead Nurses Andres, Kay, Chula and many others I fail to name have treated my dad with a respectful deference, which my family and I greatly appreciate. Dad now has an expanding circle of "family" to take care of him and we are grateful that he is in good hands at Pacific Palms.
The receptionist team is outstanding! David, Denise, Anilyn, and Krissele (sp?) are awesome. They always provide a cell phone when we FaceTime Dad each night. Thank you for keeping us in touch with "Tatay" when we are unable to visit him in person.
Gina and Myrna in Finance are very helpful and always willing to answer questions, provide resources, and process our payments. Alyssa, Tonette, and Andy in Social Services have always swiftly made arrangements for Dad's transportation to outside medical and dental appointments.
The physical and occupational therapist teams have been a boundless source of inspiration for Dad. He looks forward to his daily exercise and working with Julia and the many others who keep his muscles in tip top shape.
Finally, Director of Business Development "JZ" has been a close confidante, source of positive energy, and staunch advocate for my Dad. JZ always takes the time to answer questions, provide advice and resources, address our concerns, and most importantly, to just listen. JZ is the MAN!
Thank you so much, one and all!
Now for the not so good...
My rating is 4 stars for two reasons: 1) Dad occasionally complains about the food and we understand that it can be bland and institutional. That's why I bring him McDonald's, Raising Cane's, Sizzler, or El Pollo Loco as often as I can. When the weather is nice, I wheel him outside and take him to a local pub where he can swill a beer and munch on his favorite fish and chips platter! 2) Our family takes the responsibility of doing Dad's laundry and replenishing it with clean clothes on a weekly basis. All too often, after we have taken Dad's soiled laundry home, we continue to find laundry from other patients included in my Dad's dirty laundry hamper. My family should NOT be involuntarily tasked with cleaning soiled clothing from other patients. I've complained about this before but it continues to happen. 3) Dad's in-house physician is oftentimes difficult to contact and sporadically returns calls or answers voice messages. This needs to improve drastically.
Dad has a home away from home for now at Pacific Palms. He is treated with respect by those who care for him. My family and I are extremely grateful for this and hope that my Dad's experience only continues to be a source of future fond memories. Thank you, Pacific Palms, for caring for my Dad. read more