Physicians generally see patients 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.

Definitely. Mail is delivered to patients personally on a daily basis except for weekends and holidays.

Fireside Health Care Center
Attn:_____     Room No. _____
947 3^rd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403

For the safety and welfare of all patients and staff, Fireside is a non-smoking facility.The designated smoking area is the front patio.

We always want our patients to be comfortable. If space permits, small personal items from the resident’s home are always welcome.

Bed linens, hospital gowns, and towels are provided and laundered by the facility. If you would prefer to do laundry for your loved one, please inform the charge nurse/social services designee.

We have beauticians available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Please contact our social services designee to set up an appointment. Payments for all services are made in advance or at the Beauty Shop during appointment.

Free parking is available in front of the facility in the parking circle. Please observe all posted city parking signs. Avoid parking in spaces specifically reserved for the handicapped, employees, and physicians.

To be consistent with the provision of special diets, always consult with the nursing staff before bringing food to patients. Any food kept in the resident room must be in properly sealed containers.

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

Personal Laundry: There is no charge for personal laundry, however families who wish to do their loved ones laundry must bring in a plastic hamper for dirty clothes and ensure laundry is done at least once a week in order to comply with state hygiene regulations.

Clothing and Laundry Tips: 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. Clothing that requires cold or warm water or special care is subject to damage and fading. All clothing must be labeled. Please label the clothing with the resident 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.

Private phone access is available to every resident for $15/month. Unlimited local and toll free calls can be made from resident phones. An unlimited number of phone calls from any incoming area code (national or international) can be received at the resident phones. Patients can bring in their own phone and simply plug it into the phone jack next to their assigned bed or a phone can be provided by the facility at no extra cost. Optional voice mail available.

All rooms have a television in them, but if you would like to bring in your own television from home, please consult with our maintenance director to ensure proper placement according to county fire codes.

Fireside has a vibrant atmosphere with dynamic, individualized activities that match the capabilities and needs of patients and their guests. We also have active resident and family councils as well as volunteer programs. Scheduled activities include: music, fitness activities, religious meetings, outside entertainment, games, gardening, field trips/outings and volunteer involvement. If you would like to arrange something special or have suggestions and ideas for individual or group activities, please inform our activities director. We welcome and encourage involvement from family and friends.

Suggestions and recommendations for changes in the facility rules may be submitted in person or in writing to Fireside’s administration.

The rehabilitation staff will work with your loved one as often as prescribed by the doctor. We have an in-house team, available 7-days a week.

Patients 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 $161.00 daily co-insurance rate is required. Medicare does not cover skilled nursing fees over 100 days.