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Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors

When are visiting hours?

We encourage visitors and recognize the help they bring to our patients during their short-term rehabilitative stay. While we do not have set visiting hours, we recommend 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. as the ideal times to visit. If you would like to visit a patient, we recommend that you call 310.393.0475 between 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and someone from our front desk will be able to schedule an appointment for you. Appointments are preferred due to Covid-19, however, if you don’t have an appointment, appropriate visitation will be provided.

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

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.

Can I bring my children to visit?

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

Can I take my loved one home for a visit?

Patients may have a leave of absence only with MD authorization, which can be arranged through the nursing staff. The resident or responsible party, upon arrival and departure, must sign the Leave of Absence (LOA) book, which is located at the nursing stations.

Where should I park when I come to visit?

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

Can I bring in my loved one’s favorite food?

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.

Can I bring a family pet to the facility?

We would love for your family pet to come for a visit. Please remember to clean up after it and to take the proper safety measures at all times. All pets should also be kept on a leash.

Patients

How often will a physician or health professional visit?

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.

Can my loved one receive mail?

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

Fireside Health Care Center
Attn: ______ Room No._____

947 3rd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403

What articles of clothing should I bring?

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 patient’s personal inventory log in the medical chart. Other personal items should be marked or engraved for identification. We advise that patients not keep valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash in the facility.

LADIES
Dresses
Pants
Blouses (with front snaps)
Socks/nylons
Walking shoes (nonskid soles; velcro)
Undergarments
Nightgown/pajamas
Robe
Sweaters (with large buttons)
GENTLEMEN
• Shirts (button-down suggested)
• Pants
• Belts/suspenders
• Socks
• Walking shoes (nonskid soles; velcro)
• Undergarments
• Pajamas
• Robe
• Electric razor

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 all 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.

How often will the rehabilitation staff work with my loved one?
Our rehabilitation staff will work with our residents in accordance with the doctor’s orders and patient tolerance, usually 5 days per week.
Is there someone who provides haircuts?

We have a beautician available every Wednesday. Please contact Social Services or stop by the front desk to set up an appointment. Payments for all services are to be made in advance or at the beauty shop during appointments.

Facility

Is there any private space available to use?

You may reserve the dining room or activity room for any special event (birthday, holidays, meals) in advance with our activities director.

Is smoking permitted in the facility?

For the safety and welfare of all patients and staff, Fireside Health Care Center is a nonsmoking facility. The designated smoking area is on the back patio.

My loved one has a favorite chair that I’d like to bring to the facility. Can you accommodate this?

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

Will I be required to do my loved one's laundry?

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

Will my loved one have telephone access?

Private phone access is available to every resident. 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.

Will my loved one’s room have a television?

All of the rooms already have free cable television in them. 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.

What kinds of activities are planned for the patients?

Fireside Health Care Center has a vibrant atmosphere with dynamic, individualized activities that match the capabilities and needs of our residents. 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.

Can the rules be changed?

Suggestions and recommendations for changes in the facility rules can be submitted in person or in writing to Fireside Health Care Center administration.

Financial & Insurance Questions

Patients must have a Medicare card that reads “Hospital Insurance.” They must also be admitted to the facility with a physician’s order within 30 days of a three-consecutive-night hospital stay. Generally, Medicare will pay 100 percent during the first 20 days of care. For days 21–100, a daily coinsurance rate is required.

Participating Insurance Companies

Medicare
Medicaid

HMOs

  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield
  • Blue Shield Medicare Advantage
  • Brand New Day
  • Cigna
  • Health Net
  • Humana
  • Kaiser
  • Meritage
  • Partnership Health Plan
  • Scan
  • St. Joseph/St. Jude
  • Sutter Health Plan
  • Sutter Medical Group
  • TRICARE
  • UnitedHealthcare

Private Room Rates

The following room rates have been set by the Governing Body of A.V.C.H., Inc. dba Fireside Health Care Center

ACCOMODATION DAILY RATE
Single bedroom $800
2-bed bedroom $400
3-bed bedroom $375

Daily rates include the following: room and board; three meals per day served in the main dining or rehabilitative dining areas, tray service plus snacks, and special diets upon physician order; daily assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), i.e., dressing, bathing, ambulation, personal hygiene, and needs; daily housekeeping service; bed and bathroom linens (less incontinent care linens); administration of medications as prescribed by either attending/alternate physician; 24-hour supervision by licensed nursing personnel (RN or LVN) and certified nursing assistants; assistance with feeding; planned activities, recreational, and occupational programs; drug regimen review; social services consultation; discharge planning and referral service; and furnished rooms in accordance with state and federal regulatory agencies.

PLEASE NOTE: The daily room rate does NOT include the following: physician visit charges; dentist visit charges; medication and sundry items; resident care medical supplies and materials; incontinent care supplies/linens; special physician-ordered therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and respiratory therapy; diagnostic tests; and other specialized care procedures.