Ortega Gardens Alzheimers Special Care Center

1. Waitlist Information

Yes, we do have a waitlist. People only leave us through death 99% of the time, so we are in high demand. There are few places like us, who really live and breathe dementia. I tell everyone, when they come to see us, and if you like us and how we do dementia care, to get on our waitlist with a $500 deposit. It is fully refundable and offers some comfort for when and if you need us. No pressure at all, but I get so many calls from people who are now ready and I have no rooms.

2. Pricing

Our pricing is around the $6500-$6900 range. We are all inclusive so no surprise costs or raising level of care when you weren't expecting it. The only additional cost would be haircuts, going out to lunch on a field trip, and incontinence supplies. Many families that have moved here have stated that we end up being cheaper as levels of care are not increased.

3. Staffing and Licensing

We are known for great staffing. We have a higher licensing (we are between skilled nursing and a regular ALF). Therefore, we have RN and LPN nurses (24/7) on site. Our nursing assistants are certified. We have 3 Activity professionals (one for each neighborhood). Our director of Nursing is an RN. Our management staff is very involved with the day-to-day operations and we have all been here for quite some time (I am almost at 5 years). We have CNA's that have been here for almost 11 years (and our building is only 11 yrs old). We have a full-time Maintenance director that fixes anything asap.

4. Dementia Training and Safety

We all go through training for dementia on a regular routine. We also follow Teepa Snow and incorporate her amazing techniques. Our residents are kept safe with a completely locked community but with a huge garden (no one rivals us for a garden!) that they can walk until dark. They are able to come and go in complete safety. We also use fall mats, fall alarms, motion alarms, half rails on the bed, and checks every 2 hours.

5. Transition Support

I will help you at great lengths, to be ready for the transition. I will also help you get your loved one ready as well. I will tell you, that my families are always so worried about this aspect, but we have done it for so long and with so much success that every family says "that wasn't nearly as bad as I thought." You will not be alone in this.

6. Transportation and Medical Appointments

We do have a bus and can from time to time, take our residents to appointments. The appointments need to be nearby (I would have to check what the distance is), but to be honest, rarely do families want to use our transportation. Usually, they want to be with their loved one for Dr's appt. Additionally, we try to minimize you needing to take your loved one out (as that can be stressful for them), so we have Nurse Practitioners and Dr's that come in. For ex, general health providers, podiatrists, dermatologists, cardiologists, etc.

7. Dining Experience

Our dining experience is very soothing. They are in the neighborhood with their friends to eat. The dining area is in the center of every neighborhood, so they know where they are going. However, our staff will always make sure they are there too. We encourage eating together, but if they wanted to eat in their room on occasion, we just bring their food to them. There is no charge for this as other places charge for this. Most do want to eat with everyone as it becomes something like a family dinner. Our dietary director makes one meal that is dietician approved, but if they don't like it (and we find out their likes and dislikes prior to coming in), then we have alternates. The beautiful thing is, with our licensing, we can do all the diet needs (chopped, pureed, etc). This really allows aging in place. We also will feed them if/when they lose this skill. We also have special plates, weighed silverware, etc., to help them keep the skill of eating for as long as they can. Meals are always at 8, 12, 5 pm as we keep our residents on a strict schedule which lowers their anxiety and increases their enjoyment.

8. Communication and Complaints

Any complaints are addressed immediately. We strive to offer excellence so we encourage communication from our families. Our Director of Nursing is also great at communicating with families. If there is a fall or health concern, you will be called and it will be discussed. You also have direct access to each manager of their department, so that you can reach out directly. My own mother-in-law was here for years, so I know what it is like to be a family member and wanting communication! Additionally, we have an app named "Sagely". This app will tell you what your loved one participated in during the day and how involved they were. You can also communicate back on the app.

9. Respite Care

We rarely do respite as we don't have extra rooms too often. However, if we happen to have one, we will provide it. Our respite rooms are $225 a night.

10. Pet Policy

We are very pet friendly. You are welcome to bring your dogs/cats to visit any time. I bring my dog every week (and she visits with the residents too). We have pet therapy in every week also. If you are asking if they can bring a pet, that is on a case-by-case basis.

11. Vaccinations

We do have flu vaccines that are available to our residents. Covid was not offered this year from our in-house pharmacy.

12. End-of-Life Care

Yes, our residents stay until the very end. We are able to care for them even if they get bedridden. We also can provide special diets, as needed medications (not just scheduled meds), and hospice. Truly, there is no better Assisted Living that helps age in place. We never send our residents to a nursing home. We love them and want them with us to the end. Yes, we do have a waitlist. People only leave us through death 99% of the time, so we are in high demand. There are few places like us, who really live and breathe dementia. I tell everyone, when they come to see us, and if you like us and how we do dementia care, to get on our waitlist with a $500 deposit. It is fully refundable and offers some comfort for when and if you need us. No pressure at all, but I get so many calls from people who are now ready and I have no rooms.