SANTA CRUZ POST ACUTE

FAQ

A helpful list of some of the questions we’re asked on a regular basis.

Before You Arrive

Are televisions provided?

All rooms are equipped with a television and a remote control. Headphones are available upon request.

What belongings should I bring?

To make your stay smooth and comfortable, below is a list of suggested items to bring to our facility for your stay:

Ladies

  • Dresses
  • Pants / Sweatpants
  • Blouses (with front snaps / tee shirts)
  • Socks
  • Tennis shoes (non-skid soles / Velcro)
  • Undergarments
  • Nightgown / pajamas
  • Robe
  • Sweaters / Sweatshirts

Gentlemen

  • Shirts (button down or tshirts)
  • Pants / Sweatpants
  • Belts / Suspenders
  • Socks
  • Tennis shoes (non-skid soles / Velcro)
  • Undergarments
  • Pajamas
  • Robe
  • Sweaters / Sweatshirts

Is smoking permitted in the facility?

For the safety and welfare of all residents and staff, Santa Cruz Post Acute is a non-smoking facility. There is a designated outdoor smoking area.

Is WiFi available?

Yes, we have free WiFi available. The log-in information will be provided to our patients when they arrive to our facility.

Do you have any bilingual team members?

We have staff that are fluent in Spanish and Tagalog.

Do I need to bring my medications?

Santa Cruz Post Acute provides all medications during your stay. All medications are ordered when you are admitted to the facility. They are stored by our staff to ensure your safety.

What documentation should I bring?

Please allow us to make a photocopy of your ID and your insurance cards. We also appreciate copies of your advanced directive/durable power of attorney paperwork if applicable.

When are admissions available?

Admissions at Santa Cruz Post Acute can be processed 24 hours/ 7 days a week and all beds are Medicare and Medi-Cal certified.

During Your Stay

What activities are available?

Refer to our services page to see examples of activities. We also have an activities calendar prominently displayed in our facility. If you would like to participate in an activity, please inform your nursing assistant.

When do I get a shower?

Showers are scheduled twice a week. Please ask your nurse or nursing assistant for a date and time. Please do not hesitate to communicate your bathing preferences to your nurse or nursing assistant.

How can family call me?

We have bedside telephones that are available for you to use to call your loved ones. Families can also call the main line of the facility to get in contact with our patients.

How do I keep track of all my belongings?

When you arrive, your nursing assistant will help you unpack your belongings and list your belongings on an inventory sheet. If your family and/or friends decide to bring you additional items, please see your nurse or nursing assistant to update your inventory sheet. Please label all your belongings with your name, especially your glasses, hearing aids, and dentures. Please keep your valuables at home (e.g. cash and fine jewelry).

Can my loved one receive mail?

Mail is delivered to patients personally every day mail is delivered.

Patient’s Name
Santa Cruz Post Acute
1115 Capitola Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

What does my insurance cover?

There are many types of health insurance and benefits offered in a skilled nursing setting. Please contact our Admissions Director to discuss your individual benefits. Co-pays and share of costs are due at time of admission.

What services are offered?

We offer 24 hour/7 day a week nursing care. We have physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, IV therapy, a registered dietitian, housekeeping, laundry, activities, a hair salon, and much more.

Are pets allowed to visit?

Yes. Your furry friend can visit you during your stay.

How much paperwork do I need to sign?

Your nurse and the Admissions Director will have paperwork for you to sign. Your nurse and Admissions will approach you with the necessary paperwork within 24 hours.

What are your visiting hours?

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What times are meals served?

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Meals are served in our dining room or at bedside. Please inform our nursing supervisor your preference.

How is laundry done? Can family members take laundry home to do?

We offer laundry service onsite that is included with your stay at Santa Cruz Post Acute. However sometimes family members will elect to take laundry home, and that is perfectly fine as well (just notify the staff).

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. Avoid bringing clothing that requires cold or warm water, special care, or is subject to damage and fading. All clothing must be labeled. Please label the clothing with the resident’s 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.

Is there any private space available for use?

We offer many private settings to visit with loved ones in a beautiful environment.

Where should visitors park?

There is parking available outside the facility. There are multiple spaces designated with wheelchair access, please respect all parking signs.

Is there someone who provides haircuts?

Yes, there is a beautician who typically once a week. Please see the front office for scheduling an appointment.

What role does Social Services play at Santa Cruz Post Acute?

Our social service team assists both residents and their families during transitional periods. They also provide essential information, manage requests and concerns, help in care and discharge planning for each resident after rehabilitation.

Is there a limit to how many visitors I can have?

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 during their rehabilitation. 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 children visit?

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

Can I take my loved one home for a visit?

Residents may have a leave of absence only with a physician’s authorization, which can be arranged through the nursing staff. Upon arrival and departure, the resident or responsible party must sign out at the Nurses Station.

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 residents. Any food kept in the resident room must be in properly sealed containers.

Plan of Care

How long will I be here?

All our patients’ cases are different. Your progress is reviewed weekly by our clinical and rehabilitation team. Our team then identifies what progress is needed to occur for you to reach your maximum level of independence.

What is the discharge process?

Our social services director will explain and assist you through the discharge process. We require 72 hours of notice to ensure all arrangements are made for you to discharge safely.

How often will I have therapy?

Most patients are scheduled for therapy five-six days per week depending on what the patient’s physician ordered. The frequency of your therapy sessions will be determined and communicated to you by our rehabilitation department.

Who determines when I will discharge?

Our goal is to send you home with all the necessary tools for you to succeed. Our nursing and rehabilitation team determines when you are ready to go to a lower level of care, and your attending physician makes the final decision about when it is appropriate and safe for you to discharge.

How do I get to my appointments?

Santa Cruz Post Acute can arrange transportation to your appointments. If you are safe to travel by private vehicle, we can work with your family and arrange for them to drive you to appointments as well. Please see our Social Services Director for details and pricing.

How often will a physician or health professional visit?

Physicians generally see residents 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.

Who should we talk to about personnel concerns?

Our primary concern is that your loved one feels comfortable here at Santa Cruz Post Acute and that their needs are being met. You should feel secure and at ease with our staff, particularly those providing direct care. If you have any concerns or praise for our staff, please feel free to contact our Social Services department. They will be able to address any apprehensions you may have regarding any particular staff members.

While we’ve tried to provide a comprehensive list of questions we’re asked on a regular basis, there might be something we may have missed. If you have any questions or concerns regarding a stay with us, please get in touch and a member of our staff will make sure you make an informed decision.