Spirit Home Health Care

Pros

• Spirit Home Health understands brain injuries.
• Amanda, the speech-language pathologist, formed a priceless relationship with Ellen.
• Amanda cares about making therapy valuable, not just using programs.
• Brian (PT) and Brandi (OT) are educated and thoughtful.
• Spirit Home Health provided special care that the family is eternally grateful for.
• The team at Spirit Home Health is expected to help Ellen recover toward independence.
• Amanda SLP's work with Ellen's aphasia is especially appreciated.

Cons

• They found much incompetence at the University of Cincinnati, Drake LTAC, and Encompass inpatient rehab.
• They observed an inability to understand brain injury patients' care at those facilities.

Review

In February, my sister Ellen, who is 46, endured several severe traumatic brain injuries. Against all odds, she survived the crisis and has been on a courageous path of recovery ever since. She now works with a team of therapists who bring patience, expertise, and unwavering support to her daily journey. It's clear that her progress is the result of dedicated professionals who approach brain injury with both skill and compassion.

Among the care teams, Spirit Home Health has stood out in a way that deeply moved us. They are the only group we've encountered whose understanding of brain injuries feels authentic and informed, rather than generalized or rushed. The Spirit team has consistently demonstrated a capacity to recognize the unique challenges Ellen faces and to respond with thoughtful, tailored care. Their approach feels personal, professional, and genuinely oriented toward meaningful progress.

Alicia's SLP, Amanda, has been especially impactful. Amanda took the time to form a strong, trusting relationship with Ellen, which is priceless in the therapy process. She cares deeply about making therapy valuable beyond generic exercises or routine computer programs. Amanda's commitment goes beyond technique; she's invested in Ellen's overall well-being and in helping her navigate the communication challenges that come with aphasia. Her focus on meaningful interaction and progress has made a lasting difference, and Ellen looks forward to speech therapy sessions with Amanda.

The rehabilitation team also includes Brian, Ellen's physical therapist, and Brandi, the occupational therapist. Both Brian and Brandi have shown themselves to be equally educated and thoughtful in their approaches. They bring a level of expertise that is evident in how they assess Ellen's abilities, set realistic goals, and adapt therapy to her evolving needs. Their steady presence, encouragement, and strategic planning contribute significantly to Ellen's safety, confidence, and functional gains as she works toward greater independence.

By contrast, we also received care at the University of Cincinnati, Drake LTAC, and Encompass inpatient rehab, where we encountered notable gaps. In those settings, there was a palpable sense of incompetence and a lack of understanding of how brain injury affects daily care. The differences between those experiences and the Spirit Home Health approach were stark and undeniable. It underscored how crucial it is to have a team that truly comprehends brain injury in all its complexity and who can translate that understanding into practical, compassionate care.

With Spirit Home Health, we remain eternally grateful for the support Ellen has received. We believe that Ellen has a real chance at independence, thanks in large part to the specialized, high-quality care she's getting every day. Amanda's work with her aphasia stands out as a beacon of hope - the kind of targeted, compassionate therapy that can unlock meaningful communication and improve daily life. The combination of Amanda's expertise and the steady, well-rounded efforts of Brian and Brandi gives us tangible optimism about Ellen's ongoing recovery and her ability to regain independence in the future.

This part of Torrance, California, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With a variety of restaurants ranging from casual dining options like In-N-Out Burger and Chick-Fil-A to more upscale choices such as Monkish Brewing and Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, there is something for every palate. Nearby parks like Charles H. Wilson Park and Sur La Brea Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Access to healthcare is readily available with nearby physicians like Lighthouse Pediatrics and Harbor UCLA Medical Center, as well as pharmacies such as Rite Aid and Walgreens. Transportation options including Metro Rail stations and car rental services make it easy to get around the area for appointments or outings. Overall, this part of Torrance offers a well-rounded lifestyle with plenty of conveniences for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years.

Restaurants

• Monkish Brewing (0.6 miles)
• Tendon Tempura Carlos Junior Restaurant (1 miles)
• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (1.8 miles)
• King's Hawaiian Bakery (1.8 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (1.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)

Parks

• Charles H. Wilson Park (1.4 miles)
• Sur La Brea Park (2.5 miles)
• Sunnyglen Park (3.1 miles)
• De Portola Park (3.9 miles)
• Polliwog Park (4.7 miles)
• Noble Park (4.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Del Amo 18 (1.8 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN South Bay Galleria 16 (2.6 miles)
• AMC Rolling Hills 2 (3.8 miles)

Physicians

• Lighthouse Pediatrics (1.9 miles)
• Harbor Ucla Medical Center - David Durkovich Do (1.9 miles)
• Monica B Espiritu M.D. | Kaiser Permanente (4.2 miles)
• UCLA Health Manhattan Beach Pediatrics (5.1 miles)
• Paulson Theresa A Palos Verdes Dermatology Rolling Hills Estates (6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Aids Healthcare Foundation (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• Lees Sandwiches - Gard (2.1 miles)
• Donut King 2 (3.4 miles)
• Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Corner Bakery Cafe (5.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Catherine Laboure Church (2.5 miles)
• Peninsula Community Church (6.3 miles)

Transportation

• Metro Rail - Hawthorne/Lennox (6.3 miles)
• Aviation/LAX Metro Station (6.6 miles)
• Fox Rent A Car (7.5 miles)
• LAX-it (7.9 miles)
• Budget Rent A Car (8 miles)
• Metro - Willow Street Station (8 miles)
• Terminal 8 (8 miles)

Hospitals

• Martin Luther King Jr / Drew Medical Center (7.1 miles)