Alhambra Convalescent Hospital

Pros

• The rooms are clean and of decent size, providing a comfortable living space for residents.
• The staff is always helpful and polite, contributing to a supportive environment.
• Residents have access to various activities such as bingo, movies, and coloring, promoting engagement and social interaction.
• Each room is equipped with a TV, allowing residents to enjoy entertainment during their stay.
• The facility offers services that are standard in most places in the area, such as a cable fee for television access.

Cons

• The mother experienced neglect, going over 7 hours without being changed during her 10-day stay.
• She was never bathed and only received a wet washcloth once throughout her time there.
• Due to COVID restrictions, the facility overcrowded rooms by placing four people in one room for isolation.
• The mother cried every day during her stay, indicating a severe level of distress and dissatisfaction.
• Despite some positive aspects, the overall care provided fell significantly short of expectations.

Review

The experience of placing a loved one in a care facility is often fraught with anxiety and concern, especially when it comes to ensuring they receive the appropriate level of care and attention. Unfortunately, for one family, their mother's stay at a particular facility became a source of distress and disappointment. After suffering a bad fall that resulted in a dislocated shoulder, she was transferred there following a hospital stay. The expectation was that she would be treated with compassion and support in her recovery; however, the reality proved to be starkly different.

Over the ten days that she spent at the facility, the family's concerns grew exponentially. They reported that their mother went for extended periods—often exceeding seven hours—without being changed. This lack of basic hygiene not only contributed to her discomfort but also raised serious questions about the quality of care being provided by the staff. Additionally, throughout her time there, she was offered no bathing assistance aside from a single usage of a wet washcloth, which left her feeling neglected and unclean.

Compounded by these issues was the facility's handling of COVID-19 protocols. To isolate residents effectively during this period, management made the controversial decision to place four individuals into one room. While it is essential to take measures to prevent infection spread during such precarious times, this arrangement led to overcrowding that likely hampered personalized care efforts. Family members described how their mother felt increasingly isolated and distressed throughout her stay; every phone call ended with her tearful cries expressing her desire to return home.

Despite these significant shortcomings in personal care and emotional support during what should have been a recuperative experience, other aspects of the facility were noted more positively. The physical environment appeared clean and well-maintained, with decent-sized rooms that offered enough space for residents' comfort. Furthermore, many family members reported that staff exhibited politeness and were generally helpful when approached for assistance or inquiries about residents' needs.

For those residents capable of engaging in activities outside their rooms, the facility did provide various forms of entertainment including bingo games, movie screenings, and coloring sessions. Such activities can play an important role in fostering social interaction among residents and alleviating feelings of loneliness or boredom that can arise in similar settings. However, while these offerings may bolster some aspects of resident satisfaction for those able to participate actively, they do little to mitigate fundamental issues related to personal care.

Additionally noteworthy was the presence of televisions in each room—a feature appreciated by many as it provides access to news and entertainment which can help alleviate some anxieties associated with staying at such facilities. However, family members expressed frustration over an additional cable fee imposed on residents; while this may be common practice across similar environments within the area, it adds yet another layer of financial burden during an already challenging time for families dedicated to caring for their loved ones.

In summary, this family's experience highlights both critical shortcomings and points for potential improvement within this particular care facility context. While certain elements were satisfactory from an environmental standpoint—such as cleanliness—fundamental failures concerning individual care routines overshadowed any positives derived from recreational programming or staff demeanor. Ultimately leaving family members yearning for better standards concerning compassionate patient treatment illustrates an urgent need within eldercare facilities: consistent attention toward maintaining dignity and respect through proper caregiving practices remains paramount during times when those we love are most vulnerable.

This part of Martinez, California, offers convenient access to several amenities that may be beneficial for senior living. There are multiple pharmacies within a short distance, making it easy to fill prescriptions and access healthcare services. In terms of transportation, there are train stations nearby for those who prefer public transportation, as well as options for renting vehicles if needed. The area also boasts several parks and green spaces for outdoor activities and relaxation. In terms of healthcare, there are various physicians and medical facilities in close proximity to provide quality care. Additionally, there are a variety of cafes and restaurants to enjoy dining out with friends or family. Overall, this area provides a good balance of convenience and leisure options for seniors looking to reside in the Martinez area.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (2 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (5 miles)
• Walgreens (5.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (5.9 miles)

Transportation

• Martinez Station (MTZ) (0.8 miles)
• North Concord/Martinez BART Station (5.9 miles)
• U-Haul of Concord (6.3 miles)
• Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART Station (6.9 miles)
• Walnut Creek BART Station (7.9 miles)

Parks

• Waterfront Park (0.9 miles)
• Southampton Park (4.8 miles)
• Ellis Lake Park (5.8 miles)
• Lime Ridge Open Space (7.4 miles)
• Heather Farm Dog Park (7.6 miles)
• Markham Nature Park and Arboretum (7.7 miles)
• Heather Farm Park (7.9 miles)

Physicians

• Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center - US Department of Veterans Affairs (1.4 miles)
• Martin Family Chiropractic (4.6 miles)
• STAT MED Urgent Care (5 miles)
• John Muir Physician Network (5.5 miles)
• Diablo Valley Primary Care (5.6 miles)
• California Center for Sleep Disorders (5.6 miles)
• Communication Across Barriers Speech Clinics (5.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Starbucks (7.6 miles)
• Bondadoso Coffee & Tea Collective Add to Favorites (7.8 miles)
• Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen and Coffee Bar (8.1 miles)
• Philz Coffee (8.1 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (4.3 miles)
• Benihana (4.9 miles)
• Yard House (4.9 miles)
• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (5.1 miles)
• McDonald's (5.5 miles)
• Ej Phair Brewing Co & Ail House (5.8 miles)
• Jack's Restaurant & Bar (5.8 miles)

Theaters

• Solano Drive In (4.4 miles)
• Century 16 Downtown Pleasant Hill and XD (5.9 miles)
• Century Walnut Creek 14 and XD (8.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Queen of All Saints (5.7 miles)
• St Patrick's Youth Ministry (7.2 miles)
• Trinity Faith Baptist Church (7.4 miles)
• Bridge Ministry (8.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Medical Center (9 miles)