Choosing a facility
Granada Hills Care Center offers an tranquil environment with great outdoor spaces for recovery, with a reputation built on superior care and outstanding clinical outcomes. Residents benefit from a robust rehabilitation program, a vibrant and engaging activities calendar, and a compassionate team dedicated to helping each person regain independence and confidence. Our Director of Nursing is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), adding advanced clinical oversight to every level of care. Unlike many facilities, we do not rely on registry staff—ensuring consistent, highly trained team members who are deeply familiar with our residents’ needs. Our overall staffing levels exceed industry standards, encompassed with our small building size ultimately providing the personal attention and support essential for effective rehabilitation. At Granada Hills Care Center, we don’t just care—we partner with you on your journey to recovery, and work with you to get you back to your prior level from before your hospital stay.
1. Understand What You Need
Start by identifying your specific care needs:
- Type of care (e.g., physical therapy, wound care, IV antibiotics, post-surgical recovery)
- Frequency and duration of therapy (e.g., daily physical or occupational therapy)
- Medical conditions that require specialized attention (e.g., stroke recovery, orthopedic rehab)
Be your own advocate, finding what facility meets your needs and your standards, you have the right to decide where you go.
2. Get a List of Options
Ask for a list of Medicare/Medicaid-certified facilities from:
- Hospital discharge planner or social worker
- Primary care physician or surgeon
- Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare Tool: medicare.gov/care-compare
3. Research the Facilities
Use the following criteria to evaluate each option:
A. Licensing and Ratings
- Medicare rating (out of 5 stars)
- State health inspection reports
- Any complaints or violations
B. Staff Credentials and Ratios
- Nursing Staffing Ratios
- Therapist-to-patient ratio
- Medical director and rehab team qualifications
C. Specialization
- Does the facility specialize in the kind of rehabilitation you need?
- Experience with similar cases (e.g., joint replacement, cardiac rehab, neurological recovery)
4. Visit the Facility (or Take a Virtual Tour)
Look for:
- Cleanliness and safety
- Friendliness and professionalism of staff
- Resident engagement (Are they active and involved?)
Bring a checklist and ask questions like:
- “What is the average length of stay for patients like me?”
- “What is your protocol for emergencies or medical changes?”
- “What is your therapy schedule (weekends, holidays)?”
5. Check Insurance and Payment Options
- Work with admission of our facility to Confirm that the facility accepts your insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance)
- Ask about out-of-pocket costs
- Understand what’s covered: room, meals, therapy, medications, etc.
6. Ask About Discharge Planning
Good facilities begin discharge planning on day one:
- Will they coordinate with home health or outpatient therapy?
- Will they train you or your caregiver?
- Are follow-up appointments scheduled?
7. Read Reviews and Ask Around
- Look up Google, Yelp, and Caring.com reviews
- Ask friends or family for recommendations
- Speak with past patients if possible
8. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off during your visit or interaction, explore other options. The atmosphere, staff attitude, and responsiveness matter as much as ratings.
