My mother stayed at Central Garden for over 2 months. I visited her often (at least 20 times), I've come to know the place quite well. I probably have a better comprehensive understanding of Central Garden than most other visitors.
Environment: Good lighting, the opposite of dark and gloomy. Each room has two beds for 2 patients with a TV, desk drawer, and a closet. Patients are free to wander around the hall and recreational area if they get bored.
From what I've observed, it's a positive work environment, everyone seem to know their roles and does it as best they could. There are times when I notice some staff who seem tired of their work, the repetitions. After all, a nursing home is one of the environments that could suck the energy out of you.
Entertainment: Aside from the TV, there are scheduled events everyday, along with weekly religious sermons.
There's a recreationals and exercise area where patient can go to use exercise equipments, watch TV with a group, or play board games.
Food: Don't expect home cooked or restaurant level food. However, it's never lacking in variety. The food everyday is different. It's a hit or miss, few times pretty good, most times meh, sometimes kinda bad.
My mom's roommate hates the food, she's always asking for something else, and to my surprise the staff always brings what she asks for.
Anyway, all the nutritional bases are covered and the food is relatively healthy. I'll attach pictures of some dishes.
If you don't like the food they serve, you're free to bring your own food like I do sometimes.
CARE: This is the important part! So every patient has a call button they can press to notify staff for assistance. For the first month, I've documented the response times (I'll attach a picture) sometimes quick (1-2 mins), sometimes a bit longer (up to 20 mins), which is understandable because there are times when the facility is short staffed and the CNA is busy with another patient. The help required will fluctuate because some patients can be needy at times.
Personally, I've never noticed any mistreatment of my mom or other patients. All concerns I brought up to the staff were addressed promptly.
Staff:
-Olga: The receptionist, I see her every time I visit. She's very helpful and nice the 2/3 times I asked for her help.
-Zoila: She's a small bundle of joy, very affectionate and easy to talk to.
My mom seem to like her.
-Malasia: The event planner, didn't talk to her much but has quite the presence managing patients in the recreational area.
-Armir: The PT, pretty nice guy, Reserved and well mannered. Helped my mom through a couple of PT sessions when I was there.
-Peter: Didn't interact much but I remember him working with my mom once and helping me with the workout schedule. Seem like a cool dude.
-Sophie: Traveling PT, very positive and friendly. A small slim body but apparently could really eat a lot.
-Diana: CNA, I think I see her around the most, thankful for her timely assistances helping my mom.
-Jessica: RN, I also see her around a lot. She seems like the calm under pressure type.
-Marlo: RN, only met her once but she left an impression, was very helpful.
-Cathy: CNA, friendly and had a good exchange with her about her trip and asked too many questions lol
-Mama Tran? (I forgot cause I'm dumb) She seem like the Elder of the CNAs, old and wise like she's seen through the meaning of life. She always has a calm positive energy. Thankful to her care for my mom.
-Rashna: RN, Noticed I wore the same jacket as her dad bought from Costco. She has such a cool name, love the way she says it with fiery aggression.
-Annabelle: Front desk, Every Annabelle I've met is kinda "unique" She has unique hypnotic eyes.
-Curtis: PT who worked with my mom the most. Really cool down to earth guy. I enjoy talking with him. Offered some helpful advice and exceptional care for my mom.
-Lela: CNA, I like her hair, asked her name one day and she got nervous thinking I'm might make a complaint, huh? lol
-Daniel: PT, Gentle giant, easy to talk to, insightful and great with people in general.
-Maria: CNA, Very good with patients, has a positive energetic aura. Two patients there told me she's their favorite.
-Gia: RN, Also good with patients, seem quiet and gentle but also secretly plotting something.
-Marco: CNA, pretty chill respectable guy. Smart and seems like he has big plans for the future.
-Alexandra: Speech Therapist, great 1st impression, very articulate and knowledgeable, lights up when talking with friends and colleagues.
-Michael: OT or PT, I never talk to him, seen him around often but my brother said a lot of good things about him.
-Batia: DOR, Oversees the place yet friendly with everyone. I remember a beautiful sight of her outside with a patient on a wheelchair.
Brandon: DOA, I always talk with Brandon regarding any concerns. He is always professional, respectful, and helpful. Got a good sense of style.
Running outta space. The End. read more