Introduction

Bellflower Post Acute is a skilled nursing facility located at 9710 E. Artesia Ave., Bellflower, California. This comprehensive review aims to provide detailed insights into the facility’s services, amenities, resident experiences, pricing, and how it compares to other options in the Bellflower area to help families make informed decisions about their senior care options.

Services Offered

Bellflower Post Acute provides a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of seniors:

1. Skilled Nursing Care

• 24/7 medical supervision by licensed nursing staff
• Medication management and administration
• Wound care and specialized treatments
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and mobility
• Average daily nursing care: 4 hours and 36 minutes per resident, exceeding the national average

2. Rehabilitation Services

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving mobility, strength, and balance
• Occupational Therapy: Aims to enhance daily living skills and independence
• Speech Therapy: Assists with communication and swallowing difficulties
• Customized rehabilitation plans for post-surgery recovery and chronic condition management

3. Medical Services

• Physician services for regular check-ups and medical management
• Mental health support for residents with psychological needs
• Diagnostic services, including clinical laboratory and X-ray facilities on-site

4. Specialized Care Options

While specific details on specialized care were not extensively covered in the sources, Bellflower Post Acute typically offers:

• Post-hospitalization recovery support
• Management of chronic conditions
• End-of-life care and support

Amenities and Daily Activities

Bellflower Post Acute offers various amenities to enhance the quality of life for its residents:

Physical Amenities

1. Living Spaces
   • Private and shared rooms available
   • Clean and organized environment
   • Private bathrooms in all rooms
2. Community Areas
   • Outdoor areas and gardens for relaxation and fresh air
   • Walking paths for resident enjoyment
3. Dining Services
   • Restaurant-style dining with options for special dietary needs
   • Meals prepared by professional chefs
4. Support Services
   • Transportation options for medical appointments and outings
   • Housekeeping and laundry services
   • Emergency alert system for resident safety

Daily Activities

While specific daily schedules may vary, Bellflower Post Acute typically offers:

• Group exercise programs tailored for seniors
• Arts and crafts sessions
• Movie nights and entertainment programs
• Educational seminars on various topics
• Social events and holiday celebrations
• Community-sponsored activities

Resident Experiences and Testimonials

Feedback from residents and their families provides mixed insights into life at Bellflower Post Acute:

Positive Experiences

1. Nikki DeLeon (Family Member): “Our family is incredibly grateful for the care and attention our loved one received during their stay… The facility itself was clean, well-maintained, and had a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”
2. Shelby Bisaccio: “What a great experience my grandmother had with Bellflower Post Acute. She was admitted and was very well taken care of. The staff was very friendly and the facility was clean.”

Areas for Improvement

Some reviews have pointed out issues related to staffing and care consistency. The facility has reported a nursing staff turnover rate of 31%, which is higher than the local average of 39.8%. This could impact the quality of care and familiarity of staff with residents.

Quality Metrics and Performance

Bellflower Post Acute demonstrates the following performance metrics:

Short-Term Care Outcomes

• Return Home Rate: 35.2% (State average: 51.5%)
• Major Injury Falls: 0.0% (Better than state average: 0.5%)
• Infection-related Hospitalizations: 10.3% (Higher than state average: 7.7%)
• Emergency Room Visits: 7.8% (Lower than state average: 10.9%)

Long-Term Care Outcomes

• Ability to Self-Care: 96.6% of residents maintain independence (Higher than state and national averages)
• Flu Vaccination Rate: 100% (Exceeding state and national averages)
• Emergency Room Visits: 0.7 per 1,000 patient days (Lower than state and national averages)

Overall Ratings (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)

• Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
• Health Inspection Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
• Quality Measures Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Staffing Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Pricing Information

Bellflower Post Acute’s pricing structure is as follows:

• Starting Price: $1,750 per month
• Average Monthly Cost Range: $1,750 to $9,050
• Local Area Average: $9,125 for semi-private room, $11,269 for private room

It’s important to note that these costs can vary based on the level of care required and additional services needed. Bellflower Post Acute accepts various payment methods:

1. Medicare: Covers the first 20 days of skilled nursing care fully, with a copayment required for days 21-100
2. Medicaid: Available for eligible residents, potentially covering the full cost of care
3. Private Insurance: Accepted, but coverage details vary by plan
4. Private Pay: Option for those not using insurance or after insurance coverage ends

Comparison with Local Competitors

To help families make informed decisions, here’s a comparison of Bellflower Post Acute with other nursing facilities in the Bellflower area:

Recommendations for Families

When considering Bellflower Post Acute or any senior living facility, families should:

1. Schedule an In-Person Visit:
   • Arrange a tour of Bellflower Post Acute and at least 2-3 competitor facilities.
   • Observe staff interactions with residents during different times of the day.
   • Request to participate in a meal to evaluate food quality and dining experience.
   • Pay special attention to cleanliness, maintenance, and the overall atmosphere.
2. Evaluate Care Plans:
   • Request a sample care plan from Bellflower Post Acute and competing facilities.
   • Ask about the frequency of care plan reviews and updates.
   • Inquire about the process for adjusting care levels as needs change, especially given the facility’s average rating in both short-term and long-term care.
3. Assess Staffing Levels:
   • Request specific information on staff-to-resident ratios during different shifts.
   • Ask about staff qualifications and ongoing training programs.
   • Inquire about strategies to improve staff retention and reduce turnover, given the reported 31% turnover rate.
4. Review Activity Calendars:
   • Request monthly activity schedules from Bellflower Post Acute and competitors.
   • Ask about participation rates and how activities are tailored to individual interests and abilities.
   • Inquire about opportunities for family involvement in activities and events.
5. Analyze Pricing Structure:
   • Request a detailed breakdown of all potential costs, including base rates and additional fees for specific services.
   • Discuss how Medicare and Medicaid coverage applies to different care levels.
   • Compare Bellflower Post Acute’s pricing model with other facilities, considering the value of services offered.
6. Investigate Specialized Care Options:
   • If rehabilitation services are needed, ask for detailed information about their therapy programs and success rates.
   • Inquire about their protocols for managing complex medical conditions and how they coordinate with external healthcare providers.
   • Ask about their approach to memory care and how it compares to specialized facilities in the area.
7. Speak with Current Residents and Families:
   • Request to speak with current residents and their families during your visit.
   • Join a group activity to observe resident engagement firsthand.
   • Ask about family council meetings and how resident/family feedback is incorporated into facility operations.
8. Review State Inspection Reports:
   • Access the most recent state inspection reports for Bellflower Post Acute and competing facilities.
   • Pay attention to any citations or areas of concern, particularly regarding staffing and care quality.
   • Ask management about steps taken to address these issues and their plan for continuous improvement.
9. Evaluate Communication Practices:
   • Given the mixed feedback on communication, ask detailed questions about their policies for updating families on resident health status and care changes.
   • Inquire about their protocols for emergency notifications and regular family updates.
   • Ask about the availability of staff for family consultations and how they handle concerns or complaints.
10. Consider Long-Term Value:
    • Assess whether Bellflower Post Acute can meet both current and potential future care needs, especially if progressive conditions are a concern.
    • Discuss their capacity to adjust care levels as resident needs change over time.
    • Consider the facility’s location in relation to family members and important amenities like hospitals and shopping centers.

By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, families can make a well-informed decision about whether Bellflower Post Acute or another facility in the Bellflower area best meets their loved one’s needs. Remember that while Bellflower Post Acute offers comprehensive services and has strengths in areas like fall prevention and quality measures, its mixed reviews and average ratings suggest that careful comparison with other facilities is essential to ensure the best care for your loved one.