Introduction

Capital Transitional Care, located at 6821 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95822, is a skilled nursing facility offering a range of services for seniors requiring specialized care. 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 Sacramento area.

Services Offered

1. Skilled Nursing Care

Capital Transitional Care provides 24/7 skilled nursing care, ensuring round-the-clock support for residents. Key features include:

• Licensed nursing staff supervision
• Medication management
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• 4.6 hours of daily nursing care per resident, exceeding the national average of 2.8 hours
  • 2.0 hours from licensed nurses
  • 2.6 hours from non-licensed aides

2. Rehabilitation Services

The facility offers comprehensive rehabilitation services, including:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy (for communication and swallowing difficulties)
• Customized rehabilitation plans for post-surgery recovery

3. Specialized Care Options

Capital Transitional Care stands out for its specialized care offerings:

• 24 ventilator beds for residents with complex respiratory needs
• Non-ambulatory care for residents with mobility challenges
• Hospice care for end-of-life support and comfort
• Mental health support services

Amenities and Daily Activities

Facility Amenities

1. Living Spaces
   • Private bathrooms in all rooms
   • Furnished accommodations
   • Kitchenettes available in some units
2. Dining Services
   • Restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals
   • Special dietary accommodations
   • All-day dining options
3. Recreational Areas
   • Library
   • Game room
   • Fitness room
   • Outdoor walking paths

Daily Activities

Capital Transitional Care offers a variety of activities to promote social engagement and mental stimulation:

• Group exercise programs tailored for seniors
• Arts and crafts sessions
• Movie nights
• Educational seminars
• Social events and holiday celebrations
• Outdoor programs (weather permitting)

Resident Testimonials

Feedback from residents and their families provides mixed insights into life at Capital Transitional Care:

Positive Experiences

1. “The staff works very hard to find the formulas that work for each resident… they will go over and beyond to make sure they sustain and improve it.” – Family member
2. “The community’s dedication to resident well-being is further exemplified by the actions of staff members going above and beyond to facilitate communication between residents and their families.” – Reviewer

Areas for Improvement

1. “There was absolutely no communication from the staff to family members… My mother was diagnosed with Covid and no one told us.” – Family member
2. “My husband was here for 2 years and it was a nightmare… I saw roaches… My husband’s gowns were stolen.” – Spouse of resident

These testimonials highlight the importance of personal visits and thorough research when considering Capital Transitional Care as a senior living option.

Pricing Information

Capital Transitional Care’s pricing structure is as follows:

• Starting Price: $12,570 per month
• Enhanced Care: Up to $14,581 per month
• Local Area Average: $5,411 per month for nursing homes

It’s important to note that Capital Transitional Care’s pricing is significantly higher than the local average, reflecting the specialized services and medical care provided.

Insurance and Payment Options

The facility accepts both Medicare and Medicaid. Here’s a breakdown of Medicare coverage:

• Medicare Part A:
  • Days 1-20: Full coverage of approved costs
  • Days 21-100: Daily co-insurance required
  • After 100 days: Coverage ends
• Medicare Part B (2024):
  • Monthly premium: $174.70
  • Deductible: $240
  • After deductible: 20% of Medicare-approved amounts for outpatient services

Comparison with Local Facilities

To help families make informed decisions, here’s a comparison of Capital Transitional Care with other nursing facilities in the Sacramento area:

Key Differences

• Quality of Care: While Capital Transitional Care provides essential services, its average ratings in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care suggest room for improvement compared to higher-rated facilities in the area.
• Specialized Services: Capital Transitional Care’s 24 ventilator beds for complex respiratory needs set it apart from many competitors.
• Size and Staffing: With 121 beds, Capital Transitional Care is larger than some high-performing facilities, which may affect the level of personalized care. However, its above-average staffing ratios (4.6 hours of daily nursing care per resident) are a positive factor.
• Pricing: Capital Transitional Care’s costs are significantly higher than the local average, which families should weigh against the specialized services offered.

Recommendations for Families

When considering Capital Transitional Care or any senior living facility, families should:

1. Schedule an In-Person Visit:
   • Arrange a tour of Capital Transitional Care and at least 2-3 competitor facilities.
   • Observe staff interactions with residents and assess the overall cleanliness and atmosphere.
   • Request to participate in a meal to evaluate food quality and dining experience.
   • Pay special attention to the ventilator care unit if relevant to your needs.
2. Evaluate Care Plans:
   • Ask for sample care plans from Capital Transitional Care and competing facilities.
   • Compare the level of personalization and frequency of plan reviews.
   • Inquire about family involvement in care planning processes.
   • Given the facility’s average ratings, ask detailed questions about how they plan to improve and maintain care quality.
3. Assess Staffing Levels:
   • Request specific information on staff-to-resident ratios during different shifts.
   • Inquire about staff qualifications and ongoing training programs, especially for specialized care like ventilator management.
   • Ask about staff turnover rates and strategies for maintaining consistent care.
4. Review Activity Calendars:
   • Request monthly activity schedules from Capital Transitional Care and competitors.
   • Evaluate the variety and frequency of activities offered.
   • Ask about personalized activity options for residents with varying interests and abilities, including those with mobility or respiratory challenges.
5. Analyze Pricing Structure:
   • Request a detailed breakdown of all potential costs, including base rates and additional fees for specialized services like ventilator care.
   • Discuss how Medicare and Medicaid coverage applies to different care levels.
   • Compare Capital Transitional Care’s pricing model with other facilities, considering the value of specialized services offered.
   • Consult with a financial advisor to understand long-term affordability and payment options.
6. Investigate Specialized Care Options:
   • If ventilator care is needed, ask for detailed information about their respiratory care program, including staff expertise and equipment maintenance.
   • Inquire about their protocols for managing complex medical conditions and how they coordinate with external healthcare providers.
7. Speak with Current Residents and Families:
   • Request to speak with current residents and their families during your visit, especially those utilizing specialized services.
   • 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 Capital Transitional Care and competing facilities.
   • Pay attention to any citations or areas of concern, particularly regarding resident safety and specialized care delivery.
   • 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.
10. Consider Long-Term Needs:
    • Assess whether Capital Transitional Care 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.

By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, families can make a well-informed decision about whether Capital Transitional Care or another facility in the Sacramento area best meets their loved one’s needs. Remember that while Capital Transitional Care offers specialized services like ventilator care, its mixed ratings and higher costs suggest that careful comparison with other facilities is essential to ensure the best care and value for your loved one.