Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting hours
We recommend visiting from 8 am until 8 pm, after that time we lock our doors as most residents are asleep. But you are welcome to visit 24 hours a day. Please call in advance for after hours visits to ensure access.
How do I find out about activities provided for the resident?
We strive to create social programs and individualized activities to match the capabilities and needs of each resident. This also has a powerful impact on the healing process of those residents involved in some type of rehabilitation. Specific activities include: active resident councils, musical performances, current events update, reading the newspaper, singing exercises, fitness activities, stretching exercises, religious meetings, outside entertainment, games, trivia, history, and volunteer involvement. We also strongly encourage families to participate with the residents in various activities.
A monthly calendar is posted to keep residents informed of upcoming events such as birthday parties, movies, musical programs, outings, candlelight dinners, ice cream socials and other special events. We always welcome friends and families to visit and attend our special events.
What role does Social Services play at McKinley Park Care Center?
Our social service team assists both residents and their families during transitional periods. They also provide essential information, manage requests and concerns, help in the care and discharge planning for each resident. They can arrange professional services for Dental, Vision, Podiatry, Audiology, Power of Attorney, Dementia assessment, Psychosocial and Psychiatric Evaluation, and Individual therapy.
How is the laundry done? Can family members take laundry home?
Should you wish to have McKinley Park Care Center wash the laundry please notify the front office upon admission. Subsequently, if a family/care giver is going to take care of the laundry at home, please let the nursing station know your plans. This way, the staff can place a sign on the closet door notifying our housekeeping staff to leave the clothing for family pick up. We request that family provide a hamper for clothes and pick it up twice a week.
All personal clothing is washed in an industrial washing machine at a temperature of 180 degrees. Make sure your loved ones’ clothing is appropriate for washing and drying in these hot temperatures. Avoid bringing clothing that requires cold or warm water, special care, or is subject to damage and fading. All clothing must be labeled. Please label the clothing with the resident’s name, NOT the room number or initials. Mark clearly and in large letters on the inside neckline or waistband. All items must be marked including socks, shoes, and other personal items.
What articles of clothing should we bring?
We recommend approximately five changes of clothing and a pair of comfortable rubber-soled shoes. All articles should be washed, clearly labeled with resident’s name in permanent ink and entered into the residents’ personal inventory log in the medical chart. Other personal items should be marked or engraved for identification. We advise that residents do not keep valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash in the facility.
Is there a limit to the number of people who can visit at one time?
Although we do not have a formal policy stating visitation guidelines, we suggest using the common areas of the facility to meet with your loved one. If it is not possible to visit in one of the common areas, we suggest a limit of one to three people in a resident room at one time.
Is there any private space available to use?
You may reserve the main dining room or independent dining room for any special events (birthday, holidays, meals) with prior approval.
Can children visit?
We encourage children to visit, however, we ask you to alert the charge nurse to anyone visiting the facility under the age 12.
Can we bring a family pet to the facility?
We would love for your family pet to come visit. We allow pets only if we receive a copy of the pet’s current vaccinations. Please remember to clean up after them and take the proper safety measures at all times. All pets are to be kept on a leash.
How often will a physician or health professional visit?
We have a physician or nurse practitioner in the building every weekday and at times on the weekend as well. Check out all the services that are provided by our own Medical Group.
Can I take my loved one home for a visit?
Residents may have a leave of absence only with a physician’s authorization, which can be arranged through the nursing staff. Upon arrival and departure, the resident or responsible party must sign the LOA (leave of absence) book, located at the nursing station.
Can my loved one receive mail?
Mail is delivered to residents personally on a daily basis except for weekends and holidays.
McKinley Park Care Center
Attn: ___________________ Room No. __________
3700 H Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
Consider using our Send a Greeting feature on the website. Just type the recipients name and type your message. When it arrives in our email box we will print it and hand deliver it to your loved one. You may also choose to send your loved one a designed post card for a small fee.
Is smoking permitted in the facility?
For the safety and welfare of all residents and staff, McKinley Park Care Center is a non-smoking facility. There are designated smoking areas in the outdoor areas.
Where should I park when I come to visit?
We have a parking lot in the back of the building accessible from I Street. In addition, several of the streets in the front is all day parking. Please observe all posted city parking signs. Avoid parking in spaces specifically reserved for the handicapped, employees and physicians.
Can I bring in my loved one’s favorite food?
Consistent with the provision of special diets, always consult with the nursing staff before bringing food to residents. Any food kept in the resident room must be in properly sealed containers.
Is there someone who provides haircuts?
Yes, we have a beautician that we schedule appointments with.
Will my loved one’s room have a television?
Yes, there are televisions in the rooms. Cable is available at no charge to our short term rehab residents.
Will my loved one have telephone access?
Residents have access to telephones whenever they need to.
Will my loved one have internet access?
WiFi Internet is provided for residents and their guests.
What kinds of activities are planned for the residents?
McKinley Park Care Center has a vibrant atmosphere with dynamic, individualized activities that match the capabilities and needs of residents and their guests. We also have active resident and family councils and volunteer programs. Scheduled activities include music, fitness activities, religious meetings, outside entertainment, games, gardening, field trips/outings and volunteer involvement. If you would like to arrange something special or have suggestions and ideas for individual or group activities, please inform our activities director. We welcome and encourage involvement from family and friends.
How often will the Rehabilitation staff work with my loved one?
Your rehab director can inform you of the rehabilitation program designed for your loved one.
Will Medicare cover my stay in the facility?
Residents must have a Medicare card that reads “Hospital Insurance.” They must also be admitted to the facility with a physician order within 30 days of a three consecutive night hospital stay. Generally, during the first 20 days of care, Medicare will pay 100%. For days 21-100, a daily co-insurance co-pay is required. Medicare does not cover skilled nursing fees over 100 days.
Who do I talk to about food preferences? Are there alternate options to each day’s menu?
Upon admission, our Registered Dietitian and/or Dietary Services Supervisor will interview your loved one regarding special needs with regards to food preferences. Our own food service personnel prepare all the meals. Special care is taken to serve flavorful and appetizing foods. All menus are developed according to prescribed medical diets ordered by the physicians.
Should you wish for another food item on a particular day’s menu, please make the CNA aware of your request. This information will be passed on to the Dietary Services Supervisor and they will try their best to accommodate needs.
Our Dietitian and Dietary Services Supervisor also monitor nutritional status using monthly weights, daily intake records, and relevant lab data. The results of these assessments are discussed at care conferences.
What do we do if we have personal concerns?
Our primary concern is that your loved one feels comfortable here at McKinley Park Care Center and that their needs are being met. You should feel secure and at ease with our staff, particularly those providing direct care. If you have any concerns or praise for our staff, please feel free to contact our social services department. They will be able to address any apprehensions you may have regarding any particular staff members.
What is an Ombudsman?
An Ombudsman is an advocate for residents. They are a third party person NOT employed by the facility who comes by the facility periodically to monitor the activities of the facility. They are not able to tell the facility what to do but are able to be a voice for a resident with a concern.
Who do I talk to about questions in regard to financials, billing, and/or admission paperwork?
McKinley Park Care Center employs a full-time Business Office Manager for all financial and billing concerns. Should you have any questions regarding these matters please make an appointment to see our Business Office Manager by contacting the front desk/receptionist.
The Admissions Coordinator will guide you through the necessary forms required for admission and review the rules and regulations regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and various insurances.
What is the difference between a CNA, LVN, and RN?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a health professional who works under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RN’s) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN’s) to provide a wide variety of basic hands-on resident care. CNAs perform basic nursing functions such as personal care, taking vital signs, positioning residents, and ambulation.
An LVN provides basic bedside nursing care to residents under the direction of a physician or registered nurse. Duties within the scope of practice for an LVN typically include but are not limited to, provision of basic hygienic and nursing care; measurement of vital signs; basic client assessment; documentation; performance of prescribed medical treatments; administration of prescribed medications; and, the performance of non-medicated intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal.
An RN’s duties may include everything a CNA and LVN carry out, in addition to administering an IV, assessment of residents, skin care, and processing doctors’ orders. Furthermore, RN’s typically take on management positions such as the Director of Nursing, who is responsible for all nursing duties in the building.
How do you protect patients, staff, and visitors from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases?
Our team is highly trained and experienced in caring for high-acuity patients and infectious diseases like COVID-19. Our dedicated infection prevention nurse helps ensure we follow current infection prevention guidelines and best practices. This includes educating all staff about the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks, surgical masks, gloves, and gowns and when to use COVID-19 protocols required by local department of public health and/or the CDC.
