By Joyce Iseri
You may be familiar with the saying “To understand someone, walk a mile in their shoes.” Well, I recently had that experience at ACC’s five-star Care Center (CC), and it gave me a renewed appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of the Care Center’s staff.
After undergoing knee replacement surgery, I spent 10 days in the Care Center’s short-term rehabilitation unit. My original plans to have my sister provide aftercare at home – which is typical for this outpatient procedure – had to be canceled due to a medical emergency that arose for her. So, rather than postpone my surgery, I inquired about the possibility of staying at ACC. Everyone I spoke with at ACC, starting with Kory Ishisaka, the CC Admissions Coordinator, was very informative and supportive. Working in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, my health plan, Kory helped to facilitate the process. She also patiently answered my many questions about the type of care that would be provided, the likely duration of my stay, and the cost of care, among other topics.
The surgery went well, after which I was transported to the Care Center. From the time I walked through the double entry doors, to the time I left 10 days later, I was impressed with the warm, competent, and caring atmosphere. Everyone made me feel welcome.Tamara Kario, the Administrator, greeted me upon my arrival, had lunch waiting for me, and introduced me to the various clinical and therapeutic staff that would constitute my care team. Staff checked frequently on how I was adjusting to my new “home,” and no request was ignored.
The day after surgery, I had a bad reaction to the pain medication that was prescribed, but the Kaiser physician who oversees all Kaiser patients placed at the Care Center provided an immediate remedy to resolve my problem. I shudder to think what might have happened if I had been rehabilitating at home. The nurses often asked how they could make me more comfortable (I had to keep my leg elevated to reduce swelling and pain). The food was tasty, and each week’s menu provided options for a light or a full-course meal, as well as a variety of Asian and Western entrees. And the in-house physical and occupational therapy, which helped immensely with my rehabilitation, was very accessible. All I had to do was walk down the hall to the therapy room for my sessions. I joked with CC staff that I was spoiled by their services and that I wouldn’t be able to function when I returned home.
Despite chairing ACC’s Care Center Committee, helping with the annual fundraiser, and receiving updates on the Care Center in board and committee meetings, staying there for 10 days gave me a perspective that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise. Instead of getting third-hand accounts, I was actually walking in the shoes of a Care Center resident. I can see why the Care Center continues to receive excellent reviews on their quality of care and compassion, and why so many people rate the Care Center as their first (and sometimes only) choice for skilled nursing care. I look forward to staying there again when I undergo surgery on my other knee – but this time in the soon-to-be renovated private rooms in Azalea Lane!
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