We anticipate our families to have many questions and we do understand.

Here are some of these often-asked questions:

Are you a Medicare/Medi-cal certified hospital? Do you accept HMO patients?
Yes, we are a 90 bed Medicare/Medi-cal certified hospital and we welcome HMO patients.

Where can I find a copy of the CA Resident Handbook?
Our California Resident Handbook provides important and useful information on the services and amenities our facility provides. Download the document using the link on the right or below. We have also provided a link to download another information brochure – “Your Right to Make Decisions About Medical Treatment”.

View / Download the Covenant Care California Resident Handbook >
View / Download the “Your Right to Make Decisions About Medical Treatment” Brochure >

Does the department of Health endorse this hospital?
Yes, we are routinely evaluated by the Department of Health. These visits are always unannounced and every aspect of patient care is received. We have received superior evaluations because we maintain rigorous standards and expectations for our employees with regard to patient care.

What can I expect from nursing?
We have nurses on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Our nurses have to meet standards set by the State of California’s Board of Nurses for licensure. The charge nurses supervise a staff of certified assistants (CNA’s) who help patients with bathing, dressing, and meals. In addition, the CNAs take vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, and pulse) and report these to the charge nurse. Authorized family members may also call the charge nurse at any time for a status report on a patient’s medical condition. We are here to assist with the family’s concerns as well as the patients.

How much therapy will be available?
All therapies require a physician’s order. In the case of an HMO, therapy must also have authorization for treatment from the HMO’s case manager or utilization manager. The amount of therapy received by a patient is depended upon how much progress the patient makes. All therapists need to document significant progress to keep patient on a caseload.

Who does the patients laundry?
Our facility offers laundry services or a family may elect to do a patient’s laundry at home.

How much clothing should be provided for each patient?
We would like families to provide at least seven days of clothing including 2-3 warm sweaters, slippers, and a robe if possible. Clothing should be comfortable and easy to put on and take off. Please use a permanent marker to put the patient’s name on each article of clothing.

What are the visiting hours?
We understand that most of us work and have difficulty visiting during the daytime. We ask that families use their best judgment in regard to the length of stay per visit and the time of the visit.

Is there a hairdresser available?
Yes, we have a hairdresser that will see both male and female residents by appointment. Please see the Director of Social Services to find out how to make an appointment for your family member (or friend).

When does the physician come in to see the patient?
Physicians are contacted at the time of admission for medication orders, dietary requirements, and other considerations, and will visit patients shortly after admission. Physicians make a monthly visit for long-term care patients, and a physician is available 24-hours per day.

What if the patient needs a consultation for other services?
We contract with many ancillary service providers including (but not limited to) the following:

• Audiology
• Dentistry
• Dermatology
• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Orthotics & Prosthetics
• Podiatry Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Respiratory Therapy
• X-Ray Services

Who do I contact regarding insurance billing questions?
Our Business Office Manager should be able to help you with most of your questions and concerns. If you have an HMO, you can also discuss any concerns with the case manager assigned to the patient.

Who do I see if I have dietary concerns?
We have a dietary supervisor that is available to discuss preferences and needs with the patient and/or family. We also have a registered dietician that monitors each patient’s dietary requirements, weight gain and/or loss. In addition, our speech therapist is available to discuss special concerns due to a patient’s inability to swallow safely. We ask family members to please not bring in food from home unless the charge nurse has indicated that it is all right to do so.

Who will make transportation arrangements for patients who have appointments outside Royal Care?
Social Services make all transportation arrangements.

May I take a patient out of the facility?
Yes, but only if there is a written physician’s order. Part A Medicare patients are the exception. Medicare regulations state that if a patient needs skilled Part A coverage, then he/she is too ill to leave the facility. The exceptions are doctor’s appointments; including diagnostic tests, etc, outside of this facility.

Which languages are spoken in the facility?
In addition to English, we have speakers of several Filipino Dialects, as well as Spanish, Cambodian, and Vietnamese. In the case of less common languages, we have communication books with pictures so our nursing staff is able to meet the patient’s needs. We also ask family members to help us develop a word bank in the patient’s native language to provide a communications system.

May we bring family pets in to visit?
Yes, this is usually not a problem, but please checks with the Activities Director.

Do you provide televisions, radios and telephones?
There is one television provided in each room that is to be shared. Should any resident or family member wish to provide a television or radio for individual use, they may do so. Please label equipment with patient’s name. Telephones may be installed at bedside, but families are responsible for monthly bills and installation fees. Room assignments may not be permanent and families are responsible for relocation of line charges.