Frequently Asked Questions

Definitely. Mail is delivered to patients personally on a daily basis except for weekends and holidays.

Fireside Health Care Center
Attn: ______ Room No._____

947 3^rd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403

We recommend approximately five changes of clothing and a pair of comfortable rubber-soled shoes. All articles should be washed, clearly labeled with the resident’s name in permanent ink, and entered into the patient’s personal inventory log in the medical chart. Other personal items should be marked or engraved for identification. We advise that patients not keep valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash in the facility.

Personal Laundry: There is no charge for personal laundry. However, families who wish to do their loved ones’ laundry must bring in a plastic hamper for dirty clothes and ensure laundry is done at least once a week in order to comply with state hygiene regulations.

Clothing and Laundry Tips: All personal clothing is washed in an industrial washing machine at a temperature of 180 degrees. Make sure all clothing is appropriate for washing and drying in these hot temperatures. Clothing that requires cold or warm water or special care is subject to damage and fading. All clothing must be labeled. Please label the clothing with the resident 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.

We have a beautician available every Wednesday. Please contact Social Services or stop by the front desk to set up an appointment. Payments for all services are to be made in advance or at the beauty shop during appointments.

For the safety and welfare of all patients and staff, Fireside Health Care Center is a nonsmoking facility. The designated smoking area is on the back patio.

We always want our patients to be comfortable; if space permits, small personal items from the resident’s home are always welcome.

Bed linens, hospital gowns, and towels are provided and laundered by the facility. If you prefer to do laundry for your loved one’s personal clothing items, please inform the charge nurse/social services designee.

Private phone access is available to every resident. Unlimited local and toll-free calls can be made from resident phones. An unlimited number of phone calls from any incoming area code (national or international) can be received at the resident phones. Patients can bring in their own phone and simply plug it into the phone jack next to their assigned bed, or a phone can be provided by the facility at no extra cost.

All of the rooms already have free cable television in them. If you would like to bring in your own television from home, please consult with our maintenance director to ensure proper placement according to county fire codes.

Fireside Health Care Center has a vibrant atmosphere with dynamic, individualized activities that match the capabilities and needs of our residents. We also have active resident and family councils as well as 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.

Suggestions and recommendations for changes in the facility rules can be submitted in person or in writing to Fireside Health Care Center administration.