California Terrace Nursing Home: Understanding Your Care Options

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May 22, 2025

Last Updated on May 26, 2025 by Linda Mae Anderson

Introduction: California Terrace Nursing Home Overview

Navigating the world of nursing homes can be daunting, with facilities like California Terrace Nursing Home in Chicago, Illinois, often sparking curiosity among families. With an overall score of 1.0 out of 5, this for-profit skilled nursing facility has raised concerns, particularly due to its staffing challenges. According to ProPublica Nursing Home Inspect, the facility provides only 2.09 nurse hours per resident per day, significantly below the state average of 3.4 hours. Additionally, its staff turnover rate is 33.6%, complicating consistency in care. This article draws on credible sources like Medicare.gov to provide a comprehensive overview of this facility.

Overview of California Terrace Nursing Home

Strategically located in Chicago, California Terrace operates as a for-profit Limited Liability Company. The facility provides round-the-clock medical care, owned by individuals including Moshe Blonder and Aharon Singer, along with the Wissati Irrevocable Trust and MTJ Holdings LLC. These owners have a significant influence on operations, as indicated on Seniorly. Resident and family testimonials on platforms like TrustedCareReviews highlight mixed experiences, emphasizing the need for prospective residents to make informed decisions.

Staffing and Quality Ratings at California Terrace

The nursing home’s rating is heavily impacted by staffing issues, where providing adequate nurse hours is paramount for high-quality care. These challenges mirror the facility’s low scores, indicating potential implications for residents’ well-being, as discussed in ProPublica Nursing Home Inspect. User reviews frequently mention these shortages, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the level of personalized care.

Industry Terminology: Staffing challenges might involve “nursing FTEs” (full-time equivalents), affecting “patient-to-staff ratios,” critical for personalized resident care and compliance with healthcare standards.

Ownership Structure and Management

The management and ownership structure of California Terrace often sparks discussion regarding the balance between profitability and patient care. According to ProPublica Nursing Home Inspect, complex ownership can obscure transparency and accountability in for-profit nursing homes. Industry experts argue for proactive management that focuses on care quality over mere financial performance, a sentiment echoed in peer reviews and professional insights.

Comparing California Terrace to Other Chicago Nursing Homes

In Chicago, comparing facilities like California Terrace with others such as Aperion Care International and Little Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is essential. These facilities share similarly low ratings, impacted by staffing and care quality challenges, according to TrustedCareReviews. Visual aids or infographics can provide families with clearer comparisons of vital metrics, aiding informed decision-making regarding suitable care facilities.

Transition to Home-Based Solutions

Given the critical challenges faced by traditional nursing homes like California Terrace, such as staffing shortages and lower quality care, many families are exploring home-based solutions that promote continued independence for their elderly loved ones. One promising option is the use of the VELA Independence Chair — a medically approved mobility chair designed for home use. This chair enhances safety and freedom of movement while reducing the burden on informal caregivers. It supports daily activities such as cooking, dressing, or transferring, thereby helping seniors maintain dignity and independence in their own homes.

Exploring Alternatives to Nursing Homes

As families look for alternatives to institutional care, mobility solutions for elderly residents such as the VELA Independence Chair offer a viable option for aging in place. This chair is equipped with a central brake for safety and electric height adjustability to ease transfers and daily movements. Such features are crucial for reducing fall risks and conserving a senior’s energy.

With a VELA Chair, daily tasks like preparing meals or simply moving between rooms become less daunting. Compared to life without this adaptive seating, users benefit from enhanced comfort and reduced caregiver dependency. Though not the sole solution, chairs designed for fall prevention in nursing homes like VELA’s emphasize safety and ease of movement, effectively delaying or reducing the need for nursing home placement. This encourages both family peace of mind and senior autonomy, underscoring the chair’s role in balanced elder care.

FAQ

What services does California Terrace Nursing Home offer to its residents?

California Terrace Nursing Home provides round-the-clock medical care as a skilled nursing facility. It offers services consistent with nursing homes, though specific care offerings beyond general medical support are not detailed in the source material.

What are the staffing levels like at California Terrace Nursing Home?

California Terrace Nursing Home reports only 2.09 nurse hours per resident per day, which is significantly lower than the Illinois state average of 3.4 hours. The facility also has a staff turnover rate of 33.6%, which may affect consistency and quality of care for residents.

What are some common concerns about California Terrace Nursing Home?

Common concerns include low staffing levels and high staff turnover, which impact the quality and consistency of care. These issues have contributed to California Terrace’s low overall rating and have been highlighted in user reviews and inspections.

What is the overall rating of California Terrace Nursing Home based on health inspections?

California Terrace Nursing Home has an overall score of 1.0 out of 5, as reported by Medicare.gov. This low rating reflects concerns highlighted in health inspections and staffing deficiencies.

How does California Terrace Nursing Home compare to other nursing facilities in Chicago?

California Terrace Nursing Home shares similarly low ratings with other facilities in Chicago, such as Aperion Care International and Little Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. These comparisons suggest citywide concerns about staffing and care quality in certain nursing homes.

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Author

  • Senior Living Consultant & Occupational Therapist

    Linda Mae Anderson is a certified occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience working with seniors in both assisted living facilities and private home care settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has specialized in adaptive equipment and helping aids that support independence in aging populations.

    Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Linda moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains for the community and the peaceful lifestyle — and stayed because she found a calling in helping seniors age with dignity and comfort.