Monterey Palms Health - Palm Desert, California

Lori M.

A frightening experience. My husband was transferred from Eisenhower Hospital to Monterey Palms in early November to recover from a surgery that resulted in a great loss of blood. He weighed 265 when he was admitted, he weighed 230 when he left 5+ weeks later. During the time he was there he was fed less than 1000 calories a day and many meals barely 5 grams of protein. He's a big guy, but the weight just dropped off from insufficient food, especially protein. He was supposed to be on an unrestricted diet, but his meals were delivered cold and inedible. A few spoonfulls of cold rice, beans, a half portion of breaded fish, a tiny tub of margarine. He left this week, but by the time he was discharged the nearly fat-free diet had his skin shedding from his body in sheets... I thought there was snow around his bed but in fact it was skin falling like rain! When I asked the dietician (many times!) about his meals, we were promised more and better food, but that never happened. I tried to bring in sandwiches, butter, olive oil and protein shakes just so he would survive.
During the time he was there he was alone in a semi-darkened room that was either too hot or too cold, and where the shade did not work to let in sunlight. He became deeply depressed from the isolation.
I want to say that many of the staff were very nice and efficient, the Wound Care nurse was excellent. However, when my husband was in pain and pressing the button to ask for pain meds, no one came over several nights. My husband called me at 1 a.m. and asked me to call the night nurse from my outside line and ask her to run pain meds to my husband. He was supposed to receive his pain medication every four hours... the last dose he received was at 6 p.m. He was in tears by the time he got his meds at 3 a.m..
I can understand now why a patient might be afraid to complain. You really don't want the people who are in charge of your care to make matters worse, 'forget' to bring you pain medicine, or short you on meals. I tried to be friendly and not aggravate the staff in any way, but I am SO relieved that my husband was able to transfer to a rehab facility that could really look after his needs. He was in such bad shape when he left that we really felt he might not live much longer.

John R.

Wish I could give a lower rating...Absolutely the last place you would want to put a loved one in. The staff from the top person down to the bottom level employee has little regard for the patients. Why they ever got into nursing is the question. They have ZERO COMPASSION OR EMPATHY for any of the patients. This facility should be shut down or every single person on the staff FIRED!!! Honestly I wouldn't let them care for my pet. The staff doesn't answer the call buttons when a patient needs them. Patients sit in their own poo because the staff is too busy picking their noses. They barely follow State rules and laws. I see way too much apathy from each and every staff member. It has become obvious why they do not have a higher rating. They need to remember why they chose nursing as a career, TO CARE FOR OTHERS!!! No one forced any of you to become nurses!!! I recommend you all find another line of work.!!! Try and remember why you are there and have some compassion.!!!!! Beware, the NURSES STEAL FROM THE PATIENTS!!!!!

G B.

My father is in this facility. I have now called 5 times to reach the nurses station to speak to Anna, the night nurse, no answer and their mailbox is full. (Front desk)I left a message at 7:40 for Anna to call me back it is now 9:27 p.m. and no call back. When I spoke to the front desk at 7:40 the receptionist assured me that Anna would call me back. Today when I took my mother to visit my father, I spoke to Millie, the day nurse, and told her we were coming in at 3:00 and would like to speak to her. I asked what time she was taking lunch...she said she would be there. Nope...The staff told me was at lunch at 3:00. My father deserves the best care...after 3 days, these problems exist There is no directory of names to call. Wow...not good!!

Hans H.

This facility has a 4 Star ⭐️ CMS rating. Every time I visit, the management and staff are very pleasant and they really care about the residents. They have high standards that put the residents first and the quality of care is top notch. If I had a loved one that needs a skilled nursing facility, I would highly recommend Monterey Palms Health Care Center, because I know they would be taken care of.

Hans Huerto
Gentiva Hospice

Ryan D.

I have only good things to say about this facility. My father has been there for 2 1/2 months, and I sleep well at night knowing he is in good hands. The staff is friendly, responsive, capable, efficient, and always available for you. Any concern I have had has been met, and anything my father needs has been provided.

I will say, though, that patients and family have to be active participants in their care. Not only active, but patient. There are hundreds of people that pass in and out of the facility, and that staff interacts with weekly. Patient reminders, respectful conversation, and understanding of the process is important.

Work with them, ask questions, be kind, and follow the rules and everything should sail smoothly.

Nicole S.

As of right now, my father has been waiting at the doctor's appointment that he got dropped off by this facility since 10 o'clock to get a ride back to the facility. I keep calling the number to see when my father's being picked up and no one answers. I have been calling for the past thirty minutes and no response. My father is 67 years old and waited in the heat for a ride. Back to the facility, and there's no one to get in contact with. I could be wrong but I think this is the form of neglect.

Deane R.

My husband has stayed there two times. All the nurses are quite pleasant and supportive for their patients. Having the pandemic was hard for patients and staff. My only complaint was the food per my husband. Clean, knowledgeable staff, pleasant inside and out and close to Eisenhower.

Pam A.

Great!!!! My dad was recently a patient for 4 weeks at Monterey Palms. I live out of town and had to manage from afar. I was at Monterey Palms in person 4 times throughout the month. They were helpful, patient, understanding and worked hard to get my dad physically strong. Let's start with Hazel, always friendly when answering the phone, Leslie and Larry along with the others in physical therapy, so awesome and helpful in every way. Eric and Caroline , the nurses, always willing to talk to me and give me a daily update, never rushed me off the phone and always kept me informed. Carmella helped whenever I needed it and Annette and Marie the nurses were also helpful. It was a difficult experience that I had peace of mind about because of all the wonderful people working at this facility. I want to mention it was always clean.