Gramercy Court

My mother was a resident at Gramercy Court for about three years. Overall, they were a positive experience, although there were times when my mother needed assistance and if it was during shift change or a staff meeting, she might have had to wait a long time before anyone checked on her. There were also issues about pain meds (my mother was terminal and on hospice care), when the nurses "decided" that she was taking too much pain medication, after the doctors told her she could have as much as she needed to make her comfortable. This was eventually resolved, and the nurse in question transferred to a different unit. The facility was clean, the food reasonable (very basic, but OK for "hospital" food). They tried to accommodate my mother's preferences. The staff also found a nice spot for my mother to smoke, even though they generally disapproved, and put a bench under a nice tree in the garden. Grounds were pretty, and well maintained. Activities, like bingo, piano and other mini-concerts were good, and there were outside activities to movies, and parks when my mother was well enough to attend. Gramercy was good about helping mother schedule outside medical appointments, and provide transportation when it was available. During the three years my mother was there, she had several "roommates". When there was an issue with one of them, they found a different roommate, and moved her. One of the few complaints I had with the facility is that when she died, her rings and a couple of other small pieces of jewelry disappeared. Since they were only of sentimental value, we just let it pass. The facility allowed us to have a small memorial service for her, since she had made many friends there while a resident.

Gramercy Court is situated twenty minutes east of downtown Sacramento. Just a mile northeast of Arden Mall, Gramercy is placed at the back of a court in a residential neighborhood. Stores, movies, and restaurants are all close by.My most recent memory of Gramercy Court was performing there on Cinco de Mayo. I also helped put on a Halloween Community Trick or Treat event there a few years ago. It is unique in that it provides assisted living, and skilled nursing on the same campus. Cleanliness and odor issues do not exist at Gramercy. The two levels of care have separate living areas. It was meant to be a continuum of care, so mates could remain close to one another. I find this a major attraction. If you have with dementia, or a medical limitation requiring skilled nursing care, the significant other can have loved one nearby within walking distance living on the same property. However, when there are special events the two populations gather together. Speaking of activities, there is ample activity staff that is well utilized. They share reminiscences, play board games, have sing-a-longs, guest entertainment, and are afforded the chance to go on many outings. Most activities are geared to the particular likes and family involvement is encouraged for activities and special events. That activity level gets amped up during the holiday season as the residents, staff, and families tend to become closer. Residents claim meals are generally above average. Gramercy can accommodate any medically ordered diet out there. I believe at one time they had a chef preparing meals. The caregivers are dynamic and active providers of care. The atmosphere is friendly but not fake. You don't see that overworked look of exasperation seen in other homes. Rarely do I see a resident in need of ADL attention. The Rehab. Team here is committed to returning as many of their client's home; or at minimum, to a lower level of care. This community is sprawling yet self-contained. It's as though the residents are living in their own down-size luxury hotel. The colors are bright but not overwhelming. Paintings and other art decorate the walls. Gramercy is opposite of institutional in appearance. The rooms are spacious, and families are encouraged to make resident spaces as home-like as they want. Perhaps, Administrative staff and managers could be a bit more engaging and personable. Overall, it's one of the best. I give Gramercy Court 5 out of 5.