The brightly-decorated Gridley Post Acute nurses station is “where all of the magic happens.”

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley Post Acute Skilled Nursing (formerly Hovlid) is now a five-star facility, granted by the centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

This makes it the only five-star skilled nursing facility in both Butte and Yuba counties.

There are currently 72 patients at the facility, with a capacity of 82. Both long- and short-term patients are treated. Hovlid was purchased and renamed three years ago by West Harbor Health Care, when it had a one-star rating, according to marketing director Sarah Boesen. 

“They (Western Harbor Health Care) own a line of other skilled nursing facilities around California in Carlsbad, Petaluma and Redding,” said Boesen.

The Rehabilitation room at Gridley Post Acute provides for patients of many different skill levels. 

“We don’t have any travelling employees; they are all here (all the time),” said Boesen, who has been with this facility for a year. “They speak eight languages, so languages aren’t a barrier to your health. I had my mother-in-law here at our facility for a while. She was Spanish speaking only… she had the best experience. She went home after two weeks, with no home-health care, at age 85.”

When asked about the criteria for the rating, Boesen responded, “The quality measures, the staff-to-patient ratio, being able to meet their needs, health inspections, safety of patients, and the overall cleanliness of the facility are all factors.” 

Gridley Post Acute gets referrals from many areas such as Ukiah and UC Davis, as well as Oroville and Enloe hospitals. The cases are evaluated to see if the patient’s needs can be met and then transportation is arranged to Gridley. 

The Gridley Herald was given a tour of the facility. The Rehabilitation Room was the first stop. All different skill levels are accommodated there, from activities for patients in wheelchairs and on up.

A television is available in the dining room at Gridley Post Acute. 

Next came the nurse’s station “where all of the magic happens,” Boesen said.  

Plenty of Christmas decorations were displayed and a special celebration was held on Dec. 24. All 72 patients received candy, clothing and blankets, thanks to the donors who supported the Amazon wish list. So many clothing items arrived that some will be saved for new, incoming patients, according to activities director Sharla Ehorn. Special consideration was also given to those patients who do not celebrate Christmas. 

Tours for families of prospective patients are always welcomed. Contact Boesen at 530-370-3112.