A Crucial Guide to the Dept. of Health Services

Posted on: June 12th, 2009 by Mark Hendel MSW

When clinicians are searching for the best assisted living home or center for their clients, the Department of Health Services (DHS) is a valuable resource to use. It is essential when referring patients to check DHS records to know if a home has a history of elder abuse, neglect, medication mismanagement or other care problems. By checking records, clinicians can glean necessary information about the quality of a facility and evaluate if it is the right fit for their client.

 

The difference between an Assisted Living Home and Assisted Living Center is that homes can provide care for up to, but not exceeding 10 residents whereas a center can provide care for 11 or more people with no maximum limit. Both provide three levels of care; supervisory, personnel or directed. Files on these homes are available for public viewing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the DHS office, 150 N. 18th Ave. in Phoenix. The department maintains a public file for all licensed assisted living facilities. Copies of statutes are available upon request or can be found at www.azcarecheck.com

When looking through a home’s records, the file will contain the location of the home, the owner’s license, the state of the license and a record of inspections. There will also be a list of deficiencies, citations and penalties. A penalty or enforcement is a monetary fine against an agency or entity for failure to comply with one or more Arizona Revised Statutes or Arizona Administrative Codes. A deficiency is when a facility has violated one or more specific licensure or certification regulations. It’s important to note that deficiencies range in scope and severity from isolated violations with no actual harm to residents to widespread violations that put residents in harm’s way.

“SocialWorks reviews the DHS records of each facility we refer because it helps to ensure we only refer the highest quality  assisted living centers and group homes,” said Mark Hendel, the Executive Director of  SocialWorks Inc., Eldercare Placement Services. “The records can reveal hidden problems with the management and care provided by a facility that are not obvious to consumers.”

According to DHS, assisted living facilities are inspected annually, but sometimes more often if a facility adds or changes services, capacities or ownership. A survey is conducted if necessary, for the investigation of complaints alleging violations of rules or statutes. If there are deficiencies cited as a result of an on-site inspection the provider has 10 working days to submit a written plan of corrections. That plan must address for each violation: the date the correction will be made; how the deficiency was resolved; how the problem will be handled in the future and the name of the individual responsible for resolving the deficiency.

A facility’s file will also have on record complaints related to quality of life and quality of care, including residents’ rights, abuse, dietary problems, staffing and environmental concerns.  Complaints are prioritized according to the severity of the grievance and risk to the resident: Priority 1: an investigation must be initiated in 2 working days; Priority 2: must be initiated within 10 working days and Priority 3: must be initiated within 45 working days. The office of Assisted Living Licensing works in conjunction with other state, local, and county agencies to ensure the health and safety or residents in assisted living.

Every day, tens of thousands of Arizona’s most vulnerable adults rely on assisted living centers and homes to look after them. The DHS is an invaluable tool for clinicians making referrals to Assisted Living facilities. Clinicians can also educate consumers on where to find this info or utilize the services of a placement agency. Contact SocialWorks Inc for further information at 602-867-1270.

 

Posted in Alzheimers and dementia, Assisted Living, Az Dept. of Health Services, DHS, Group Homes, Nursing Homes, Uncategorized, adult care homes | Comments Off

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When Home Is No Longer an Option

Posted on: January 24th, 2008 by Mark Hendel MSW

Do any of these statements sound familiar?

“Dad left the stove on again causing a small fire”.

“Your mother’s medications are not being taken as prescribed”.

“The stroke has led to partial paralysis and your dad will no longer be able to walk”.

Where do you turn when confronted with the fact that your loved one is no longer able to live independently? Families across the Phoenix-Metro Area have found both greatly needed answers and support by turning to the professionals at SocialWorks.

SocialWorks understands that every senior must be treated as an individual.  No two people have the same medical, emotional, spiritual and financial needs.  Our assessment ensures that our recommendations meet the specific needs of the senior and his/her family.

Why does SocialWorks recommend particular facilities?

SocialWorks recommends assisted living facilities, group homes and nursing homes that meet our exacting standards.  They must have an excellent record with the Department of Health Services.  The facility must have the capabilities to meet the specific needs of the senior, and every facility has different capabilities and limitations.  We examine the cleanliness of the facility, variety and quality of the food, appearance of other residents, staff interaction with residents, client/staff ratios, activities and ease of accessibility.

When a senior needs hospice care, we make sure our facilities will have the ability to care for a dying client.  If a senior has dementia/Alzheimers’, we work hard to ensure the facility has the expertise to work with confusion.  Diabetes requires a specific diet and precise medication management, and this will fall on the staff.    Again, all facilities are different. SocialWorks works hard to match seniors with the best facilities available.

To obtain expert advise from healthcare professionals you can trust, call SocialWorks at 602-867-1270.

Posted in Alzheimers and dementia, Assisted Living, Group Homes, Uncategorized | No Comments »

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Assisted Living Facilities and Group Homes in Phoenix, Arizona:What is the Difference?

Posted on: January 5th, 2008 by Mark Hendel MSW

Over 1500 Assisted Living Facilities and Assisted Living Homes, more commonly referred to as group homes, dot the landscape in Arizona, including the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Chandler and Surprise. Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand contain many quality assisted living facilities and nursing homes. With so many facilities to choose from, what is the difference?

Nursing homes, assisted living facilities and group homes provide 24 hour care to the elderly and people with disabilities. Traditionally, those with very high care levels went to nursing homes. 24 hour nursing care ensures those with the most severe disabilities are provided for. Wound care, physical therapy, Alzheimer’s and dementia care are but a few of the many services offered.

A common trend is that group homes and assisted living facilities are admitting people with higher levels of care. Group homes are admitting clients who require insulin, feeding tubes, dementia care, assistance with bathing, dressing, and incontinence care. Many hospices routinely recommend group homes for their clients, most of whom are extremely ill and require assistance day and night. It is extremely important for consumers to remember that not all group homes are the same, as tremendous differences exist between homes, including the skill set and number of caregivers on site.

Assisted living facilities have traditionally admitted residents who are alert and require a minimum amount of care. They are renowned for their choices of activities. Socialization is plentiful and encouraged. More and more assisted living facilities are now finding their rooms filled with wheelchair bound residents who require a great deal of hands on care. Dementia units with all the finest amenities are emerging at assisted living facilities. As with group homes, not all assisted living facilities are the same. Many have resources to provide for only the highest functioning seniors and people with disabilities.

SocialWorks, Inc. is the most highly respected and experienced eldercare placement agency in Arizona. Their experts will help guide your family members to the most appropriate, reputable and affordable assisted living facilities and adult care homes. Using only facilities licensed by the Dept. of Health Services ensures proper oversight and the highest standards of care. Call SocialWorks at 602-867-1270 to schedule an assessment today.

Posted in Assisted Living, Group Homes, Nursing Homes, Uncategorized | No Comments »

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