Archive for January, 2008

When Home Is No Longer an Option

Thursday, January 24th, 2008

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 Ability Senior Care.

Ability 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 Ability recommend particular facilities?

Ability 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. Ability works hard to match seniors with the best facilities available.

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

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

Saturday, January 5th, 2008

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.

Ability Senior Care 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 Ability at 602-867-1270 to schedule an assessment today.