FAQ's

1. Why do I need to speak with a placement consultant? Why not simply look on my own?
   Ability Senior Care examines the capabilities of facilities including their ability to perform diabetic care, difficult transfers, operate specific medical equipment including oxygen concentrators, tube feedings and hoyer lifts, as well as provide appropriate staffing levels. Quality and details are key components of a successful placement.
   Our staff will ask many pertinent questions because "trivial" details can make the difference between a successful placement or disaster.

For example:
• Some facilities have an awake staff, while others have staff on-site but sleeping during the night. Does a senior need help going to the bathroom during the evening? Is the senior confused at night and wanders around the home, placing themselves in potentially dangerous situations?
  
• Some seniors need two people to help transfer him/her from a bed to a wheelchair. Are staffing levels at the facility adequate to safely carry out this task?
• Some facilities have pets living on-site. Does the senior have an allergic reaction to animals?
• Each facility sets their own visitation policies. Will the facility visitation policy match my own personal schedule?
  
  
2. Who monitors Assisted Living Facilities and Group Homes?
   The Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS): Office of Assisted Living Licensure, is charged with the responsibility of licensing and monitoring these facilities. To help ensure quality, the Ability Senior Care facility assessment includes a current review of facility files. You will find that Ability Senior Care is committed to finding your loved one the best living option and therefore does thorough checks on the homes before referring them.
   
   
3. What is the difference between an Assisted Living Facility and a Group Home?
   Group Homes, officially licensed as Assisted Living Homes, are homes located in residential areas that are licensed to provide care for 10 residents or less. These well appointed homes are staffed 24 hours a day by certified caregivers. 3 home cooked meals a day and snacks, medication management, bathing and dressing assistance, incontinence care and activities are a few of the services homes offer. Please note that each home has different capabilities and have different staffing arrangements
   
   Assisted Living Facilities, officially licensed as Assisted Living Centers, are large apartment style facilities that provide a host of different services that are offered on an a-la-carte basis. Full time activity coordinators, elegant dining rooms that offer a choice of entrees and on-site beauticians are a few of the services that more active seniors can take advantage of.
   
   DHS has different licensure designations (Directed, Personal, and Supervisory) for facilities that determine the different levels of care that can be provided. A resident that is living in a particular facility may have to move if the care needs rise above the licensure designation. Ability Senior Care is aware of facility licensure designations and can help direct you to facilities that are licensed to meet the specific care needs of your loved one.
   
   
4. Do all facilities work with ALTCS, (Arizona Long Term Care System) or Medicaid? How do finances play a role in placement?
   Prices vary widely between facilities. Each can choose if they will contract with ALTCS. Ability Senior Care can help you determine if you should include ALTCS in your planning for a senior’s placement. Every senior has a unique financial situation. Our unique approach ensures continuing high quality care because we will consider all of the financial issues at hand.