Quality Is Not Just A System; It Is A Culture

What is quality? Webster's dictionary defines quality as A) How good or bad something is; B) A characteristic or feature that someone or something has, something that can be noticed as a part of a person or thing; C) A high level of value or excellence.

How do you measure quality? In the human service industry, there are many quality indicators. Some of these include: Are our facilities safe? Are our staff appropriately trained? Do we provide the required medical attention for the people we support? Is our paperwork accurate and updated as required? Do we report incidents that occur in an accurate, timely manner?

AIRES takes great pride in excelling at all of these necessary and important indicators of quality, as well as many more that are part of our industry standards. We also look at quality from a holistic and altruistic point of view, which in some aspects, is the most important indicator of quality. In providing supports to people, we examine whether the people we support are happy and healthy. We look at whether the people we support are living fulfilling lives. We try to ensure that the people we support have their days and lives filled with love and laughter. It is important to us for the people we support to feel as if they have a greater purpose in life other than just existing. When we provide the type of supports that encourage the people we support to strive towards excellence in their lives, and we are able to assist people in achieving milestones that all of us try to achieve, it gives greater purpose and meaning to the word "quality". Providing support in which we are able to help people identify their dreams, put a plan in place to realize their dreams, and then celebrating with them when those dreams are accomplished, is an important aspect of quality. The people we support are our family, our friends, and some of the most important people in our lives. Quality is providing "legendary service" and is something that I am proud to say we here at AIRES do on a daily basis!

Robin Moise
Director of Quality Enhancement
AIRES, LLC

Our In-home Services

AIRES has an excellent reputation as one of the best providers of group home services. But did you know that we also provide vital in-home services as well? This service is critical to keeping people in their home. People who might otherwise have to go to a group home, nursing home or assisted living center can now stay in their own home due to our staff. In-home services are just a fraction of the cost of a residential placement and allow people to remain as independent as possible, in a familiar setting. We provide these services to people with a variety of disabilities and the elderly.

What are in-home services? In-home services, also refereed to as Home & Community Based Services  (HCBS), is when an AIRES staff goes to the home of an individual and provides assistance. AIRES staff can provide housekeeping, medication reminders, personal care, companionship, errands and respite care. Respite care is when someone already has a dedicated caregiver. It may be a parent , a spouse or another family member. In order to give that caregiver a break and an opportunity to recharge, our staff come to the home and provide care, allowing the family caregiver to leave for a designated period of time. This service is key in allowing someone to spend their last days in their home with their family by their side.

In 2012, AIRES came to decision to make an effort to significantly grow our HCBS program. These services are growing in popularity across the populations we serve and it was another way that we could live our Mission: helping people live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. We are now providing nearly 8,000 hours of service to over 300 people statewide, with plans for continued growth.

I can't say enough good things about our hardworking staff that provides these services. As you may imagine, people who need these services do not have other supports and many have only us to rely on. Our staff sometimes deals with less than ideal conditions with a smile on their face. They may face end of life issues, dementia, mental illness and less than ideal housing conditions. On the flip side, they are also rewarded with gratitude and appreciation from the people they serve and their families. Our recent satisfaction surveys indicated that people are overwhelmingly happy with the services our staff provided.

I look forward to the continued expansion of our services over the next few years and serving more people and new areas. For more information on our Home & Community based services, please see our website (www.aires.org) or give us a call at 1-800-540-2050.

Doneen Volkmar
Vice President - HCBS

Direct Support Professionals Week

Direct Support Professionals Week was September 20-26, 2015. It was a great opportunity for AIRES LLC. to recognize and thank the more than 650. Direct Support Professionals, who are the heart of our organization. The hard work and dedication they show to the people we serve make it possible for AIRES to provide quality supports to more than 500 people throughout the State of Arizona. We have seen your passion for the support you provide to the people we serve. You make a tremendous difference in their lives.

AIRES LLC. would like to honor John Krudwig the DDD Direct Support Professional statewide winner and AIRES employee, who is introduced here and praised for his ongoing commitment to our mission to help people with disabilities live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. Congratulations John and thank you!

John has worked at our Blue Ridge home in Dewey, Arizona for the past 12 years. He is an exceptional staff with his "Yes We Can" attitude. John ensures that the people he serves are growing as individuals by assisting in their daily living and understanding what their longer term goals are. He takes the time to listen and effectively communicate with the people he serves. John offers confident direction based on the relationship he has built with the individuals he supports. He empowers those he supports to achieve the very best for themselves by offering options for them to choose from. John demonstrates the mutual respect by being very understanding and respectful of their ideas and needs. He sets the example of working smart to achieve goals by ensuring the house in order. If there is something that needs to be done John takes the initiative to get it done. This shows the people he supports what drive and determination is. John teaches responsibility by ensuring that he is always on shift and never arrives late. He is an outstanding advocate for the people he serves. He ensures that they have respect they deserve and is willing to give them the guidance that they need to be successful and happy individuals.

Person-Centered Service at Aires LLC

Founded in 1978, AIRES LLC is committed to providing person-centered services of the highest quality to people with disabilities and the elderly. In addition to providing wide-range of services, AIRES also serves as career destination for over 750 employees. Serving the state of Arizona, we focus on the hopes, dreams, needs and interests of each person we support. Together we can help you find a solution that works best for you and your family.

AIRES LLC offers a range of serves for children, adults and seniors. Take a look at just some of our many services:

Residential Programs- our residential group homes offer loving and compassionate care in a group setting. With on-site staff, this is the perfect choice for behavioral, medical, social and developmental care in a home-like setting.

Independent Living Arrangements- we strongly believe that people with disabilities should live as self-sufficiently as possible. This is a great option for those who need some assistance with their housing but do not require a group home.

In-Home Support- AIRES LLC provides service from caregivers that are reliable, compassionate and caring. We offer respite, help with personal care, and in-home rehabilitation support.

Day Programs- our day program offers people with disabilities the opportunity to exercise mental, physical, and emotional stimulation form activities and therapy. There is plenty to choose from in our AIRES day program!

Vocational Rehabilitation- vocational rehabilitation is appropriate for people with disabilities who are interested in learning job skills and obtaining employment in the workforce. Our support team can create a realistic developmental plan destined for success.

We invite you to tour any one of our independent living settings, group homes, day programs, or vocational rehabilitation programs at your convenience. We're confident that you will discover a place where you know that needs are carefully considered. Contact AIRES LLC today to help determine the option for your family's needs. Discover the AIRES difference today when you call 800-540-2050 or visit www.aires.org.