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

A Call for Support

AIRES, LLC has been providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities in Arizona for nearly 40 years. Personally, I have had the opportunity to experience the last nearly 20 years of that. During this period, I have seen good times and bad times. I have witnessed the times when Arizona's providers for the Division Developmental Disabilities (DDD) were adequately funded, with the end results being quality care for the individuals served. I have also experienced these much needed funds being stripped away, chunks at a time, and the end result is always a decrease in the quality, and quantity, of services that can be provided. There is no dispute that there is a direct correlation between funding and the quality, and amount, of services provided.

The only way to address this shortfall is through legislation and the time is now. I am asking you to contact your legislators and educate them on the funding issues that exist specific to DDD Providers.

They need to know that the rate for room and board in a group home setting is only 71.2% of the benchmark rate determined to be fair and equitable in the 2014 Rate Rebase Study. Room and board monies go towards food and housing for individuals living in group homes. Taking into account the price of food increases 5-30% yearly this rate is even less adequate than 2014, and will continue to be less effective year after year. Couple this with skyrocketing rental rates, especially in the metro Phoenix area (5.6% in the last 12 months), and it is clear that this service is grossly underfunded.

Maybe the most significant issue faced by providers is staffing. Legislators According to the Arizona Association of Providers for People with Disabilities (AAPPD) providers average turnover rate is 55.9% for direct care staff, with rural areas experiencing between 70-85%. At the current funding levels, most providers can afford to pay direct care staff between $8.05 and $8.75 per hour. This wage is not competitive and we are losing good staff to the food service and retail industries which pay significantly more. These high turnover rates lead to exorbitant increases in training costs and overtime. Most importantly, this excessive turnover leads to inconsistent staff in the homes reducing the quality of care individuals receive.

June 30th, 2015 the Department of Labor proposed new rules increasing the minimum salary requirement for exempt workers $23,600 annually to $50,,440. If this change comes to fruition the impact it would have on the provider community would be devastating. Many providers utilize these low to mid range managers to assist with the staffing deficit. Providers would be forced to take these managers to $50,440, which is an impossibility based on current funding or, pay overtime when these managers work over 40 hours in a week. In almost all cases, these managers' overtime rate of pay would exceed the rate providers are getting from DDD.

I believe we have come to a critical time in supporting people with developmental disabilities in Arizona. I would hope, as citizens of Arizona, you would share my concern. I am asking for your support in this fight to save these vital services for our fellow Arizonans.

To learn more about AIRES, LLC and our fight for adequate funds, please give us a call at (800) 540-2050 or visit our website.

Marc Langschwager
Vice President / Chief Operations Officer
AIRES, LLC.

A New Year and a New You - Ways to Make a Fresh Start!

I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions but I do look forward to January every year to make a "Fresh Start".

This January, I will be making the the following changes that allow for a fresh start and a new outlook. I usually pick a weekend and get them done all at once but I like to be done with things and love the feeling of 'newness'. If that doesn't appeal to you, try doing one thing each week or each month. I actually started cleaning out the last week of December as the drive for letting go of some clutter was relentless...

Clean Out The Clutter

It's difficult to re-focus when there is clutter and chaos. Reorganizing your work or living space clears the way for fresh, new and greater things to come about. I usually go through my closets, drawers, and cabinets and discard items that I no longer have a use for or no longer serve a purpose for me. Many items are still usable and will serve a purpose for someone. Box them up for Goodwill, Disabled American Veterans or Salvation Army. I love the feeling after accomplishing a task. It is a positive relief when I finish cleaning out that drawer and it opens smoothly without getting caught on something sticking up in the way. We all have areas we can de-clutter and organize.

Decorating

Changing our environment can assist in moving out old and worn out energies, patterns and bringing in the new. Though I am not one for redecorating my whole house every year I do love to make small changes. I also have little to no money to spend on this, so I have to be creative.

Moving furniture around, painting a w all, a new piece of artwork or wall hanging are quick, inexpensive and easy ways to bring freshness to your living space. Print some new pictures and change out what it is in those frames. If your budget does not allow for new art work, try changing things up by moving that art work to a new wall. How about a new wind chime for the patio or deck? Some pots with fresh plants or flowers? These little changes can give you a fresh attitude when you enter that area.

Give your fitness routine a re-charge

Add some new exercises to your routing or revamp the entire workout. Or in my case, commit to working out more regularly! I love walking in the crisp cold air, as does my dog. I also have worked out in my courtyard, enjoying some sun, fresh air and stretching my muscles.

Spice it up!

What's a fresh start without fresh food ideas? There are so many ideas and resources for new fresh, healthy meals. Try something you have not eaten before. We recently made a kale salad and served it for dinner. My daughter's friend was a good sport and tried it with low expectations. He decided it was "actually pretty good" and was proudly saying "I ate kale!" Search the internet, cookbooks, blogs, and talk with friends for recommendations. There are many great grains, vegetables, and fruits to try.

A different / new meditation, church or spiritual center...

Try out a new church in your community, a new meditation or visit a spiritual center in the area. Walking meditations outside can be very grounding and sustaining. Nature can provide us with amazing spiritual opportunities if we take the time to explore and appreciate them. I have tried a few short hikes recently and truly enjoyed the entire experience. Visiting a new church in your area can be very rewarding as a new perspective is gained. Or get involved in a new way at your current faith community. Consider volunteering in an area you have not previously done-like the nursery or social committee. You will meet new people and gain new, different perspective.

A New You!

Above all, I strive to be open to new experiences and ways of viewing life as I welcome 2016. By incorporating new and unique things into our lives we change and grow along with them and become New in the process. Here's to a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year to all!

To learn more about the person-centered services at AIRES LLC,  browse our website or call us toll free at (800) 540-2050.

Employee Letter

Dear Friends,

As 2015 comes to a close I would like to thank you for all the incredible work, dedication and commitment you have exhibited throughout the year. Without a doubt, AIRES is the best place to receive services because of the love and care you provide to the people we support.

We have come through a year that was filled with both challenges and victories. Some of our biggest challenges have been saying goodbye to people we have lost who were part of AIRES for many years. We have also had significant changes in District management and the recruitment of new DSP's continues to be a challenge.

Thankfully, we have many good things to celebrate this year as well. We have impressive new management teams in each area and are so grateful for the staffers that have stuck with us and are helping our new folks learn the ropes. It's been exciting to provide some additional pay for management that help fill in for staff shortages. Offering pay raises, bonuses, perfect attendance awards, additional holiday pay and increasing our starting pay was another triumph. We have welcomed new consumers and cheered on other people we support as they have made tremendous strides this year, some gaining employment for the first time, others living more independently than ever. Our MIS team has been busy installing computers at our service sites, and adding new bells and whistles to our software. We have seen changes in our training curriculum and training schedules that make it easier for our new staff to get started with us. Not to mention, all of our programs and services have performed in an outstanding manner with their respective inspections, monitoring and reviews. All of the successes and strides we have made are because of you- our dedicated, caring employees. I cannot thank you enough for all you have done to make 2015 such a great year!

We don't know what 2016 will hold, but I am optimistic that we will have another year filled with good things and will continue to find ways to recognize and reward our employees for the outstanding work you do! I want to challenge you all to make a career here at AIRES and to tell others about the rewarding work you do so we can continue the tradition of providing legendary services.



Wendy Shaw

CEO

AIRES, LLC.

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.