It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Phoenix, AZ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“On behalf of myself and my sister, Deborah Lampignano, I would like to express our”
“The professionals at ABC provided exactly what my mom needed when she needed it. Initial”
“We had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care and Janné. We had to work”
“My husband was well cared for during my absence for 10 days. He enjoyed the”
“Highest Marks on All Fronts We contacted ABC when my aunt in Tempe was in her”
“You really need to give Always Best Care Senior Services a call. I have”
“Responsive, Reliable, Quality Care for Mom in her home. Jan'ne and her staff provided immediate reliable”
“Thank you so much for helping me with the placement of my mom. I love”
“Always Best Care assisted with my mom's care over a couple years. Janne and her”
“ABC has been a life and marriage saver for me. My husband needed home care”
“I needed senior care after rehab and contacted a service agent for my area. ”
“Always Best Care helped us navigate through a rough time. We are grateful for”
“Always Best Care helped us navigate through a rough time. We are grateful for their”
“The caregivers have been wonderful. Elena takes initiative and sees what needs to be done”
“I had lunch with Janne. During the conversation it became clear that her reason for”
“May is Older Americans Month. This month we want celebrate the extraordinary older Americans that”
“Tom and Jann'e are awesome. They are very professional, flexible, and easy to work with.”
“Tom and Jann'e are awesome. They are very professional, flexible, and easy to work with.”
“We couldn’t be happier with the service we received. Sheila was wonderful with my Mom.”
“My father had needed memory care and special accommodations. He lived alone and it was”
“Great experience.”
“Excellent service, caring, always on time.”
“On behalf of myself and my sister, Deborah Lampignano, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the staff and caregivers at Always Best Care senior services who helped us to make a reality of our late mother's wish to remain in her own home as her death drew near.”
“The professionals at ABC provided exactly what my mom needed when she needed it. Initial service was once a week chore assistance that urgently became a need for overnight care after a fall. Janee was able to provide a compassionate, responsible attendant for mom with just a few hours notice. The caregivers were kind and helpful with all of mom’s needs. I’m not sure what we would have done without ABC. They really stepped up and helped with a very critical need. Thank you so much.”
“We had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care and Janné. We had to work fast and within a budget and didn’t know where to start. They listened, genuinely cared about our situation, made recommendations and set us on a path to success! We couldn’t be happier. I highly recommend them for senior care services!”
“My husband was well cared for during my absence for 10 days. He enjoyed the company, assistance with his shower, and other very helpful things around the house. We would definitely use this service again.”
“Highest Marks on All Fronts We contacted ABC when my aunt in Tempe was in her last stage of battling cancer. With no local family to care for her, we knew we had to find a reliable, compassionate and responsive caregiver service. We found exactly that in ABC. The owner, Janne, is exceedingly efficient, understood our needs immediately, and flexible (which was vital in our situation, given my aunt's fluid health situation). The caregivers were kind, hard working and demonstrated initiative. We are grateful to Janne and her entire team for stepping in with support and assistance when we needed it most. I highly recommend ABC for senior care services.”
“You really need to give Always Best Care Senior Services a call. I have a service company as well and I know service for over 45 years. They're excellent with my referrals. The word Care in their name is what they're about - most of all they should have the word Love in their name as well - for that is what they produce for the needs of those with home care. Give them a call today!”
“Responsive, Reliable, Quality Care for Mom in her home. Jan'ne and her staff provided immediate reliable support! ABC caregivers are courteous, caring and extremely helpful to support mom's daily routine. A couple of things after that which exceeded my expectations... you made follow up calls to see if everything is going well, you visit regularly with mom/family to ensure they are comfortable with the care giver services. Thank you for supporting our family with our "care giver" responsibilities, ABC services gives good care that provides peace of mind to the family.”
“Thank you so much for helping me with the placement of my mom. I love how professional and caring the staff is.”
“Always Best Care assisted with my mom's care over a couple years. Janne and her team were always responsive to changing needs and flexible as she was in/out of hospitals. ABC worked within our budget range and discussed the options and social programs available that might supplement the care as well. They had great communication while providing care and I would highly recommend them for the excellent personal attention they showed for my mom. It was a relief knowing she had great care while I could not be there all of the time.”
“ABC has been a life and marriage saver for me. My husband needed home care services and the staff from the back office to each of the care givers has been top notch and caring. I would highly recommend them.”
“I needed senior care after rehab and contacted a service agent for my area. Alex of Always Best Care reached out to me right away, visited me at rehab the next day and I was impressed by the company. He has advocated for me since. All the caregivers have done the tasks contracted and came on time so I was never alone. I would like to recognize Sheila and Lana for above effort and compassion too.”
“Always Best Care helped us navigate through a rough time. We are grateful for their knowledge, care, and professionalism.”
“Always Best Care helped us navigate through a rough time. We are grateful for their knowledge, care, and professionalism.”
“The caregivers have been wonderful. Elena takes initiative and sees what needs to be done so I don’t have to keep a list. She and Louisa are great communicators and very helpful. Louisa has a solution before I’m even done explaining my problem. They both cook and bake well. I’d be eating frozen dinners if it wasn’t for them.”
“I had lunch with Janne. During the conversation it became clear that her reason for being is business is all about helping folks. She listens to their needs, offers the benefit of her experiance, and then provides them with what they want. I walked away knowing that she looks at each client as a person in need.”
“May is Older Americans Month. This month we want celebrate the extraordinary older Americans that embody aging unbound and let's everyone know that age is not the end, it is the beginning. #OlderAmericansMonth #AgingUnbound #SeniorCare #AgeIsJustANumber #AlwaysBestCare #SeniorCommunity #Caregiver #Caregiving #OlderAdult #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #SeniorServices #SeniorHousing”
“Tom and Jann'e are awesome. They are very professional, flexible, and easy to work with. The Caregivers with ABC are well trained and take great care of my Dad with Alzheimer's. They are willing to go above and beyond and get very creative with keeping my Dad content which can be a challenge. Thank you ABC.”
“Tom and Jann'e are awesome. They are very professional, flexible, and easy to work with. The Caregivers with ABC are well trained and take great care of my Dad with Alzheimer's. They are willing to go above and beyond and get very creative with keeping my Dad content which can be a challenge. Thank you ABC.”
“We couldn’t be happier with the service we received. Sheila was wonderful with my Mom. She kept her company, visited with her, made sure she had lunch and was well cared for. Janne is very responsive to any questions. I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“My father had needed memory care and special accommodations. He lived alone and it was time for that home to care for his needs. I was lost. I did not know where to turn. ABC Senior care and specifically Jann'e were such a blessing. They were there to guide me, advise me and literally "show me" the best possible scenario. Without them, we would not be in the happy place we are now. They delivered what I needed. I could not recommend them enough. Trust them, you will be in good hands.”
“Great experience.”
“Excellent service, caring, always on time.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Phoenix, AZ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Phoenix, AZ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Phoenix, AZ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
PAULDEN, AZ (AZFamily) — Four families are left picking up the pieces after a fast-moving, wind-driven fire destroyed four homes on Thursday in the northern Arizona community of Paulden.The fire started in one home and the fast winds quickly spread into the three homes next to it on Yellowstone Road near Naples Street. Paulden is about 25 miles north of Prescott.One victim said she only knew there was a fire because her neighbor...
PAULDEN, AZ (AZFamily) — Four families are left picking up the pieces after a fast-moving, wind-driven fire destroyed four homes on Thursday in the northern Arizona community of Paulden.
The fire started in one home and the fast winds quickly spread into the three homes next to it on Yellowstone Road near Naples Street. Paulden is about 25 miles north of Prescott.
One victim said she only knew there was a fire because her neighbor started banging on her door, yelling at her to get out.
Another told Arizona’s Family that before firefighters arrived, neighbors were trying to battle the flames with garden hoses, doing anything they could to stop the flames’ spread.
One of the victims said she lost her pets.
Some people were told to evacuate, but the orders were lifted after a few hours.
No one was hurt, but the fire devastated those who lost everything.
The community is already stepping up to help.
Pattie and Ernie Villavencio live nearby and run a food bank. They’ve been collecting donations for the victims.
“We have a food bank so we are going to go open up the church right now and anybody that wants to donate food, kitchen items, clothing they can drop it off we will be over there this evening for a while and then again tomorrow,” Pattie said.
Fire crews on the scene said this area is an unincorporated neighborhood so the fire department runs on a subscription-based service.
It’s unclear what sparked the flames.
An investigation is underway.
All residents of Yellowstone Rd. may return to their residence. https://t.co/IjMQ3YmCnD
— Yavapai Co Sheriff's Office (@YavapaiSheriff) November 1, 2024
Happening Now: YSCO is on scene, 4 homes on fire in Paulden on Yellowstone road and naple street. Evacuations for that neighborhood.
Posted by Yavapai County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, October 31, 2024
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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With just five days remaining until Election Day, presidential candidates are pulling out all the stops to earn last-minute votes, returning them to the swing state of Arizona.Candidates from the major parties are scheduled to visit the Grand Canyon State starting on Thursday. Recent polls show Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are neck-and-neck in Arizona....
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With just five days remaining until Election Day, presidential candidates are pulling out all the stops to earn last-minute votes, returning them to the swing state of Arizona.
Candidates from the major parties are scheduled to visit the Grand Canyon State starting on Thursday. Recent polls show Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are neck-and-neck in Arizona.
Here is when you can look to see each candidate.
Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris
Harris will be in Arizona on Thursday, Oct. 31, when she holds a Phoenix event as part of her “When We Vote, We Win” concert series.
Los Tigres del Norte is scheduled to perform as she tries to reach undecided Latino voters and increase turnout in the demographic.
Thursday’s visit will likely be her last visit to the Grand Canyon State before Election Day next Tuesday.
Republican nominee former President Donald Trump
On the same day as Harris’ visit, Trump will also make an Arizona stop. Conservative political talk show host Tucker Carlson is scheduled to interview Trump live at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 31.
The former Fox News personality has hosted “Tucker” on X, formerly known as Twitter since the cable network terminated him.
Event organizers said all profits will be donated to relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Milton and Helene.
Democratic VP pick Gov. Tim Walz
Kamala Harris’ running mate is also set to visit Arizona, a city he hasn’t visited since becoming the nominee. Walz will make stops in Flagstaff and Tucson on Saturday for get-out-the-vote events.
The specific locations in each city haven’t been announced.
He’ll encourage Arizonans to vote blue up and down the ballot. This will be Walz’s first visit to Flagstaff since becoming a candidate for vice president, but it will be his fifth visit to Arizona.
Republican VP pick Sen. JD Vance
Donald Trump’s running mate will be in the East Valley this weekend. On Saturday, Nov. 2, he’s set to speak at a rally at Dillon Precision in Scottsdale.
Doors for this event open at 10:30 a.m., with the event beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Guest speakers for Vance’s event have not been announced.
Check out the Arizona’s Family Voter’s Guide for key information for races and ballot measures that will impact Arizonans.
READ MORE: Why Maricopa County is the swing county that could decide who wins the White House
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Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
PAULDEN, AZ (AZFamily) — There are renewed concerns after a fire earlier this week ripped through four homes in Paulden, a community about 25 miles north of Prescott.Since Paulden doesn’t have a fire department, a subscription fire service is available to respond to fires in the area. Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, or CAFMA, covers multiple municipalities in Yavapai County, including Paulden.The homes that burned yesterday did not pay to subscribe to that service, delaying fire crews fighting the...
PAULDEN, AZ (AZFamily) — There are renewed concerns after a fire earlier this week ripped through four homes in Paulden, a community about 25 miles north of Prescott.
Since Paulden doesn’t have a fire department, a subscription fire service is available to respond to fires in the area. Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, or CAFMA, covers multiple municipalities in Yavapai County, including Paulden.
The homes that burned yesterday did not pay to subscribe to that service, delaying fire crews fighting the flames.
Property taxes do not cover fire responses for those living outside their fire district. So, homeowners have to pay an annual fee in exchange for fire coverage. But people in the area say many people can’t afford it.
“I have seen houses burn down in Paulden where the sheriff’s department is just watching it burn. No fire department in sight,” said Jane Anderson, who lives in the area.
People in Paulden say this is not the first time the fire district has been unable to respond to a fire. Yellowstone Road, where the fire happened, is not part of the fire district.
Four homes burned after one caught fire on Thursday; the flames spread fast from the wind, engulfing nearby homes.
“I feel horrible that it happened. It was bound to happen. I was surprised when the third trailer caught on fire that CAFMA started to put water on it. People, when they move to rural Arizona they assume it’s like Phoenix, you get automatic coverage and other amenities which is not true,” Anderson said.
Anderson has lived in Paulden for decades and hopes fire will create real change in her community.
“Has CAF[MA] decided if they are going to respond? Negative. They don’t have a contract,” said dispatch audio obtained by Arizona’s Family. “Maybe they can respond for officers’ safety?”
CAFMA says one landlord owns most of these properties and has decided not to pay for fire coverage. The fire district says it won’t respond to out-of-network houses.
“There might be someone who is in an annexed area a mile or two away and if they are in a fire or having a heart attack and paying taxes, we are obligated to respond to them,” said Assistant Chief of CAFMA, Cody Rose.
Anderson says the problem is cost.
Since the landlord has not joined the district, renters in the mobile homes there have to pay a lump sum to gain access for protection. Anderson says that’s hard to justify for the people who live there.
“Most of the people that live in that section of Paulden are very low income, okay—very, very low means. If you are going to choose between paying for a fire contract, which is a lofty thing in the sky, maybe you’ll use it, maybe you won’t, or putting food on the table or making your car payment, you know, it’s one of those things,” Anderson said.
CAFMA says they will respond to out-of-contract homes if there are safety concerns or someone’s life is in danger. But if everyone is out of the home and a fire is burning, that’s a different story.
Those who lost their homes were not billed for the service, as crews only put out the fire to protect homes that were under contract.
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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The blame game continues after a major Arizona health system and insurance company failed to reach a deal this week.If you have coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBS), more recently known as “AZ Blue,” Phoenix Children’s Hospital is now out-of-net...
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The blame game continues after a major Arizona health system and insurance company failed to reach a deal this week.
If you have coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBS), more recently known as “AZ Blue,” Phoenix Children’s Hospital is now out-of-network.
Contract discussions continue, but Phoenix’s Children’s says a new agreement is unlikely.
It’s leaving many across the Valley scrambling, wondering how they can afford out-of-pocket costs or find new doctors to provide the specialized care their kids rely on.
Three-year-old Edison Gertenbach has spent much of his young life at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. His parents, Ross and Nicole, say he was born with a severe heart condition.
“The doctors didn’t know if he was gonna survive,” said Ross.
So far, he’s had three heart surgeries, and he’s been at Phoenix’s Children’s since Monday, preparing for another high-risk operation.
“It’s just heartbreaking for us,” said Ross.
Amid the stress of this hospital stay, Ross got word that Phoenix Children’s is now out of network on his employer’s insurance.
“My heart instantly sank,” he said. “He was technically in the middle of care prior to these negotiations not taking place and hopefully, you know, he’s grandfathered in. ”The surgery alone is gonna be around $300,000 and that’s what scares us.”
The two companies couldn’t agree by this week’s deadline.
According to AZ Blue, the hospital turned down an $80 million raise leading to the contract dispute. Phoenix Children’s calls that offer “fictional,” saying the BCBS offer is closer to $43 million.
“It’s like watching a child argue with another child is what it’s like,” said Ross.
Families like the Gertenbachs feel caught in the middle and are hopeful a deal can be reached. Because for them, this care is a matter of life and death.
“I don’t want to have to not be able to provide care for my son and watch him suffer. I’m gonna do everything I can for him,” said Ross. “It’s very emotional.”
FULL DETAILS: Why Phoenix Children’s has cut ties with Blue Cross Blue Shield network
In the meantime, emergency care is not impacted. In addition, some patients may be able to continue care for a short time if they need ongoing treatment for a specific illness or medical condition.
It’s best to call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out how this affects your specific benefits.
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Some Phoenix Childrens patients to lose coverageIf your health insurance is with Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona, you might lose coverage if you need to visit Phoenix Childrens Hospital. In-network coverage, for some plans, at PCH ends on Oct. 31.The BriefPHOENIX - If your health insurance is with Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona, you might lose coverage if you need to visit Phoenix Children's Hospital.In-network coverage, for some plans, at PCH ends on Oct. 31....
If your health insurance is with Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona, you might lose coverage if you need to visit Phoenix Childrens Hospital. In-network coverage, for some plans, at PCH ends on Oct. 31.
PHOENIX - If your health insurance is with Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona, you might lose coverage if you need to visit Phoenix Children's Hospital.
In-network coverage, for some plans, at PCH ends on Oct. 31.
"Phoenix Children’s has given notice of its intent to leave the network effective October 31, 2024. We worked hard to keep them, but so far they have said no," the insurer said in an Oct. 30 news release on its website. "Without a change, which at this point we do not anticipate, Phoenix Children’s will be out of network effective October 31, 2024."
Emergency room visits will still be covered in-network, and so will those who are in the middle of treatment.
The insurer says not all plans will be impacted by the change. Click here to learn more about which plans are impacted.
"The corporate negotiating team at Phoenix Children’s Hospital let AZ Blue know that a $50 million raise is not enough to continue caring for AZ Blue members and their children," the company's website said.
On PCH's website, it describes the reason for the change in coverage as, "We are working to remain in-network with BlueCross BlueShield but have not reached a new agreement yet. Phoenix Children’s is focused on reaching an agreement that allows us to continue providing the highest quality of care to our growing community as patient families deserve exceptional pediatric care close to home."
The hospital says if you have an appointment scheduled after coverage ends on Oct. 31, "you may qualify for Continuity of Care or Transition of Care in-network benefits for a short period of time if your child needs ongoing treatment for a specific illness or medical condition only. For any questions about your BlueCross BlueShield Continuity of Care or Transition of Care benefits coverage, call the customer service phone number on the back of your health insurance card."
The insurer on its website said it's going to continue negotiations with the hospital.
"We love PCH and the care their teams provide to Arizona’s kids and their families. We are doing our best to keep them in our network. We are awaiting a counter proposal from PCH’s corporate negotiating team but have not received one to date. With only two weeks until the PCH-imposed deadline of October 30, it looks like they intend to leave the AZ Blue network," the company said, in part.
"Phoenix Children’s is open and accessible to care for all children, and we continue to add new sites of service to meet the needs of our growing community. We are working diligently to negotiate with BlueCross BlueShield, but the contract must be updated to best serve the children in our care. Here is how we are working to protect our patient families.
BlueCross BlueShield denies more than 10% of claims submitted by Phoenix Children’s, resulting in annual reductions of $21 million and growing. To address this high denial rate, we are asking BlueCross BlueShield to agree to a review by a qualified, independent pediatric physician before denying services or payment.
We are also asking for contract terms that prevent BlueCross BlueShield from making unilateral changes to our agreement without our consent. A recent unilateral contract change by BlueCross BlueShield in August of 2024 regarding a fee schedule resulted in a significant reduction in payment for services without our agreement.
According to national news reports, the BlueCross BlueShield Association recently agreed to pay a $2.8 billion legal settlement and change its business practices because of the operational challenges they were creating for providers like Phoenix Children’s and our patients.
Phoenix Children’s is seeking a reasonable rate increase to keep up with the cost of medical care and to align with industry standards. BlueCross BlueShield’s offer is significantly lower than reported and represents an aggregate annual rate increase of 4% after adjusting for high denial rates.
Misinformation on the rate increases offered to Phoenix Children’s is designed to alarm families and distract from the important conversation surrounding high quality pediatric health care. Phoenix Children’s cannot enter into an agreement that weakens our ability to serve Arizona families now and in the future. We appeal to BlueCross BlueShield to address these issues before our contract ends today at midnight.
We also want our patient families to know they have options available for in-network care, and we encourage them to take advantage of open enrollment opportunities."
Click here for more information from Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona
Click here for more information from Phoenix Children's Hospital (click here to read PCH's FAQ in Spanish)
480.676.1446
