ARIZONA STATE SENATE
RESEARCH STAFF @
* 1912 *
BILL BOY
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST
TO: JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COMMITTEE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
Telephone: ( 602) 926- 3 17 1
Facsimile: ( 602) 926- 3833
DATE: November 27,2007
SUBJECT: Sunset Review of the Arizona Pioneers' HomeIHospital for Disabled Miners
Attached is the final report of the sunset review of the Arizona Pioneers' HomeIHospital for
Disabled Miners, which was conducted by the Senate and House of Representatives Government
Committee of Reference on November 15,2007.
This report has been distributed to the following individuals and agencies:
Governor of the State of Arizona
The Honorable Janet Napolitano
President of the Senate
Senator Tim Bee
Senate Members
Senator Jack Harper, Cochair
Senator Robert Blendu
Senator Meg Burton Cahill
Senator Jorge Garcia
Senator Linda Gray
Arizona Pioneers' HomeIHospital for Disabled Miners
Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
Office of the Auditor General
Senate Majority Staff
Senate Research Staff
Senate Democratic Staff
Senate Resource Center
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Representative James Weiers
House Members
Representative Rich Crandall, Cochair
Representative Ray Barnes
Representative Steve Farley
Representative Warde Nichols
Representative Lena Saradnik
House Majority Staff
House Research Staff
House Democratic Staff
Chief Clerk
BBIjas
Attachments
Senate and House of Representatives Government
Committee of Reference Report
ARIZONA PIONEERS' HOMEJHOSPITAL FOR DISABLED MINERS
Background
Pursuant to A. R. S. 5 41- 2953, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee ( JLAC) assigned the
sunset review of the Arizona Pioneers' Home/ Hospital for Disabled Miners to the Senate and House of
Representatives Government Committee of Reference.
The Arizona Pioneers' HomeMospital for Disabled Miners ( Home) is a long- term care facility
established by the Territorial Legislature in 1909 and opened in Prescott in 191 1. Originally charged
with caring for residents who were active in Arizona's early development, the Home's admission
requirements have been modified to allow the Home to become a nursing facility for long- time Arizona
residents. Currently, candidates for admission to the Home must: 1) have been a legal resident or citizen
of the United States for five years prior to their application to the Home; 2) have resided in Arizona for
not less than 50 years; 3) have reached the age of 70 or more; and 4) be ambulatory and able to take care
of themselves. To qualify as a disabled miner, individuals must: 1) be at least 60 years old and a legal
resident or citizen of the United States; 2) have been employed as a miner in Arizona; and 3) be unable
to financially support themselves or have suffered incapacitating injuries from and in the course of
mining. The Home's total capacity is 155 and the average population in FY 2006- 2007 was 130.
Organization and Fiscal Issues
The Home is managed by a Superintendent who is appointed by the Governor. The operating
budget is supported by state General Fund appropriations, state trust land funds and donations.
According to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, the Home's budget provides $ 6,3 19,400 and
1 15.8 FTE positions in FY 2007- 2008 and $ 6,187,800 and 1 15.8 FTE positions in FY 2008- 2009.
These amounts consist of:
FY 2007- 2008 FY 2008- 2009
State General Fund $ 1,260,000 $ 1,236,000
Miner's Hospital Fund $ 1,75 1,000 $ 1,685,600
State Charitable Fund $ 3,308,400 $ 3,266,200
Residents not having disabled miner status are required to pay for their care based on their
financial condition. According to the Home, in FY 2006- 2007, a total of $ 1,056,901 was collected from
these individuals and deposited in the state General Fund.
Committee of Reference Sunset Review Procedures
The Committee of Reference held a public hearing on November 15, 2007, to review the
Home's response to the sunset factors as required by A. R. S. 5 41- 2954, subsections D and F, and to
receive public testimony ( see attachment three). Testimony was received fiom Gary Olson,
Superintendent of the Arizona Pioneers' Home/ Hospital for Disabled Miners; John Linda, Arizona
Healthcare Association; Dale Sams, Arizona Pioneers' HomeMospital for Disabled Miners; Terry Frier,
volunteer at Arizona Pioneers' HomeIHospital for Disabled Miners; and Mabel Clarkson, resident at
Arizona Pioneers' HomeIHospital for Disabled Miners.
1
Recommendation by the Committee of Reference
The Committee of Reference made no recommendation.
Sunset Report Requirements
Note: The following answers are a summary of the information provided by the Pioneers'
HomeIHospital for Disabled Miners. Please see attachment two for the agency's complete response to
the sunset factors required by A. R. S. 5 41- 2954, subsections D and F.
I. An identification of the problem or need that the Pioneers' Homeklospital for Disabled
Miners is intended to address.
The Home was established to provide care for elderly Arizonans who have contributed to the
state over a period of residency spanning 50 years or more and to satisfy a provision in the
Enabling Act relating to a hospital for disabled miners.
11. A statement, to the extent practicable, in quantitative and qualitative terms, of the objectives
of the Pioneers' HomeMospital for Disabled Miners and its anticipated accomplishments.
Over its 96- year existence, the Home has provided care for over 3000 individuals and
consistently receives positive survey results through audits performed by the Arizona Department
of Health Services. Restoration and maintenance projects conducted within the past ten years,
improved strategic plans and budget monitoring will allow the Home to provide quality care in the
future.
111. An identification of any other agencies having similar, conflicting or duplicative objectives,
and an explanation of the manner in which the agency avoids duplication or conflict with
other agencies.
The Home is the only state agency charged with providing long- term residential care to
Arizona residents; however, the State Veterans' Home provides similar services to veterans,
although the two facilities have different focuses and funding streams.
IV. An assessment of the consequences of eliminating the agency or of consolidating it with
another agency.
As of June 30, 2007, the Home had 126 residents ranging in age from 71 to 103 all with
varying levels of financial stability; closing the Home would force these residents to seek
alternative living arrangements that may be difficult to find. Additionally, the Hospital for
Disabled Miners is funded by a federal mandate through a provision in the Enabling Act.
Attachments
1. Letter from Senator Jack Harper to the Arizona Pioneers' Home/ Hospital for Disabled Miners.
2. Sunset factors pursuant to A. R. S. § 41- 2954, subsections D and F.
3. Meeting Notice.
4. Minutes of Committee of Reference Meeting.
5. Letters from concerned parties.
6. Annual Reports of the Arizona Pioneers' HomeIHospital for Disabled Miners for FYs 2005- 2006
and 2006- 2007.
Capitol Complex
I700 West Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
June 26,2007
Gary Olson, Superintendent
Arizona Pioneers' Home; Disabled Miners Hospital
300 South McCormick Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
Dear Superintendent Olson:
The sunset review process prescribed in Title 41, Chapter 27, Arizona Revised Statutes,
provides a system for the Legislature to evaluate the need to continue the existence of state
agencies. During the sunset review process, an agency is reviewed by a legislative committee of
reference. On completion of the sunset review, the committee of reference recommends to
continue, revise, consolidate or terminate the agency.
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee has assigned the sunset review of the Arizona
Pioneers' Home; Disabled Miners Hospital to the committee of reference comprised of members
of the Senate Committee on Government and the House of Representatives Government
/ Committee.
Pursuant to A. R. S. 41- 2954, the committee of reference is required to consider certain
sunset factors in deciding whether to recommend continuance, modification or termination of an
agency. Please provide your agency's response to the factors listed below:
1. The objective and purpose in establishing the agency.
2. The effectiveness with which the agency has met its objective and purpose and the efficiency
with which it has operated.
3. The extent to which the agency has operated within the public interest.
4. The extent to which rules adopted by the agency are consistent with the legislative mandate.
. . P
Gary Olson
6/ 26/ 07
Page 2
5. The extent to which the agency has encouraged input from the public before adopting its
rules and the extent to which it has informed the public as to its actions and their expected
impact on the public.
6. The extent to which the agency has been able to investigate and resolve complaints that are
within its jurisdiction.
7. The extent to which the Attorney General or any other applicable agency of state government
has the authority to prosecute actions under the enabling legislation.
8. The extent to which the agency has addressed deficiencies in its enabling statutes that prevent
it from fulfilling its statutory mandate.
9. The extent to which changes are necessary in the laws of the agency to adequately comply
with these factors.
10. The extent to which the termination of the agency would significantly harm the public health,
safety or welfare.
11. The extent to which the level of regulation exercised by the agency is appropriate and
whether less or more stringent levels of regulation would be appropriate.
12. The extent to which the agency has used private contractors in the performance of its duties
and how effective use of private contractors could be accomplished.
Additionally, please provide written responses to the following:
1. Identify the problem or the needs that the agency is intended to address.
2. State, to the extent practicable, in quantitative and qualitative terms, of the objectives of the
agency and its anticipated accomplishments.
3. Identify any other agencies having similar, conflicting or duplicate objectives, and an
explanation of the manner in which the agency avoids duplication or conflict with other such
agencies.
4. Assess the consequences of eliminating the agency or of consolidating it with another
agency.
In addition to responding to the factors listed above, please provide the committee of
reference with copies of minutes from your meetings during the past year and of your most
recent annual report. Your response should be received by September 1, 2007, so that we may
proceed with the sunset review and schedule the required public hearing. Please submit the
requested information to:
1
Gary Olson
6/ 26/ 07
Page 3
Bill Boyd
Arizona State Senate
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to
contact me at 602- 926- 4178 or Bill Boyd, the Senate Interim Government Committee Research
Analyst, at 602- 926- 3 1 7 1.
Sincerelv.
gck W. Harper
State Senator
Chair, Senate Govement Committee of Reference
cc: Representative Rich Crandail
Ms. Carolyn Atwater, House of Representatives Majority Research Analyst
Mr. Brian Townsend, Senate Majority Senior Policy Advisor
Ms. Guadalupe Valencia, Senate Minority Senior Policy Advisor
Janet Napolitano
Governor
August 30,2007
Home
Gary Olson
Superin tendent
Mr. Bill Boyd
Arizona State Senate
1700 W Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Dear Mr. Boyd:
This letter is in response to the Committee of Reference's requirement to consider certain sunset
factors in deciding whether to recommend continuance, modification or termination of the
Arizona Pioneers' Home.
The objective and purpose in establishing the agency: The original objective and
purpose in establishing the Arizona Pioneers' Home was to repay the faithful and
longtime Arizona residents who helped pioneer and build the state. The establishment of
the Arizona Pioneers' Home was enacted by Arizona's Territorial Legislature in 1909,
for aged and infirm Arizona pioneers ( a copy of the original bill as signed on March 10"
1909 is enclosed). The Arizona Pioneers' Home has allowed the state of Arizona to
honor the men and women who pioneered Arizona, and those who have continued to
develop the state, by providing a place of refuge and long term care in their retirement
and elder years. It has been a means to give back to those who spent their years giving of
themselves to the ongoing development of Arizona. Since its initial establishment, the
Arizona Pioneers' Home was also designated as Arizona's Hospital for Disabled Miners
in 1929, in accordance with the federal mandate pursuant to the state's enabling act.
2. The effectiveness with which the agency has met its objective and purpose and the
efficiency with which it has operated: The Arizona Pioneers' Home has effectively met
its objective and purpose by honoring and caring for over three thousand individuals
since opening its doors on February 1, 191 1. In its ninety- six years of operation, 3027
Arizona pioneers and disabled miners have been admitted and graced the halls and rooms
with their presence to date; an average of 3 1.5 individuals admitted per year. The
Arizona Pioneers' Home has been operated in a fiscally responsible manner. Albeit some
emergency monies were requested since the last sunset audit to fund shortfalls in Other
Operating Expenditures, as of June 2005, the budget and strategic plan took on new life
and have been restructured to establish best practices in long term healthcare, with the
budget now driven based on the number of residents in house each day to more
effectively and efficiently monitor spending and make ends meet. In the FY2008 and
FY2009 budgets, the Arizona Pioneers' Home requested and was granted a modified
lump sum budget structure to augment said efficiencies. The primary funding sources for
the Arizona Pioneers Home are land trusts rather than the general fund, and more than
one million dollars a year is collected and deposited into the general fund from current
residents to offset the cost of care. Furthermore, the Arizona Pioneers' Home has been
efficient in the provision of long term health care as evidenced by the overall positive
annual audits via the Arizona Department of Health Services pursuant to Arizona Nursing
Care Institution regulations. The Arizona Pioneers' Home has maintained flexibility in
the ebb and flow of bureaucratic changes while serving the State of Arizona, its pioneers
and disabled miners, within structural spatial limitations, and the admission parameters
set by the legislature throughout the years. Please note the most recent annual report for
fiscal year 2007 enclosed.
3. The extent to which the agency has operated within the public interest: Arizona's
forefathers saw the need for the public interest in the aged population of Arizona's
pioneers as early as 1907, when the first bill to establish the Arizona Pioneers' Home was
introduced. In its inception in 19 1 1, said need was met and continues to this day. The
Arizona Pioneers' Home is truly one of a kind, there is quite literally no other facility of
its kind in the nation. It represents one of the very first care homes to provide
independent housing, personal care, assisted living and skilled care all in one setting. It
took the Long Term Care service industry until the late 1980' s to catch on to this ground
breaking revelation by developing long term care campuses of care; in separate buildings.
Arizona is certainly in the forefront of elder care in the nation due to the large elder
demographics. The Arizona Pioneers' Home holds a unique place in Arizona's long term
care service industry, and upholds the foresight of ow forefathers of senior care in a
family atmosphere. There continues to be a need for public housing/ facilities that offer
low income housing for seniors that cannot afford ( with any quality of life) to live in the
community. To this end, the Arizona Pioneers' Home operates well within the ongoing
public interest of the State of Arizona, offering independent living, personal care, assisted
living, intermediate and skilled care at a cost based upon individual monthly income to
those meeting admission criteria. Furthermore, the City of Prescott nor Yavapai County
have the housing or care facility beds available to house or care for the Arizona Pioneers'
Home residents if the Arizona Pioneers' Home did not exist. Also, the federal mandate
for a Disabled Miners Hospital would not be met.
4. The extent to which rules adopted by the agency are consistent with the legislative
mandate: The Arizona Pioneers' Home does not have rule making authority.
5. The extent to which the agency has encouraged input from the public before adopting
its rules and the extent to which it has informed the public as to its actions and their
expected impact on thepublic: The Arizona Pioneers' Home does not have rule making
authority.
6. The extent to which the agency has been able to investigate and resolve complaints that
are within its jurisdiction: To great extent, the Arizona Pioneers' Home has been able to
investigate and resolve complaints within its jurisdiction. First and foremost, this is
accomplished through an open door policy where residents and family members can
access supervisors, department heads and the Superintendent at any time when they are
here. Additionally, there is a Resident Council which meets monthly and invites all the
department heads and Superintendent to answer questions andlor address concerns. On a
daily basis the Home's Resident Services ( Social Services) department is primarily
charged with resident advocacy and resolves many of the concerns that arise. Other
external community advocacy agencies, such as Department of Health Services, Adult
Protective Services, and the local Ombudsman are available to the residents to address
concerns as well, and are consulted to assist in resolution of concerns as necessary. The
Attorney General's Office is consulted when issues may require statutory interpretation
or policy opinion.
7. The extent to which the Attorney General or any other applicable agency of state
government has the authority to prosecute actions under the enabling legislation: The
Attorney General's Office is accessible to the Arizona Pioneers' Home as needed to
assist with interpretation of statutes. They would be the agency's aid if there was ever a
need for legal counsel or representation.
8. The extent to which the agency has addressed deficiencies in its enabling statutes that
prevent it from fulfilling its statutory mandate: Arizona Revised Statutes mandate that
the Arizona Pioneers' Home exist in Prescott for the purpose of caring for long- time
residents of the state, as well as qualifying disabled miners. Legislative changes have not
been necessary to fulfill this mandate, although the admission criteria changes made to
ARS 41 - 923 in the 2005 legislative session have impacted the number of individuals who
qualify for admission, and may need to be addressed in the near fuhue. In said statute,
items A ( 2) changed from being a resident of the state for 30 years to 50 years, and A ( 3)
changed fiom has reached an age of 65 to 70 or more years. In this, the current verbiage
in A ( 2) requiring state residency for 50 or more years has significantly impacted the
number of individuals who now qualify for admission pursuant to the significant 20 year
jump in said item.
9. The extent to which changes are necessary in the laws of the agency to adequately
comply with these factors: Changes are not necessary to fulfill the mandate, although a
change to alter the residency criteria fiom the 50 year requirement to perhaps 40 years
would qualify more individuals for admission to better support and utilize the Arizona
Pioneers' Home in its mandate.
1 0. The extent to which the termination of the agency would significantly harm the public
health, safety or welfare: Termination of the Arizona Pioneers' Home would have a
disastrous impact on the welfare of the current residents and their families. Many current
residents lack financial resources or support systems to effect such a traumatic life
change. As mentioned previously in item number 3, neither the City of Prescott nor
Yavapai County have the housing or care facility beds available to house or care for the
Arizona Pioneers' Home residents if the Arizona Pioneers' Home did not exist, and the
majority of residents are currently from Yavapai County. If the existence of the Arizona
Pioneers' Home were terminated, those living at the Home would be in significant
jeopardy of health, safety and welfare-- many would be forced to live in the community
with little quality of life due to housing and living costs. Furthermore, for those who
would qualify, the funding of their care and services, and the state's burden, would
simply shift from the Arizona Pioneers' Home to the Arizona Health Care Cost
Containment System ( AHCCCS) or Arizona Long Term Care System ( ALTCS) through
AHCCCS. Additionally, approximately one hundred thirty- five employees would
suddenly be thrust upon the small town community of Prescott, putting their welfare in
jeopardy. Doubtless, some might lose their home if their position at the Pioneers' Home
ceased to exist, and perhaps a large number of them would be added to the rolls of
AHCCCS eligible enrollees. As you can see, as one of the larger employers in the
Prescott area, closing the Arizona Pioneers' Home would have a dramatic negative
impact on the local economy-- salaries and benefits paid to employees exceed five million
dollars per year.
1 1. The extent to which the level of regulation exercised by the agency is appropriate and
whether less or more stringent levels of regulation would be appropriate: The Arizona
Pioneers' Home utilizes policies and procedures to exercise regulation within the Home.
To a great extent this regulation is appropriate and sufficient. Policies and procedures,
which are based on Statutes, Personnel Rules, etc., address needs that arise, and are
modified at the agency level as necessary. No more stringent levels of regulation are
necessary.
12. The extent to which the agency has usedprivate contractors in theperformance of its
duties and how effective use of private contractors could be accomplished: The
Arizona Pioneers' Home has utilized private contractors in a limited capacity to perform
its statutory mandate. A local staffing network has been utilized occasionally, as well as
local service vendors for items where their expertise is necessary. It is far more cost
effective to employ said expertise than utilize private contractors.
The following are the responses to additional questions 1- 4.
Identify the problem or the needs that the agency is intended to address: As previously
mentioned, the Arizona Pioneers' Home was established to honor men and women who
have pioneered and developed the state. This need, or desire to honor and care for said
individuals, as established in the early 1900s by Territorial legislators, still exists today.
Additionally, the Arizona Pioneers' Home is the designated Hospital for Disabled Miners
in accordance with the federal mandate for same in the state's enabling act as of 1929-
to care for those who qualify for admission via ARS 41- 941. To this end, to raise
awareness about the Arizona Pioneers' Home statewide, and increase the diversity of
counties which the residents are from, the Arizona Pioneers' Home has begun an
outreach to all counties annually. So far in 2007, seven of the 15 counties have received
a presentation- various groups and organizations have been involved.
2. State, to the extent practicable, in quantitative and qualitative terms, of the objectives of
the agency and its anticipated accomplishments: Over three- thousand individuals have
benefited from the care and services provided by the Arizona Pioneers' Home through
admission in its 96 year existence. The quality of care has been exemplary throughout its
years of operation, as evidenced by its continual positive survey results through audits
preformed by the Arizona Department of Health Services annually via the Arizona
Nursing Care Institution regulations. The Home is well known throughout the Prescott
area and Yavapai County as providing the best care. The Arizona Pioneers' Home was
placed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings in 1995. Since the last sunset audit
the Arizona Pioneers' Home addressed multiple structural deficiencies at great cost to the
state- fire alarm system replacement ( 1 998)' flooring replacement throughout the
building ( 1998- 2003)' fire sprinkler system replacement ( 2001)' elimination of outdated
external evacuation ramps and erection of an enclosed fire safe stair tower ( 2001),
complete plumbing upgrade ( 2002/ 2004), elevator upgrade ( 2003)' nurse call system
upgradelreplacement ( 2004)' kitchen restoration and roof replacement ( 2004)' and
complete roof restoration and replacement ( 2005). Additionally, improved operating
systems, strategic plans, and budget monitoring have been introduced since June of
2005- the past two Arizona Pioneers' Home annual reports for fiscal years 2006 and
2007 highlight these accomplishments and are enclosed. Additionally, an anticipated
accomplishment is soon approaching in the Arizona Pioneers' Home's 1 Oom birthday on
February 1,2011.
3. IdentzIfj,, any other agencies having similar, conflicting or duplicate objectives, and an
explanation of the manner in which the agency avoids duplication or conflict with
other such agencies: The Arizona Pioneers' Home is the only agency in the state that
has the objective and purpose of honoring and caring for long- time Arizona residents and
disabled miners. However, the Department of Veteran Affairs operates the Arizona
Veterans Home in Phoenix which is similar in that it also provides long term health care,
though is primarily funded via the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
4. Assess the consequences of eliminating the agency or of consolidating it with another
agency: There would be tremendous consequences if the Arizona Pioneers' Home were
eliminated as aforementioned in item number 10 above. Additionally, as aforementioned,
it is the designated Hospital for Disabled Miners. The hospital cannot be eliminated due
to the federal mandate by the state's enabling act requiring the state to maintain such a
hospital. The State is obligated to always have a place for these individuals. The State of
New Mexico has the same requirement in their enabling act. At one time New Mexico
terminated their Hospital for Disabled Miners- they were taken to court and had to build
a new hospital. Unless the enabling act was changed, Arizona would most likely be held
accountable as well, by union representatives. Consolidation with any other agency
seems impractical since the statutory mandate is so unique.
Thank you for consideration in this Sunset review process, and do not hesitate to contact me if
you have any further questions related to the Arizona Pioneers' Home.
Res~ ectfullvS ubmitted,
Interim agendas can be obtained via the Internet at http: llwww. azleg. state. az. usllnterimCommittees. asp
ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE
INTERIM MEETING NOTICE
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
SENATE GOVERNMENT AND HOUSE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE
Date: Thursday, November 15,2007
Time: I : 00 P. M.
Place: SHR 109
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Opening Remarks
3. Arizona Pioneers Home & Hospital for Disabled Miners Sunset Review
Presentation
Public Testimony
Discussion
Recommendations by the Committee of Reference
4. Adjourn
Members:
Senator Jack Harper, Co- Chair
Senator Robert Blendu
Senator Meg Burton Cahill
Senator Jorge Garcia
Senator Linda Gray
Representative Rich Crandall, Co- Chair
Representative Ray Barnes
Representative Steve Farley
Representative Warde Nichols
Representative Lena Saradnik
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting the
Senate Secretary's Office: ( 602) 926- 4231 ( voice). Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
Page 1 of 1
ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE GOVERNMENT AND HOUSE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE OF
REFERENCE
Minutes of the Meeting
Thursday, November 15,2007
1: 00 p. m., Senate Hearing Room 109
Members Present:
Senator Jack Harper, Cochair
Senator Robert Blendu
Senator Meg Burton Cahill
Members Absent:
Senator Jorge Garcia
Senator Linda Gray
Representative Ray Barnes
Representative Warde Nichols
Representative Rich Crandall, Cochair
Representative Steve Farley
Representative Lena Saradnik
Staff:
Bill Boyd, Senate Government Research Analyst
Cochairman Harper called the meeting to order at 1 : I 0 p. m. and attendance was noted.
Opening Remarks
Senator Harper stated that due to a conflict of interest, Representative Crandall would
not be attending the meeting.
Presentation
Gary Olson, Arizona Pioneers Home and Hospital for Disabled Miners,
Superintendent, gave a presentation updating the Committee on the current status of
the facility and the projected benefits from its continuation. He answered questions
posed by the Committee.
Senate Government and House
Government Committee of Reference
November 15,2007
Page 1
Public Testimony
John Linda, Arizona Healthcare Association, Director of Education and Member
Services, spoke to the Committee on behalf of the character of Gary Olson as he
relates to the Arizona Pioneers Home and Hospital for Disabled Minors.
Bill Boyd, Senate Government Research Analyst, answered questions posed by the
Committee regarding funding of the Hospital.
Dale Sams, Arizona Pioneers Home and Hospital for Disabled Miners,
Administration Service Officer, read letters written by residents of the Hospital,
requesting that it not be terminated.
Terry Frier, Arizona Pioneers Home and Hospital for Disabled Miners, Volunteer,
gave testimony on behalf of the Hospital and its value to the residents.
Mabel Clarkson, Arizona Pioneers Home and Hospital for Disabled Miners,
Resident, gave testimony supporting the continuation of the Hospital.
Recommendations bv the Committee of Reference
Senator Harper stated that no recommendations for the sunset of the Arizona Pioneers
Home and Hospital for Disabled Miners would be made at this time.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1: 55 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee Secretary
( Tapes and attachments on file in the Secretary of the Senate's OfficelResource Center, Room 11 5.)
Senate Government and House
Government Committee of Reference
November 15,2007
Page 2
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
RESEARCH STAFF
TO: MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND BILL BOYD
SENATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST
GOVERNMENT COMMTI'EE
OF REFERENCE Telephone: ( 602) 926- 3 171
Facsimile: ( 602) 926- 3833
DATE: November 14,2007
SUBJECT: Sunset Review of the Arizona Pioneers' HomeIDisabled Miners Hospital
Please find attached letters from concerned parties regarding the Pioneers' Home.
BBAy
attachment
Page 1 of 1
Bill Boyd
From: Marie J
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 11: 02 AM
To: Bill Boyd
Subject: Arizona Pioneers' Home Sunset Review
Hi Bill:
As the daughter of a lady currently residing at the Arizona Pioneers Home and as the daughter in law of a lady that died there I
would like to give some feedback on the performance of the Home.
1 know occasionally someone gets the idea of moving it, doing away with it, or building a new one someplace else. I think the
Home needs to be left alone and the funding needs to continue.
This is a wonderful benefit for our elderly Arizona residents that have lived in the state for most or all of their lives.
The staff there is doing a wonderful job of keeping the Home spotlessly clean, providing excellent service to the residents, and
doing it all with a smile!
Believe me I know this is not true of other more commercial assisted living facilities because I have personally checked many
of them out for another elderly relative that unfortunately does not qualify for the Pioneers Home.
The only suggestion I would make is that as with most state jobs I'm sure the people working there should be getting more
money. Arizona is famous for underpaying our state employees. The only way to get the best of the available employees is to
pay them fairly.
Feel free to call me with any questions.
Marie
October 22,2007
Bill Boyd
Arizona State Senate
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
RE: Sunset Review
Dear Sir:
The Arizona Pioneers Home is a very unique retirement home. We consider ourselves
privileged to have qualified to be residents of this home.
We appreciate very much that we have 24 hour nursing assistance available should we
have need of it. At present, we are ambulatory and can come and go as we prefer, however, if
the time should come when we need extra care it will available to us and that is a big relief to
know.
Although we are able to administer our own medications it is nice to know that nurses
are available to do that for us should we need it.
We appreciate the fact that the home is kept clean and sanitary. Our housekeeping
staff is available everyday. Our rooms are cleaned once a week and that's just great.
The maintenance department is also available everyday to take care of the repairs,
painting, etc. that are needed.
Our kitchen and dining room staff do a wonderful job of preparing our meals. We get
three nourishing meals everyday plus a couple of snacks in between. The food is, on the
whole, very satisfying.
Our nursing department does a good job of caring for us and our needs. One problem
here is that we believe we are understaffed in this department and would like to see more
nurses on duty.
The activity department keeps us well entertained. They take us to the stores, shops,
banks, etc. to take care of things we need to attend to. Also they plan trips for us to enjoy as
well as in house entertainment and activities.
Our business office is efficient in it's duties and in their quest to be helpful and
important to our residents in any way they can.
We also have a rehab department that is most helpful and important to our residents.
We can go there to exercise and keep in shape and if we've had surgery, it's a great way to get
back in shape.
All in all, we believe that this is a wonderful place to live and a very important facility.
We highly recommend that it be continued.
If you have any further questions for us please don't hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Buck
.* ' Toni"
. . 9
October 21,2007
Bill Boyd
Dear Sir,
First of all let me apologize for being so slow to answer your letter. This is what I
think of " Our Home".
I think it is a " wonderful place to live your final years".
The staff is almost " unbelievable" . They take such good care of us.
The nurses and aids are so good to us.
House keeping does the best job I have ever seen in my whole life. This is the first
" nursing home" or " retirement home" I have ever been in that doesn't smell " baaad". It is so
clean you can't believe it, you should come up and visit so we can show you how " homes"
should be kept.
The food is " good" and the kitchen staff will fix you whatever you want, within
reason and they cook " specially" for " diabetics or any other reason for special food".
Our rooms are cleaned and the only thing we have to do is make our bed daily and
they do that to if you are unable to. They have a nice laundry room with three washers and
three driers where we can do our own laundry.
They have buses that leave on a regular schedule to take us to the bank, wal- mart,
grocery shopping or anyplace we need to go.
We have a carldriver to take us to Drs, Dentists, and etc. for our appointments.
Also the bus takes us for bus rides just to see the country around us.
We go ( by bus) on picnics and to anything that is happening in town like plays,
movies, and etc.
We have Drs. that come in every Thursday incase you need to see one.
We have volunteers that come in for several things like " teaching us about
computers". We have people that come in several times a week to entertain us.
We have a physical therapist who makes sure everyone here has the opportunity to
keep in shape with all kinds of equipment to exercise on.
We have our Band. They play at different times each month " away fiom home", you
can play " Bingo" five nights a week.
You can come and go " as you please" as long as you sign " out" and back " in".
What more could you want?
I'm Happy--!
Myrtle B. E .
P. S. I have lived in AZ all my life.
I have lived in the Pioneer Home since May 5, 1999.
P. P. S. There is a lot of things I haven't written that I should say to you! !!
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dee U ---
Sunday, ~ vuvernoer0 4,2007 3: 08 < M
Bill Boyd
regarding APH
Three years ago I was trying to decide where to move.. Our oldest
daughter lived in Prescott and told me of APH. I wanted most of all a location I could
afford where our children would not have to worry about my welfare. On my second visit to
APH I was waiting for my daughter in the lobby and sat next to Florice Jarrell. I asked
her where she came from and how long she had been at APH. She couldn't answer either
question but three times said to me. " They are so kind here and if you have any problem
they will help you." I realized that the questions I'd asked were not important. Florice
knew that she was loved and cared for. These facts were most important to me, too, and I
moved here in mid July in 2005. Never have I had one moment of regret.
When friends and family come to visit the first comment invariably is
" It is so clean." The staff, every one of them, is remarkable. They
are competent but more than that have a real concern for each of us. I have yet to make a
request of anyone, nursing, housekeeping, kitchen, or maintenance staff that hasn't been
responded to in reasonable time.
They are human and can't hope to please all of us all the time but there is no place I've
ever visited or heard of that comes near to what has been accomplished here. APH is a
treasure for Arizona, and I hope that it will continue to be so for many, many years to
come.
This is not to say that there are no problems. I have been concerned about changes in
policy regarding criteria for being moved into a private room Some of the reasons given
me I understand but too many changes have occurred to make me comfortable about what those
is charge are moving toward. The turnover in staff has been another cause for concern and
the amount of responsibilities given to the staff. At times it seems to me that too much
is being expected of them.. I feel, however, that overall the care I receive could not be
better especially as compared to what I have seen in other care centers.
The change in Arizona residency requirements is a mistake to my way to thinking. People
should be allowed to come when they are a little younger than is the current policy and
can contribute to the life here. There are so many small opportunities for volunteer
service. which help us residents to be useful which is something we often lose as we grow
older. In the nursing staff, in particular, I see a real effort to give us as many
options as possible. Many here have talents which should be encouraged. Recently a new
friend here who is an artist has held some small art classes which have been gratefully
received. These are in addition to those staffed by the activity office.
No problem that I have encountered here changes for a single minute my conviction that I
am so glad that I live here. I thank the legislature .
Sincerely,
Doris
David C. Duncan
Family Practice
801 Miller Valley Road
Prescott, AZ 8630 1
( 928) 778- 1555
Bill Boyd
Arizona State Senate
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
October 30,2007
Dear Boyd,
This is in regards to your request on information about Arizona Pioneer Home. I
have been working at the Arizona Pioneer Home for the better part of 30 years,
except for a brief roughly five year period. I have been working there since 1974.
I have been functioning as the house physician and caring for 90 to 95 percent of
the patients.
I have had patients in a multitude of skilled nursing facilities and assistant living
facilities in Arizona. In my opinion, Arizona Pioneer Home is the state of the art
and the class facility in Arizona. Although it is an old building, the place is
immaculately clean and well kept. The bedside and skilled nursing care is
excellent. Patients live there for many years and are treated as family.
I have been very impressed with the administration. They are not only concerned
about the patient fiscally but physically as well. They also are genuinely concerned
about the care and condition of their patients.
As you know, the patients who live in Arizona Pioneer Home have been in the
state of Arizona for many years and have been an instrumental part in the
development of the state of Arizona. They certainly deserve this facility and it
would be my recommendation to continue this institution as long as possible.
Everyone who I have talked to, families of the patients, people who attend me and
work for me, have all been extremely impressed with this facility and I would
hope that they will be able to continue as is indefmitely.
Please don't hesitate to contact me for any further information.
David C. Duncan, M. D.
Annual Report
of the
Hospital for Disabled Miners
for the
Fiscal Year
July 1,2005 thru June 30,2006
by
Gary Olson, Superintendent
1
The Arizona Pioneers' Home and Hospital for Disabled Miners is provided for by law in the
Arizona Revised Statutes, Articles 41- 921 through 41- 925, 41- 941 and 41- 942. The Home is an
institution for aged and infirm pioneers, owned and operated by the State of Arizona in Prescott,
Arizona. It is managed by a Superintendent who is appointed by, and under the supervision of, the
Governor of the State.
The Home is exempt from Arizona Department of Health Services hcensure. The total capacity
is one hundred *- five residents. Due to renovation of plumbing in the previous two years, the census
had been lowered to allow for vacant rooms to move residents while sections of the Home could be re-plumbed.
With the completion of the plumbing, admissions were increased during this fiscal year to
bring the census up to capacity. Of the 129 individuals living in the Home on June 30,2006,86 were
living in personal care, 21 were living in intermediate care and 18 required skilled nursing care. Those
living on the & st and third floors in personal care are largely able to care for themselves and attend the
Dining Room for their meals. Because of their advanced age they require varying degrees of nursing
attention, particularly in the area of administvation of medications. All of the residents in the second
floor inhrmaries require much more skilled care. The average age of the residents as of June 30,2006,
was 85, with the youngest being 68 years old, and the oldest 102 years old. There were 36 men and 93
women. The average population for the year was 130.
There were 25 disabled miners living in the Home on June 30,2006. Those residents not having
disabled miner status were required by ARS 41 - 923 to pay for their care based on their ability to pay. A
total of $ 913,396.56 was collected from these individuals and deposited into the General Fund. No
expenditures during fiscal year 2006 were made from the General Fund. All costs to operate the Home
were paid for from the Miners and State Charitable Funds. The average monthly cost of care per
resident was $ 3,681.00. Total funds expended during the year amounted to $ 5,822,782.75 as follows:
Salaries & Employee Related Expense $ 4,779,586.75
Professional and Outside Services 77,892.00
Travel 21,515.00
Food 173,156.00
Drugs, Medicines & Medical Supplies 276,496.00
Other Operating Expense 494,137.00
capital Outlay . OO
Twenty- three residents expired during fiscal year 2006; nine residents were voluntarily
discharged; and 30 individuals were admitted to the Home. Of the discharged individuals, one did not
meet the criteria to remain at the Home, six chose other living arrangements, one was relocated to a
facility that could better care for her dementia, and one passed away while at another facility for
rehabilitation before returning to the Pioneers' Home.
Although there continues to be a waiting list for entry, the majority chose to decline offers of
residency when contacted. Due to this, the Home's vacant rooms were open irnmedrately for those
applylng for admission without a wait. More than 90 applications for admission were mailed to
individuals calling the Home to inquire about residency, not including all that were handed to visitors
that came to the Home to get an application. A change to A. R. S. 41- 923 took effect in August 2005,
changmg the residency requirement from 30 years to 50 years, and raising the age requirement from 65
years to 70 years. Those who would not meet these requirements were specihcally contacted and advised
that they would need to move in before the statute changed, in order to be grandfathered under the
former statute, or forego moving in the Home untd they agam qualified. Four individuals accepted the
invitation. Twenty- five percent of those on the waiting lists were removed in August because they no
longer met the requirements for admission.
The residents of the Home have a monthly meeting ( Residents Council) with management of
the Home to address all concerns and quality of life issues. This creates accountability to the primary
customer --- the resident. Customer service remains a high priority. Residents and families repeatedly
expressed gratitude for the care provided in the Home.
Superintendent Gary Olson was appointed one month prior to the beginning of the 2006 fiscal year.
In his first year, the following represents some of the more significant items of progress that transpired
through the combined commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of everyone who works and lives at the
Arizona Pioneers' Home.
Established consistency in fairness of treatment to employees and support to Department
Heads 6/ 05
Managed John Miller exhumation issues 6105- 7/ 06
Clean up of hallways ( removal of unnecessary equipment, etc.)- improvement of hallway egress
7/ 05
Establishment of monthly Safety Meetings 7/ 05
Return to Cable TV pursuant to resident request 8/ 05
Elimination of non- essential equipment 8/ 05-- ongoing
Enhanced Risk Management efforts- eained nursing staff in use of mechanical lifts and
transfer protocols- reduced incidents and costs associated with injuries 9/ 05
Revisited use of Medicare benefits in an outside Nursing Facility for residents requiring
rehabilitation after a quahfyulg hospital stay 9/ 05
Revision of Fire/ Disaster Plan 10/ 05- staff trained
Implementation of HIPAA Policies and Procedures 10/ 05- staff trained- agreements with
Business Associates- employee confidentiality agreements
Complete Revision and completion of Business Continuity Plan 10/ 05
Elimination of non- essential jobs through atttition 10 / 05-- ongoing
Enhanced efforts in review of vendor bills to avoid inaccurate bills- thls was primarily effective
in Pharmacy services by identifyulg third party pay sources and offset of APH expense 11/ 05
Renegotiated lower contracted medcation costs with Pharmacy 11 / 05
Implementation of Abuse Prevention Program 12/ 05-- staff trained
Joined Arizona Health Care Association and established online long term care health care
training for all staff 12/ 05
Redesigned Employee Appreciation Committee to include individuals from all departments
12/ 05
Installation of 3 new, professional, exterior slgns ( including the purchase of National Registry
Historic Building Plaque) 1 / 06
Upgrade of 2 stairways to wood finish 1/ 06
Initiation of workplace violence policy 3/ 06
Elimination of 3 rogue vehicles to Property Surplus 3/ 06
Implementation of Medicare Part D coverage for residents ( resulted in a $ 10,000 decrease in
medication expenses in the first month) 3/ 06
Storage area clean up 4/ 06
Enhanced training for employees via consultants in Medical Records ( 7/ 05), Finance ( 8/ 05),
Social Services ( 1 / 06), Psychologist ( 3/ 06), and Long Term Care MDS Assessment/ Care Plan
( 4/ 06)
Facilitation of new supervisory guidelines for consistency in how the agency addresses things as
a whole 4/ 06
Cleaned out records room to align with retention schedule 4/ 06
Established/ implemented ( new) Employee Orientation 4/ 06
Revised Admission Assessment policies/ procedures 4/ 06
Established ISA with ADOA fleet management to make all of our vehicles legal per statute and
not have any more rogue vehicles 4/ 06
Implemented a new financial management system which includes monthly budget management
and financial tracking 5/ 06
Initiated redesign and upgrade of Arizona Pioneers' Home Mebsite 5/ 06 ( www. azph. gov)
Response/ completion/ correction to ksk Management in reference to 15 outstanding
Performance Evaluations Assessment deficiencies- implementation thereof 6/ 05- 6/ 06
In process of upgrading of hallways throughout the building- new paint, pictures ( residents
involved).
In process of altering contract timeframes for doctors, pharmacy, and food to coincide with the
fiscal year ( residents involved in evaluation process).
In process of revising Pioneers' Home and Cemetery Management policies.
In process of enhancing paging system in home per resident request.
In process of estabiis'hing in- house laundry services and eliminate outsourcing of same.
In process of establishing an in- house Certified Nursing Assistant training program to cerafy all
curi- ent indrviduals in said position, and . train future hires, as necessary.
In process of developing an outreach power point presentation of the Arizona Pioneers' Home
to take on the road to each county at least once a year.
In process of enhancing the Quality Assurance/ Quality Improvement Committee for
maintaining a high level of quality care systems and protocols, as well as identifying areas for
improvement to continually enhance the services provided.
Continually in process of identifying cost savings opportunities, whlle enhancing facility
appearance, care and services.
Population of the Home as of June 30,2006, was 129. Distribution by county was as follows:
Note: Of those from Yavapai County, many resided in other parts of the state previously and retired to
Yavapai County prior to their admission to the Pioneers' Home.
Po~ ulationM ovement - W2006
COUNTY
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maxicopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yurna
TOTALS
NEW
2
0
0
1
1
0
0
6
1
0
2
0
0
17
0
30
DECEASED
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
1
0
0
0
0
18
0
23
READMITTED
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LEFT
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
9
Distribution of Po~ ulationb v Ape
TOTAL POPULATION:
Average Age:
Youngest Resident:
Oldest Resident:
ARIZONA PIONEERS' HOME
LIST OF RESIDENTS as of JUNE 30,2006
AINAIRE, Laverne
ALLEN, Opal
ALVIS, Clara
ALVIS, Glenn
BETTS, Ruth
BLACK, Leonard
BOSCH, Mary Frances
BRADSHAW, Ellen
BROWN, Juanita
BURTON, Mildred
BUSTAMANTE, Ernest
BUTRUM, Helen
CHESLEY, Delbert
CHURCHWELL, Courtney
CLARK- GARDNER, Betty
CLARKSON, Mabel
CLOW, Lerene
COOPER, Kenneth
COX, Audrey
CREIGHTON, Grace
CUBI'ITO, Georgia
DENNY, Dixie
DENSMORE, Helen
DESPAIN, Wendell
DODSON, Samuel
EARL, Andrew
ECKHART, Doris
ECIGIOLDT, Julia
EDSON, Myrtle
FARIS, Joseph
FERGUSON, Dave
FISK, Dorothy
FLETCHER, Jewel
FLOWERS, James
GARDNER, Ivy Ray
GIERTZ, Maggie
GEES, Geraldine
HAGENMAIER, V i r p a
HALLE'IT, Lois
HARDT, Grace
HARMON, Joy
HARSHMAN, Gerald
HASTINGS, Claudia
HECICETHORN, Frances
HENDERSON, Esther
HERNANDEZ, Enrique
HETTLER, Mary Alice
HUGGINS, Hazel
HUGGINS, Joseph
HUNT, Dora
JARREL, Florise
JARREL, Leota
JIRON, Matilde
JOHNSON, Aileen
JOHNSON, Lucile
JONES, Gladys
IUSSEL, Keith
IUSSEL, Wilma
IWABE, Mary
LACEY, Exie Maurine
LAJOIE, Albani
LAJOIE, Lorraine
LARSON, Vivian
LAUX, Theresa
LEISCH, Flo
LETHEM, Burnadean
LITTLE, Helen
MANZ, Helen
MARTIN, Maurice
MARTIN, Sadie
MARTIN, Verna
MARTINEZ, Greg
McCAULEY, Agnes Ione
McCROSSEN, Mary
McNULTY, Donald
MEDINA, Candelario
MERSEREAU, Vida
MILLS, Edna
MORRISTON, Lena
MUNCY, Viola
NAFARRATE, Juan
PANCRAZIO, Anita
PATRICK, Lea
PATTON, Edna
PATTON, Fred
PAYNE, Betty
PETERS, Esther
PRESTON, Ruth
RANKIN, Mary Lou
REDDEL, Phyllis
RENDON, Delia
RITTER, Curtis
RITTER, Nora
ROBERTS, Ward
ROBITAILLE, Vesta
RODARTE, Domingo
ROMNEY, Pearl
ROSS, Pearl
ROSS, Wilma " Sandi"
SCHIUIGER, Virginia
SCHNOSE, Hilda
SHRODER, Stewart
SI. OV, Nanette
SMITH, Ada
SMITH, Grace
SMITHART, James
SMITHART, Willie
SOWELL, Larry
STUBBLEFIELD, Audrey
STUBBLEFIELD, Wilson " Bud"
SUEVER, Anna
SYRICEL, Virguua
TENNEY, Alaire
TENNEY, Lyman
TERRIN, Anna
THACKER, Loyd
THACICER, Robbie
THIMSEN, Vernon
VAWSER, Virginia
VINCI, Mario
VINCI, Virla
WALKER, Kenneth
WALKER, Vema
WALTERS, Orma
WARREN, Edna
WEEMS, Hazel
WHITE, Sam
WHITE, Stella
WILLIAMS, Mary
Annual Report
of the
&
Hospital for Disabled Miners
for the Fiscal Year
July 1, 2006, thru June 30, 2007
by
Gary Olson, Superintendent
The Arizona Pioneers' Home and Hospital for Disabled Miners is provided for by law
in the Arizona Revised Statutes, Articles 41- 921 through 41- 925,41- 941 and 41- 942. The
Home is an institution for aged and infirm pioneers, owned and operated by the State of
Arizona in Prescott, Arizona. It is managed by a Superintendent who is appointed by, and
under the supervision of, the Governor of the State.
The Home is exempt from Arizona Department of Health Services Licensure. The
total capacity is one hundred fifty- five residents. Of the 126 individuals living in the Home
on June 30, 2006, 76 were living in personal care, 25 were living in intermediate care and
25 required skilled nursing care. Those living on the first and third floors in personal care
are largely able to care for themselves and attend the Dining Room for their meals.
Because of their advanced age they require varying degrees of nursing attention,
particularly in the area of administration of medications. All of the residents in the second
floor infirmaries require much more skilled care. The average age of the residents as of
June 30,2006, was 86, with the youngest being 71 years old, and the oldest 103 years old.
There were 37 men and 89 women. The average population for the year was 130.
There were 23 disabled miners living in the Home on June 30, 2006. Those
residents not having disabled miner status were required by ARS 41- 923 to pay for their
care based on their ability to pay. A total of $ 1,056,901.70 was collected from these
individuals and deposited into the General Fund. No expenditures during fiscal year 2007
were made from the General Fund. All costs to operate the Home were paid for from the
Miners and State Charitable Funds. The average monthly cost of care per resident was
$ 3,920.91. Total funds expended during the year amounted to $ 6,116,622.82 as follows:
Salaries & Employee Related Expense $ 5,151,214.00
Professional and Outside Services 81,816.55
Travel 18,097.63
Food 201,434.81
Drugs, Medicines & Medical Supplies 200,155.49
Other Operating Expense 463,904.34
Capital Outlay . OO
Thirteen residents expired during fiscal year 2007; eight residents were voluntarily
discharged; and 18 individuals were admitted to the Home. Of the discharged individuals,
two did not meet the criteria to remain at the Home, two chose other living arrangements,
two were relocated to facilities that could better care for their conditions of dementia, and
two were discharged as a result of behavioral issues.
Although there continues to be a waiting list for entry, the majority chose to decline
offers of residency when contacted. Due to this, the Home's vacant rooms were open
immediately for those applying for admission without a wait. More than 70 applications for
admission were mailed to individuals calling the Home to inquire about residency, not
including all that were handed to visitors that came to the Home to get an application. The
change to A. R. S. 41- 923, which took effect in August 2005, changing the residency
requirement from 30 years to 50 years, and raising the age requirement from 65 years to
70 years, has reduced the number of qualifying individuals pursuing entrance to the Home.
In order to make citizens of the State more aware of the Home and what it provides eligible
seniors, a slide show was developed using Microsoft Power Point in the fall of 2006. The
one half hour presentation was shown to audiences in Pima, La Paz, Mohave, Maricopa
and Yuma Counties during spring 2007.
The residents of the Home have a monthly meeting ( Residents Council) with
management of the Home to address all concerns and quality of life issues. This creates
accountability to the primary customer --- the resident. Customer service remains a high
priority. Residents and families repeatedly expressed gratitude for the care provided in the
Home.
The following represents some of the more significant items of progress that
transpired in the past year through the combined commitment, dedication and enthusiasm
of everyone who works and lives at the Arizona Pioneers' Home.
AccomplishmentsM/ orks in Progress 711106- 6130107- and beyond
The following represents some of the more significant items of progress that have
transpired in the past fiscal year.
Finalized John Miller exhumation issues ( 7106)
Established a new Physician Service contract with the inclusion of a Medical
Director ( previously the Home did not have a Medical Director) ( 7106)
Implemented and refined a new financial management system which includes
monthly budget management by department and internal financials for cost tracking
( 7106)
Finalized the redesign and upgrade of Arizona Pioneers' Home Website ( 8106)
Established an in- house Certified Nursing Assistant training program to certify all
current individuals in said position, and train future hires, as necessary ( 9106)
Reorganized AdministrationlAccountinglResident Services to reduce the number of
people handling money ( 1 0106)
Hosted filming of a segment of a major motion picture-" Jolene" ( 10106)
Developed and implemented an outreach power point presentation of the Arizona
Pioneers' Home to take on the road to each county at least once a year ( 12106)
[ presentations have been made in La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima and Yuma
counties since January 1, 20071
Established a Quality AssurancelQuality Improvement Committee for maintaining a
high level of quality care systems and protocols, as well as identifying areas for
improvement to continually enhance the services provided ( 2107)
Enhanced training for nursing personnel via consultants ( 3107)
Upgraded the hallways throughout the building with historic pictures from Sharlot
Hall museum ( residents integrally involved) ( 5107)
Implemented use of new PASEs for supervisors in FY06 and all other employees in
FY07
Reduced incidents and costs associated with injuries- Risk Management fees for
FY08 decreased by $ 1 0,200
In process of reorganizing the nursing department to achieve best practices and be
a role model for long term care in Arizona
In process of revising Pioneers' Home and Cemetery Management policies.
In process of enhancing paging system in home per resident request
In process of initiating the Minimum Data Set resident care assessment tool to more
accurately identify resident care needs and provide said services in the most
effective and efficient way possible
Continually in process of identifying cost savings opportunities, while enhancing
facility appearance, care and services
Population of the Home as of June 30, 2007, was 126. Distribution by county was as
follows:
Note: Of those from Yavapai County, many resided in other parts of the state previously
and retired to Yavapai County prior to their admission to the Pioneers' Home.
Population Movement - FY2007
COUNTY
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma
TOTALS
NEW
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
1
0
0
13
0
18
DECEASED
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
8
1
13
READMITTED
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LEFT
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
6
0
8
Distribution of Population by Aae
TOTAL POPULATION:
Average Age:
Youngest Resident:
Oldest Resident:
ARIZONA PIONEERS' HOME
LIST OF RESIDENTS as of JUNE 30,2007
AINAIRE, Laverne
ALLEN, Opal
ALVIS, Clara
ALVIS, Glenn
BETTS, Ruth
BLACK, Leonard
BOSCH, Mary Frances
BRADSHAW, Ellen
BROWN, Betty
BROWN, Ernest
BROWN, Juanita
BURTON, Mildred
BUTRUM, Helen
CAMPBELL, Antoinette
CAMPBELL, Harold
CHESLEY, Delbert
CHILDS, Lucille
CHURCHWELL, Courtney
CLARK- GARDNER, Betty
CLARKSON, Mabel
CLOW, Lerene
COOPER, Kenneth
CREIGHTON, Grace
CUBITTO, Georgia
DENNY, Dixie
DESPAIN, Wendell
DODSON, Samuel
EARL, Andrew
ECKHART, Doris
ECKHOLDT, Julia
EDSON, Myrtle
FARIS, Joseph
FERGUSON, Dave
FLETCHER, Jewel
GARDNER, Ivy Ray
GUGEL, Ann
HAGENMAIER, Virginia
HALLETT, Lois
HARDT, Grace
HARMON, Joy
HARSHMAN, Gerald
HASTINGS, Claudia
HECKETHORN, Frances
HENDERSON, Esther
HERNANDEZ, Enrique
HETTLER, Mary Alice
HUGGINS, Hazel
HUGGINS, Joseph
HUNT, Dora
HUNTER, Dahlia
JARREL, Florise
JARREL, Leota
JENKINS, Lois
JIRON, Matilde
JOHNSON, Aileen
JOHNSON, Lucile
JONES, Gladys
KELLEY, Ira
KISSEL, Keith
KISSEL, Wilma
KNABE, Mary
LACEY, Exie Maurine
LAJOIE, Albani
LAJOIE, Lorraine
LARSON, Nelle
LAUX, Theresa
LITTLE, Helen
MANZ, Helen
MARTIN, Maurice
MARTIN, Sadie
MARTIN, Verna
MARTINEZ, Greg
McCAULEY, Agnes lone
McCROSSEN, Mary
McNULTY, Donald
MORRISTON, Lena
MUNCY, Viola
PANCRAZIO, Anita
PATRICK, Lea
PATTON, Edna
PATTON, Fred
PETERS, Esther
PISEL, Mary
PRESTON, Ruth
RANKIN, Mary Lou
REDDEL, Phyllis
RENDON, Delia
REYNA, Leobardo
RITTER, Nora
ROBERTS, Ward
ROBITAILLE, Vesta
RODARTE, Domingo
ROMNEY, Pearl
ROSS, Pearl
ROSS, Wilma " Sandi"
SADLER, William
SCHNOSE, Hilda
SHRODER, Stewart
SKOUSEN, John
SMITH, Ada
SMITH, Grace
SMITHART, James
SMITHART, Willie
SOWELL, Larry
STANDERFER, Ruby
STUBBLEFIELD, Wilson " Bud"
SUEVER, Anna
SYRKEL, Virginia
TENNEY, Alaire
TENNEY, Lyman
TERRIN, Anna
THARP, Gladys
THIMSEN, Vernon
VAWSER, Virginia
VINCI, Mario
VINCI, Virla
WALKER, Kenneth
WALKER, Verna
WALTERS, Orma
WARREN, Edna
WEEMS, Hazel
WHITE, Sam
WHITE, Stella
WILLIAMS, Mary
WOODCOCK, Carolyn
WRIGHT, Gladys
