Pricing ranges from
    $3,000 – 3,600/month

    Ark Of Life

    1707 East Citation Lane, Tempe, AZ, 85284
    3.3 · 4 reviews
    • Assisted living
    • Memory care
    AnonymousLoved one of resident
    1.0

    Tiny, unclean, unhelpful - not suitable

    I toured this small facility and was greeted by Emmanuel. The room was tiny, the place not well kept with stained linens, staff mixed up names and even insulted me, and they only seemed able to provide low-level care - they couldn't handle my wife with active dementia. Though there are ample seating areas, a TV, a large grassy yard and a shaded back porch, the overall environment felt isolating and depressing. Not a good fit for my wife or my dad; I found cheaper options elsewhere.

    Pricing

    $3,000+/moSemi-privateAssisted Living
    $3,600+/mo1 BedroomAssisted Living

    Schedule a Tour

    Amenities

    Healthcare services

    • Activities of daily living assistance
    • Assistance with bathing
    • Assistance with dressing
    • Assistance with transfers
    • Coordination with health care providers
    • Medication management

    Healthcare staffing

    • 24-hour supervision

    Meals and dining

    • Diabetes diet
    • Meal preparation and service
    • Special dietary restrictions

    Room

    • Cable
    • Fully furnished
    • Housekeeping and linen services
    • Telephone
    • Wifi

    Transportation

    • Transportation arrangement (medical)
    • Transportation to doctors appointments

    Community services

    • Move-in coordination

    Activities

    • Community-sponsored activities
    • Scheduled daily activities

    3.25 · 4 reviews

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      1.5
    • Staff

      1.5
    • Meals

      3.3
    • Amenities

      2.3
    • Value

      3.3

    Pros

    • Welcomed by a specific staff member (Emmanuel)
    • Visible ownership/management presence (Renu and A.V.)
    • Ample indoor seating areas
    • Television available for residents
    • Large grassy outdoor area in back
    • Shaded back porch and usable outdoor space

    Cons

    • Facility not well kept/poor maintenance
    • Dirty or stained linens
    • Small resident rooms
    • Staff insulted reviewer and exhibited name confusion
    • Limited social interaction/isolation of residents
    • Depressing environment for an active dementia patient
    • Staff adequate only for low-level care; unable to manage higher needs
    • Could not handle spouse with higher care needs
    • Perception that better or cheaper options exist elsewhere

    Summary review

    Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed-to-negative, with the strongest positives relating to aspects of the physical environment (outdoor space and seating) and visible management, while the most serious negatives concern cleanliness, maintenance, staff capability/attitude, and suitability for residents with higher or active dementia care needs.

    Care quality: Reviewers consistently indicate that the facility provides only low-level or basic care. One reviewer explicitly stated staff are adequate for low-level care but could not handle a spouse with greater needs. The most significant pattern is that the community is not appropriate for active dementia patients or anyone who requires engaged, hands-on, or higher-intensity care. That lack of appropriate care level is framed as a primary reason the facility was "not a good fit" for the reviewer and their father.

    Staff and management: There are mixed signals about personnel. A reviewer was greeted by a named staff member (Emmanuel), and ownership is clearly identified (Renu and A.V.), which suggests some visibility of management. However, there are notable negative comments about staff attitude and competence: a reviewer reported being insulted by staff and experienced name confusion, which raises concerns about professionalism, communication, and individualized attention. The presence of named owners does not appear to overcome these staffing issues in the reviewers' experience.

    Facilities and cleanliness: Physical facilities present a split picture. Positive notes include ample seating areas, a TV for residents, a large grassy backyard, and a shaded back porch—features that can support outdoor time and casual socializing. Conversely, the facility is described as "not well kept," with dirty or stained linens and small resident rooms. The mention of a bike on the back porch could suggest clutter or informal storage in communal areas. Cleanliness and maintenance issues are prominent and contribute to a perception of a lower-quality living environment.

    Activities and social environment: Reviewers point to a lack of social interaction and an isolating or depressing atmosphere for residents who need engagement. The environment is characterized as especially unsuitable for an active dementia patient; instead of stimulating activities or social programs, the reviews imply residents primarily watch TV and have limited meaningful interaction. This pattern indicates minimal programming or staff engagement to support cognitive and social needs.

    Cost and value: One reviewer noted that there were cheaper options elsewhere, implying this facility may not represent the best value, especially given its limitations in care and maintenance. Combined with concerns about cleanliness and staff capability, reviewers suggest families should compare alternatives carefully.

    Notable patterns and final assessment: The recurring themes are: (1) pleasant outdoor/common spaces and visible ownership, and (2) insufficient cleanliness, small rooms, staff attitude problems, and an inability to meet higher-care or active dementia needs. For a prospective resident who requires only light assistance and values outdoor seating areas, this community might be acceptable. For anyone needing higher levels of care, active dementia programming, regular engagement, or higher standards of cleanliness and professionalism, reviewers warn this facility is likely not appropriate. Families should weigh these patterns and consider touring multiple options, asking specifically about dementia programming, staffing levels/turnover, linen and housekeeping protocols, and examples of how staff handle residents with higher care needs.

    Location

    Map showing location of Ark Of Life

    About Ark Of Life

    Ark Of Life sits right on East Citation Lane in Tempe, offering a home for up to 10 people, which makes things feel smaller and quieter than those big places, and that can give families a little more peace of mind. This community takes care of seniors who need medium levels of support, folks who have memory troubles like Alzheimer's or dementia, or who might need help with things like Parkinson's or diabetes, so there's a staff that's been trained to step in whenever someone needs it, day or night, and they'll help with bathing, getting dressed, grooming, bathroom reminders, mealtimes, and making sure medicines are taken right, and a Registered Nurse and Licensed Manager keep an eye on the whole thing while making assessments with the family every so often to keep care up to date. Every resident gets a care plan that's shaped with the family, Home Manager, and Operations Coordinator, since everyone's needs look different, and everything from walking support to insulin, high blood pressure routines, and two-person transfers can be worked in; if someone needs special meals for diabetes or other health reasons, the kitchen makes three home-cooked meals daily and offers modifications depending on what the doctor orders, and snacks and coffee are handy too.

    Rooms come as singles, semi-private, or little studios, simple but functional, and the move-in goes easier because they'll help organize the room and settle everyone in. There are reading rooms, a big library, greenhouse, communal kitchen, small studios with phone hookups, and internet access, and the place is set up with 24-hour security and in-room emergency buttons. Housekeeping, laundry, and daily room upkeep come with the territory, as does help for ambulation and moves around the building. The building locks down tight, especially for those who might wander, but residents aren't expected to just sit around with music therapy, pet visits, craft workshops, tabletop games, outdoor trips in a van, movie nights, exercise classes, and garden paths for getting fresh air, all set up by staff who know everyone's limits. They'll help arrange rides and even have their own transportation for doctor visits, shopping, services, and outings to church or community events, and if someone just needs short-term help, respite programs are on offer so caregivers get a break now and again.

    There's plenty of places to sit or take a stroll, and the garden's cared for, while a movie theater gives a feeling of going out without leaving the building. The staff speaks English and is used to working with many types of folks, and they're ready 24/7 if anyone needs help, including high-acuity care and non-ambulatory help. The facility allows both dogs and cats, and regular activities are part of everyday life to make sure everyone stays busy and connected, no matter their memory or health needs. There's a small parking lot and it's close to stores and pharmacies in Tempe. The community earns strong 4- and 5-star reviews, mainly from people who notice the focused attention that a small resident-to-staff ratio makes possible. It's approved for Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) payments and can connect families to a Placement Agent if they're figuring out long-term plans or next steps. For folks needing memory care, daily living help, a quiet place to land, or someone to check in throughout the day and night, Ark Of Life covers a lot of ground while still feeling manageable and familiar.

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