Fob Usage Quick Guide

What is a FOB? 

A FOB (Fixed Object Device) is used for Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) when a caregiver cannot use the Ankota Caregiver Next Gen app. Each FOB is assigned to a specific client and must remain in the client's home. 

How Visit Times Are Recorded 

The FOB codes contain actual arrival and departure times. Caregivers may: 

• Report arrival and departure immediately when they occur 

The system uses the FOB codes to determine the correct visit times. 

Setting Up a FOB 

1. Go to Clients Profile under User in Ankota.net. 

2. Open the Information tab. 

3. Enter the FOB's serial number in the FOB Serial Number (The number on the back of the fob) field. 

4. Click Save. 

The FOB is now linked to the client and ready for use. 

FOBs cannot be used for more than one client. 

Testing a FOB 

If you need to verify that a FOB is working: 

1. Open the client's profile. 

2. Go to User > Client > Information tab 

3. Ask someone at the client's home to press the FOB button and provide the code. 

4. Enter the code in the FOB Code field. 

5. Select Check Delay. 

6. Review the message displayed. 

A very short delay is normal. Significant delays may indicate a problem with the FOB such as low battery.  

Simplified Caregiver Instructions 

At Clock-In 

1. Press the button on the FOB. 

2. Write down or save the code displayed on the screen. 

3. Call the Ankota telephony number and report the arrival code. 

At Clock-Out 

1. Press the FOB button again. 

2. Record the new code displayed. 

3. Call the Ankota telephony number and report the departure code. 

4. Complete any required care plan/task reporting before ending the call. 

Important: Caregivers must remain on the call until they are fully completed. Hanging up early may prevent visit data from being transmitted correctly and could delay payroll processing. 

Use Case 

Arrival 

Arrive at the client’s residence  

Click the FOB and write down the arrival code 

Call the designated phone number given by your Administrator 

Click the FOB and write down the arrival code 

The automated call will ask the following: 

Please enter your user ID followed by # sign. 

Please enter your PIN followed by # sign (if you have one). 

Please select action from the following list: 

To select Client Name arrival, press 1 

Please enter the code generated by the FOB device followed by # sign. (Enter the arrival code) 

Arrival time is X pm. You should complete your visit at X pm. 

Your arrival has been reported. Thank you. 

The call will end. Do not hang up on your side. 

Departure 

Call the same number given by your administrator. 

Please enter your user ID followed by # sign. 

Please enter your PIN followed by # sign. 

Click the FOB and write down the departure code. This code must be different than the arrival and will be different each day. 

Please select action from the following list: 

To select Name departure, press 1  

Please enter the code generated by the token device followed by # sign.  

Enter the departure code. 

Departure time is X pm.  

Please report the value or status of the following items:  

[Item] is complete, press 1; if not needed today, press 2; if client refused, press 3. 

Repeat as needed 

If care plan item status are acceptable, press 1; to re-enter care plan item status, press 2. 

Are there any concerns you’d like to share with the office about the patient’s condition? Press 1 for yes or 2 for no.  

Your departure has been successfully reported. Thank you. 

The call will end. Do not hang up on your side. 

Optional signature request may appear here 

Press 2 if client is available; If client is not available press 1 

Please confirm that you received your service today, Press 1 for yes or Press 2 for no 

Please confirm time of visit Press 1 to confirm or Press 2 if don't agree with the times 

Please have the client say their name and date 

Please confirm your name and date 

Best Practices 

✓ Keep the FOB in the client's home at all times. 
✓ Record FOB codes accurately. 
✓ Complete telephony calls in full. 
✓ Maintain a tracking list of FOB serial numbers and assigned clients. 
✓ Contact Support if a FOB serial number cannot be entered or if the device appears faulty. 

Telephony Troubleshooting Guide 

Common Issues 

The most common FOB errors occur when caregivers: 

• Enter the code incorrectly. 

• Enter too many or too few digits. 

• Enter the code backwards. 

• Entered the arrival code or departure and vice versa. 

• Exited call before the system could sync. 

For best results, enable the "Exit if Invalid" FOB feature so the system prompts users to correct invalid codes before completing the call. 

Busy Signal 

• Ankota does not generate busy signals. 

• Record the phone number and time of the call. 

• Contact your administrator for assistance. 

Unable to Clock In 

• Try calling again. 

• If the issue continues, contact your administrator. 

Forgot the Telephony Number 

• Contact your administrator to obtain the call-in number. 

Forgot User ID or PIN 

• Contact your administrator for your login credentials. 

Call Disconnects Mid-Call 

• Hang up and call back to complete the visit. 

• Report the issue to your administrator with the call time and phone number used. 

System Only Allows Clock-Out 

• You may have an open visit that was never clocked out. 

• Complete the existing clock-out or contact your administrator for assistance. 

• You may simply just need to call again right after the clock out. 

Unable to Clock In to Any Visit 

• Contact your administrator for assistance. 

Incorrect or Missing Task Questions 

• The client's care plan may need updates. 

• Contact your administrator. 

Unfamiliar Care Plan Questions 

• The client's care plan may be incorrect or outdated. 

• Contact your administrator. 

"Something Went Wrong" Error 

• Ensure you are calling from the approved phone number on the client's profile. 

• Remove any caller ID spoofing or call-blocking applications. 

• Try calling again. 

Need Additional Help? 

Support@ankota.zendesk.com 

844-426-5682 (Press 1 for Support)