A man and a woman are holding hands at a table.

Enacting Change

Breathtaking colors of our planet
Button
An elderly man with a beard is sitting on the stairs using a cell phone.

Informing, Guiding, and Protecting

Portraits of people from around the globe
Button
A man is sitting in a lotus position on the beach.

Helping You Make an Educated Choice

Stark beauty of desolate dunes
Button
An elderly woman and a young girl are sitting on a bench holding hands.

Get Involved

Visual odyssey across continents
Button

What Are My Long-Term Care Housing Options?

Libby Hastings • July 17, 2024

Navigating long-term care housing options can be a bit overwhelming, but understanding your choices can make it much easier to find the right fit for you or your loved one. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common options available:


Independent Living


Independent living is perfect for those who want to maintain their independence but still enjoy a community setting with various amenities and services. These communities offer a range of housing options like apartments, duplexes, and condominiums. Payment options include private pay and subsidized arrangements through programs like HUD.


Each independent living community offers different services and activities, so it's essential to explore and find one that matches your lifestyle. Be prepared for an application process and possible waitlisting. Note that independent living communities are not regulated or licensed by the state, so do your due diligence when researching.


Homes Plus


Homes Plus are smaller residences or facilities that cater to no more than 12 individuals. This option is ideal for those who need personal care and supervised nursing care to help with daily living activities. While these facilities are not federally regulated, they are licensed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.


Assisted Living/Residential Health Care Facilities


Assisted living and residential health care facilities (RHCFs) offer a residential care setting for older adults who want their own living space but may need help with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting. The main difference between the two is that RHCFs do not offer kitchenettes in individual rooms. Both types of facilities are licensed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services but are not federally regulated.


Nursing Facilities

For individuals who need 24-hour care and can no longer live independently, nursing facilities provide comprehensive care. These facilities are suitable for those requiring extended post-operative care, complex medical monitoring, and rehabilitative care. Nursing facilities are licensed and regulated by state governments, with additional federal regulations for those licensed by Medicaid/Medicare.



Choosing the right long-term care housing option depends on individual needs and preferences. It’s important to consider the level of care required, desired amenities, and the regulatory standards of the facility. Exploring these options can ensure a comfortable and supportive living environment for you or your loved one. KABC also offers free consumer information reports for all licensed adult care facilities. To learn more, visit www.kabc.org/consumer-information-reports

Advocacy with KABC 101: Your Guide to Making an Impact

By Libby Hastings • February 10, 2025
The Kansas legislative session is in full swing, making it the perfect time to engage with your lawmakers and advocate for policies that improve long-term care in our state. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just getting started, knowing how to effectively communicate with legislators is key to making a difference. We believe that every voice matters, and lawmakers want to hear from the people they represent. To find your legislator, visit the Kansas legislative website. When you visit www.kslegislature.org , there is an option on the left side of the website to “Find Your Legislator”. You may search by name, chamber, party, or select “Seach by Your Address”. This will lead you to Plural , a platform to find bill information and your local legislators by typing in your home address. Tips for Effective Advocacy Be Friendly – Legislators are people too! Approach them with sincerity and honesty. While time may be limited, be sure to focus on the issue you're there to champion. Be Prepared – This is your chance to educate. Start with a clear, concise explanation of the issue, and provide only factual information. Be Respectful – Not everyone will agree with your position. Some lawmakers may have concerns about costs, feasibility, or other factors. Treat them with respect, as they may be allies on future issues. Be Direct – Answer questions openly and honestly. Share the full picture, including both the challenges and the solutions. Ask for a Specific Action – Make it clear what you want your legislator to do. Common advocacy actions include: Sponsoring a bill Urging committee leadership to take action on a bill Speaking for or against a bill during debate Holding a public event to raise awareness Writing a letter to state agencies about oversight and implementation of a law Establish a Relationship – Don't just reach out when you need something. Contact your legislators regularly, thank them when they support your issues, and stay engaged. Building a relationship increases the likelihood they will listen when you advocate for change. Say Thanks – Gratitude goes a long way! Always follow up with a thank-you note or email after a meeting, even if the legislator disagrees with your position. Advocacy is about persistence, education, and relationship-building. By using these strategies, you can help ensure that long-term care remains a priority for Kansas lawmakers. Want to learn more? Check out KABC’s full Advocacy 101 guide here .

Advocacy in Action (February 2025): KABC Testifies Before House Social Services Budget Committee

By Libby Hastings • January 29, 2025
On Thursday, January 30th, Dan Goodman, Executive Director, presented testimony before the House Social Services Budget Committee. His remarks focused on essential recommendations for the Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Services (KDADS) budget, underscoring the urgent need for a Statewide Resource Guide for Older Kansans. Dan’s testimony emphasized Kansas’s rapidly aging population, with projections showing that more than 20% of Kansans will be 65 or older by 2030. With state resources already stretched thin, KABC urged the committee to prioritize investments in solutions that diversify and enhance access to long-term care services across Kansas. Highlighting the Statewide Resource Guide KABC’s flagship recommendation was a comprehensive Statewide Resource Guide for Older Kansans, modeled after the highly successful Douglas County Senior Resource Directory. The proposal seeks $190,000 to develop and distribute a directory that would serve as an essential tool for older Kansans and their families. The funding would cover: Initial Setup & Information Coordination: $85,000 One-Time Master Printing for Statewide Distribution (35,000 copies): $105,000 The guide would provide accurate, accessible, and up-to-date information on long-term care services and resources, with an online version that could be printed on demand. This initiative aligns with the Senior Care Legislative Task Force’s final recommendations and would empower Kansans to make informed decisions about care options. Dan emphasized the proven success of the Douglas County Senior Resource Directory, which KABC developed with grant funding through the Douglas County Community Foundation. Since its launch, the directory has been accessed online by over 700 individuals and distributed to hundreds of older adults, caregivers, and local businesses. Expanding this model statewide would ensure that every Kansan—regardless of where they live—has access to vital information when they need it most. Other Budget Priorities KABC Supports KABC also backed several of KDADS Governor’s budget recommendations, including funding increases for: HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver Growth HCBS Brain Injury Waiver Growth Nutrition Services Incentive Program Stay tuned for updates as we continue to advocate for these critical investments during the legislative session!
Share by: