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Most people try not to think about nursing homes, that's why we think about them every day.
Legislative Advocacy
KABC staff and volunteers advocate with state policy makers for policies that will improve long-term care for older adults. Because everyone has the right to receive quality care.
Training & Resources
Learn how to identify safe, quality care for older adults. We provide essential resources to help you learn more about long-term care and how best to support your loved ones.
Guidance & Empowerment
Are you or a loved-one in need of a long-term care facility? We have Consumer Information Reports to help you make an informed decision. Our knowledgeable staff will talk with you one-on-one and provide you with the guidance you need.
- Governor Bennett- 1977
Inception and Advocacy (1966-1976)
In 1966, Anna "Petey" Cerf's encounter with a neglected nursing home resident inspired the creation of Kansans for Improvement of Nursing Homes (KINH). KINH officially launched in October 1975, prioritizing consumer voices over industry influence.
Committee on Monitoring and Legislative Impact (1976-1978)
In 1976, KINH's Committee found issues at 26 nursing homes, leading to incorporation as a 501(c)(3) on November 4. Momentum grew with the 1977 Consumer Conference, prompting Governor Bennett to take action, resulting in major Kansas nursing home legislation in 1978.
Evolution and Enduring Mission (1978-Present)
While our organization has evolved over the years, including our name to Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) in 1996, our mission has remained unchanged, to advocate for the fundamental right to be treated with dignity, respect, and receive quality long-term care.
On November 12th, KABC hosted our first Caring for Older Kansans Panel Discussion at the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center, bringing together an audience of around 40 attendees to explore the pressing issues facing long-term care in Kansas. The event was moderated by award-winning journalist Jim McLean, political correspondent for the Kansas News Service and Senior Contributor with Kansas Public Radio, who expertly guided the conversation. Panelists The panel featured three distinguished experts in the long-term care field: Janis DeBoer , former Deputy Secretary of Programs at KDADS and a 30-year veteran in long-term care, shared her knowledge on Medicaid services, nursing facility challenges, and the importance of community-based services. Camille Russell , former Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman, highlighted the importance of person-centered practices and shared her experiences advocating for nursing facility residents. Rep. Susan Concannon (R-Beloit) from District 107 offered a legislative perspective, emphasizing the need for reform in the long-term care system while navigating a challenging political environment. Key Issues Discussed The conversation touched on several critical topics: 1. Challenges in Nursing Facilities Janis DeBoer noted that nursing facilities have long been difficult to manage, with a lack of effective quality care metrics and a system built more for providers than consumers. Rep. Concannon echoed this, citing the disconnect between government funding and accountability. 2. Policy and Data Gaps The panel emphasized how the transition from the Kansas Department on Aging (KDOA) to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) deprioritized senior issues. DeBoer stressed the need for statewide data to support advocacy efforts, while Camille Russell called for policymakers to hear directly from nursing home residents and an increase in grassroots advocacy efforts. 3. Workforce Challenges Workforce shortages remain a significant barrier to quality care. DeBoer called for increased pay throughout the industry and better working conditions for CNAs. The panel agreed that a cultural shift is needed to make long-term care jobs more attractive and sustainable. 4. Transparency and Consumer Awareness The panel discussed the need for greater transparency in the system, including access to quality care metrics and ownership information. Rep. Concannon pointed out that while survey data is accessible, most consumers are unaware of it. 5. Shifting Toward Community-Based Services DeBoer underscored the cost-saving and quality-of-life benefits of reducing nursing facility stays by investing in community-based services. Research shows that these services increase the likelihood of individuals returning home and living independently. Key Takeaways The event highlighted three primary areas for improvement: Greater Transparency: Make information on facility performance and ownership readily available to consumers and the public. Improved Communication: Foster collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, service providers, and families, to address systemic gaps. Diversifying Service Options: Reduce Kansas's reliance on institutional care by expanding and strengthening community-based services for older adults. Special Highlights Sherman Smith of the Kansas Reflector attended the event to document the discussion, capturing key moments and engaging with attendees and panelists. The participation of Senator Francisco (D- Lawrence) and Representative McDonald (D-Olathe) further underscored the importance of legislative involvement in shaping the future of long-term care in Kansas. This event was an impactful step toward fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and advocating for meaningful change in long-term care policy and practice in Kansas. We look forward to continuing the conversation and driving progress for older Kansans.
As we approach the 2024 general election, it’s important to ensure that you’re registered to vote and prepared to participate. In Kansas, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the state, and at least 18 years old by Election Day to register. Additionally, if you’ve moved or changed your name, you’ll need to update your voter registration. You can check your voter registration online , view a sample ballot, and check your polling location. Kansas is a “no-excuse” absentee voting state, meaning any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot without providing a reason. The deadline to register to vote or update your registration is Tuesday, October 15th. You can register in person at your local election office, at the DMV, or online if you have a valid Kansas driver’s license or ID. If you don’t have one, you can still register using the paper Kansas Voter Registration Application by mail. For voters who prefer to vote by mail, the deadline to submit your advance voting application is October 29th, and ballots will begin being mailed on October 16th. Make sure your ballot is postmarked by November 5th (Election Day) and received by the county election office within three business days after the election. If you vote in person, Kansas requires photographic identification. Voters 65 or older can use an expired photo ID. For residents in long-term care facilities, absentee ballots may be an easier option than voting in-person. When residents receive their ballots in the mail, long-term care staff must understand what they can and cannot help with when it comes to assisting residents in filling out their ballots. For example, an assistance provider should ask the voter what choice they want to make. The assistance provider must never make assumptions regarding how a person wants to vote. If the resident has a Power of Attorney (POA), that person should be contacted about helping the resident fill out their ballot. The resident has the right to decide whether they want assistance and can choose who they want to help them fill out their ballot. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a recent memo affirming the regulatory expectation that ensures nursing home residents have the unimpeded ability to exercise their right to vote as a citizen of the United States. The memo hits the high points from the Nursing Home Reform Act that requires facilities honor the rights, including the right to vote, of residents. Federal and state laws ensure that voting is accessible to everyone. If you feel your voting rights have been violated, contact the Office of the Secretary of State at 800-262-VOTE (8683).