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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.
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).
When you or a loved one enters a nursing facility, it's important to know that residents have specific rights and protections guaranteed by both Federal and state law. These rights are designed to ensure residents receive the care, respect, and services they deserve while maintaining their dignity and autonomy. As advocates for quality long-term care in Kansas, we want to make sure you're informed about these essential protections. What Are Your Rights as a Nursing Home Resident? Under Federal law, every nursing home resident has the right to: Be Treated with Respect: Residents have the right to be treated with dignity and to make decisions about their daily routine, such as when they wake up, go to bed, and eat their meals. Participate in Activities: Nursing homes must offer activities that meet the needs and interests of each resident, allowing them to remain engaged and fulfilled. Be Free from Abuse and Neglect: No resident should ever experience verbal, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. If abuse or neglect is suspected, the nursing home must report it, and residents have the right to alert authorities themselves. Make Medical Decisions: Residents have the right to be fully informed about their health conditions, treatments, and medications in a way they understand. They can also choose their doctor and participate in developing their care plan. Manage Their Money: Residents can manage their own finances or choose someone they trust to handle their money. The nursing home must protect residents' funds from loss or theft. Maintain Privacy: Every resident has the right to private communication, whether through visits, phone calls, or mail. The facility must also protect residents' personal belongings and provide living arrangements that respect their preferences. These are just a few of the many rights outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The full list of protections ensures that every nursing home resident is safeguarded, from protection against unfair transfers to the ability to lodge complaints without fear of retaliation. What To Do if Rights Are Violated If you suspect that your rights or the rights of a loved one in a nursing facility are being violated, it’s crucial to take action. Bring your concerns to the attention of the nursing home staff such as administrators and nurses, contact your long-term care ombudsman , and document the incident (take detailed notes of what you observed). If you suspect immediate harm, contact law enforcement! We at Kansas Advocates for Better Care are here to help. Whether it’s a matter of neglect, abuse, or other infringements of your rights, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us today if you or a loved one need assistance. We are committed to advocating for the care, dignity, and well-being of all nursing home residents at no cost to you. Let us stand by your side and help you navigate the process to ensure that the rights of nursing facility residents are upheld.