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Opinion piece from Dave Ranney, current KABC Board Member and retired newspaper reporter: In a recent Kansas News Service story on Sen. Roger Marshall’s appearance at a town hall meeting in Oakley, Kansas, (pop. 1,982), a board member with the local nursing home said he’d hoped to hear about issues “…affecting nursing homes right now. Rural hospitals are hurting but all people wanted to do was scream at the senator.” The board member’s concerns are valid and deeply troubling. Cuts in Medicaid spending will be devastating. Medicaid is the backbone of long-term care in Kansas; 57 percent of the state’s nursing home residents rely on Medicaid for their care. These are frail elders whose estates have been depleted. They have no money. Medicaid reimbursement rates are, at best, break-even. They’re not ‘profit centers.’ Even a small reduction in rates will push many rural facilities to the brink of closure. Quality of care, too, is sure to suffer. Medicare, unfortunately, does not cover nursing home care. Rural families will be left with no choice but to move their loved ones far from home to receive the care they need and deserve. Already, eight of the state’s 105 counites are without a nursing home; at least 40 have only one. National surveys have found that a fourth of the nursing homes in Kansas are providing sub-standard care, usually due to inadequate staffing. Recruiting and retaining nurses and healthcare staff in small towns is critical. The board member would do well to consider what’ll happen when DOGE figures out that Medicaid is paying for care that often falls short of federal standard. Lawmakers on both the state and national levels have a responsibility to ensure stable Medicaid funding to keep existing facilities open while, at the same time, investing in community-based services that offer lower-cost, in-home care options that allow people to remain in their communities. Sincerely, Dave Ranney Dave Ranney is a retired newspaper reporter, he lives in Lawrence, Kansas.

When an older adult or someone with Alzheimer's, dementia, or any other serious health issue can no longer make safe decisions about their care or finances, guardianship or conservatorship may be needed. These legal arrangements help protect vulnerable individuals from neglect, abuse, or financial exploitation. However, they should only be used when other options are not effective. What is Guardianship? A guardian is a person appointed by the court to make legal decisions about an individual’s health, safety, and overall well-being. The person under guardianship is called a ward. Guardians help ensure their ward receives proper medical care, safe housing, and necessary services. Acquiring guardianship takes time. It involves enlisting the help of an attorney and testifying in court for guardianship proceedings. Not only does a guardian make health care and financial decisions, a guardian also makes sure the person's day-to-day needs for safety, food, shelter and care are met. Guardians are responsible to and supervised by the court. What is Conservatorship? A conservator is appointed by the court to manage an individual’s finances and property. The person under conservatorship is called a conservatee . Conservators oversee bank accounts, pay bills, and make sure the conservatee’s assets are protected. What Are the Responsibilities of a Guardian or Conservator? Guardians make decisions about healthcare, living arrangements, and personal needs. Conservators manage money, pay expenses, and handle financial matters. Both must always act in the best interest of the person they support. The law requires them to respect the wishes and values of the ward or conservatee as much as possible. Every year, guardians and conservators must submit reports to the court about the care and finances of the person they support. Does a Guardian or Conservator Pay for Care? No, guardians and conservators are not required to use their own money to support the ward or conservatee. Medical bills, nursing home costs, and other expenses should be paid from the individual’s own funds or through available benefits. Can a Guardianship or Conservatorship End? Yes, the court may end guardianship or conservatorship if: The person regains the ability to make their own decisions. The need for guardianship or conservatorship no longer exists. The ward or conservatee passes away. How to Become a Guardian or Conservator? Anyone appointed after January 1, 2009 , must complete a basic training program before officially becoming a guardian or conservator. For more information, visit the Kansas Guardianship Program website or call 1-800-672-0086 .

A nursing home’s failure to meet a Federal participation requirement is defined as a deficiency. Examples of deficiencies include a nursing home’s failure to adhere to proper infection control measures and to provide necessary care and services. Each deficiency is given a letter rating of A through L based on the State agency’s determination of the scope and severity of the deficiency. See chart below.

KABC is raising the alarm over proposed federal cuts to Medicaid that could strip away as much as $2.5 trillion from the program. This is not just a budgetary adjustment—it is a direct threat to the well-being of thousands of older Kansans who rely on Medicaid for their long-term care needs. Dan Goodman, Executive Director of KABC, spoke out against these proposed cuts, emphasizing the urgent need for Kansans to take action: “I have no sense that this will deter the Federal Administration from taking action on this program, but rather the hope is to illuminate this issue for those Kansans that are paying attention and bring about a more calibrated approach. We must get Kansans to think about what long-term care looks like for Older Kansans with lesser Medicaid funding. I’m here to urge you to protect Older Kansans, protect Medicaid.” Goodman was invited to speak at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka on Monday, February 24, 2025, to address the recent movement by Congressional leaders to cut federal Medicaid funding. The informal gaggle took place in the east wing of the ground level of the Kansas Statehouse and gained statewide media attention. Other speakers included April Holman, Executive Director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas; Rocky Nichols, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas; and Adrienne Olejnik, Vice President of Kansas Action for Children. Medicaid: A Lifeline for Older Kansans Most Kansans over 65 rely on Medicare for their healthcare needs, but it is Medicaid that ensures access to long-term care services, whether at home or in nursing facilities. For thousands of seniors in Kansas, Medicaid is the only option that allows them to age with dignity in their own homes, receiving essential support services. However, the impact of these proposed federal cuts would be catastrophic. Kansas already suffers from a critical shortage of direct care workers, and nearly 85,000 Older Kansans live in areas with limited access to care. Slashing Medicaid funding will only deepen this crisis. Rural communities, where healthcare access is already strained, will be hit the hardest. Short-term savings from these cuts will be overshadowed by the long-term damage—weakening the home and long-term care infrastructure, driving more providers out of the workforce, and placing tens of thousands of Older Kansans at risk. Who Will Care for Older Kansans? More than half of Kansas nursing home residents depend on Medicaid to afford care, which costs an average of $7,700 per month for a semi-private room. These older adults have already depleted their assets before qualifying for Medicaid, leaving them with no other options. Many have no family to step in, and even when family is available, they may not have the ability to provide the level of care required. Without Medicaid, who will care for them? And how will Kansas taxpayers fill the financial void left by the loss of federal funding? This is not just a question of policy—it is a question of morality and responsibility. Take Action Now We cannot afford to wait and see what happens. Kansans must act now. Contact your federal representatives ( Find Your Members in the U.S. Congress | Congress.gov | Library of Congress ) and tell them: Medicaid is not just another federal program to be gutted—it is a lifeline for older Kansans. Do not allow reckless budget cuts to dismantle a system that so many depend on.  Stand up. Speak out. Demand that Medicaid funding is protected before it is too late. The future of long-term care in Kansas depends on it. Protect older Kansans. Protect Medicaid.

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 .

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!

If predictions are correct, the upcoming Kansas Legislature can likely be summed up by one word: “change.” Leadership changes, a large freshman class of legislators, new committee chairs and a compressed calendar all combine to make 2025 a year full of changes. Added to the mix is a stronger Republican supermajority with an additional 2 seats in the Senate and 3 in the House of Representatives. A quick breakdown by the numbers: The 2025 Senate is comprised of 31 Republicans and 9 Democrats. There are 14 new senators; 13 of whom are Republicans. Almost half of the new senators, 6, previously served in the House. Of the 40 Senators, 27 are men (a gain of 4) and 13 are women. Of the 125 members of the House, 88 Republicans make up the majority with 37 Democrats in the minority caucus. Of the 25 House freshman, 21 are Republicans and 4 are Democrats. Women will make up almost a third of the House, 41, with a gain of 6 House seats in the last election. There are 84 men in the House. One new House member previously served in the Senate. The legislature lost decades of institutional knowledge with the retirement of 19 House members and 14 senators. Many of the retiring legislators were experienced lawmakers who served in leadership positions and committee chairs. Significant procedural changes will impact legislative dynamics. Legislative leaders have adopted a compressed timeline for the 2025 session with plans to adjourn sine die no later than April 12 (the 90th day of the legislative session). Traditionally, the 90th day occurs at the end of April/early May with the ceremonial sine die held in late May. You can view the session calendar here. A new process will change the way the State budget is developed. Instead of using the governor’s budget as the base to begin negotiations, a special legislative budget committee will introduce what is being termed the “legislature’s budget” on Jan. 13, the first day of the session. The special committee met five days during November and December to craft a budget based on the 2024 approved budget, with very few enhancements requested by State agencies. How the budget process and tight time schedule proceeds is still largely to be determined. There are major changes in legislative leadership with the Senate electing Sen. Tim Shallenberger, (R-Baxter Springs) as its new vice president and Sen. Chase Blasi (R-Wichita) as majority leader. Sen. Ty Master (R-Andover) remains Senate president Dinah Sykes (D-Lenexa) will continue as Senate minority leader. In the House, Rep. Brandon Woodard (D-Wichita), takes the reigns as the new minority leader. Committees, too, will look different led by mostly new chairs and/or vice chairs along with new members. In the Senate, a new Committee on Government Efficiency, modeled off the proposed federal Department of Government Efficiency, will explore ways to restructure and reform state government to reduce spending and increase efficiency. All of these changes and multiple moving parts, including the goal to keep a tight rein on the budget, add up to uncertainty related to health and social services issues, including those impacting older adults. With all these variables, this will, in sports terms, be a “building year.” KABC will use this opportunity to build relationships with new and returning policy makers to explore legislation that supports person-centered policies and programs while protecting the rights of aging persons and those with disabilities. We will keep you regularly updated during the 2025 session and opportunities for advocacy but we encourage you to get acquainted with your elected officials. They want and need to hear from you, their constituents. Your experiences and observations about long term care in Kansas helps build their knowledge around these issues with first-hand information about the needs of the people they serve.

When you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults, report as soon as possible! For older adults living at home in the community or in facilities licensed by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services when the perpetrator is not a resident of or staff of the facility, report to the following: Adult Protective Services (APS): 1-800-922-5330 If an emergency, call your local law enforcement agency or 911 The intent of APS is to protect the most vulnerable adults from harm while safeguarding their civil liberties. For more information, visit www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/APS/AdultProtectiveServices.aspx When someone suspects abuse, neglect, exploitation, or fiduciary abuse of a vulnerable adult, reporting to APS is a critical step in ensuring the individual’s safety and well-being. Here’s what you need to know about the reporting process and what happens after a report is made. Reporter Immunity Individuals who report suspected abuse or participate in follow-up activities, including testifying in administrative or judicial proceedings, are protected under the law. This means they are immune from any civil or criminal liability, provided their report is not malicious. Additionally, employers cannot penalize employees for making a report or cooperating with an investigation. Confidentiality of the Reporter The identity of the person who makes a report is kept strictly confidential. APS will not disclose the name of the reporter or anyone mentioned in the report without written permission from the reporter or a court order. What Does APS Do When a Report is Received? Once a report is submitted, APS takes the following actions to investigate and address the situation: 1. Initial Visit: APS initiates a personal visit with the adult in question within 24 hours to five working days, depending on the risk of imminent danger to the individual. 2. Interview Process: The alleged perpetrator is interviewed unless this action could increase the risk to the adult. APS may also interview relevant individuals, such as service providers, relatives, or neighbors, to gather additional information. 3. Determination of Findings: APS evaluates the allegations and determines whether the report is substantiated or unsubstantiated regarding abuse, neglect, exploitation, or fiduciary abuse. 4. Prevention Plan: APS discusses with the adult, their guardian, conservator, or caretaker the necessary actions to prevent further harm. A service plan is developed with the adult to address unmet needs and ensure their safety. 5. Assistance and Services: APS helps the adult access services essential for maintaining their physical and mental health, such as: Legal services Medical care Safe and appropriate living arrangements Assistance with personal hygiene, food, clothing, or shelter Protection from maltreatment and transportation Services provided are tailored to meet the adult’s needs in the least restrictive way possible. 6. Advocacy: APS advocates for the protection of the adult’s rights and works to ensure they receive the necessary care and support. 7. Involuntary Intervention: If the adult is incapable of protecting themselves due to a major mental or physical disability and there are no other less restrictive options, APS may initiate legal steps such as guardianship or conservatorship. Reporting to APS is a powerful way to help protect vulnerable adults from harm. The process ensures that reports are handled sensitively, with protections in place for the reporter and a thorough investigation to address the individual’s needs. By taking action, reporters play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of those who cannot protect themselves.

The holiday season is a time of warmth, connection, and celebration. Yet for many older adults, especially those living in nursing homes, it can be a challenging period marked by feelings of isolation or nostalgia for past traditions. This year, let’s consider meaningful ways to bring joy to older adults and ensure they feel the love and care they deserve. 1. Reconnect Through Visits and Calls Spending time with an older adult can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a quick phone call, a video chat, or an in-person visit, these moments remind them that they are loved and valued. For nursing home residents, a cheerful visit can brighten their day. Consider bringing a small gift, like a festive decoration or a framed photo, to personalize their space and evoke positive memories. 2. Create Shared Experiences Holidays are built around shared traditions. Invite older adults to participate in activities like decorating cookies, crafting ornaments, or watching classic holiday movies. For nursing home residents, arrange group activities such as caroling or storytelling sessions where they can share their cherished memories. 3. Send Cards and Letters Receiving a heartfelt card can lift spirits and foster connection. Encourage family, friends, and community groups to write holiday greetings to older adults. Nursing homes often welcome these initiatives, and some may have "adopt-a-resident" programs where you can brighten the holidays for someone without family nearby. 4. Offer Practical Help Many older adults struggle with tasks that become harder as they age. Offer to help with holiday shopping, decorating their home, or preparing meals. If they live in a nursing home, consider donating time or resources to assist with facility-wide celebrations. 5. Celebrate Their Unique Traditions Every person has unique holiday traditions, and honoring these can be deeply meaningful. Take the time to learn about what the holidays mean to them and incorporate those traditions into your celebrations. Perhaps they’d love to cook a special recipe, attend a religious service, or listen to specific songs that evoke cherished memories. 6. Share Comfort and Warmth Sometimes, the simplest gestures mean the most. Bring cozy blankets, warm socks, or a favorite holiday treat. These small tokens can provide comfort and remind them of the joy the season brings. Making the Holidays Bright Helping older adults feel included and loved during the holidays is a gift that benefits everyone involved. Whether through time, thoughtful gestures, or community efforts, your kindness can create cherished memories and foster a sense of belonging. This holiday season, let’s ensure no one feels forgotten. Together, we can make it a time of joy for all.