KABC Hosts First Caring for Older Kansans Panel Discussion

Libby Hastings • November 15, 2024

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:


  1. Greater Transparency: Make information on facility performance and ownership readily available to consumers and the public.
  2. Improved Communication: Foster collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, service providers, and families, to address systemic gaps.
  3. 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.

Advocacy in Action (October 2024): Your Right to Vote

By Libby Hastings • November 2, 2024
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).

Your Rights as a Nursing Facility Resident

By Libby Hastings • October 8, 2024
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.
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