Navigating In-Home Service Options: Resources Beyond Private Pay in Kansas

Libby Hastings • June 12, 2024

When it comes to finding the right in-home services for yourself or a loved one, navigating the myriad of options can be daunting. Fortunately, in Kansas, there are comprehensive resources available that extend beyond private pay companies, ensuring that individuals of all ages, abilities, and income levels can access the support they need. Here’s a closer look at some of these invaluable resources.


The Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)


The Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) serves as a one-stop shop for individuals seeking long-term service and support. Whether you are an older adult, a person with a disability, or a caregiver, the ADRC offers objective information and personalized counseling to help you make informed decisions about your care options.


Operated by the eleven Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) across the state, the ADRC provides:


  • Coverage Across Kansas: No matter where you live in Kansas, ADRC ensures you have access to a wide array of support options tailored to your individual preferences, strengths, and values.
  • Statewide Call Center: Reach out to knowledgeable staff for information, referrals, and assistance with community services via the statewide call center at 855-200-2372.
  • Functional Assessments: The ADRC conducts assessments to determine eligibility for Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) programs and nursing facility placements.


Senior Care Act Program


The Kansas Legislature established the Senior Care Act program to support older Kansans who can live in the community with some assistance. This program is designed for residents aged 60 or older who have functional limitations in self-care and independent living. Services vary by county but typically include:


  • Attendant care
  • Respite care
  • Homemaker support
  • Chore services
  • Adult daycare


Participants contribute to the cost of services based on their ability to pay. The program is administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) through the AAAs.


Older Americans Act (OAA) Programs


Enacted by Congress in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) addresses the lack of social services for older adults in the community. The OAA offers:


  • Legal assistance
  • Caregiver support
  • In-home services
  • Transportation
  • Nutrition programs


These services are typically free or available on a contribution basis. Like the Senior Care Act, the OAA programs are administered by KDADS through the AAAs.


Medicare and Medicaid In-Home Services


If you are under a physician’s care and require home health care services, Medicare or Medicaid might cover these services for short-term needs, provided there is an established care plan. Coverage requires using a home health agency certified for Medicare and Medicaid services. Additional financial support may come from:


  • Private insurance
  • Medicare supplements
  • Long-term care insurance


Many home health agencies also offer private pay options for those needing additional or non-covered services.


Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Programs


For those needing more extensive support, the HCBS programs may be an option. To participate, you must:


  • Be approved for Medicaid (KanCare)
  • Meet the functional eligibility criteria


The initial assessment is carried out by the AAAs, such as the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging for residents in Douglas County. HCBS programs are coordinated by Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) under KanCare, and care plans might include:


  • Adult Day Care
  • Personal Care Services
  • Personal Emergency Response
  • Home Telehealth
  • Medication Reminders
  • Enhanced Care Services, and more


The HCBS Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver is aimed at adults aged 65+ who meet the criteria for nursing home placement, are Medicaid eligible, and require assistance with activities of daily living.

Legislative Update: Nursing Home Oversight in Kansas

By Libby Hastings • October 6, 2025
On October 1st and 2nd, the 2025 Special Committee on Health and Social Services met, with the first day devoted to nursing home surveying and credentialing. The joint committee of both House and Senate members heard from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, industry representatives from Kansas and out of state, administrators, and contractors. Notably absent were the voices of consumers, their family members, and facility staff , the people most affected by long-term care policy. The committee heard information about: Survey Backlogs and Staffing Challenges KDADS contracts with the federal government to inspect adult care homes for health and safety compliance. KDADS has struggled for years to meet federal requirements, due in large part to recruiting and retaining nurse surveyor positions. More than half of the 60 approved positions were vacant earlier this year. As a result, Kansas currently averages 19.9 months between nursing home inspections , far beyond the federal requirement of 12-15.9 months. With just over 300 federally licensed facilities in the state, timely inspections are critical to protecting residents. To address this, KDADS eliminated 15 vacant positions and raised starting pay: up to $60,000 for multidisciplinary surveyors and $67,000 for RNs . The agency is also considering incentives to encourage more RNs to work as surveyors. Kansas has one of the highest rates of the most serious deficiencies, known as Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) deficiencies, in the nation , citations for situations where resident health and safety are at serious risk. The committee explored the possibility of privatizing the survey process. Resident Rights at Risk Testimony also revealed troubling practices in some nursing homes, including charging residents $200–$300 per month in “pharmacy provider” or “medication set-up” fees if they choose to use an outside pharmacy. This practice undermines residents’ right to choose their own providers and unfairly penalizes private-pay residents, already shouldering an average of $7,000–$8,000 per month in nursing home costs. Involuntary Discharges and the Ombudsman’s Recommendation The Long-Term Care Ombudsman urged lawmakers to expand discharge reporting requirements. As she noted: “Federal regulations require a notice to be sent to our office for a facility-initiated transfer (involuntary discharge) in federally licensed nursing homes, but that is not the case for state licensed homes, assisted livings, home pluses and residential health care facilities. With the help of our office, we can often help resolve the reason for the discharge notice to prevent a resident transfer or support the resident to ensure a transition occurs safely.” The committee heard concerns from representatives of the nursing home industry and decided to delay making a recommendation on this issue, noting that additional information is needed. KABC has advocated for not only strengthening the reporting requirements but also giving residents of assisted living facilities the same right to appeal an involuntary discharge that nursing home residents enjoy. Raising the Personal Needs Allowance The Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for nursing home residents is a monthly stipend that Medicaid recipients can use for personal expenses. In Kansas, the PNA is just $62 per month. Many residents express concern that this amount is insufficient to cover basic personal expenses such as haircuts or undergarments. An immediate increase to the allowance is needed, along with an ongoing adjustment to keep pace with rising costs. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman recommended a PNA increase to the national average of $72 with an additional annual Cost of Living Adjustment. KABC’s Position KABC will continue to advocate for: • Strong oversight of nursing homes. • Resident rights protections, including freedom of choice in providers. • Central inclusion of residents and staff voices in all policy discussions. You can watch the hearing on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel here . KABC will continue to monitor these conversations closely as the 2026 legislative session approaches.

Clearwater Nursing Center Cited for Serious Deficiencies

By Libby Hastings • October 6, 2025
KABC routinely reviews nursing home inspection reports to help families stay informed and advocate for safe, quality care. A recent inspection of Clearwater Nursing Center, Clearwater, completed in September 2025, uncovered serious deficiencies, including a substantiated case of resident-to-resident sexual abuse . Key Findings from the Inspection Inspectors documented multiple failures at Clearwater Nursing Center: Failure to protect residents from sexual abuse. The report describes an incident where a resident sexually assaulted another resident. Staff failed to ensure adequate supervision and safeguards, resulting in direct harm. Protecting residents from abuse is one of the most basic obligations of any nursing facility. Delayed and inadequate response to the abuse incident. Staff did not act quickly enough to separate residents, report the incident, or ensure proper protections were in place afterward. Medication administration errors. Inspectors found lapses in following physician orders and proper procedures for giving medications, creating unnecessary health risks. Inadequate infection control practices. Staff did not consistently follow hand hygiene and PPE protocols, exposing residents to preventable infections. Poor care planning and follow-up. Care plans were not updated to reflect residents’ changing needs, leaving them vulnerable to gaps in treatment and support. The Facility’s Right to Appeal Clearwater Nursing Center has the right to appeal these findings. Facilities may contest deficiencies if they believe inspection results are inaccurate. However, while the appeal process unfolds, these serious deficiencies remain on record and available to the public. Why This Matters No resident should ever experience abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions in a nursing home. Federal regulations are in place to protect the health, dignity, and rights of older Kansans. When facilities fail to meet these standards, residents pay the price. At KABC, we stand firmly with residents and families. We advocate for stronger protections, more effective oversight, and a long-term care system that prioritizes people over profits. Families deserve to know when problems occur, and residents deserve to live in environments where they are safe from harm. For those who want to learn more, inspection reports are available through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. A copy of the report mentioned above can be found here . KABC is also here to help families understand deficiencies and take action to advocate for their loved ones.