Our Projects & Other News

… Because it Could Be Me

Do you have concerns about sudden changes in your loved-one's behaviors? Please read this compelling story about the mis-use of anti-psychotic medications.  Because it could be me. Your gift to KABC will help us continue to advocate for the reduction of anti-psychotic medication use in older adults as a chemical restraint, and without a supporting diagnosis.  Education and awareness is key in...

KABC Collaborates with KU’s Sigler Aging Scholars

Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) recently collaborated with the University of Kansas Master of Social Welfare program and the Sigler Family Aging Scholars (Kristin Nichols, Lindsay Huddlestun, Sam Gibson) to host a virtual event titled "Promoting Aging Possibilities—Advocacy and Resources in Kansas." The event took place on Wednesday, April 5th, and was attended by over 70 individuals who came...

Kansas lawmakers seek to ensure visitation in nursing homes and hospitals after COVID-19

As of last week, 10,093 Kansans had died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic almost three years ago. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus killed 141 nursing home residents per week during December 2020. As the pandemic raged on, and the guidance loosened from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid...

Judicial Council wants 30-day notice of involuntary discharge…

... from Kansas elder care facilities.  Council says appeal system must balance due process rights, liability interests.   TOPEKA — Rachel Imthurn remains a champion more than a decade after her husband’s death for implementation of a Kansas law giving residents of assisted living facilities at least 30 days notice of an involuntary discharge and the right to appeal the facility’s decision. Read...

What KABC Can Do for YOU

KABC's Devon Plumberg was recently interviewed by Darron Story on Cumulus Radio.  She spoke from her own experience with family in a long-term care facility, as well as her position as Community Engagement and Development Coordinator at Kansas Advocates for Better Care.  Her interview begins at the 6:54 minute mark and continues through the end of the program. Do you need...

A Kansas program aims to reward good nursing home care, but critics say poor oversight remains

“You want someone to cherish your loved one the way you do. That’s how it was initially, but that’s not how it was the last couple of years.” A Kansas program that awards nursing homes millions of dollars for providing thoughtful care doesn’t weed out those with a history of deficiencies. Critics say it’s just one way the state fails to...

Spread the Word!

Over the next 15 years, the number of Kansans who are over 65 years old will grow by 40%.  Think about that.  One in four people will be receiving long-term care services themselves or caring for a loved one who needs that support. It could be you. It was 3:00 am when Barb awoke to the sound of the phone ringing.  Barely coherent, she...

Kansas’ long-term care facilities beg for help with ‘price-gouging’ staffing agencies

"Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said in an interview all sorts of healthcare, advocacy and education interests should be involved in legislative discussions about rolling back training standards for CNAs.  'If you’re looking at quality and looking at long-term sustainability you look at raising the bar instead of lowering it,' Goodman said." Shared from the Kansas...

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