The Women Who Launched Long-Term Care Advocacy in Kansas
Libby Hastings • March 1, 2024
Spearheaded by the activism of Anna "Petey" Cerf, a "band of six" women from the Lawrence and Topeka communities came together with a shared vision: to improve the quality of long-term care for older adults and adults with disabilities in Kansas nursing homes. They were appalled by the poor conditions and mistreatment that they witnessed in many of these facilities and knew that something had to be done.
These women, Jessie Branson, Anna "Petey" Cerf, Lesley (Lee) Ketzel, Harriet Nehring, Katie Pyle, and Bryona Wiley, were not content to simply accept the status quo. They refused to turn a blind eye to the suffering of those who were most vulnerable and were determined to make a change.
Together, they founded Kansans for Improvement of Nursing Homes in 1975 and launched a reform movement through political advocacy, lobbying for changes to the laws and regulations that governed nursing homes.
Their efforts were not always easy. They faced opposition and hostility from those who were resistant to change and had to fight tirelessly to make their voices heard. But they persevered, driven by a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to making a difference.
The organization has evolved over the years (even changing their name to Kansas Advocates for Better Care), but the significant impact on the lives of countless individuals in Kansas remains. KABC continues to advocate for policies and regulations that improve the quality of care in all long-term care settings and provide support and resources to individuals and families who are navigating the complex world of long-term care.
The legacy of these six women is a testament to the power of advocacy and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on their communities. They refused to accept things as they were and fought for change, making a profound difference in the lives of so many while emphasizing the fundamental right to be treated with dignity and respect.
As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, let us remember the courage and determination of these trailblazing women, and let us recommit ourselves to the fight for better care for all. Their legacy continues to inspire us today.
On March 19, 2026, a Washington Post article highlighted a recent Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services investigation that brought renewed national attention to a troubling reality inside America’s nursing homes: powerful antipsychotic drugs are being used not as treatment, but as control. The report found that some facilities are misdiagnosing residents with schizophrenia to justify prescribing antipsychotic medications. These drugs are often not approved for people with dementia and carry serious risks, including falls, strokes, and even death. In many cases, these medications are used to manage behaviors that are not dangerous, such as calling out, resisting care, or expressing distress. The result is what advocates have long warned about: the use of chemical restraints to sedate residents for staff convenience. A National Problem Decades in the Making The misuse of antipsychotic drugs in long-term care has been documented for years. In April 2024, KABC highlighted this issue in our advocacy work, noting that hundreds of thousands of nursing home residents nationwide are given antipsychotic medications, often without appropriate clinical justification. These drugs carry an FDA “black box” warning for use in older adults with dementia due to an increased risk of death. Federal efforts over the past decade have aimed to reduce unnecessary use, yet as of early 2026, approximately 17% of long-stay nursing home residents in the United States are still receiving antipsychotic medications. At the same time, recent federal policy discussions in March 2026 have raised concerns among advocates that loosening reporting requirements could reverse progress made in reducing inappropriate use. Kansas Is Not Immune This issue hits close to home. In 2022, the Kansas Legislature’s Senior Care Task Force released a report to the 2023 Legislature identifying the administration of antipsychotic medications and protections against abuse and neglect as critical areas for reform. The Task Force emphasized that these medications could have serious and even fatal consequences for older adults, particularly when used inappropriately. Advocates in Kansas have reported that up to 26% of nursing home residents, and nearly 40% of those with dementia, have been prescribed antipsychotic medications in recent years, despite well-documented risks. While some facilities have made progress, reductions in use have stalled in recent years, raising concerns that systemic issues remain unresolved. Why It Happens At its core, the misuse of antipsychotic drugs is often a symptom of deeper systemic problems, many of which have been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts and investigators point to: Chronic understaffing, intensified since 2020 Lack of training in dementia care Pressure to manage behaviors quickly Lack of person-centered practices in care Gaps in oversight and accountability Non-drug approaches, like personalized care, meaningful activities, and addressing unmet needs, are widely recognized as best practice. But they require time, staffing, and resources that many facilities continue to lack in 2026. When those supports are missing, medication restraint becomes the default. What Proper Care Should Look Like Clinical guidance has long been clear, and yet remains unchanged in 2026. Antipsychotic medications should be a last resort, used only when: Non-drug interventions have failed The resident poses a risk to themselves or others The benefits outweigh the serious risks Even then, they should be used cautiously, closely monitored, and regularly reevaluated. The Path Forward for Kansas Kansas has an opportunity, and an obligation, to act. Building on the 2022 Senior Care Task Force recommendations, advocates continue in 2025–2026 to call for: Expanded access to geriatric mental health specialists Stronger oversight and enforcement Improved training in dementia and person-centered care Greater transparency for residents and families Meaningful solutions to the ongoing staffing crisis At its heart, this is about dignity. Older adults in Kansas adult care homes deserve care that respects their humanity, not treatment that silences it.
Kansas Advocates for Better Care testified on FE waiver funding and supported bills on decision-making, dementia training, and memory care standards.