Transforming Lives Through Quality Long-Term Care

Welcome to Kansas Advocates for Better Care, where we dedicate ourselves to advocating for quality long-term care! We envision a Kansas where all older adults enjoy excellent quality of life, no matter where they choose to live. 

Making Elder Care Better in Kansas Since 1975

A black and white polka dot pattern on a white background.

Transforming Lives Through Quality Long-Term Care

Welcome to Kansas Advocates for Better Care, where we dedicate ourselves to advocating for quality long-term care! We envision a Kansas where all older adults enjoy excellent quality of life, no matter where they choose to live. 

Making Elder Care Better in Kansas Since 1975

Most people try not to think about nursing homes, that's why we think about them every day.

a woman is sitting at a table holding a cup of coffee and smiling .

Legislative Advocacy

KABC staff and volunteers advocate with state policy makers for policies that will improve long-term care for older adults. Because everyone has the right to receive quality care.

Learn more
a man and a woman wearing face masks are sitting on a bench .
A man and a woman wearing face masks are sitting on a bench.

Training & Resources

Learn how to identify safe, quality care for older adults. We provide essential resources to help you learn more about long-term care and how best to support your loved ones. 

Learn more
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Guidance & Empowerment

Are you or a loved-one in need of a long-term care facility?  We have Consumer Information Reports to help you make an informed decision.  Our knowledgeable staff will talk with you one-on-one and provide you with the guidance you need.

Learn more
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How KABC can help

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Quarterly newsletter

Stay up to date on KABC activities and inspection trends of Kansas long-term care facilities. We'll keep you updated on need-to-know information about your area.

An elderly woman in a wheelchair is being helped by a doctor and nurse.

Consumer information reports

Get the most up to date information on how facilities in your area are performing. Make informed decisions with direct comparisons and facts.

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Elder care booklets

Elder care booklets provide essential guidance and practical advice in addressing the unique challenges and considerations needed to ensure the well-being of older adults.

More about us

“Those in the nursing home industry have a responsibility to do better than simply operate profitable body warehouses for the aged.”

- Governor Bennett- 1977

Older woman being pushed in a wheel chair through the park by her smiling daughter

How KABC can help

an orange envelope with a piece of paper in it .

Quarterly newsletter

Stay up to date on KABC activities and inspection trends of Kansas long-term care facilities. We'll keep you updated on need-to-know information about your area.

a doctor is talking to an elderly woman in a wheelchair .

Consumer information reports

Get the most up to date information on how facilities in your area are performing. Make informed decisions with direct comparisons and facts.

a man and a woman are standing in front of a chart .

Elder care booklets

Elder care booklets provide essential guidance and practical advice in addressing the unique challenges and considerations needed to ensure the well-being of older adults.

More about us

Our History

Inception and Advocacy (1966-1976)

In 1966, Anna "Petey" Cerf's encounter with a neglected nursing home resident inspired the creation of Kansans for Improvement of Nursing Homes (KINH). KINH officially launched in October 1975, prioritizing consumer voices over industry influence.

Committee on Monitoring and Legislative Impact (1976-1978)

In 1976, KINH's Committee found issues at 26 nursing homes, leading to incorporation as a 501(c)(3) on November 4. Momentum grew with the 1977 Consumer Conference, prompting Governor Bennett to take action, resulting in major Kansas nursing home legislation in 1978.

Evolution and Enduring Mission (1978-Present)

While our organization has evolved over the years, including our name to Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) in 1996, our mission has remained unchanged, to advocate for the fundamental right to be treated with dignity, respect, and receive quality long-term care. 

Read our full history
a man and a woman are laughing together in a park .

Get Involved in the Cause

With your generosity and commitment, KABC continues the path that Petey Cerf set, striving for quality long-term care for older Kansans. Join KABC, volunteer your time, or donate today.

an elderly man in an apron is standing in a doorway .

Get involved in the cause

With your generosity and commitment, KABC continues the path that Petey Cerf set, striving for quality long-term care for older Kansans. Join KABC, volunteer your time, or donate today.

Together Against Elder Abuse: KABC's 2024 Caregiver Training and Membership Meeting

By Libby Hastings • 20 Sep, 2024
Annual Caregiver Training Recap 2024

Advocacy in Action (August 2024): KABC Discusses "Problem Facilities" and the Urgent Need for Reform

By Libby Hastings • 09 Sep, 2024
In a recent podcast episode and article with the Kansas Reflector, Dan Goodman, KABC Executive Director, and Libby Hastings, Communication and Public Relations Coordinator, shed light on the critical issues facing nursing facilities in Kansas. Interviewed by Tim Carpenter, they discussed the alarming findings from the Long-Term Care Community Coalition's latest data regarding "problem facilities" and the federal staffing mandate from U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This conversation was based on the insights shared in our July e-newsletter Advocacy in Action article and has garnered significant attention. Media outlets and local newspapers in Hays, Dodge City, Ottawa, and Wichita have picked up the Kansas Reflector story, amplifying the urgent need for reform in long-term care. Goodman also spoke with Abby Wray with KAKE News in Wichita to continue the discussion on "problem facilities" and poor care in Kansas nursing facilities. At KABC, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure quality long-term care for all Kansas residents. We invite you to read our article with Tim Carpenter and listen to the podcast episode. Your support and engagement are crucial as we continue to fight for improved care standards. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our supporters and the media for helping us share the harsh realities of nursing homes. Together, we can drive the change needed to ensure safe, dignified, and quality care for all residents in Kansas.
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