Advocacy in Action (June 2024): Recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Libby Hastings • June 21, 2024

June 15th is recognized globally as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a crucial time to shed light on the often-hidden issue of elder abuse. Alarming statistics reveal that 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation each year. As a community dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of older adults, it's essential to highlight the work being done and the ongoing challenges we face.


From July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ANE) Unit tracked over 6,800 referrals to law enforcement agencies statewide—a significant 16 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. These referrals, originating from the Department for Children and Families (DCF), Adult Protective Services (APS), the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), highlight the severity and prevalence of abuse in our communities. "Financial exploitation" remains the most reported allegation.


The Economic Crimes Unit, previously known as the Fraud and Abuse Litigation Division, played a pivotal role in addressing these issues. In the past fiscal year, they litigated 15 cases of elder and dependent adult abuse, resulting in over $625,000 in restitution. Additionally, they investigated 40 cases, reflecting their commitment to combating financial exploitation and securing justice for victims.


The Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman's annual report paints a troubling picture. Ombudsmen documented 120 complaints of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including physical assaults, verbal abuse, and financial misappropriation. The report criticized the current reporting system, noting that calls to the ANE hotline often lack sufficient detail, and residents are seldom interviewed adequately. Moreover, facility staff frequently face intimidation or job loss when reporting abuse, creating a significant barrier to justice.


The report strongly recommends enhancing access to justice for older adults and addressing systemic issues within care facilities. As part of this effort, our Public Policy Coordinator, Barb Conant, serves on the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Council, working tirelessly to advise and make recommendations to the ANE Unit.


At KABC, we take the issues of abuse, neglect, and exploitation very seriously. We are committed to working alongside the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and other community partners to ensure that justice is served and protections for older adults are strengthened.


Additionally, KABC offers an elder abuse toolkit booklet, providing comprehensive information and resources on recognizing and addressing elder abuse. This valuable resource is available for free on our website.

Let us use World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as a catalyst to continue our advocacy, support our community, and work towards a future where every older adult can live with dignity and safety.

Advocacy in Action (September 2025): KABC Testifies on FY26 Budgets

By Libby Hastings • September 3, 2025
Dan Goodman, KABC Executive Director, recently provided testimony to both the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) during their Fiscal Year 2026 budget hearings. Our message was clear: Kansas must invest in systems that protect the dignity, independence, and well-being of older Kansans. Key Recommendations from KABC Protect Access to In-Home Services • Projected shortfalls of $27M in FY26 and $70M in FY27 threaten the HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver. • Without funding, older Kansans may face a waitlist for services, leading to premature nursing home placement. Strengthen Care Coordination • Frail Elderly, Physically Disabled, and Brain Injury waiver recipients currently lack dedicated case management. • KABC urged implementation of the long-overdue $20M Community Care Coordination Service. Improve Oversight & Resident Protections (KDADS) • Surveyor vacancies are near 50%, delaying inspections and weakening resident protections. • We called for wage increases and innovative staffing models to close gaps in oversight. Increase the Personal Needs Allowance • Nursing home residents in Kansas receive only $62/month for personal expenses. • KABC supports raising this allowance—closer to the $70 national average—and tying it to cost-of-living adjustments. Continue the Statewide Senior Resource Guide (KDADS) • KABC requested $150,000 to maintain and distribute the statewide guide annually. • This investment ensures older Kansans have access to accurate, trusted information on care and services. Why It Matters By 2030, more than 20% of Kansans will be age 65 or older. Budget decisions made today will directly impact whether older Kansans can age with dignity, safety, and independence. Read KABC’s full testimonies to KDADS here and KDHE here .

Facility #2, 3, 4, and 5, Interview with Steve

September 2, 2025
Steve shares his journey through multiple long-term care facilities after a major surgery, describing repeated medication errors, poor food quality, untrained staff, and systemic neglect. His story highlights how understaffing, weak oversight, and profit-driven management leave residents without advocacy and dignity.