KABC Hosts 2025 Caregiver Training
Libby Hastings • September 25, 2025
Safe at Home: Fall Prevention Strategies for Caregivers
Kansas Advocates for Better Care hosted our annual Caregiver Training and Membership Meeting
on September 18, 2025, featuring guest presenter Katie Tipton, COTA/L, Director of Business Operations at askSAMIE. Katie shared practical fall prevention strategies to help caregivers support older adults in maintaining independence and safety at home.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death for older Americans. More than one in four adults age 65+ experiences a fall each year, leading to over 3 million emergency department visits, 800,000 hospitalizations, and 32,000 deaths annually.
Beyond the statistics, falls can also create a lasting fear of falling, which further limits independence and quality of life.
Katie’s presentation highlighted:
- Understanding fall risks – from muscle weakness and balance issues to medication management and environmental hazards.
- Simple home modifications – such as removing loose rugs, improving lighting, and adding grab bars in the bathroom, where most falls occur.
- Caregiver roles – observing changes in mobility, encouraging safe habits like supportive footwear, and assisting with strength and balance exercises.
- Resources and adaptive equipment – including shower chairs, walkers, rollators, and occupational therapy home assessments.
By taking these steps, caregivers can play a vital role in reducing fall risks, helping older adults stay safe, independent, and engaged in daily life.
For those who were unable to attend, a recording of the training is available here, and Katie’s slides
are available.
If you have additional questions regarding this year's training topic, please contact Katie at katie@asksamie.com.
During the business meeting, Molly Wood (President), Barbara Braa (Treasurer) & Deborah Merrill were unanimously voted in to retain their current board positions. There were no recommendations from the floor. Executive Director Dan Goodman discussed KABC’s legislative accomplishments
for 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 .
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.