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.
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.