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

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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
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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.

08 Oct, 2024
When you or a loved one enters a nursing facility, it's important to know that residents have specific rights and protections guaranteed by both Federal and state law. These rights are designed to ensure residents receive the care, respect, and services they deserve while maintaining their dignity and autonomy. As an advocate for better care in Kansas, we want to make sure you're informed about these essential protections. What Are Your Rights as a Nursing Home Resident? Under Federal law, every nursing home resident has the right to: Be Treated with Respect: Residents have the right to be treated with dignity and to make decisions about their daily routine, such as when they wake up, go to bed, and eat their meals. Participate in Activities: Nursing homes must offer activities that meet the needs and interests of each resident, allowing them to remain engaged and fulfilled. Be Free from Abuse and Neglect: No resident should ever experience verbal, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. If abuse or neglect is suspected, the nursing home must report it, and residents have the right to alert authorities themselves. Make Medical Decisions: Residents have the right to be fully informed about their health conditions, treatments, and medications in a way they understand. They can also choose their doctor and participate in developing their care plan. Manage Their Money: Residents can manage their own finances or choose someone they trust to handle their money. The nursing home must protect residents' funds from loss or theft. Maintain Privacy: Every resident has the right to private communication, whether through visits, phone calls, or mail. The facility must also protect residents' personal belongings and provide living arrangements that respect their preferences. These are just a few of the many rights outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The full list of protections ensures that every nursing home resident is safeguarded, from protection against unfair transfers to the ability to lodge complaints without fear of retaliation. What To Do if Rights Are Violated If you suspect that your rights or the rights of a loved one in a nursing facility are being violated, it’s crucial to take action. We at Kansas Advocates for Better Care are here to help. Whether it’s a matter of neglect, abuse, or other infringements of your rights, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Our Business today if you or a loved one need assistance. We are committed to advocating for the care, dignity, and well-being of all nursing home residents. Let us stand by your side and help you navigate the process to ensure that the rights of nursing facility residents are upheld.
By Libby Hastings 01 Oct, 2024
On Monday, August 26th, Libby Hastings, Communication and Public Relations Coordinator, had the honor of presenting testimony on behalf of KABC to the Robert G. Bethell Joint Committee on Home & Community Based Services & KanCare Oversight Committee. Our goal was clear: to advocate for the reinstatement of the "Explore Your Options" (EYO) resource guide, a vital tool for older Kansans and their caregivers.
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