What is a Home Plus Facility?

Libby Hastings • August 14, 2024

If you’re exploring care options for a loved one in Kansas, you might have come across the term “Home Plus.” But what exactly does it mean? Let's dive into some details of these unique facilities and what they offer.


A Home-Like Setting with a Personal Touch


A Home Plus facility is a residential option for individuals who need extra help with daily activities. Defined by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, these facilities cater to no more than 12 residents. This small size allows for a more intimate, home-like environment compared to larger, more institutional settings.


Who Benefits from Home Plus?


Home Plus is designed for individuals who, due to functional impairments, require personal care and may also need supervised nursing care. This could include assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. The goal is to provide support while maintaining a sense of independence and normalcy for the residents. Essentially, they are like assisted living facilities but smaller, with private suites and some communal spaces.


One important distinction to note is that Home Plus facilities are licensed only by the state of Kansas. This means they adhere to state regulations and standards. Medicare will cover the same items in a Homes Plus that they would cover in your own home: supplies, equipment, and similar items. The difference with Home Plus facilities is that nurses receive orders directly from the doctor and then order the necessary supplies. However, not all Home Plus facilities have contracted doctors. In contrast, if you’re at home, you would need to visit a doctor to obtain equipment orders and then handle the Medicare process yourself, possibly with some assistance from a pharmacy or the doctor’s office.


Medicaid will cover Home Plus through HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) which is a waiver program. In this case, it is called the FE (Frail Elderly) Waiver. However, the Home Plus must be willing to accept and bill Medicaid. Most will not because of the reporting requirements and low reimbursement. Some facilities accept Medicaid but only after two years of private pay or long-term care insurance reimbursement.


Choosing the Right Home Plus Facility


Selecting the right Home Plus facility for your loved one is a crucial decision. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice:


  1. Check Inspection Reports: Always review the facility’s inspection reports. These can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and any past issues.
  2. Contact KABC: You can always reach out to us at KABC to get a free consumer information report on any licensed adult care home in Kansas, which includes Home Plus facilities.
  3. Visit Unannounced: It’s a good idea to visit the facilities unannounced if possible. This allows you to see the day-to-day operations and get a more genuine feel for the environment.
  4. Ask Questions: During your visits, ask plenty of questions. Here are a few to get you started:
  • What happens in an emergency or a fall?
  • How are food preferences honored?
  • What are the staffing numbers?
  • How often are nurses on site?
  • Does your facility offer transportation?


Choosing a Home Plus facility is about finding the right balance of comfort, care, and community for you or your loved one. With thorough research and the right questions, you can make a choice that ensures receiving the best possible care in a warm and supportive environment.


Why Choose Home Plus?


The smaller, more personal setting of a Home Plus facility can be a significant advantage for many families. It often feels more like living in a family home than a traditional care facility. With fewer residents, staff can provide more individualized attention, fostering a closer-knit community and a more personalized care experience.

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Long-Term Care Facility

May 21, 2025
Choosing a long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions you can make. Beyond basic safety and cleanliness, the right facility should support a person’s independence, dignity, and overall quality of life. To help you make an informed choice, here are five essential questions to ask, along with key follow-ups that can give you a deeper sense of what daily life will be like at the facility. 1. How does the facility support independence and person-centered care? Person-centered care means that residents are active participants in their care and daily routines. Ask: Can residents choose when to wake up and go to bed? Are meals and activities tailored to individual preferences? Is there flexibility for “early birds” and “night owls”? Look for signs that staff respect residents’ individuality—such as accommodating dietary preferences and encouraging participation in meaningful activities. 2. What medical and rehabilitation services are available on-site? Quality care goes beyond assistance with daily activities. Ask about: Access to hospice care and pain management Availability of wound care and ostomy specialists In-house physical, occupational, speech, and mental health therapies Staffing levels—how many nurses and aides are on duty at different times of day? These services can have a major impact on recovery, mobility, and comfort. 3. What is the atmosphere like during meals and activities? Daily life should be engaging and social. Ask to observe a meal or an activity session. Consider: Are residents out of their rooms and interacting with others? Do meals look appetizing and meet special dietary needs? Is assistance with eating provided promptly and respectfully? Also ask about field trips, volunteer involvement, and whether there is an active activities room or calendar of events. 4. What do current residents and families say about their experience? Talking to those already living in or visiting the facility can give you valuable insight. Ask residents: Do staff respond quickly when you call for help? Do you enjoy your meals and feel your privacy is respected? Are you involved in decisions about your care? Ask families: Are you promptly notified of any accidents or health changes? Do you feel comfortable raising concerns? Is there a Family Council and does the facility listen to it? 5. How transparent and responsive is the administration? A responsive leadership team is key to resolving issues and maintaining quality. When meeting with the Administrator or Director of Nursing, ask: How do you handle complaints? How are staff trained and how long do they typically stay? What’s your policy on resident rights, such as refusing treatment? You can also ask to review the admission contract, learn about costs and refund policies, and understand how care decisions are made if the resident is unable to speak for themselves. Want more questions to ask? Visit our full guide: Is This the Nursing Home to Choose?  It includes detailed sections on services, nursing care, residents' rights, and conversations to have with administrators, staff, and families. At Kansas Advocates for Better Care, we believe everyone deserves compassionate, dignified, and person-centered long-term care. Asking the right questions is the first step to getting it.

Advocacy in Action (May 2025): Statewide Senior Resource Directory Secured in FY 2026 Budget!

By Lenette Hamm • May 1, 2025
Thanks to the dedicated advocacy of KABC and our coalition partners, Kansas has taken a major step forward in improving access to long-term care information. We’re thrilled to share that the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget includes $190,000 in dedicated funding for the creation of a comprehensive statewide senior resource directory , a direct result of our persistent efforts to ensure older adults and their families can navigate care options with confidence and clarity. Language in the approved budget bill reads: “That expenditures in an amount of not less than $190,000 shall be made by the above agency from such account during fiscal year 2026 to create a comprehensive statewide resource directory to provide essential information on long-term care options: And provided further, That such directory shall be accessible in an up-to-date online version as well as in a printable version.” This is a huge win for older Kansans, caregivers, and care professionals , and it builds directly on the success of local efforts like the Douglas County Senior Resource Directory . We know that when people have access to clear, trustworthy information, they are better equipped to make decisions that support dignity, independence, and well-being in aging. We are proud that our voice, and YOURS, was heard. From providing testimony, to meeting with legislators, to amplifying the call for this essential resource, this achievement belongs to all of us who believe that quality care begins with access to information. Next Steps: We’ll be working closely with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to support the development of this directory and ensure it meets the needs of Kansans statewide, both in print and online. T hank you for standing with us. This is advocacy in action and together, we’re making a difference.