The Kansas Department on Aging administers its programs through state and federal grants to area agencies that serve a designated geographic area. The area agencies, in turn, administer the programs through subgrantees that provide the services. The organizational system is commonly referred to as the aging network.
The Help Line, 1-800-432-3535 in Kansas, was established to provide information, referrals, assistance, and education regarding Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. The Help Line produces and distributes the "Caregiver's Guide for Alzheimer's and Related Disorders," "Parkinson's Disease Resource Guide," "How to Select a Special Care Unit," and updated listings of Kansas Caregiver Support Groups and Special Care Units.
KDOA has complied a list of frequently asked questions about Alzheimer's that you can view online.
The Client Assessment, Referral and Evaluation Program is an assessment program. People seeking nursing home care must be assessed by the CARE program before they are admitted to a nursing home. The purpose of the program is to help people find appropriate long term care services and to collect data on the need for home and community-based services.
KDOA has complied a list of frequently asked questions about CARE and Nursing Facilities.
For more additional program information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
Elder Rights activities include three separate areas: the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Neglect, & Exploitation; State Elder Rights and Legal Assistance Development Program. In addition, the Kansas Department on Aging has formed an Elder Rights Task Force.
View the full text version of the Elder Right's brochure, Division of Assets: Questions & Answers on Spousal Impoverishment. You can find answers to questions about the Spousal Impoverishment Law, applying for Medicaid assistance using this law, asset transfer and much, much more.
KDOA has complied a list of frequently asked questions about Kansas Law.
The Family Caregiver Support Program is a multifaceted service delivery system that responds to the needs of caregivers. Under the FCSP the following services maybe provided: Assistance, Information, Individual Counseling/Support Groups/Training, Respite Care, Supplemental Services (such as; Bathroom Items, Chore, Homemaker, Nutrition counseling, Repair/Maintenance/Renovation, and Transportation), or Grandparent/Relative Services.
Persons served:
The Kansas Caregiver Guide is on-line for your convenience. Contact your local Area Agencies on Aging for FCSP services available in your area.
The Home & Community Based Services program provides an option for Kansas seniors to receive community based services as an alternative to nursing facility care. The program promotes independence within the community and helps to offer residency in the least restrictive environment. The purpose of the plan is to provide long-term care services for Medicaid-eligible consumers. A consumer may choose to use home and community-based services instead of entering a facility, as long as the consumer qualifies for nursing facility care.
Where can I get help?
Finding the right agency and the right phone number when you need help can be difficult. Aging Information and Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) provides seniors with a skilled professional who will help link them to the information or service they need. I&R/A Specialists will ask questions in order to find out what community or public assistance is appropriate and available, what eligibility criteria must be met and help connect you with the right agencies or organizations. While each Area Agency on Aging has an I&R/A program, the way the service is provided varies. Refer to the Area Agency on Aging map to find an I&A/R Specialist for your area.
Legal Assistance Services provide access to the system of justice by offering advice and representation by a legal provider. This provider acts as an advocate for the social and economically needy older individual to ensure gaining access to essential services or financial resources, and protecting their rights to be autonomous and to retain their dignity.
The long-term care program's purpose is to provide long-term nursing facility care to Medicaid-eligible seniors whose conditions require care 24 hours per day as well as supervision by a licensed nurse seven days a week. There are certain eligibility requirements which need to be met.
KDOA has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Nursing Facilities.
The Kansas Department on Aging administers two nutrition programs in order to better meet the nutritional needs of the senior population. These programs are the federally-mandated Older Americans Act and the State funded In-Home Nutrition program. The Older Americans Act Nutrition program provides meals and nutrition education services. The nutrition program has two components which are congregate and home-delivered meals. The state-funded In-Home Nutrition Program provides only home-delivered meals to individuals who are moderately to severely impaired, and who are homebound.
The Senior Care Act program provides a coordinated system of service to Kansans, 60, or older. These Kansans face difficulties in caring for themselves and they cannot live independently within the main stream of life. This program is especially targeted for those who are at the greatest risk of institutionalization. The Kansas Department on Aging administers the program through the Area Agencies on Aging. For more information regarding the services in your area, consult the Explore Your Options publication.
Targeted Case Management provides long-term case management to Medicaid-eligible frail elders who seek assistance to remain in their homes or community. TCM services include developing and updating plansof care, resource development, assisting the customerin acquiring needed services, service coordination andimplementation, monitoring and quality assurance, and ensuring that public and private resources are being used efficiently. The service is funded as a Medicaid State Plan Service expense versus an expense to the Home and Community-Based Services-Frail Elderly waiver.
Persons served:
In FY 2006 a monthly average of 4,072 customers received services.
Services Provided:
TCM is provided by employees of, or individuals contracted with, the Area Agencies on Aging. TCM provides ongoing assistance, support and monitoring of the services provided to the customer. TCM links formal and informal supports to the HCBS-FE customer to develop a complete package of support. This allows individuals to remain in the most integrated environment of their choice. TCM services continue to meet 98% customer satisfaction level.