Date: September 27, 2005
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbaraconant@aging.state.ks.us
Director of Communications
(785) 296-6154
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today recognized 10 Kansas long-term care facilities for their efforts to adopt a less institutionalized and more homelike environment for their residents. In a recognition ceremony in Topeka Sept. 28, Gov. Sebelius congratulated the facilities awarded the 2005 PEAK Awards by the Kansas Department on Aging, declaring the week, “PEAK Nursing Home Week in Kansas.”
The Kansas Department on Aging annually recognizes Kansas adult care homes that have embraced the idea of culture change - the movement away from the institutional models of the past to more resident control in a home-like environment. The PEAK Award is given for facilities that are Promoting Excellent Alternatives in Kansas (PEAK) long term care.
“It’s great to recognize adult care homes working to make Kansas seniors feel more comfortable in their living environments,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius.
This year 10 homes, including a hospital long-term care unit and a nursing facility for mental health, received KDOA PEAK Awards in recognition of their efforts.
“These facilities exemplify why Kansas is considered a leader in the arena of long-term care culture change,” said Secretary Pamela Johnson-Betts, Kansas Department on Aging. “This is evidence that the culture change concept results in more resident-centered and home-like environments, while empowering staff and increasing community interaction.”
The 2005 winners are:
Four facilities are repeat winners.
Four domains of care are considered for the recognition: resident control, staff empowerment, environment, and community involvement.
Sponsors of the PEAK Awards are Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, Harrah’s Prairie Band Casino, Heartland Sales and Chemicals, Golden Eagle Casino and Kansas Advocates for Better Care.