For Immediate Release

Date: April 19, 2007
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Public Affairs
(785) 296-6154

Nine Adult Care Homes Receive Awards for Culture Change

The Kansas Department on Aging has recognized nine Kansas adult care homes havefor their efforts to transition from the traditional institutional model of care to more person-centered care. Secretary of Aging Kathy Greenlee will present the Promoting Excellent Alternatives in Kansas (PEAK) awards May 3 during the Governor’s Conference on Aging Services in Topeka.

The 2007 PEAK winners are:

• Bethel Health Care Centre, North Newton, Leigh Peck, Administrator.
• Brewster Health Center, Topeka, Linda Farrar, Administrator.
• Greeley County Health Services/Long-Term Care Unit, Tribune, Todd Burch, Administrator.
• Medicalodge of Kinsley, Janel T. Burr, Administrator.
• Pleasant View Home, Inman (for an unprecedented fifth straight year), Jalane White, Administrator.
• Salina Presbyterian Manor, Salina, Fran Paxton, Administrator.
• Schowalter Villa, Hesston (for the third time since 2003), James Krehbiel, Administrator.
• Village Manor, Abilene, Amy Hoch Altwegg, Administrator.
• Village Shalom, Overland Park, Mathew Lewis, CEO.

“Facilities that embrace resident-centered care feel different from the moment you walk in the front door,” Greenlee said. “The purpose of culture change is to focus as much on quality of life as quality of care. For residents, this change makes a world of difference."

KDOA began recognizing adult care homes through the PEAK Awards in 2002. Facilities must submit an application for consideration for the honor. The Secretary will make on-site presentations of the awards later this year.