Date: June 29, 2007
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Public Affairs
(785) 296-6154
Note: Media coverage is welcome at any of these events
Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging Kathy Greenlee will visit two awardwinning adult care facilities in Kinsley and Tribune in July. Each of the homes received 2007 PEAK Awards at the Governor’s Conference on Aging Services in May for their efforts to provide resident-centered care. PEAK stands for Promoting Excellent Alternatives in Kansas nursing homes.
Greenlee will be at Medicalodge of Kinsley at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, for a tour of the facility at 620 Winchester Ave. That will be followed at 7 p.m. by a presentation at the facility’s booth at the county fair. This is the second straight year for Medicalodge to receive a PEAK award.
On Thursday, July 12, Greenlee will visit the Greeley County Health Services Long- Term Care Unit in Tribune. She will tour the facility, which is located at 308 E. Greeley, at 2:30 p.m. (Central time). A reception will follow at 3 p.m.
“Resident-directed care is changing the dynamics of the nursing home environment, not only for residents but also for staff,” Greenlee said. “Kansas has become recognized nationally as a leader in this movement, thanks to the foresight and leadership of the administrators and staffs of the nine PEAK winners. These homes are excellent examples of the new direction in adult care.”
Here are some of the characteristics that make these homes winners:
Medicalodge of Kinsley, Janel T. Burr, administrator: Residents have flexible schedules and are involved in many activities. They help plan special meals each month. Staff is involved in the care planning process. A wireless paging system has replaced the call system. Residents have personalized their rooms. The resident dog, Scruffy, is loved by residents and staff alike.
Greeley County Health Services Long-Term Care Unit, Todd Burch, administrator: Residents meet every other week with dietary staff to discuss meals. Residents are involved in making their own decisions about activities, wake time and meals. Staff members are crosstrained and teams are consistently assigned to neighborhoods. Resident rooms are personalized.
Other PEAK winners are: Brewster Health Center, Topeka; Greeley County Health Services, Tribune; Medicalodge of Kinsley; Salina Presbyterian Manor; Village Manor, Abilene; and Village Shalom, Overland Park.
KDOA began recognizing adult care homes through the PEAK Awards in 2002. Facilities must submit an application for consideration for the honor. Finalists are visited by a panel of professionals before awards are determined.