Date: August 1, 2007
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Public Affairs
(785) 296-6154
Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging Kathy Greenlee will visit award-winning adult care facilities in Salina and Abilene on Tuesday, August 7. The two 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 Salina Presbyterian Manor, 2601 East Crawford, at 1 p.m. for a tour of the facility, followed by a presentation at 1:30 p.m. She then will tour Village Manor, 705 North Brady Street, in Abilene at 3 p.m. with a presentation at 3:30 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:
Salina Presbyterian Manor, Fran Paxton, administrator: Residents choose when to get up; they have choices for meals, participate in activities and personalize their rooms. Staff members choose the neighborhood they work in and participate in hiring and firing processes. Wireless paging, wide halls and carpeting make for a quiet environment. The nurses’ station was removed and made into living area. Many volunteers assist in activities and community involvement is evidenced by raising $2 million for major renovation
Village Manor, Amy Hoch Altwegg, administrator: Residents make their own choices in meal time, wake time, bathing and activities. They decorate their rooms and are encouraged to bring furniture and other personal possessions. Staff is consistently assigned to each neighborhood and neighborhood teams meet bi-weekly. Nursing stations are gone, replaced with small work areas. Each room has its own temperature control. Residents are involved with a reading program with children. The city library recognized the home with an award for the most books read.
Other PEAK winners are: Brewster Health Center, Topeka; Greeley County Health Services, Tribune; Medicalodge of Kinsley; Schowalter Villa, Hesston; Bethel Health Center, North Newton; Pleasant View Home, Inman; 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.