For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Sara Arif
Director of Public Affairs
Kansas Department on Aging
Sara.arif@aging.ks.gov
785.296.6154

Seven Nursing Homes Recognized for Culture Change

Topeka—The Kansas Department on Aging will recognize seven nursing homes for their efforts to transition from the traditional institutional models of care to progressive home-environment models for their residents. This award program, Promoting Excellent Alternatives in Kansas (PEAK) promotes innovations that improve the quality of life in Kansas nursing homes.  These innovations or “culture change” engage the residents and their families in the decision making process when transitioning into a nursing home environment. Each nursing home community will be recognized by the Secretary on Aging, Shawn Sullivan, during an individual site visit on the dates listed below.

The 2011 PEAK winners are:

• Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, Arkansas City- Friday, September 9, 2011.

• Medicalodges Gardner, Gardner- Tuesday, August 23, 2011.

• Schowalter Villa, Hesston- TBA.

• Pleasant View Home, Inman- TBA.

• Asbury Park, Newton- Friday, September 9, 2011.

• Newton Presbyterian Manor, Newton- TBA.

• Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook- Monday, August 15, 2011.

 “Person-centered care is an important step forward in providing residents an opportunity to have input in their care and lives,” states Secretary Sullivan. “These communities embrace practices that enable elders to drive their own lives, creating a healthy homelike setting that fosters freedom, choice and a strong social network. Culture change restores control to elders and those who work closest with them.   I am pleased to acknowledge these winners and their efforts to enhance the quality of life of our states elders.

KDOA began recognizing adult care homes through the PEAK Awards in 2002.

The Kansas Department on Aging promotes the security, dignity and independence of Kansas seniors.

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