Area Agencies on Aging

There are 11 Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas, each covering a specific geographical area. These agencies coordinate services and programs for persons age 60 and over in each area. Among the services provided are meals, caregiver services, legal services, case management, transportation, education, in-home services, health screening and friendly visiting. Visit the the Area Agency on Aging section of the Kansas Department on Aging website to find the address and phone number of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in your area.

Information & Assistance (I & A)

Information & Assistance programs are located throughout Kansas and operate in conjunction with the Area Agencies on Aging. Information & Assistance staff provide information about community and public assistance programs, and retirement benefits. They also link people with the appropriate helping agencies. Each I & A program is designed to meet the needs of older Kansans living in their service area and, therefore, programs differ from area to area.

Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS)

When you have questions about benefits or services or when you need to know if you or your family are eligible for certain programs, SRS staff can help. For answers, contact customer services at your local area SRS office or call (785) 296-3349.

Multi-Purpose Senior Centers

Kansas has more than 400 senior centers across the state. Most offer a variety of services, including:

• Information and Assistance: The centers may assist you in contacting service providers in regard to health, safety, legal assistance, family and financial issues.
• Recreation: Programs and equipment may be provided for social and recreational activities. Instructors may be available to conduct programs in crafts, music and various other hobbies, as well as numerous educational programs.
• Nutrition: Many centers also offer low-cost meals as well as educational programs on wise food planning and purchasing.
• Social Events: Celebrations for birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries may be held at the centers. Entertainment throughout the year can provide opportunities for Seniors to socialize.
• Friendship: A great place to meet new friends and to renew old friendships. If you would like someone to talk to or do things with, your senior center is a good place to start.

To find a senior center near you, go to www.agingkansas.org/seniorcenters

Eldercare Locator Helps You Get Information Throughout the U. S.

In 1992, the U. S. Administration on Aging, the National Association of State Units on Aging and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging began a nationwide information and referral service known as the Eldercare Locator. A national toll-free number, (800) 677-1116, can be used by anyone to find aging services in any state, or visit their website at www.eldercare.gov. For example, someone could use the Locator to find legal services or in-home services in a community outside of Kansas. People with older relatives in other states will find the Locator the best first source of help.

Audio-Reader

Audio-Reader is a radio reading service for anyone who has difficulty reading standard printed material. Any person whose eyesight or physical condition makes it difficult or impossible to read a newspaper or book may receive service. To find out if service is available in your area call (800) 772-8898 or in Lawrence (785) 864-4600.

Grandparents may seek visitation with their Grandchildren

A grandparent has the right to seek the court's assistance in obtaining visitation rights with a grandchild. Visitation MAY be granted when:

• The parents divorce - the divorce decree may include this provision or be modified later to allow visitation;
• One parent dies - the surviving spouse remarries and the grandchild is adopted by the new stepparent, visitation is still possible;
• The child has been abused or neglected - and custody awarded to someone other than the parent; or
• The parents are alive and denied visitation to a grandparent.

In all situations, the court will examine what is in the child's best interest and whether there is an established and substantial relationship between the child and the grandparent.

Kansas Senior Pharmacy Assistance Program

Low-income seniors receive reimbursement for their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs with a maximum reimbursement of $1,200 per calendar year. Eligible beneficiaries of the Medicare Savings Program receive an application from the Kansas Department on Aging three-four times a calendar year. (See the section on Medicare Savings). Additional eligibility criteria includes:

• Kansas resident;
• 67 years of age or older;
• Income of 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or less;
• Not covered under a private prescription reimbursement plan;
• Not eligible for or enrolled in any other local, state, or federal prescription program;
• Not have voluntarily cancelled a local, state, and federal or private prescription drug program within six months of application to this program.

Medicare Savings Program

The Federal Medicare Savings Program helps low income Medicare beneficiaries pay for their Part B coverage. Eligibility is determined based on an individual's income and resources. Resources include checking and savings accounts, Certificates of Deposit (CDs), stocks, and bonds. Countable resources do NOT include your home, a car, burial plots, up to $1,500 for burial expenses, furniture, or up to $1,500 of life insurance. The income and resource guidelines for 2002 are:

• A single person's monthly income cannot exceed $1,273 with a resource limit of $4,000.
• A couple's monthly income cannot exceed $1,714 with a resource limit of $6,000. Additional information and an application can be obtained at your local Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) office.

Medicare Abuse and Fraud

Nationally billions of dollars are lost each year to Medicare abuse and fraud. Most health care providers are honest, but the activities of a few result in wasted funds for the Medicare program and the loss of quality care for individuals who use Medicare. Individuals can become part of the solution to help secure a health care system for all people by eliminating waste, responding to abusive and fraudulent activities and correcting mistakes in billing practices.

What is Medicare Fraud?

Medicare fraud is an incident or practice that intentionally misleads or misrepresents a Medicare claim. Violators may be health care practitioners, hospitals or other institutional providers, clinical laboratories, billing services or any individuals in positions to file claims for Medicare benefits.

How Can I Prevent Medicare Abuse and Fraud?

• Carefully review each of your Medicare statements. If you have questions, contact your health care provider.
• Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Do not give out your Medicare number over the telephone unless you initiated the call or know with whom you are speaking.
• If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the Social Security Administration.
• Be cautious of individuals who claim they know how to get Medicare to pay for uncovered items/services.

Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are a reality for many older Kansans. It is hard to believe that someone you love and trust could harm you. Yet, estimates show that one in 20 people age 60 and over are abused, neglected or exploited by someone in their own family. Abuse can occur at home or in a nursing home. Abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, neglect by self or another, or financial exploitation.

Who is required to report abuse,neglect or exploitation?

K.S.A. 39-1431(a)(e) Any person who is licensed to practice any branch of the healing arts, a licensed psychologist, a licensed master level psychologist, a licensed clinical psychotherapist, the chief administrative officer of a medical care facility, a teacher, a licensed social worker, a licensed professional nurse, a licensed practical nurse, a licensed dentist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical professional counselor, registered alcohol and drug abuse counselor, a law enforcement officer, a case manager , a guardian or conservator, a bank trust officer, a rehabilitation counselor, a holder of a power of attorney, an owner or operator of a residential care facility, an independent living counselor and the chief administrative officer of a licensed home health agency, the chief administrative officer of an adult family home and the chief administrative officer of a provider of community services and affiliates thereof operated or funded by the department of social and rehabilitation services or licensed under K.S.A. 75-3307b and amendments thereto who has reasonable cause to believe that an adult is being or has been abused, neglected or exploited or is in need of protective services shall report, immediately from receipt of the information, such information or cause a report of such information to be made in any reasonable manner. (e) Any person required to report information or cause a report of information to be made under subsection (a) who knowingly fails to make such report or cause such report not to be made shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

How is abuse reported and what can Adult Protective Services do?

Any person can file a report of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation to the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) at (800) 922-5330 or at the local SRS office. An Adult Protective Service (APS) worker will conduct an investigation and make a finding. Sometimes the abused individuals are referred to community-based services that will provide them with necessary care. The main goal of APS is to protect abused, neglected or exploited individuals. If an individual is competent, they do not have to consent to protective services.

What protections are available to residents of care facilities?

Residents of medical facilities, nursing homes and adult care homes must be protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Employees of the facility are required to report suspected abuse to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) at (800) 842-0078.

Signs of Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

• Environment: The home may lack electricity, heat, water or refrigeration. Medicines may not be clearly marked, may be outdated, or may have been prescribed by many different doctors. Unsanitary conditions or lack of food in the home may be further signs.
• Behavior: Sudden changes in behavior, unwillingness to talk, or unjustified fear or suspicion may indicate a need for intervention. Failure to pay bills, depletion of a bank account for no apparent reason, or uncertainty about income and expenses are further indications.
• Physical appearance: Bruises, burns, fractures, swelling and untreated injuries are visible indications of possible abuse or neglect. Sudden weight loss or gain, be noted. Inappropriate or inadequate clothing and over medication may also necessitate an investigation.
• Behavior of family or caregiver: The family may resent providing care or be unaware of the older person's condition. Refusing to allow visits by others or leaving the person unattended for long periods of time can also indicate abuse or neglect.
• The older family members may be financially exploited by being talked into paying bills, lending money or transferring property, insurance or savings.
• Prolonged intervals between injury and treatment, frequent changes in doctors, or inconsistent explanations of injuries should also be considered as possible signs of abuse or neglect.

How long does it take to get an official response?

If imminent danger is identified, SRS or KDHE must begin an investigation within 24 hours of such a report, .

• Within three working days for all reports of suspected abuse, when the information from the reporter indicates no imminent danger.
• Within five working days for all reports of neglect or exploitation when the information from the reporter indicates no imminent danger.
• A completed report will be issued within 30 working days of receiving a report.

Can a Guardian/Conservator be appointed?

A reported adult has the right not to consent to investigative and protective services. However, if the adult does not have capacity and is in need of protective services, SRS may petition the court for appointment of a guardian or conservator to provide the necessary services.

 

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