Resources

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Caregiver Support

Caregiver Action Network (CAN)

The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with significant health needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease.

Main Office
p. 202-454-3970 | e. info@caregiveraction.org
Address: 1150 Connecticut Ave NW | Ste 501 | Washington, DC 20036-3904

Caregiver Help Desk (Toll Free)
p. 855-227-3640

Eldercare Locator: Caregiver Corner

Eldercare Locator provides caregiver resources with useful links on its Caregiver Corner page. Information ranges from handling family conflict to transportation to programs for veterans, and everything in between.

p. 800-677-1116 | e. eldercarelocator@n4a.org

Family Caregiver Alliance

The Family Caregiver Alliance is dedicated to improving the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. The site allows you to see what caregiver services are available in each state. Services include:

Grief, Loss and Caregiving is another downloadable document addressing the grief that stems from loss while someone is still living. This grief is often experienced when caring for someone with a chronic illness. Chronic illness, and particularly any illness that impairs a person’s cognitive ability, causes caregivers and loved ones to experience grief and loss right now.
Health Conditions can help you find information and related resources focused on the patient’s condition or disease.
LGBTQ+ Caregiving is a brief, downloadable document addressing the unique considerations that arise for LGBTQ+ people who may need to draw from “families of choice” for caregiver assistance.
Search All Resources using keywords to find information based on health condition, topic or language.

p. 415-434-3388 | p. 800-445-8106
Address: 235 Montgomery St | Ste 930 | San Francisco, CA 94104

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services provides caregivers with a variety of resources. Topics include:

Care Coordination and Other Services covers: case managers, elder abuse prevention and elder law attorneys, and long-term care insurance.
Division of Assets covers the Spousal Impoverishment Law, sometimes called Division of Assets. This law changes the Medicaid eligibility requirement for couples in situations in which only one spouse needs nursing home care. It allows the spouse remaining at home to protect a portion of income and resources. The spouse needing care can receive Medicaid sooner and without the spouse at home being reduced to poverty.
Family Caregivers can help caregivers locate respite care services (paid/volunteer), screen and interview agencies and providers in order to give caregivers time to rest and regroup.

p. 785-296-4986 | p. 800-432-3535 | f. 785-296-0256 | e. kdads.wwwmail@ks.gov | tty. 785-291-3167
Address: New England Building | 503 S Kansas Ave | Topeka, KS 66603-3404

National Family Caregiver Support Program

The National Family Caregiver Support Program can be found on the Administration for Community Living website. The program provides grants to states to fund caregiver support programs.

Main Office
p. 202-401-4634
Address: 330 C St SW | Washington, DC 20201

Region VII Office (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska)
Address: 601 E 12th St | Ste S-1801 | Kansas City, MO 64106

Next Step in Care: Family Caregivers and Health Care Professionals Working Together

Next Step in Care offers videos, links/resources, news, and guides to help those who are family caregivers.

e. nextstepincare@uhfnyc.org
Address: 271 W Third St N | Ste 500 | Wichita, KS 67202

SAGE: Caregiving in the LGBTQ+ Community

SAGE provides advocacy and services for LGBTQ+ elders. You can download their PDF covering Caregiving in the LGBTQ+ Community. The SAGE website also covers:

Cultural Competency is the idea LGBTQ+ older people are as deserving of compassionate eldercare as anyone else. LGBTQ+ elders should not be fearful when seeking health care or long-term care.
Discrimination can impact LGBTQ+ elders (ranging from hiring and salary discrimination to neglectful health care providers. LGBTQ+ elders often experience victimization based on their perceived or actual sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Health Care is often underutilized by LGBTQ+ elders—especially when compared to their heterosexual peers. They fear discrimination and harassment based on their perceived or actual sexual orientation and/or gender identity and may be hesitant to reach out to providers, senior centers, meal programs, and other entitlement programs.
HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts the LGBTQ+ community, and the number of LGBTQ+ older adults with HIV is increasing. Thirty years ago, the idea that someone with HIV would live decades was unimaginable. Now people with HIV are living well into their golden years.
Housing is of great concern to LGBTQ+ older adults, as it is to most older people. However, older LGBTQ+ people often experience discrimination—by property managers, staff, other residents, or service providers—when seeking rental and senior housing.
Legal and Financial decisions can be especially challenging to LGBTQ+ elders. A host of variables (gender, generation, ethnicity, state of residence, and marital status) can make it harder for them to sustain financial security, and subject them to discrimination.
LGBTQ+ Aging has changed to some degree, with more social acceptance. LGBTQ+ elders are living vibrant, full lives across the U.S. and around the world. While the U.S. census has never measured how many LGBTQ+ people live in America, reports estimate that there are currently around 3 million LGBTQ+ adults over age 50. That number is expected to grow to around 7 million by 2030.
Social Isolation can be especially difficult for LGBTQ+ elders. Accessing safe, friendly services can be difficult for LGBTQ+ older adults who do not live in major cities. Social connectedness keeps older adults healthy and helps them live longer. LGBTQ+ older adults are twice as likely to live alone, making them vulnerable to social isolation. LGBTQ+ older adults living with HIV also face high rates of isolation, which has been shown to have a negative impact on health and well-being, particularly cognitive function.

National Office
p. 212-741-2247
Address: 305 7th Ave | 15th Floor | New York, NY 10001

SAGE Hotline
p. 877-360-LGBT (5428)

The Conversation Project

The Conversation Project is an initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, a not-for-profit organization. Its goal is both simple and transformative: to help everyone talk about their wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The project advocates that these discussions should begin at the kitchen table—not in the intensive care unit.

National Office
e. conservationproject@ihi.org
Address: 53 State St | 18th Floor | Boston, MA 02109

Services in Sedgwick County: Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Cairn Health: Prescription Assistance for Persons on Disability (PAPD)

The Prescription Assistance for Persons on Disability (PAPD) program provides financial assistance for prescriptions to assist low-income uninsured or under-insured persons, age 0-59 years of age, living or working within Sedgwick County who have a documented disability.

p. 316-683-7559 | f. 316-683-4489 | e. info@cairnhealth.org
Address: 1514 N Broadway Ave | Wichita, KS 67214

Catholic Charities: Adult Day Services

Catholic Charities provides adult day care services, including restorative therapy, classes and activities.

p. 316-264-8344
Address: 437 N Topeka St | Wichita, KS 67202

Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF)
Envision: Low Vision Independence Program

Envision’s Low Vision Independence Program works with persons under 60 who are blind or visually impaired with rehab services including: occupational and physical therapy, orientation and mobility, counseling, assisted technology and adaptive equipment.

p. 316-440-1500
Address: 610 N Main St | Wichita, KS 67203

Independent Living Resource Center

Independent Living Resource Center helps people with all kinds of disabilities—physical, mental and developmental—live as independently as possible in the homes and communities of their choice. Programs offered include:

Dental Flex Funding
Transition
Independent Living Skills Training
Advocacy
Peer Support
Information and Referral
Medical Equipment Recycling Network
Payroll/FMS Services

p. 316-952-6300 | f. 316-927-2186
Address: 3033 W 2nd St N | Wichita, KS 67203

Senior Services of Wichita: Meals on Wheels

Through the Meals on Wheels program, Senior Services of Wichita provides home delivered meals to home bound individuals with a physical disability.

Services in Sedgwick County: Adults Over 60

Alzheimer’s Association: Adult Care Connection

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Adult Care Connection program provides information, referral and care consultation helpline case management services to family caregivers caring for an older adult 60 and over in Sedgwick County. You can also browse the local website to learn more about dementia, as well as ways to support the association.

p. 316-267-7333 | f. 316-267-6369
Address: 1820 E Douglas Ave | Wichita, KS 67214

Cairn Health: Plus Medical Services

Cairn Health’s Plus Medical Services program works with pharmacies to obtain the best possible price on medication and provide a voucher to the senior. They also purchase diabetic supplies, provides access to vision services, pay Medicare Part D co-pays, and assists with enrollment of eligible older adult in PDP assistance programs to obtain medication for chronic conditions. Cairn assists seniors with up to $180 for emergent prescriptions each year.

p. 316-683-7559 | f. 316-683-4489 | e. info@cairnhealth.org
Address: 1514 N Broadway Ave | Wichita, KS 67214

Catholic Charities: Adult Day Services

Catholic Charities provides adult day care services, including restorative therapy, classes and activities.

p. 316-264-8344
Address: 437 N Topeka St | Wichita, KS 67202

Envision: Low Vision Independence Program

Envision works with persons 60 and over who are blind or visually impaired with rehab services including: occupational and physical therapy, orientation and mobility, counseling, assisted technology and adaptive equipment.

p. 316-440-1500
Address: 610 N Main St | Wichita, KS 67203

Guadalupe Clinic: Health Screening and Prescription Voucher Program

Health screenings, health education, referrals and vouchers for prescription medications are made available through the Guadalupe Clinic to low income older individuals who are 60 and over and residing in Wichita and Sedgwick County. Health education and screening services include: routine blood pressure, blood sugar and weight checks, health and nutrition assessment, and health education presentations.

St Francis Office
p. 316-264-6464
Address: 940 S St Francis St | Wichita, KS 67211

South Hillside Office
p. 316-201-1986
Address: 2825 S Hillside St | Wichita, KS 67216

Kansas Legal Services: Protective Legal Services for Elders

Kansas Legal Service’s Protective Legal Services for Elders program combines prevention efforts with legal action to respond to financial exploitation of elders. The prevention efforts include helping seniors designate an appropriate person to service as their Power of Attorney for financial matters or health care.

Wichita Office
p. 316-265-9681 | f. 316-265-5902
Address: 340 S Broadway St | Wichita, KS 67202

Headquarters
p. 800-723-6953
Address: 712 S Kansas Ave | Ste 200 | Topeka, KS 66603

Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas

The Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas offers several programs for people 60 years of age and older, who are living in poverty, to assist frail individuals over age 60, who are vulnerable to losing their independence due to physical or mental disabilities. The Senior Companion will assist with daily activities such as meal preparation, grocery shopping, medication reminders, transportation to medical appointments, attending social activities, companionship, and respite care for the families of clients.

Main Office
p. 316-685-1821 | f. 316-685-0768
Address: 555 N Woodlawn Blvd | Ste 3105 | Wichita, KS 67208

Counseling Center
p. 316-652-2590 | f. 316-652-2595
Address: 9415 E Harry St | Ste 800 | Wichita, KS 67207

Residential Services
p. 316-685-1259
Address: 805 S Main | Wichita, KS 67213

Sedgwick County Department on Aging

The Sedgwick County Department on Aging provides services to seniors in an effort to assist them in maintaining independence. Services include:

• Critical Assistance Program provides assistance to address gaps in services for critical needs related to safety and health risks. This program serves adults age 55 and older.
General Rural Transportation Services provides general public transportation in the Sedgwick County area for older adults, persons with disabilities and the general public in the rural areas, to bring residents to the City of Wichita or neighboring communities within Sedgwick County.
• In Home Safety Assessments address fall risks and other safety issues in the home with a room-by-room walk through.
• Mental Health Counseling for Older Adults provides short term in-home or in office counseling to address personal concerns that may be impacting mental wellness.
• Minor Home Repair/Home Modifications Program offers assistance with minor repairs that will improve access and safety in the home (ex. grab bars, ramps…).
• RSVP Volunteer Program assists adults 55+ to find meaningful volunteer opportunities with non-profit or government agencies in Sedgwick County that meet their interests and utilize their talents.
• Rural Home Delivered Meal Program provides home delivered meals for anyone 60+ who is in the Sedgwick County rural area and homebound. The program is able to tailor meals for those with specialized nutritional needs.
• Short Term Care Coordination Services offers short term case management for older adults with multiple, immediate needs.

p. 316-660-7298 | f. 316-660-1936 | e. annette.graham@sedgwick.gov
Address: 271 W Third St N | 5th Floor | Wichita, KS 67202

Senior Services of Wichita

Senior Services, Inc. of Wichita is a not-for-profit, private charity. Partial funding for programs and services is provided by federal, state and local government as well as the United Way of the Plains.

Meals on Wheels provides a hot, noon meal five days a week (seven days a week for the most frail) to homebound individuals age 60 and older in the Wichita area
Roving Pantry offers grocery shopping and delivery service for homebound individuals age 60 and older.
Senior Employment Services helps workers age 55 and older find paid employment in business and in-home placements. Tailored specifically to older people, it is a valuable resource for older adults and for employers seeking mature workers and the skills and experience they bring with them.

Main Office
p. 316-267-0302
Address: 200 S Walnut St | Wichita, KS 67213

United Methodist Open Door: Commodity Supplemental Food Delivery Program

United Methodist Open Door’s Commodity Supplemental Food Delivery Program delivers commodity food to eligible older adults age 60 and over. It assists those that lack transportation to pick up their own commodities and others who are unable to buy food; either temporarily or on a permanent basis.

Main Office
p. 316-265-9371 | e. administration@umopendoor.org
Address: 402 E Second St | Wichita, KS 67202

Food Distribution Building
p. 316-267-4201
Address: 2130 E 21st St N | Wichita, KS 67214

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2756 | Wichita, KS 67201

Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) Resources

End of Life Discussions and Advance Directives

CPAAA is a great resource for for addressing the numerous topics affecting the elder population, including how to handle end of life discussions and advance directives:

Kansas Advance Directives
Kansas Legal Services
The Conversation Project
Wichita Medical Research and Education Foundations

General Aging Information
Older Adults with HIV/AIDS

CPAAA is a great resource for for addressing the numerous topics affecting the elder population, including general aging websites:

AIDS.gov
Avert: Global Information and Education on HIV and AIDS
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
VA HIV Testing

Oral Health

CPAAA is a great resource for for addressing the numerous topics affecting the elder population, including general aging websites:

American Academy of Periodontology
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Oral Health for Older Adults
GraceMed Dental Clinic
Hunter Health Clinic
Oral Health of Kansas

Other resources

Have a question? Need help?

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Love My Nurse, Home Health Care, Wichita, KS