Family Caregiver Resources in Kansas presented by CareSource

General Resources

GENERAL RESOURCE

Kansas Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)

A state government agency that oversees services for older adults and people with disabilities, including caregivers. They offer information and referrals, caregiver education and training, respite care resources, and support groups.

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GENERAL RESOURCE

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

AAA provide local resources and support for older adults and caregivers. They offer services like in-home care, meal delivery, transportation, legal assistance, and caregiver support groups. Contact your local AAA for specific services in your area.

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GENERAL RESOURCE

Kansas Respite Coalition

Kansas Lifespan Respite Coalition’s (KLRC) mission is to promote access to and use of respite care for all Kansas caregivers through community awareness, public/political advocacy, education, and collaboration, by providing a statewide respite care system.

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GENERAL RESOURCE

AARP Kansas

Offers resources and support for caregivers, including workshops, webinars, and online tools.

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Caregiving 101

Strategies for Family Caregivers in Kansas

Being a family caregiver in Kansas is a unique and rewarding experience. However, it comes with a set of challenges that can test your resilience and resourcefulness. From rural geography and unpredictable weather to...

Being Prepared - Challenges Faced by Family Caregivers in Kansas

The act of caring for a loved one is a journey of profound love, patience, and resilience. As a family caregiver, you're a beacon of hope and comfort in a storm of uncertainty and...

Agencies to Know in Kansas

Helpful agencies' caregivers may need access in KS

Medicaid Redetermination - What it is and how to complete the process

As the pandemic’s influence on policies subsides our community will be impacted. One such impact is the redetermination of Medicaid coverage. Individuals will once...

Developing Your Backup Plan - Your Continuity of Care Planning Guide

Proactively creating a planning document for times when you need to leave your loved one in the care of others can help reduce stress when those instances arise.Times such as...

Home Preparations

As a family caregiver, preparing the living space for the care recipient is crucial to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. This planning document aims to assist caregivers in systematically assessing and modifying the living space to meet the...

Symptoms 101

While each individual and condition is different, here we will look at the basics of understanding common symptoms family caregivers tend to encounter. This article aims to be a guiding light through this maze, providing family caregivers with a...

Talking to Providers: Using Your Outside Voice and Other Tips to Make Yourself Heard

As a family caregiver, you have the enormous responsibility of caring for a loved one, which often includes navigating the complex healthcare system and communicating...

Health Resources

HEALTH RESOURCE

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)

Provides valuable resources like educational materials and support programs on various health conditions, including chronic diseases, mental health, and disability. Offers guidance on managing medications, accessing health screenings, and navigating the healthcare system.

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HEALTH RESOURCE

Kansas Medicaid

Administers the state's Medicaid program, providing health insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families. For caregivers, KanCare offers a range of covered services like in-home care, adult day care, and personal care attendants. The website provides eligibility information, enrollment details, and a service directory to find providers.

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HEALTH RESOURCE

University of Kansas Medical Center

A leading academic medical center offering comprehensive healthcare services and educational resources. Their website features patient education materials on various health conditions, medication guides, and tips for managing care for loved ones. They also offer specialized programs and support groups for caregivers.

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Caregiver Stories

Guided by Love: Jamal's Journey as a Gen Z Caregiver in the Face of Cancer

Jamal, at 21, faced a devastating blow when his father Ahmed was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Overwhelmed with shock and emotion, Jamal took charge of...

Tanner and Ivy's Journey as Foster Parents to Lillith and Claire

Tanner and Ivy became foster parents to sisters Lillith and Claire. They prepared their home in Johnson County and themselves by focusing on building trust, setting clear...

Kirby's Journey of Hope and Resilience with a Foster Child Living with IDD

Kirby's world changed when the doctor diagnosed their foster child, Alex, with Cerebral Palsy. The emotional impact was like an unpredictable rollercoaster ride, with...

Silvia's Journey Through Parenting a Child with Autism and Caring for an Aging Father

Silvia, a loving mother to three, faced the complexities of parenting a child with Autism and caring for her aging father. She moved...

Jentry's Journey with Sibling's Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges

Caring for her younger sibling, Silas, with Substance Use Disorder, has been a rollercoaster for Jentry. Silas's mental health challenges bring sudden bursts of anger or...

James' Journey into Caregiving Complexity

James faced a mix of joy and apprehension as his mother was discharged from the hospital after weeks of illness. Taking on the role of caregiver brought a daunting list of tasks, from coordinating home healthcare services...

Embracing Strength: A Caregiver in the Face of Uncertainty and a Heart Condition

Alonzo faced a life-altering moment as he stood by his weak and frail father in the emergency room of Ascension Via Christi...

Beverly's Journey Through Alzheimer's Caregiving

Beverly and her mother, Helen, shared precious mornings over tea in their home in Overland Park. That is until Beverly noticed subtle signs of forgetfulness. Routine lapses grew, signaling a deeper issue. A doctor's...

Home & Community Based Resources

HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

Meals On Wheels Association of Kansas

The Meals on Wheels Association of Kansas (MOWAK) is comprised of home-delivered and congregate meal programs from all corners of the state. Kansas meal providers have had a strong state association for many years. Now, as MOWAK, meal providers will have a strong advocate at the state and national levels.

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HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

Kansas Family Caregiving Coalition (KFCC)

Provides information and resources about respite care options in Kansas.

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HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services: Long Term Services and Supports

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) provides oversight for a system of community based supports and services for persons in Kansas with disabilities.

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Financial Resources

FINANCIAL RESOURCE

Kansas Department for Children and Families

DCF administers various programs to help families with financial needs, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children).

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

Kansas Food Bank

This statewide network provides food assistance to families and individuals in need through a network of partner agencies, food pantries, and mobile food distributions. They also offer nutrition education and other support services.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

Benefits.gov

This federal government website is a comprehensive resource for finding government benefits you may be eligible for. It allows you to create a personalized profile and see a list of programs you might qualify for, including food assistance, healthcare, and financial aid.

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Legal Resources

LEGAL RESOURCE

Kansas Legal Services

This non-profit organization provides free and low-cost legal assistance to low-income Kansans, including caregivers. They can help with issues like accessing public benefits, elder law, and consumer protection.

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LEGAL RESOURCE

Disabilty Rights Center of Kansas

DRC has attorneys and advocates who provide free advocacy and legal services for disability rights.

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LEGAL RESOURCE

Kansas Elder Hotline

The Elder Hotline is a program of Kansas Legal Services, and private attorneys volunteer their time to field your calls. All you have to do is call the program at 888-353-5337, and you will be connected with a volunteer attorney who will try to answer your questions. And you will receive no bill

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Workplace / Employer Resources

WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

Kansas Department of Labor

The Kansas Department of Labor provides workers and employers with information and services that are accurate and timely, efficient and effective, fair and impartial. Administered by employees that understand the value and importance of public service to their fellow Kansans.

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WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

KANSASWORKS

Portal for Job Seekers, Employers and Training Providers in Kansas

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WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library

Use Tools provided by the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library for support with Job applications and skill building

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Specific Audience Resources

SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

Kansas Kinship Navigator Program: KFAN

The Kansas Kinship Navigator Program offers information, referral, support, trainings, in-home and follow-up services to grandparents and other relatives who find themselves raising the next generation of children and strive to link them to the benefits and services that they or the children need.

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SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

Kansas City Vet Center

We offer confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Our services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). We can also connect you with more support in VA and your community

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SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

Victory in the Valley

Victory in the Valley is a unique cancer support organization providing self-help groups, transportation to doctor visits, hair care/ wigs and lodging assistance to cancer patients. Their statewide network of volunteers has helped thousands of patients to learn to “Live with Cancer!”

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Foster Care Resources

FOSTER CARE RESOURCE

KVC Kansas

KVC Kansas is a private, nonprofit organization that serves over 15,000 children and adults each year. Our team of professionals provides family strengthening and preventative services, parent training, foster care case management, family reunification services, foster family recruitment and support, adoption, aftercare, outpatient therapy and more.

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FOSTER CARE RESOURCE

Children's Alliance of Kansas

The Children's Alliance of Kansas (CAK) is a state-wide organization dedicated to strengthening children and families through a three-pronged approach: advocacy, networking, and education. They operate under the Kansas Division of the Child Advocate, ensuring a focus on children's best interests throughout their work.

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FOSTER CARE RESOURCE

Kansas DCF: Prevention and Protection Services: Foster Care

Prevention and Protection Services offers a variety of services to children, families and vulnerable adults including protection services, family-based assessments, family support services, independent living services for older youth, and foster care. Services are provided in local offices across the state.

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FOSTER CARE RESOURCE

Foster Care Child Care Program

FCCC is a joint effort between two departments at the Kansas Department for Children and Families– the Prevention and Protection Services (PPS) and Economic and Employment Services (EES) areas. The FCCC is a part of the Child Care Assistance Program and is designed specifically to support foster caregivers.

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Intellectual or Developmental Disability Resources

IDD Resource

The Arc Kansas

The Arc Kansas is a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of individuals with IDD and their families.

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IDD Resource

Kansas Lifespan Respite Coalition

This coalition advocates for and promotes respite care services for caregivers of individuals with IDD and other disabilities.

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IDD Resource

Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) Waiver Program

The Intellectual / Developmental Disability (I/DD) waiver serves individuals age five and older who meet the definition of intellectual disability, having a developmental disability or are eligible for care in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID).

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IDD Resource

Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities

We are dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities and their families access and use community services that promote inclusion and integration. We offer a variety of services throughout the state to individuals of all ages.

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