The Administration on Aging (AOA) is the principal agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services designated to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA), as amended (42 U.S.C.A. § 3001 et seq.). The OAA promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities. The Act also empowers the federal government to distribute funds to the states for supportive services for individuals over the age of 60.

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

The Amreican Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping older Americans achieve lives of independence, dignity and purpose

The Center for Medicare Advocacy is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan law organization that provides education, advocacy and legal assistance to help older people and people with disabilities obtain fair access to Medicare and necessary health care.

Justice in Aging is a national organization that uses the power of law to fight senior poverty by securing access to affordable health care, economic security, and the courts for older adults with limited resources. Since 1972 we’ve focused our efforts primarily on populations that have traditionally lacked legal protection such as women, people of color, LGBT individuals, and people with limited English proficiency.

The Consumer Voice is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. We are a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates and ombudsmen to help ensure quality care for the individual.

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides support, technical assistance and training to the 53 State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs and their statewide networks of almost 600 regional (local) programs. 

KanCare is the program through which the State of Kansas administers Medicaid. Their website provides information for consumers as well as providers.  It also provides information about the KanCare Ombudsman.  
The KanCare Ombudsman assists beneficiaries to navigate and access covered health care services and supports. The Ombudsman also helps individuals understand the delivery system and resolve problems and concerns that may arise between the individual and a provider/payer.

Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) was founded in 1975 as Kansans for Improvement of Nursing Homes.  KABC's mission is to be “advocating for quality long-term care” for residents of licensed adult care homes. KABC is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, funded by members, contributors, and grants for special purposes.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is a  source of information where people of all ages, abilities and income levels - and their caregivers - can go to obtain assistance in planning for their future long-term service and support needs. ADRC serves the entire state in providing people of all incomes and ages with information on the full range of long-term support options.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is a cabinet-level agency, employing 2,650 people. KDADS is responsible for overseeing and administering the state’s Older American’s Act programs, behavioral health programs, home and community based services (HCBS) for older adults and persons with disabilities, the management and oversight of four state hospitals, survey and certification for adult care homes, and the distribution of Medicaid long-term care payments.

The Kansas Foundation for Medical Care (KFMC) is a member of the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (GPQIN), the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for the states of Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Throughout various contracts, our role is to work with healthcare providers and organizations to develop ways to improve the use of HIT and the quality of healthcare provided to all Kansas healthcare consumers. KFMC also educates consumers so they can make informed decisions about healthcare. We work to ensure Medicare and Medicaid patients receive appropriate and quality healthcare.

The Kansas Insurance Department was established by the Kansas Legislature in 1871. The major functions of the Department are to regulate and review companies for financial solvency and regulatory compliance, educate consumers, assist consumers, and license agents selling insurance products in the state. 
The website include information about Medicare and Long-term Care Insurance.

The Kansas Partnership for Improving Dementia Care is a true collaborative of health care providers spanning the continuum of care providers affecting Kansas nursing home elders with dementia.  The collaboration includes Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services; Kansas Ombudsman’s office, providers of dementia care from all regions of the state of Kansas, Kansas Health Care Association, LeadingAge Kansas, Kansas Adult Care Executives, Kansas Foundation for Medical Care (Kansas Quality Improvement Organization), Kansas Alzheimers Association,  Kansas Advocates for Better Care, representatives from the therapy associations who provide skilled therapy services for elders with dementia, Kansas Activity Directors Association, social workers, mental health centers and providers, physicians including the Kansas Medical Directors’ Association, educational representation from KSU and KU and any other persons or parties involved or interested in improving care to elders with dementia and dementia-related behaviors.

The Alzheimer's Association publishes an informative guide on selecting a nursing home with the needs of people with Alzheimer's or other dementia in mind.

http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-residential-facilities.asp

Nursing Home Compare  has detailed information about every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country. Their Nursing Home Compare tool, which has comparative quality of care information on over 15,000 nursing homes nationwide. Also gives each nursing home a rating from one (low) to five stars (high) on the basis of each of the following sources: 1) the results of the nursing home’s health inspections, 2) the nursing home’s staffing (hours of care provided per resident by staff performing nursing care tasks), and 3) the nursing home’s quality measures.

“Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home or Other Long-Term Care” is prepared by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) who oversees the quality of nursing homes across the country Print this checklist and take it along with you when visiting nursing homes. CMS and states oversee the quality of nursing homes. 

Consumer Reports has an online article on how to know choose an assisted-living facility.

A Consumer Guide to Choosing A Nursing Home

The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on nursing homes and other senior services. 

The Kansas Culture Change Coalition is a community of people dedicated to changing the culture of long-term care organizations.  They work with individual and organizations to implement person-centered models of care that value the dignity of each individual who lives and works within their setting.

Take It on for Mom is an effort to tell people like you about culture change and how to choose a home that embraces person-centered care. Take it on for Mom publishes a Smart Consumer Guide on finding and choosing a home which embraces person-centered care.