Mitzi McFatrich executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) says she has “the best job in the world” even though the word she uses the most in describing it is “challenging.”McFatrich who is a United Methodist minister, started working with the group when it was Kansas Improvement for Nursing Homes. Founded in Lawrence by a concerned citizens group headed by Petey Cerf and Harriet Nehring, as a statewide organization of volunteers, there are 650 members across Kansas. The group advocates with the legislature for law changes that benefit older people, works on upgrades in possibilities and hosts workshops.
McFatrich who is a United Methodist minister, started working with the group when it was Kansas Improvement for Nursing Homes. Founded in Lawrence by a concerned citizens group headed by Petey Cerf and Harriet Nehring, as a statewide organization of volunteers, there are 650 members across Kansas. The group advocates with the legislature for law changes that benefit older people, works on upgrades in possibilities and hosts workshops.
“There are always new challenges,” she said, using her favorite word. “We train law enforcement, social workers , bankers to identify, intervene and prevent elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
“Another challenge,” McFatrich said “is helping people pick long term care. Older adults want to age in place at home. Nobody wants to talk about nursing homes or go to one. We work to maintain people’s sense of self and their dignity. We help people through life’s transitions.”
A priority of KABC is also to monitor medical care for older adults. They maintain a database on facilities in Kansas to see what medical care is available at which nursing homes, to help people avoid medical interactions that cause problems, and to record comments and opinions about elder care . They serve as ombudsmen for older citizens.
“And when I see some of the results, McFatrich said, “this really is the best job in the world!”
