Cuts for elderly: more seniors to nursing homes, $1.37 million in federal funds lost | Wichitopekington | Wichita Eagle Blogs

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Cuts in state services for the aging could force hundreds of elderly Kansans out of their homes and into nursing institutions, officials said today.

The state Department on Aging announced that as of Jan. 15, it is cutting several services it provides through Home and Community Based Service waivers, including aides who stay with elderly people overnight and assistance in retrofitting homes for wheelchair accessibility.

The department will give up about $1.37 million in federal matching funds because it can no longer afford to pay the state’s share of $625,000 to provide the services, said spokeswoman Barb Conant.

The service cuts announced today include:

* Assistive technology support — a program that helps seniors obtain items such as wheelchair lifts and ramps, accessible toilets and bathtubs, and grab bars to help prevent falls.
* Sleep-cycle support — provides aides for seniors who need to have someone in their home during overnight hours.
* Comprehensive support — provides aides to assist seniors who are cognitively impaired with tasks such as reading mail, addressing letters and paying bills.
* Dental services — provides seniors with dental care to help them receive proper nutrition and avoid issues with breathing and pneumonia.

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