Prairie Sunset Home

12/17/2025

Current as of: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Friday afternoon, we will hold our annual Staff Christmas party. This has been an exceptional year for PSH. For nearly one-half of this year, we have been rated as a 5-STAR facility by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In the summer, we had a successful licensure inspection conducted by KDADS that resulted in our INSPECTION STAR rating improving to 4-STAR. Our STAFF STAR has remained 5-STAR the entire year.

One cannot begin to think about quality unless you have a stable, well-trained team. No team can win the big game, when it routinely loses key players and keeps adding new members to the team. Over the past 6-7 years, PSH has consistently trained and retained the staff better than most others. Importantly, we have done that without the use of temporary agency staffing—even during the pandemic. Last year in October, the Board of Directors approved a 401(k)-retirement plan for our employees. We hoped it would help further stabilize our staff turnover and at the same time improve quality, service and satisfaction. It seems to have been wildly successful. This year, turnover has been reduced by 40% and average seniority is now over 5¾ years.

All 88 team members work hard every hour of every day as we endeavor to deliver an acceptable level of quality and superior service to all our customers. In our world customers include: the Residents; Families; Friends; Volunteers; Vendors; and the state and federal regulators; each with different expectations and priorities. Each team member exhibits extraordinary compassion and growing competence as the days and weeks go by. This entire team and their extra efforts have helped make 2025 a great year at PSH!

We will host our annual Christmas Open House and residents’ party this Saturday afternoon, Dec. 20. It appears that the weather will cooperate and make it easy for families, friends and volunteers to shower residents with gifts and favorite homemade holiday treats. Santa will be here. We will be taking a lot of pictures to memorialize the day.

Here is a tip that may help you during the holiday visitation “live in the moment.” Enjoy the time together, manage your expectations and be flexible during your visits. Families and friends may be surprised or alarmed at the change in appearance or mental acuity since the last time they saw their resident. Our caregivers see those subtle changes every day and are available to discuss the changes and answer questions. We are here to be supportive of residents and, at the same time, offer reassurance to families and friends.

One of the consequences of the increase in visitation during the holiday season is the added risk to our Infection Control efforts. Please self-screen at our Kiosk when you enter to visit. Type in your name/phone number; who you are here to see; line your face up on the screen as your temperature is automatically taken—you are IN. Then as an added precaution, use hand sanitizer as baseline infection control to help keep everyone safe.

Today, we have several skilled nursing beds available. This time of year, occupancy and availability can change quickly. A couple of ALF units are move-in ready. The cottages are all occupied. As a reminder, if you are aware of someone who is dissatisfied or fed-up with the poor quality of medical care, unresponsive service, food or policies at their current nursing home or are considering a move into an adult care home very soon, either assisted living or skilled

nursing, please encourage them to call (620-459-6822) or visit us. Without a consistent revenue stream, it becomes more difficult to provide the superior service and medical care you expect.

Thank you again for your referrals and continued support. For more information about PSH happenings, go to our FACEBOOK page. Keep looking in on our scheduled activities this winter. Your referrals are important to us and the finest compliment we can be paid! Working together, we make Prairie Sunset Home a great place to live and work!

From the entire team at PSH, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Aaron D. Kelley Jr., Administrator

12/10/2025

I am so sorry, I am late in posting these photos. The family of Valeta Vogt sponsored our very own performance by Elvis. Residents, staff, and families enjoyed this special event greatly.

12/10/2025

An Open Letter to Residents, Families, and Friends of Prairie Sunset Home

Current as of: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

The holidays are upon us! There must be something in the water or in the air, because the morale of our team sky-high. Everyone is cooperating in our efforts to prepare for Christmas. The holiday season can be one of joy and celebration, kindness and sharing, and for our caregivers, a wonderful opportunity to help bring new memories to our residents and their loved ones.

We will host our annual Christmas Open House and residents’ party next Saturday afternoon, Dec. 20. It provides a perfect venue for families, friends and volunteers to shower residents with gifts and favorite homemade holiday treats. Please know that the families/friends who live farther away may prefer to visit virtually. We can easily accommodate those requests.

Here is a tip that may help you during the holiday visitation “live in the moment.” Enjoy the time together, manage your expectations and be flexible during your visits. Often, families and friends may be surprised or alarmed at the change in appearance or mental acuity since the last time they saw their resident. Our caregivers see those subtle changes every day and are available to discuss the changes and answer questions. We are here to be supportive of residents and, at the same time, offer reassurance to families and friends.

One of the consequences of the increase in visitation during the holiday season is the added risk to our Infection Control efforts. Please self-screen at our Kiosk when you enter to visit. Type in your name/phone number; who you are here to see; line your face up on the screen as your temperature is automatically taken—you are IN. Then as an added precaution, use hand sanitizer as baseline infection control to help keep everyone safe.

Today, we have several skilled nursing beds available. This time of year, occupancy and availability can change quickly. A couple of ALF units are move-in ready. The cottages are all occupied. As a reminder, if you are aware of someone who is dissatisfied or fed-up with the poor quality of medical care, unresponsive service, food or policies at their current nursing home or are considering a move into an adult care home very soon, either assisted living or skilled nursing, please encourage them to call (620-459-6822) or visit us. Without a consistent revenue stream, it becomes more difficult to provide the superior service and medical care you expect.

Additionally, we know that every year Medicaid DOES NOT fully cover the ongoing costs of care. CMS has us rated as a 5-STAR facility and we intend to remain that way into the future. So, as we approach the end of the year, please consider a charitable, tax deductible, donation to PSH to help us maintain our margin of excellence. Community support and referrals to this campus are what will keep Prairie Sunset Home viable in the future.

Thank you again for your referrals and continued support. For more information about PSH happenings, go to our FACEBOOK page. Keep looking in on our scheduled activities this winter. Your referrals are important to us and the finest compliment we can be paid! Working together, we make Prairie Sunset Home a great place to live and work!

From the entire team at PSH, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Aaron D. Kelley Jr., Administrator

PICS- Jeff Babson and his crew put the finishing touches on the enclosed courtyard artificial turf. The turf will help reduce the need for periodic landscaping and w**d removal. The courtyard space and turf installation will be more usable and safer for additional outside activities.

12/05/2025

An Open Letter to Residents, Families, and Friends of Prairie Sunset Home

Current as of: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the “nursing home compare” website. We are rated as a 5-STAR facility and expect to remain 5-STAR OVERALL at their next update. Our 5-STAR Staffing level is critical to the overall rating.

It is hard to imagine the holidays are upon us, but checking the calendar quickly brings us to that reality. The upcoming holiday season can be one of joy and celebration, kindness and sharing, and for our caregivers, a wonderful opportunity to help bring new memories to our residents and their loved ones. The Christmas holiday season also means more visitors who will bring special treats and gifts to brighten someone’s day.

Hopefully, our annual Christmas Open House and resident’s party on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 20, will provide a perfect venue for families, friends and volunteers to shower residents with gifts and favorite homemade holiday treats. Please know that the families/friends who live farther away may prefer to visit virtually. We can easily accommodate a FACETIME visit or set up a ZOOM meet upon request. If our holiday open house date does not work, consider visiting on a day and time that is more convenient. We can reserve accommodations for lunch and dinner to be enjoyed together as well.

I would offer one final holiday tip when visiting. When visiting with someone who has a moderate to advanced memory deficit, remember to simply interact and “live in the moment.” Enjoy the time together, manage your expectations and be flexible during the visits. In some cases, holidays are the only time families can come to visit their loved ones in person. Families and friends may be surprised or alarmed at the change in appearance or mental acuity since the last time they saw their resident. Our caregivers see the subtle changes every day and are available to discuss the changes and answer questions. We are here to be supportive to residents and, at the same time, offer reassurance to families and friends.

Additionally, we know that every year Medicaid DOES NOT fully cover the ongoing costs of care. So, as we approach the end of the year, please consider a charitable, tax deductible, donation to PSH. Community support and referrals to this campus, and by extension active stockholders, are what will keep Prairie Sunset Home viable into the future.

One of the consequences of the increase in visitation by families, friends and volunteers is the added risk to our Infection Control efforts. Please self-screen at our Kiosk when you enter to visit. Type in your name/phone number; who you are here to see; line your face up on the screen as your temperature is automatically taken—you are IN. Then as an added precaution, use hand sanitizer as baseline infection control to help keep everyone safe.

Today, all skilled nursing beds are full, but during this time of year occupancy can change quickly. A couple of ALF units are move-in ready. The cottages are all occupied. As a reminder, if you are aware of someone who is dissatisfied or fed-up with the poor quality of medical care, unresponsive service, food choices, or policies at their current nursing home or are considering a move into an adult care home very soon, either assisted living or skilled nursing, please encourage them to call (620-459-6822) or visit us. Without a consistent revenue stream, it becomes more difficult to provide the superior service and medical care you expect.

Thank you again for your referrals and continued support. For more information about PSH happenings, go to our FACEBOOK page. Keep looking in on our scheduled activities this winter. Your referrals are important to us and the finest compliment we can be paid! Working together, we make Prairie Sunset Home a great place to live and work!

From the entire team at PSH, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Aaron D. Kelley Jr., Administrator

11/27/2025

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Prairie Sunset Home!

11/19/2025

An Open Letter to Residents, Families, and Friends of Prairie Sunset Home

Current as of: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
We are asked to confront new and unexpected challenges nearly every week in the adult care home world. The record-breaking government shutdown has had little effect on our operations. Every day we attempt to get better at our service delivery. We started building our 2016 Budget last week. The 2016 DRAFT Budget will be presented to the PSH Board of Directors for review and consideration this Thursday. Final approval should happen at the December meeting.
We got a modest 2.8% bump in to Medicare rates which helps. Additionally, we know that every year Medicaid DOES NOT fully cover the ongoing costs of care. So, as we approach the end of the year, please consider a charitable, tax deductible, donation to PSH. Community support for this campus, and by extension active stockholders, are what will keep Prairie Sunset Home viable into the future.
You should consider becoming a stockholder in Prairie Sunset Home, Inc. Over the years, many of you have worked here. We are, by far, the largest employer in southern Reno County. We have 89 employees currently employed in a full or part-time status. Readers might find it interesting that there are currently 284 current stockholders of record. Most stockholders have had some level of moral or financial commitment to the success of PSH in the past. Support from some of those stockholders go back as far as 50 years and beyond. Some others have moved away and their interest in our success is much less apparent. A handful of other stockholders have inherited their shares from a parent or grandparent with little to no understanding about PSH value to the community at large. In any case, many of the current stockholders have grown older and are residents living on the campus—in the cottages or the adult care home. Fifteen (15) PSH employees are included in the 284 total as well.
You can become a stockholder. Stockholders may attend the annual meeting in February and are entitled to vote for the board of directors—one-share equals one-vote. Each share of stock can be purchased for only $25, and importantly, no one can own more than 10 shares ($250).
Your vitality and understanding of the greater Pretty Prairie culture and awareness of the day-to-day operations of this campus make you an asset as a stockholder and potential director. Over time, the board will need stockholders with experience to help guide PSH into the future. The board of directors need and appreciate your effort, ideas and input into the success of PSH.
Get with Gayle and fill out the “Stockholder Purchase Request.” Buy one (1) share now and another when you can. You know you are already committed to PSH success! $25 puts you in it for the long run. Most of our friends know that we are rated as a 5-Star facility by CMS. However, we continue to ask PSH residents and their families and/or legal representatives, volunteers and other interested friends, to provide recommendations and ideas that will help us to grow, evolve, and improve in every aspect of our operation.
The Courtyard renovation is nearing completion. Jeff Babson and his team have made incredible progress during this November warm dry spell. Many of us have watched their continuing progress over the past week and a half. They are really skilled at operating the smaller skid-steer loader—there isn’t one inch of excess clearance into the courtyard through the 4’ gate. We await to see if the gate survives. When it is completed, the courtyard will be much more functional for outdoor activities and easier to maintain.
Please continue to self-screen yourself at our Kiosk when you enter to visit. Screening at the Kiosk helps us with our required weekly report to the CDC related to any communicable diseases and/or vaccinations. Type in your name/phone number; who you are here to see; line your face up on the screen as your temperature is automatically taken—you are IN.
As a reminder, the 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment period is now open through December 7, 2025. During Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans for 2026. Medicare expects over 55% of the Medicare eligible beneficiaries to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. MA plans generally cost less per month, but have serious loopholes related to coverage. Congress continues to investigate complaints regarding the Medicare Advantage plans. Insurance executives try to explain why the Medicare Advantage plan rates of denial have increased so much in the last few years. Complaints about delays in getting approval for treatment are routine. The sad fact is most plans require “prior approval” before medical treatment or coverage will be allowed. Caveat emptor—Let the buyer beware!
As a reminder, if you are aware of someone who is dissatisfied or fed-up with the poor quality of medical care, unresponsive service, food choices, or policies at their current nursing home or are considering a move into an adult care home very soon, either assisted living or skilled nursing, please encourage them to call (620-459-6822) or visit us. Without a consistent revenue stream, it becomes more difficult to provide the superior service and medical care you expect. Today we only have one (1) skilled nursing bed empty and ready for occupancy. A couple of ALF units are available. The cottages are all occupied.
Thank you again for your referrals and continued support. For more information about PSH happenings, go to our FACEBOOK page. Keep looking in on our scheduled activities this fall. Your referrals are important to us and the finest compliment we can be paid! Working together, we make Prairie Sunset Home a great place to live and work!
Aaron D. Kelley Jr., Administrator

11/12/2025

An Open Letter to Residents, Families, and Friends of Prairie Sunset Home

Current as of: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Yesterday, we celebrated Veteran’s Day in partnership with Gentiva Hospice as we acknowledged and thanked the three (3) residents who have served in our armed forces. Gentiva thanked and awarded each veteran a nice certificate, poppy and lapel pin for their service. We then had the school come out to honor and provide small gift to each Veteran. Traditions Hospice came this morning to honor them all as well. We have fewer vets currently living/working here than in years past. They include:

· Sp4 Tom Grilliot, US Army. In 1958, Tom attended basic training at Ft. Carson, CO. He was trained as an electronic repair specialist in a NIKE guided missile unit. He spent time in Hanford, Washington, Travis Air Force Base, California, and spent eleven (11) months stationed in Greenland. Honorably discharged in 1961.

· SGT Larry Justice, US Marine Corps/Air Force Reserve/Army Reserve. In 1962, Larry entered Marine Corps basic training in San Diego. In his 23 years of service, he was an armorer/rifle & pistol instructor stationed at Camp Pendelton, Okinawa, Philippines and served three (3) tours in Viet Nam He was awarded two (2) Purple Hearts.

· Greg Lemen entered US Army basic training at Ft. Ord, California, 1975. He was a truck driver and served in Vietnam.

· PVT Holly Henning, US Army, entered basic training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, as was to be trained as an 88M-Truck driver.

· COL Aaron Kelley, US Army & Kansas Army National Guard. 1971-2001. Commanded: A/1-137th Mechanized Infantry Company; 2-130th Field Artillery Battalion; 35th Infantry Division Artillery; and 235th Regiment/KS Regional Training Institute.

Carpet installers from F & A Flooring have completed their work replacing the SNF hallways and common area carpeting. It gives us a clean and more modern look. The hallways seem wider and brighter. The installers were very considerate and courteous which we appreciated.

The Courtyard renovation has begun. They are tearing up the old courtyard and removing everything except the gazebo. When completed, it is going to be much more functional for outdoor activities and easier to maintain. Several residents made note on the recently completed “Satisfaction Surveys,” that we need to offer a few more, new, and different activity in our monthly programming. We are already thinking about how to use the new Courtyard space.

Most of our friends know, we are rated as a 5-Star facility by CMS, but we continue to ask PSH residents and their families and/or legal representatives, volunteers and other interested friends, to provide recommendations and ideas that will help us to grow, evolve, and improve in every aspect of our operation. As a reminder, please continue to self-screen yourself at our Kiosk when you enter to visit. Screening at the Kiosk helps us with our required weekly report to the CDC related to any communicable diseases and/or vaccinations. Type in your name/phone number; who you are here to see; line your face up on the screen as your temperature is automatically taken—you are IN. The 2026 Medicare enrollment period is now open. Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans for 2026. Medicare expects over 55% of the Medicare eligible beneficiaries to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. MA plans generally cost less per month, but have serious loopholes related to coverage. Congress continues to investigate complaints regarding the Medicare Advantage plans. Insurance executives try to explain why the Medicare Advantage plan rates of denial have increased so much in the last few years. Complaints about delays in getting approval for treatment are routine. The sad fact is most plans require “prior approval” before medical treatment or coverage will be allowed. Caveat emptor—Let the buyer beware!

If you are not already a Prairie Sunset Home, Incorporated, stockholder, consider becoming one. Stockholders may purchase shares, from 1-10 shares, at $25.00 per share. We currently have 274 stockholders of record. Contact Evelyn Colvard, (Board Secretary), Gayle or me for more information and to pick up a PSH stockholder application. Next week, the PSH 2026 Budget (Draft) will be presented to the board for consideration. We already know we got a 2.8% bump in our Medicare rates and that every year Medicaid DOES NOT fully cover the ongoing costs of care. As we approach the end of the year, please consider a charitable, tax deductible, donation to PSH. Community support for this campus, and by extension active stockholders, are what will keep Prairie Sunset Home viable into the future and help make it a great place to live and work.

As a reminder, if you are aware of someone who is dissatisfied or fed-up with the poor quality of medical care, unresponsive service, food choices, or policies at their current nursing home or are considering a move into an adult care home very soon, either assisted living or skilled nursing, please encourage them to call (620-459-6822) or visit us. Without a consistent revenue stream, it becomes more difficult to provide the superior service and medical care you expect. Today three (3) skilled nursing beds is ready for occupancy. A couple of ALF units are available. The cottages are all occupied.

Thank you again for your referrals and continued support. For more information about PSH happenings, go to our FACEBOOK page. Keep looking in on our scheduled activities this fall. More information to follow. Your referrals are important to us and the finest compliment we can be paid! Working together, we make Prairie Sunset Home a great place to live and work!

Aaron D. Kelley Jr., Administrator

Pic #1—Veteran's Day program to honor: SGT (ret) Larry Justice, USMC/AirForce; Sp4 Tom Grilliot, US ARMY (seated); COL (ret) Aaron Kelley, US Army/KSARNG.
Pic #2—Students from Pretty Prairie Middle School Student Council here to thank PSH vets for their service. (L-R) COL Aaron Kelley; Sp4 Tom Grilliot; SGT Larry Justice; (not pictured: PVT Holly Henning; PFC Greg Lemen).
Pic #3—Wednesday, 11-12-25.Traditions Hospice Honors PSH veterans. (l-R) Teresa Brooks, Traditions Regional Sales Director; COL Aaron Kelley; Sp4 Tom Grilliot; SGT Larry Justice; PFC Greg Lemen; PVT Holly Henning.

11/11/2025

Such an honor to care for those who have served our country. Happy Veterans Day from Prairie Sunset Home! Thank you Gentiva Hospice for coming to help us honor our Veterans today!

11/06/2025

We celebrated national donut day yesterday with a competiton. Eating donuts off of toothpicks is harder than expected. 1st place Michael, 2nd place Kayte. 3rd place Donna!

11/05/2025

An Open Letter to Residents, Families, and Friends of Prairie Sunset Home

Current as of: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Last week, we wrapped up a busy month with a fantastic Halloween. There seemed to be more witches here than in other years. A handful of staff members showed up as M & M’s. No Halloween Party would be complete without a costume contest. In the Resident category: 1st Place—Judy Davis, butterfly; 2nd Place—Sharon Atteberry, “Jafar”/witch; 3rd Place—Karen Kinsey, chicken. Staff category: 1st Place (tie)--Ashley Patterson/Holly Henning, ostrich; 2nd Place—Cheryl German, a skeleton’s wife; 3rd Place—Jody Markwell, sea witch. Special thanks to the parents who brought the kidos to “trick or treat” Friday evening. It made of a great day!

Carpet installers from F & A Flooring have been hard at work replacing the SNF hallways and common area carpeting. They should finish by Friday. It is going to give us a clean and more modern look. The residents have been remarkably understanding as we have needed to shuffle a few things around so the old carpet can be removed, fresh glue applied and new carpet installed. The installers are very considerate and courteous which we appreciate. We are getting many compliments already.

The Courtyard renovation was to begin last week, but three days of rain caused a delay. Hopefully, they will be tearing up the old courtyard before the weekend. When completed, it is going to be much more functional for outdoor activities and easier to maintain.

Over 90% of the residents completed their “Satisfaction Survey” last week. Every resident in the adult care home both Skilled (SNF) and Assisted Living (ALF) received one. A big THANK YOU to Ashley for helping residents to complete the surveys. The surveys confirm something we already knew—We need to improve meals and meal service! Closer examination points to a need for more, new, and different activity programming. We are already thinking about how to use the new Courtyard space. Families and/or resident representatives received a “Satisfaction Survey” this week. As most of our friends know, we are rated as a 5-Star facility by CMS, but we continue to ask PSH residents and their families and/or legal representatives, volunteers and other interested friends, to provide recommendations and ideas that will help us to grow, evolve, and improve in every aspect of our operation.

Please continue to self-screen yourself at our Kiosk when you enter to visit. Screening at the Kiosk helps us with our required weekly report to the CDC related to any communicable diseases and/or vaccinations. Type in your name/phone number; who you are here to see; line your face up on the screen as your temperature is automatically taken—you are IN. As a reminder, the 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment period is now open through December 7, 2025. During Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans for 2026. Medicare expects over 55% of the Medicare eligible beneficiaries to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. MA plans generally cost less per month, but have serious loopholes related to coverage. Congress continues to investigate complaints regarding the Medicare Advantage plans. Insurance executives try to explain why the Medicare Advantage plan rates of denial have increased so much in the last few years. Complaints about delays in getting approval for treatment are routine. The sad fact is most plans require “prior approval” before medical treatment or coverage will be allowed. Caveat emptor—Let the buyer beware!

If you are not already a Prairie Sunset Home, Incorporated, stockholder, consider becoming one. Stockholders may purchase shares, from 1-10 shares, at $25.00 per share. Contact Evelyn Colvard, (Board Secretary), Gayle or me for more information and to pick up a PSH stockholder application. We started building our 2016 Budget this week. We already know we got a 2.8% bump in our Medicare rates and that every year Medicaid DOES NOT fully cover the ongoing costs of care. As we approach the end of the year, please consider a charitable, tax deductible, donation to PSH. Community support for this campus, and by extension active stockholders, are what will keep Prairie Sunset Home viable into the future and help make it a great place to live and work.

As a reminder, if you are aware of someone who is dissatisfied or fed-up with the poor quality of medical care, unresponsive service, food choices, or policies at their current nursing home or are considering a move into an adult care home very soon, either assisted living or skilled nursing, please encourage them to call (620-459-6822) or visit us. Without a consistent revenue stream, it becomes more difficult to provide the superior service and medical care you expect. Today three (3) skilled nursing beds is ready for occupancy. A couple of ALF units are available. The cottages are all occupied.

Thank you again for your referrals and continued support. For more information about PSH happenings, go to our FACEBOOK page. Keep looking in on our scheduled activities this fall. More information to follow. Your referrals are important to us and the finest compliment we can be paid! Working together, we make Prairie Sunset Home a great place to live and work!

Aaron D. Kelley Jr., Administrator

Halloween pics.
Pic #3212=(L-R) Ashley Patterson; Karen Kinsey, 3rd Place; Judy Davis, 1st Place; Linda Krause;
Pic #3231=Jody Markwell, 3rd Place; Cheryl German, 2nd Place; Ashley Patterson & Holly Henning, 1st Place (tie)
Pic #3240=A handful of M&M's. (L-R) Cammi Smith; Gayle Graber; Dallas Saft; Kayte Patterson; Nicky Swain-Goering.