Disability, dementia expert visits Starkey
Dr. Matt Janicki, director of technical assistance at the University of Chicago’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging and Developmental Disabilities, told Starkey leaderson April 2 that the LIGHTHouse homes are “groundbreaking” and an example for the rest of the nation – so much so, in fact, that new CARF standards are being developed with Starkey’s program as the model.
Janicki visited Starkey to share the results of a two-year research study comparing a control group of residents at several Starkey homes to LIGHTHouse residents, tracking their functioning levels and the care practices and accommodations that have been most effective. The supports provided at LIGHTHouse, he said, have made a tremendous difference in allowing persons served to retain their quality of life. The program, under the leadership of supervisor Kathleen Weikert, is an example for organizations throughout the United States - and even the international community, Janicki said.
Starkey’s program is important to Janicki, who is helping lead the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices, working with President Obama’s National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. Janicki visited Starkey in 2009 to provide training to staff prior to the LIGHTHouse homes opening, and again in 2011 to see the homes and begin the research study.
“We know the high quality of care and support provided in the LIGHTHouse homes, but validation of our abilities – and use of our program model to develop CARF standards – is always exciting information to hear,” said CEO Colin McKenney. “We are proud of the many ways Starkey serves as a leader in our community, state and now – nation.”
New Starkey board members elected at annual meeting
Four new members of the Starkey Board of Directors were elected April 2 at Starkey’s annual meeting:
Mark Koch, senior vice president of Bank of Kansas, and prior board member for both Starkey Inc. and the Starkey Foundation. Koch is on the leadership council of Big Brothers Big Sisters and is a member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Wichita. He also worked as a CLT in a Starkey home during 2012.
Jorge Martinez, co-owner of JR Custom Metal Products. Martinez is also president and owner of JR Sports, an indoor batting facility and sporting goods store. He serves on the executive board and philanthropy committee of the American Red Cross, and is a member of the West Wichita Sunrise Rotary Club.
Jill Tinsley, communitiy relations director for communications and community initiatives, Sedgwick County. Tinsley was appointed by Sedgwick County to Starkey’s board through a longstanding partnership process. She has a daughter with disabilities.
David White, architect, partner and president of Howard + Helmer Architecture. White has served on several boards, including the Salvation Army, World Impact and the board of elders for Central Christian Church. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Wichita.
In addition, four new members of the Starkey Advisory Council’s Executive Committee were elected at the annual meeting: Candyce Braaten, Terry Perry and Jim and Mary Bily. Mary LeRoy, Carolyn Walters and Paul Walters were re-elected to the Executive Committee, as well.
Matt Hall was spotlighted for his honorable mention as ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional of the Year (see separate article) and Rosanne Fleischmann, Katie Anderson and Jolene Krenke were honored for hundreds of hours of volunteer time spent at Starkey in the past year. In addition, Greg Sevier was honored for his board leadership, and Mary LeRoy was honored for her advisory council leadership.
