The people who offer personal care and guidance to Sunflower Diversified Services clients have been recognized for the work they do behind the scenes.

Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, Sept. 9-15, shines a light on the invaluable role these Sunflower employees play in clients’ lives, said Sarah Krom, chief operating officer.

Sunflower, a non-profit agency, serves people with developmental disabilities and delays in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.

“Our direct support professionals offer their expertise to our clients in their homes and at work every day,” Krom said. “Some of our clients need 24-hour-a-day support, while others might need help a few hours a day or just a few hours a week.

“But whatever the level of need, Sunflower staff members receive comprehensive training designed for the specific needs of individuals,” Krom added. “This training also involves working with an experienced colleague during initial home visits. We spend a lot of time and money on this because our clients deserve the best.”

Direct support responsibilities include: conducting safety and security checks; providing companionship; accompanying clients on community outings; taking clients to medical and other appointments; employment training; and providing hands-on support. In some cases, they care for people who are medically fragile and require intensive physical care. They do this in cooperation with Sunflower’s medical department and local health-care professionals.

“In every situation, the goal is the same – meeting the needs of our clients while offering them options about where to live and work, and how to spend their leisure time,” Krom said. “Our direct care professionals provide avenues that lead to the highest level of independence possible.

“This, in turn, leads to productive and rewarding lives for our clients,” she added. “The confidence and self-respect they achieve means everything to them.”

Amanda Urban, director of adult services, noted that some applicants for the job might be a bit apprehensive at first. But the initial and ongoing training alleviates that apprehension in a majority of cases.

“New staff members soon learn that clients look forward to their visits,” Urban said. “The personal rewards for each employee are extremely gratifying. Our direct care employees are the backbone of the services we offer.”

Urban also noted that Sunflower offers flexible hours for full-time and part-time work.

“If someone wants to make this a full-time career, we can accommodate. However, those looking for part-time work or maybe a second job can find a home at Sunflower.

“The best part of direct support employment is watching people grow and building relationships with them,” Urban added. “Our clients are given options and then make their own lifestyle decisions. If you have a passion for supporting and serving people in this way, direct care is worth considering.”

Sunflower currently has openings. The agency serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 52nd year.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, a 22-bed critical access hospital in Larned, rebranded on September 12 and was named The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

The hospital became part of The University of Kansas Health System in 2017, providing people who live in Pawnee County with greater access to care. The updated branding will better reflect the facility as a key part of The University of Kansas Health System.

“We are proud of the full comprehensive care The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus provides to our community, offering quality health care close to home along with access to the services the state’s only academic medical center, can provide. With a new name but same great care, we will continue to be a vital part of this community,” said Kendra Barker, Administrator.

Services available at Pawnee Valley Campus will not change and will still include emergency care, family medicine, physical and cardiac rehabilitation, sleep studies, acute and skilled nursing, wound care, special nursing services, imaging, laboratory services, as well as outreach specialty clinics. Patients will continue to see their current care provider, and do not need to reschedule or change appointments as the rebrand does not impact scheduling.

The University of Kansas Health System now includes The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, HaysMed in Hays, The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus in Great Bend, St. Rose
Health Center in Great Bend, and The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka (in partnership with Ardent Health Services), in addition to the Pawnee Valley Campus.

Barton County Sheriff’s Office Incident Log (9/12)

Narcotics Violation

At 10:11 a.m. a narcotics violation was reported at 1416 Kansas Avenue.

Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (9/12)

Theft

At 1:06 a.m. a theft was reported at 2011 30th Street.

Overdose / Poisoning

At 7:21 a.m. an officer responded to 1513 8th Street.

K9 Use / Call Out

At 8:06 a.m. a K9 demo was conducted at Lincoln Elementary School, 5630 Broadway Avenue.

Diabetic Problems

At 8:31 a.m. an EMS call was made at 2412 Forest Avenue.

Theft

At 11:46 a.m. theft of a dog kennel from his yard was reported at 917 Jefferson Street.

Non-Injury Accident

At 2:18 p.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th Street.