Upcoming Events and Applications
THE MENTORD PROGRAM 2026
A Dementia Capable Education and Mentorship Program for Social Workers/Navigators in Primary Care/Neurology Practices
Apply by December 19, 2025
The Cognitive Care MentorD program aims to enhance early detection and support for individuals and families facing mild cognitive impairment and dementia within Primary Care Practices. This initiative pairs Primary Care social workers and navigators with the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Center’s Cognitive Care Network (CCN) for a year-long partnership.
ELIGIBILITY:
The program primarily targets social workers (BSW, MSW, LSCSW), but other health professionals in navigator roles may also qualify. Each year, a cohort of 10 participants will be accepted into the program.
PROGRAM BENEFITS:
- Education: A 6.5-hour Dementia Intensive training covering cognitive disorders and relevant social work practices, with certificates for continuing education units (CEUs).
- Observation: Opportunities to observe CCN team members.
- Case Discussions: Monthly virtual meetings for case presentations, clinical questions, and team support.
- Resources: Ongoing updates on education and programs for partners and families.
- Recognition: Inclusion in the CCN’s annual map and report as a partner.
Register at kuadrc.org/mentord
Questions? Contact Michelle Niedens 913.945.7310 | cniedens2@kumc.edu
Kansas 4M Lunch and Learn: Firearms and Older Adults
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Noon - 1 p.m. CST
Firearm access and safety among older adults presents complex challenges for health and social care professionals. This session applies the Age-Friendly Health System’s 4Ms Framework — What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility — to guide prevention, early intervention, and compassionate care for survivors of gun-related injury, suicide, or violence. Participants will explore tools and practical strategies for screening, communication, and interprofessional collaboration to promote safety, autonomy, and dignity in care.
Seeking Kansas Nursing Home Professionals and Nurse Educators
A new program begins in 2026
Kansas 4M Geriatrics Workforce Education Program is offering virtual training tailored to Kansas nursing home professionals and nurse educators to implement evidence-based 4Ms care in nursing homes throughout Kansas. The program uses an evidence-based framework known as the 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation (Mind), and Mobility.
LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM.
Apply for the Interprofessional Age-Friendly Scholars Program
Currently available to KUMC and KU students only
Summer 2026 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Participating undergraduate and graduate health professions students enrolled with the University of Kansas Medical Center or University of Kansas will receive a $5000 stipend to off-set expenses to participate in a longitudinal clinical rotation in a site serving older adults in a rural or underserved community in Kansas* and engage in virtual interprofessional case-based learning and didactic content on the Age-Friendly Health Systems Framework (4Ms) during the semester of their clinical rotation (fall, spring, or summer). Students are encouraged to commit to pursuit of post-graduation employment in sites serving older adults in rural and/or underserved communities.
*Sites serving older adults in underserved communities located in the greater Kansas City area in Missouri will be considered.
About Kansas 4M
Kansas 4M is a geriatric workforce education program led by the University of Kansas School of Nursing in collaboration with the schools of Health Professions, Medicine, Pharmacy and Social Welfare. Our mission is to ensure that every older adult receives high-quality, person-centered care that aligns with their unique needs and preferences.
We serve the state of Kansas through reciprocal partnerships between academia, health care providers and community organizations that serve older adults, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Kansas 4M offers programs for current health care professionals, students in health care fields and anyone interested in improving care for older adults.
An advisory committee representing older adults, family members, health systems and other key stakeholders guides our work. Learn more about Kansas 4M.
About the 4M Framework
Our efforts align with an Age-Friendly Health Systems framework known as the “4Ms,” which was developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
What Matters
We prioritize understanding and acting on each older adult’s health goals and care preferences.
Medications
We focus on safe medication practices, including reconciliation and de-prescribing to enhance well-being
Mobility
We prioritize individualized mobility plans to maintain and improve physical function.
Mentation
We support cognitive health by addressing dementia, delirium and depression.
Kansas 4M Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).The award provided 100% of total costs and totaled $5 million with funding from 07/01/2024 through 06/30/2029. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information visit HRSA.gov.