MELISSA HELLMANN, Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Funding designed to keep Kansas seniors out of nursing homes by offering in-home services such as cooking and cleaning is set to be cut as the state deals with a budget shortfall.

Some advocates for seniors worry that the 30 percent reduction to the Senior Care Act program will affect more than 4,500 elderly Kansans.

A spokeswoman for the state Department of Aging and Disability Services says family and community members will help seniors whose services are reduced or eliminated.

Opponents say the move will drive elderly people into nursing homes and onto Medicaid, which will cost the state more money in the long run.