Alzheimer's-Dementia Care | Kansas City Home Care

Caring for Someone Who’s Not Very Nice

It’s tough being a Kansas City caregiver. Even harder to take care of someone who doesn’t seem to appreciate what you do for them, criticizes you, and/or is verbally or physically abusive. Sometimes, people who require 24-hour senior care become angry and frustrated by their limitations, which causes them to lash out. People who have Alzheimer’s (or other form of dementia) tend to become verbally or physically aggressive, particularly during the later stages of illness. And some people are just plain mean to begin with. Here are some tips that can help smooth things over: Be patient. Try to determine the source of the anger. Is it frustration? Fear? Instead of fighting back, ask questions to see if you can determine why your loved one […]

Managing Bladder Control Problems

Bladder control problems (also known as urinary incontinence) are common in older adults. Many people view them as a normal sign of aging and figure they just have to live with them. But that may not necessarily be the case. There are three common types of urinary incontinence: Urge incontinence: When you have frequent urges to run to the bathroom, but don’t always get there in time Stress incontinence: Leakage of urine when you laugh or sneeze Overflow incontinence: Frequent (or constant) leakage of urine There are ways to manage (or even eliminate) all of these bladder control problems. So if you find your incontinence has confined you to your Kansas City home, or has otherwise interfered with your normal activities, it’s time to go […]

Healthy Aging Tips for People in Kansas City

If you’re heading toward your twilight years, there are a number of things things you can do to stay as healthy as possible as you age. And Kansas City is a great place to be; there are tons of resources that can help. Here are some tips for healthy aging in Kansas City: Nourish your body. Your body needs certain nutrients to maintain optimal health, and the best way to get them is through the foods you eat. You need lots of fruits and vegetables, plus lean protein, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. And almost every Kansas City suburb has a farmers market each summer where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables. The city also has several Whole Foods Markets where you can buy […]

Reducing Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

Are you over the age of 65? Did a parent or grandparent have Alzheimer’s disease? Do you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol? Any of these things can put you at risk for Alzheimer’s. Obviously, you can’t change your age or your genetic makeup, but there are still somethings you can do to reduce your risk for dementia. Here are some tips: Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s by giving your brain the nutrients it needs. It can also reduce your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which are Alzheimer’s risk factors. It seems the idea of what constitutes a “healthy diet” has evolved somewhat over time. You […]

Choosing a Kansas City Home Health Agency

If you’re growing older and have decided you could use some extra help at home, or if you’re caring someone who needs some additional assistance, it may be time to start looking for a Kansas City home health agency. But where should you start? Here are some things to consider: What type of services do need? Do you need an agency that provides Alzheimer’s or dementia care? Help with bathing, grooming, dressing, or toileting? Companion services? Around-the-clock care? Respite for your caregiver? End of life care? If you know what you need, you can easily eliminate any home care agencies that don’t provide those services. Are the agency’s employees bonded, insured and pre-screened? If not, you might be safer moving on to another agency. Does the […]

7 foods that improve brain health

Did you know what you eat can affect your chances of developing Alzheimer’s (or other form of dementia)? It’s true. There are foods that can actually improve your brain health. And best of all, these foods can be found in just about any Kansas City grocery store. Foods that Improve Brain Health Blueberries. Blueberries have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals (molecules that can potentially cause serious damage to cells, including brain cells). Fatty fish. Salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, and other types of fatty fish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3s are essential to brain health. Some studies have shown they actually ward off age-related memory loss and protect the brain against Alzheimer’s. Avocados. Avocados contain monounsaturated […]

Should You Get a Shingles Shot?

The older you get, the more likely you are to get shingles, a painful rash that shows up on your side, face, or upper body. The shingles vaccine can help prevent you from getting it. It’s not 100% effective at stopping the virus, but if you do end up with shingles after having had the vaccine, your symptoms will be less severe. Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine The shingles vaccine has been approved for anyone who’s over the age of 50, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends it be given to people age 60 and above. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, and people who have never had chickenpox are supposedly immune. But the CDC says […]

Why Flu Shots Are Especially Important for Seniors

It’s almost flu season again, and signs are popping up all over Kansas City, Overland Park, and Prairie Village reminding you it’s time for your annual flu shot. But how important is that flu shot really? Flu shots are the number one method of preventing the flu. And it turns out the flu can be pretty dangerous if you’re over the age of 65. Every year in the U.S., as many as 700,000 people end up in the hospital from the flu and related complications. Most of those people are seniors. That’s because as you age, your immune system gets weaker, making it more difficult for you to fight off infection. What About Caregivers? If you’re caring for someone who’s over the age of 65, […]

When Hygiene is an Issue: Helping Your Aging Parent Stay Clean

The last time you dropped by your mom’s house in Kansas City, did you notice an unpleasant odor? And finally realize it was coming from her? Unfortunately, elderly people don’t always bathe as often as they should. There are a number of reasons why. For example, changing clothes can be difficult. Or there could be a fear of falling in the tub. Or they may just not remember they didn’t do it. Here are some things you can do to help if your mom (or dad) has stopped bathing. Open a dialogue. Your mom might not realize she has body odor if you don’t tell her. Or she may need help getting in and out of the shower and be embarrassed to ask. If she doesn’t have Alzheimer’s or dementia, see if […]

September is Healthy Aging Month!

Think it’s too late to “re-invent” yourself? Think again. According to Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine and executive director of Healthy Aging, it’s never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion or hobby. Worthington is the creator of September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual observance designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older. Now in its second decade, Worthington says September is Healthy Aging Month provides inspiration and practical ideas for adults, ages 50-plus, to improve their physical, mental, social and financial well being. Why Healthy Aging? Worthington saw a need to draw attention to the myths of aging, to let people know that it’s not too late to take control of your health […]

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Alzheimer’s-Dementia Care