Lucia and David* like to have dinner on Thursday nights at their country club in Johnson County, as they have done for years. But David’s dementia has progressed to the point that Lucia isn’t sure if he’ll remember the names of acquaintances who stop by to say hello. She has to be vigilant in order to keep him from repeating himself to the waiter, she orders his food, makes sure he keeps his placemat and clothes clean, and helps him find the restroom.
Continue readingCategory: Caregiver
As dementia progresses, it becomes more and more difficult for loved ones to remember everyday responsibilities such as turning off appliances, or taking medication on time. Telling time can be a challenge, as can using electronics like cell phones and television remotes. Some people with dementia even begin to wander or get lost if they’re not monitored.
Continue reading
Medication Management in Overland Park, KS
Looming large among issues facing seniors with memory loss is medication management. The opioid epidemic has affected the elderly community in a serious way. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has reported that between 2010 and 2015, elderly emergency room visits relating to opioid over-use have jumped 74%.
Continue reading
Ask Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City about one of the most important questions he has fielded from clients over the years and he’ll mention the issue of driving. When– and how—should families take the keys away from a person who has been diagnosed with dementia? In the “When Driving Becomes Too Dangerous” video, Tim helps identify and address some of these issues to help family members take control of a potentially dangerous situation.
Continue reading
A Diagnosis of Dementia Can Change Family Roles
Family dynamics are often affected when a family member is diagnosed with dementia. Dad might no longer be able to make big decisions. Mom seems to get lost in the middle of an important conversation. As a result, family members may find themselves taking on new roles. And not everyone is comfortable with this.
Continue reading
Dementia Affects Caregivers
Life with dementia is demanding. It has a lasting impact on caregivers that is undeniable. In the “Caregiver’s Self-Care Checklist” video, you’ll find helpful tips and ideas from Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City.
Continue reading
Many clients have asked us over the years for advice about connecting with a loved one who has dementia. In this video, Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City, talks about how to maintain a relationship with a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia.
Continue reading
When a Kansas City family member receives a diagnosis of dementia, there are a host of new issues that crop up. All kinds of new medications, routines and behaviors can be expected. How can a caregiving team stay updated?
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is a lifelong medical problem. However, there are medical treatments, and also lifestyle changes, that can help improve your quality of life if you have COPD (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema). Here are some things you can try.
- Avoid pollutants. COPD is most often caused by smoking cigarettes, but you can also get it from long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes. If you’re still smoking, it’s time to quit. Your Kansas City primary care physician (PCP) can help. If you work in a place where you’re exposed to chemical fumes or other types of air pollution (e.g., dust, lead, asbestos), ask your supervisor about respiratory protective equipment.
- See your Kansas City pulmonologist on a regular basis. If you don’t have a pulmonologist, ask your PCP for a referral. Your pulmonologist can prescribe medications that will help you breathe easier. Or adjust your medications if the ones you’re taking now aren’t working.
- Take your COPD medications regularly. Some COPD medications may take up to two weeks to start working, so give them time. Some people also find COPD medications challenging to use. If you don’t get the results you were hoping for after two weeks, call your pulmonologist.
- Go to pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehab can help improve your breathing and your quality of life. It consists of things like:
- Exercise training
- Nutrition counseling
- Education on managing your COPD
- Breathing exercises
- Psychological counseling
- Watch your weight. Being overweight can make it more difficult for you to breathe. On the other hand, severe COPD can cause you to use so much excess energy on breathing, you can’t keep the weight on. In either case, ask your doctor for help maintaining an appropriate weight.
Uncontrolled COPD can lead to other health issues like pneumonia, lung cancer, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries to your lungs), and/or depression. So taking measures to control your COPD can decrease your risk of developing other potentially debilitating diseases.
If you’re having difficulty controlling your COPD and you need help with things like meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, exercising, or running errands, contact a Kansas City home health agency.
Contact Us
[contact-form-7 id=”1664″ title=”Contact Form”]
