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.
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Nursing homes can be a saving grace, or they can be the cause of worry and concern. Neglect, accidental death, mismanagement, substandard care—these issues reflect the worst of what nursing homes have to offer. An entire segment of the legal profession is focused on prosecuting wrongful deaths in nursing homes. In short, many families would feel more comfortable keeping their loved one at home. If only it were possible…
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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%.
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Aging at Home Is an Alternative to Nursing Homes
Home. It’s where we have some of the best memories of our lives. Birds come to the feeder outside the window in spring time. School photos hang in the stairwell. The maple in the front yard turns bright red in fall. It can be a place to stay for the long term. In fact, seniors requiring extra support or memory care, who remain in their homes, can live healthier, more independent lives.
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While there is no recipe for knowing exactly when the time is right to add in-home care to help a loved one, some indicators can serve as strong signals. Memory loss caused by dementia and Alzheimer’s can have an unpredictable progression. Planning for eventualities will insure that putting elder care into place is more fluid.
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Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City hosted experts Michelle Niedens, Licensed Social Worker, and the director of My Alliance for Cognitive Health, a community-based program focused on early detection, provider partnerships, and education and Eric Vidoni, PT, PhD, Director of the Outreach, Recruitment and Education Core for the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center and a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
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It takes a village to care for a loved one with dementia. With this in mind, Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City welcomed Chief of Prairie Village Police, Tim Schwartzkopf and Dr. James Birch, Jr., Associate Professor of Family Medicine at The University of Kansas School of Medicine as guests to share their experience about wandering and safety. In the livestream video, “Preventing Wandering and Promoting Safety,” Tim leads a discussion about prevention and care of incidents inside and outside of the home.
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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.
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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.
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Plan for Something Different
Holidays are a time when family traditions are in full swing. However, including a loved one with dementia can mean that some changes might be in order. Because dementia can be unpredictable, being more flexible with holiday traditions might make everyone a little happier, says Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City.
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