Senior Care

Live Stream Event—Wandering and Safety

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. Watch the livestream video “Preventing Wandering and Promoting Safety” below: Safety Starts at Home Prevention is the key way to handle safety issues. After a diagnosis of dementia is given, quickly assess […]

When to Take the Keys Away

Having the Conversation 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. Watch the “When Driving Becomes Too Dangerous” video below: Driving Under the Influence of Dementia Driving is a huge part of our lives in the Midwest. Some people grew up on farms where the tractor was practically a member […]

Enjoying the Holidays with a Loved One Who Has Dementia

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. The “Preparing for the Holidays” video will help plan for holidays with a loved one who has dementia. You can still enjoy a fantastic holiday season, even if it looks a little different. Watch the “Preparing for the Holidays” video below: Tips for Success Start by making flexible plans. If your family wants to stick to specific holiday plans, factor in […]

The True Costs of Care

Did you know that 7 in 10 caregivers report making accommodations at work because of their caregiving obligations at home? This means caregiving duties impact the ability to earn money. Not only is caregiving expensive, but there are costs that are not purely financial. This is why it’s crucial to figure out how many assets are available to help pay for caregiving help when help is required. The “financial tipping point” is the point at which help needs to be considered. The sooner you can begin the planning for caring for a loved one with dementia, the more ready you and your family will be for the progression of the disease. This video, hosted by Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Kansas City’s Thoughtful Healthcare […]

Keeping Your Balance as You Age: How to Avoid Falls

If your exercise program doesn’t include balance exercises, you’re still at risk for falls. Balance exercises improve your strength and flexibility. They also sharpen the sensory perception needed to keep your balance. Adding some simple balance exercises to your current workout routine can help you maintain or regain your balance, thereby reducing your risk for falls. Here are some examples, most of which can be done from your Kansas City home: Stand on one leg. Stand on one leg for 30 seconds; then switch to the other. If necessary, find something to hold onto at first while attempting this exercise. Once you’ve gotten to where you can do this on both sides multiple times without wobbling, try doing it with your eyes closed. Walk heel-to-toe. […]

6 Steps to Keep You Mobile When You Have Arthritis

There are millions of adults in the U.S. who are living with arthritis, and for some it can be debilitating. If you have arthritis, you may have discovered the older you get, the more difficult it becomes to climb stairs or even move about your Kansas City home. Even though it’s probably the last thing you feel like doing, exercise is the best way to keep those joints mobile and even alleviate your pain. That’s because exercise: Lubricates your joints Strengthen your bones and muscles Improves your balance Helps control your weight (taking pressure off your joints) If you’re not sure where to begin your exercise program, here are some steps you can take to get started: Step 1: Talk to your Kansas City doctor. […]

Springtime Fun for Seniors in Kansas City

Now that spring has (almost) arrived in Kansas City, you’re going to want to get outdoors and enjoy some of that beautiful weather! Here are some spring activities for Kansas City seniors. Depending on your level of independent activity, you may need your home care provider to help with some of these. *Note: If you’re a caregiver for someone who has Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia, there are some activities on this list that the two of you might also enjoy. Visit the plaza. Meet friends for lunch on an outdoor patio; then do some shopping. Do some gardening. If you can’t get down on your hands and knees, plant an elevated herb garden or put some flowers in large pots on your patio […]

Transportation Options for Kansas City Seniors

You’ve come to the realization that it may not be safe (and/or economical) for you to drive anymore, and now you’re wondering how you’ll get around Kansas City without a car. It may be easier than you think. There are a lot of ways to get wherever you need to go without driving. Here are some options. Non-Medical Transportation Options in Kansas City Bus. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority has bus routes throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. You can find your closest stop and route by entering your home address, destination address, and date and time you want to arrive at your destination. One-way local fares are $1.50 ($3 for Suburban Express and Johnson County K10 Connector). But if you’re age 65 or older […]

Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults

The older you get, the more likely you’ll be prescribed multiple medications. And that can be dangerous if you’re not careful, especially if they’re being prescribed by more than one doctor (or if you’re filling them at multiple Kansas City pharmacies). Here are some tips that can keep you safe: Keep an updated medication list. Make a list of all the medications you’re currently taking. Include any over-the-counter medications you take on a regular basis, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Every time a doctor writes you a new prescription, makes changes to a current prescription, or discontinues one of your medications, update your list. Take your medication list with you every time you go to a doctor’s office, or other medical facility, and show it to […]

Where to Get Prescription Drugs for $4 in Kansas City

If you’re a Kansas City senior who’s living on a fixed income (or the caregiver of one), the high cost of prescription drugs may be a burden for you, especially if you have multiple ongoing prescriptions. You may even be one of the millions of seniors who’s gone without filling your prescriptions because you just couldn’t afford them. What if I told you you might be able to get some of those expensive prescription drugs for as little as $4? Well, you can. Here’s how. Some major Kansas City retailers and grocery stores offer common generic drugs for $4 for a 30-day supply (10 for a 90-day supply). And generic drugs have the same ingredients in them as name-brand drugs; they just cost less because […]

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