Kansas City Home Care Topics

Live Stream Event—Early Detection of Alzheimer’s

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. For the live video, “Why Early Detection of Dementia is Important,” Michelle and Eric lent their expertise to speak about the importance of detecting Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages. Watch the livestream video “Why Early Detection of Dementia is Important” below: Why Early Detection? Preventative measures, treatments and lifestyle changes can be applied […]

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 […]

Working with the Family Dynamic

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. For many years, Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City has seen these family dynamic changes among his clients. In the “Getting the Family Onboard” video, Tim helps clarify and address some of these issues in order to help families see the big picture. Watch “Getting the Family Onboard” below: How to Begin to Take […]

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 […]

Tips for a Caregiver’s Self-Care

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. Watch the “Caregiver’s Self-Care Checklist” video below: Did you know: Nearly 40% of family caregivers of people with dementia suffer from depression compared to 5-17% of non-caregivers of similar ages. Depression rates increase with the severity of cognitive impairment of the person with dementia. [Alzheimer’s Association. (2015)] Providing care for persons with dementia can affect a caregiver’s immune systems for up to 3 years after their caregiving experience ends–which increases his or her chance of developing a chronic illness. […]

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 […]

Planning the Best Visit with a Loved One Who Has Dementia

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. Watch the “Connecting with a Loved One Who Has Dementia” video below. 1. The Time You Have Is Precious We all know that nothing lasts forever, even the current stage of your loved one’s dementia. When you can to listen to happy stories, or reminisce about times past, you are connecting with a part of the loved one that is still present. Go with it. Strive to soothe, not ruffle feathers. […]

Enjoy an Outing with a Loved One Who Has Dementia

Why Plan Outings? Making an effort to keep a loved one socially engaged can keep him or her feeling upbeat and joyful. Since people who have dementia tend to suffer from isolation and depression, an outing can provide a loved one with something to look forward to, and it livens up the day-to-day routine. Watch the “Planning an Outing” video below. In the “Planning an Outing” video, you’ll find helpful tips and ideas for getting your loved one out and about in a safe way. The How’s of Planning an Outing “Proper Planning Prevents Problems.” This phrase makes all of the difference when preparing for an outing with a loved one who has dementia, says Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and […]

Creating a Planning Document

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? Planning, Planning, Planning Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Healthcare and its affiliates in Kansas City reveals one of tricks of the homecare trade: creating a Plan of Care. You can learn how to create this important resource in our “Plan of Care” video. Watch “The Plan of Care” video below. Why Create a Plan of Care? A Plan of Care is a tremendously useful document that can save hours of headache and miscommunication. And when the time comes for professional care, a Plan of […]

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