If your loved one has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you may feel overwhelmed as you search for resources. Fortunately, help is nearby, and research is ongoing.
The University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center is one of only 31 research centers dedicated to discovering a cure for the most common form of dementia. Older adults with Alzheimer’s in the Kansas City area have access to cutting-edge medical trials and research opportunities that will eventually save lives.
The Alzheimer’s Association claims that “The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you.” People who volunteer to become research heroes contribute to helping the 6.5 million Americans living with this type of neurocognitive disorder.
Finding Alzheimer’s Care in Kansas City
While researchers are on their way to discovering a cure, over 200,000 family members in Kansas and Missouri struggle to provide care for a loved one living with dementia. Relatives, often spouses or adult children, make up 83 percent of dementia caregivers in the United States.
Formulating a dementia care plan is a task no one should face alone. For now, Alzheimer’s and dementia are progressive and will eventually require 24-hour care. Providing care in the early stages may seem manageable, but at-home caregivers can quickly run into unexpected problems.
Discover some of the resources and tips available and what communities offer to help your family navigate Alzheimer’s.
Kansas City Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Groups
Many people reach out for help once caregiver burnout begins, and joining a support group is often something caregivers wish they had done sooner. Avoid that anxiety and stress – start learning from people who have been in your position and get resources and advice on Alzheimer’s care in Kansas City.
The Heart of America Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has fantastic resources for caregivers and people with dementia. This information is available free of charge to residents of 65 counties throughout Kansas and Missouri. These support systems include:
- In-person and virtual group meetings
- Needs planning and assistance
- Guided problem solving
- Supportive listening
Developing a Care Plan for Alzheimer’s
Kansas City adult daycare, nursing homes, respite care facilities, and memory care services communities design comprehensive care plans for visitors and residents. These guides outline goals and information beneficial to the person and their caretaker.
Dementia care plans in these settings usually include:
- Personal information
- Likes and dislikes
- Common behavioral needs
- Outlines of their mobility level
- Summaries of hobbies and interests
- Their level of cognitive awareness
- Information on the preferred method of communication
- Activity of daily living (ADLs) patterns: bathing, personal hygiene, medications, meal times, etc.
A dementia care plan lists the answers to these questions and their expected outcomes, and primary caregivers are likely well aware of the list above. Having a care plan is helpful when other friends and family members assist in providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Kansas City dementia care communities like Glenwood Village of Overland Park can help families get back to enjoying time together and remove many of the caregiver duties. We also have purposeful programs, activities, and socializing opportunities that make a world of difference: Many at-home caregivers spend so much time sorting medications, cooking, and supervising, that they forget to do things that will bring both people joy.
Long-term Care Options
Nursing Care
In-home nursing care is one form of assistance available to support people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Depending on the type of care required, the monthly fee can range anywhere from $4,957 to $18,927 in the Kansas City area.
A home care agency service is another option. But while your loved one gets to stay in a familiar environment, they might not receive the appropriate medical care, social activities, or stimulation they need. The home may also require costly modifications to fit their ability level, like grab bars.
Nursing homes are commonly thought of as places for seniors to receive care, and these facilities can accommodate people with dementia. They are often best for short-term care when recovering from a procedure or injury. Skilled nursing centers significantly benefit older adults living with medical chronic conditions that require a high level of care.
Kansas City Memory Care
Memory care is a comprehensive, round-the-clock option for dementia care. This form of senior living is a specialized version of assisted living, focusing on ADLs, memory enhancement, and socialization.
People with Alzheimer’s in the Kansas City area can benefit from the memory care services at communities like Glenwood Village of Overland Park. Here, they benefit from secure, easy-to-navigate apartment floor plans and common spaces. Our dementia care team also supports residents with our Connections program.
Connections is an evidence-based, 24-hour care plan created by Dr. Sandra Petersen. This program involves activities, exercises, relationship building, and purposeful experiences that stimulate seniors with dementia.
Pillars of The Connections Program
Supporting socialization: Building new relationships helps residents establish a sense of belonging and community.
Engaging the Emotions: Residents can use creative expressions like art and music to convey their feelings and personalities.
Encouraging Movement: Exercise can help form new neural pathways around the brain sections affected by memory loss. Under careful supervision, our memory care residents participate in fitness classes like walking clubs and boxing.
Challenging the Brain: Exercise for the mind involves word games, trivia, and recall therapies that engage and enhance brain activity.
Your loved one will also benefit from an individualized care plan determined upon moving in. In addition to the care plan, our team members work to get to know each resident individually. We can offer the Connections program pillars in ways that appeal to their former hobbies and interests.
Glenwood Village also offers these other services and amenities:
- Dining room
- Health and wellness services
- Wellness and fitness center
- Living room with fireplace
- Library
- Private courtyards
- Beauty salon/barbershop
- Recreation room
Providing dementia care alone can be an overwhelming and emotional journey. Let Connections offer relief to you and your loved one; let your family enjoy quality time together again.
Find Kansas City Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Options
Contact Glenwood Village of Overland Park for a tour and see how memory care changes the lives of people living with dementia. We love working with families to create a purposeful approach to care.
Our community supports the Alzheimer’s Association and its mission of finding a cure. Ask us for more information on ways to advocate and spread awareness about dementia.