Family dynamics are real. People tend to fall into roles within the family structure in order to meet the demands of a life. There are leaders, breadwinners, decision-makers, hearth-keepers, those who create order, those who keep the peace, the family clown, and dreamers. Whatever the roles may be, things get turned upside down when symptoms of dementia begin to manifest. Suddenly the decision-maker forgets the banker’s name, or the caregiver can’t recall a family member’s birthday.
Continue readingCategory: Dementia Care
Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, Mission Hills, Johnson County, North Kansas City, Lee’s Summit residents are lucky. They can choose a locally owned, top quality in-home dementia care provider. Here’s what a happy client told us:
Continue readingIsabella’s father-in-law, who lives in Mission Hills, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago. When she comes to Kansas City to visit, she finds herself at a loss when visiting with him over holidays. She doesn’t want to say the wrong thing, or agitate him in any way. Instead, she finds herself avoiding him so as not to make things worse, but at the end of the day, she doesn’t feel great about that either.
Continue readingBrain Exercises for Memory Care
For families with a loved one who has memory loss in Kansas City and Overland Park, staying sharp is a priority. Research shows that challenging the brain can slow memory loss and strengthen neurological connections. What do we at Thoughtful Care recommend for brain health?
Continue readingIt was the end of a lovely day. Dorothy and her husband Herb had enjoyed a nice evening in Kansas City with their children and grandchildren. But as soon as they got to their home in Overland Park and walked into the dark kitchen, Dorothy clutched at Herb’s arm and asked how long they would be in this strange place. Herb had seen this happen before—especially in the evening when the shadows were long and the sun was setting. He brought Dorothy to her favorite chair and put on the radio, tuning into Dorothy’s favorite program. He walked through the house and turned on the lights, so that there were not so many dark shadows, and he sat next to her and assured her she was at home and everything was alright.
Continue readingBeing in a relationship with a loved one who has received a diagnosis of dementia requires that the caregiver be on guard all of the time. What if he forgets to turn off the stove? Has she’s taken her medicine? Is he really safe driving to the store? What if he gets lost?
Continue readingA video game called Sea Hero Quest has shown that players who have certain spatial orientation deficiencies may be more likely to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Continue readingNot only is it possible to receive top-level dementia and memory care at home in Kansas City and Johnson County, it’s preferable for many families. Thoughtful Care’s clients who benefit from the one-on-one attention of our skilled caregivers, and enjoy the familiarity of being in their home, are able to age at home with grace and dignity.
Continue readingWhen a member of the family is diagnosed with dementia, the family dynamic will inevitably change. Mom might no longer be able to give thoughtful advice. Dad may lose the thread of an important conversation. When this happens, different members of the family may shift into new roles.
Continue readingAs dementia progresses, being more flexible with holiday traditions will 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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