Kansas City Alzheimer’s Resources

When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we had no idea where to go for help in Kansas City. It took some research, but we discovered there were a lot of places we could turn to for educational materials, health care, Alzheimer’s home care, and more. Here are some of the resources we uncovered:

Health care. The  University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center has a memory care clinic where you, or your loved one, can get an initial diagnosis and continuing medical care. Call 913-588-0970 for an appointment.

Educational resources. The Alzheimer’s Association – Heart of America Chapter has a comprehensive library of Alzheimer’s resources to help you learn what to expect and how to best deal with it.

Home care. It doesn’t take long for some people with dementia to stop bathing and/or brushing their teeth. And they may not be real cooperative if you try to help or do it for them. A good Kansas City home care agency, such as Thoughtful Care , can not only provide assistance with hygiene and bathing, but also help with grooming, meal preparation, house cleaning, and more.

Support groups. The emotional toll Alzheimer’s can take on the person who is ill, or on a caregiver, can be overwhelming. So it’s important to get support. The Alzheimer’s Association has compiled a list of Kansas City area support groups for caregivers and for those who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Advance registration is required.

24/7 Helpline. If you have a question about Alzheimer’s that requires an immediate response, you can call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. For potentially life-threatening emergencies, call 911 instead .

Clinical trials. There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. That’s why researchers at The University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center frequently conduct clinical trials in their quest to find a cure. A clinical trial can give you, or your loved one who has dementia, an opportunity to try Alzheimer’s medications that aren’t yet on the market.

Respite. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, or other form of dementia, can be exhausting. So it’s essential to find someone to provide respite care , so you can relax and rejuvenate. Thoughtful Care , Kansas City’s Alzheimer’s and dementia home care provider, offers respite services that include interactive activities for your loved one that are designed to promote cognitive function and physical fitness.