Kansas/Missouri - Kansas City

Do you find yourself grappling with feelings of isolation because friends and family live far away? Is it difficult to find and connect with like-minded people? This is a common struggle for many older adults. The University of Michigans National Poll on Healthy Aging reports one in three adults age[d] 5080reported feeling isolated from others. With these increased feelings of loneliness, many seniors begin to experience some type of depression, which affects about 6 million Americans ages 65 and older. If you or your loved one is struggling with social isolation or depression, here are some tips and techniques to help overcome it. Why Depression is Prevalent Among Older AdultsWhile depression is not an inevitable aspect of aging, its prevalence in the older adult demographic is notable. In this stage of life, you can experience a myriad of physical, mental, and social changes such as moving on from a beloved career, downsizing to a new home, or experiencing an unexpected illness or injury. Dealing with these changes may be stressful and can lead to depression.  How Depression and Isolation Affect One AnotherAn additional factor that can trigger depression is feeling isolated and lonely. When you feel alone, its easier to slip into detrimental behavior patterns such as eating junk food, withdrawing socially, and not participating in hobbies that used to once bring joy. Its important to recognize that the anguish of experiencing loneliness is almost as challenging as experiencing physical pain. Enduring chronic loneliness can not only trigger depression, it can  potentially contribute to the development of dementia, Alzheimers, or severe cognitive decline.  Ways to Overcome Depression and IsolationArmed with a deeper understanding of depression and isolation, its time to uncover methods that can aid you in coping with and ultimately conquering these conditions. Speak to Your DoctorSpeak to your doctor about what you are experiencing. Doctors can sometimes prescribe medications or therapies that can help. Asking for professional help is the best way to start the path forward for positive outcomes. Remember that depression is a serious condition and should always be discussed with a professional. Be Physically Active Exercise not only improves your bodys physical condition, but it also releases endorphins, the bodys natural feel-good hormones, which help you feel happier. Physical activity opens the door for meaningful social interactions. When you join a group exercise class like aerobics or form a neighborhood walking group, it allows you to connect with individuals who share similar interests and fitness aspirations. Be sure to speak to a health professional before starting any new exercise program, however. Talk to a TherapistTalking to a mental health professional can ease your emotional burden, giving you a safe, private space to talk about your feelings or concerns. A therapist can help you manage triggers and provide techniques to manage and even overcome depression.Eat a More Balanced-DietWhat you eat has a significant impact on your physical and mental health. High-consumption of  red meat, sugar, and processed foods are linked to depression. Conversely, fruits, vegetables, lentils, and a moderate amount of fish have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression. A registered dietitian or nutritionist can help you establish a well-rounded diet to reduce chances of experiencing depression.Stay Connected with Family and FriendsKeep feelings of isolation at bay by surrounding yourself with loved ones who uplift, support you and like to have fun. Plan activities together, whether its going to the movies, exploring each others local neighborhoods, or enjoying a delicious Sunday morning brunch together.Find Your People at Claridge CourtIf youre yearning to be part of a community of genuine, like-minded people, look no further than Claridge Court, a senior living community in Prairie Village, Kansas. Claridge Court boasts of a multitude of luxurious country club-style services and amenities, including private, spacious apartments, fine-dining restaurants, a fitness center and studio, and weekly housekeeping. If youre looking to transform your lifestyle and experience more vibrancy and growth, contact us to learn more.

Home Care and Home HealthWhats the Difference?While both Home Care and Home Health provide services in the home aimed at helping patients achieve health and independence, knowing the difference between them can help you quickly and effectively navigate care needs in a family crisis. Home Health is a clinical or skilled care model that provides medical care by licensed healthcare workers, like nurses, physical therapists, and social workers. Home Health requires a doctors order, and patients must meet certain eligibility criteria to receive it. Its usually prescribed when a patient is discharged from the hospital or rehab facility and sent home but needs additional medical attention to fully rehabilitate. Home Health services help with things like wound care, speech therapy, physical or occupation therapy, IV Therapy and is overseen by a registered nurse. Visits are a few hours a week and are short, generally an hour or less depending on the patients needs. It is usually paid for by private insurance, or Medicare - for those over 65 years of age. It typically lasts a few weeks but can be extended if the ordering physician deems it necessary. Home Care provides non-clinical or non-medical care by professional caregivers, usually CNAs (Certified Nurses Aide) or Home Health Aides. These aides are professionally trained in assisting with ADLs, or Activities of Daily Living. The six most common ADLs in home care are: Mobility, Bathing, Toileting, Continence Mgmt., Dressing and Feeding. They also assist with IADLs or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living like light housekeeping, laundry, dishes, and medication reminders. Full-Service Home Care agencies may carry an additional insurance policy that allows their caregivers to run errands or provide transportation assistance for things like doctors appointments, groceries, and other needs outside of the home.  Home Care does not require a doctors order and is usually arranged privately and paid for out of pocket, however, depending on the agency you work with, some will accept Long Term Care Insurance, Veteran Benefits or Medicaid as a form of payment. Unlike Home Health, Home Care is arranged for longer periods of time. Most agencies have minimums and will visit anywhere for a few hours a day, up to around-the-clock 24/7 care. In Home Care, its not uncommon for care to continue for months or even years - as long as the patient requires someone to be with them so that they can remain safe at home, they will provide services for them. Often times, Home Care and Home Health will be providing services at the same time having home health manage the medical needs, while home care stays with the patient to manage their personal care needs and keep them safe. When evaluating options for either Home Health or Home Care, the Senior Blue Book provides an index of local agencies in your area, as well as a search tool online where you can review what services they provide, read customer reviews, and contact them directly to ask questions or request an in-home consultation.   This article was submitted by Michael Brainerd, an independent writer and owner of two FirstLight Home Care Agencies in Kansas and Missouri. He can be reached at 913-203-7444 or emailed at mbrainerd@firstlighthomecare.com. 

Whenever you think of lifes big moments, its hard to find one without Mom and Dad. Theyve been an unwavering source of comfort, inspiration and strength. So when its time to talk to your parents about assisted living, you might find yourself overwhelmed with emotions.Youre not alone. Many adult children face the arduous task of finding a safe place for their parents to age. However, you can make the transition a lot less stressful for everyone by following these 4 steps in planning for assisted living with your parents.1. Hold a family meeting.The choice to transition into assisted living is life-changing, which is why its essential for your parents and supportive family members to be involved in the process as much as possible. The best way to get the conversation about assisted living started is by holding a family meeting.Here are some tips on how to hold a family meeting about transitioning your parents to assisted living:Include everyone who will be part of the caregiving team for your parents. This could include family members, close friends, neighbors, their minister, or a paid caregiver.Prepare an agenda to keep communication successful and the group focused on supporting your parents. Be sure to stick to a clear timetable, so you dont overwhelm those attending the meeting.Choose a comfortable setting to keep tension low and positivity high. Find a location that has adequate seating and few distractions.Make sure everyone is heard. Moving your parents into assisted living can stir up emotions for everyone involved. People are more willing to talk about the situation if they feel they have a safe place to speak.2. Evaluate their needs.An in-person visit with their primary care physician is the ideal way to accurately evaluate the needs of your aging parents. Not only will you get a comprehensive evaluation of their functional abilities, youll get an assessment of their physical health, too.In order to provide the right level of care, their doctor will evaluate how well your mom or dad perform Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs . These are activities in which your parents engage on a day-to-day basis, such as:BathingEatingDressingGroomingOral hygieneClimbing stairsWalkingUsing the toiletYou also need to evaluate how well your parents perform Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, or IADLS. Adults need to perform these activities in order to live a successful, independent life. Evaluating IADLS is also a way to measure what level of care your parents might need when they enter assisted living. Examples include:CookingDriving or using public transportationDoing houseworkKeeping track of financesDoing laundryUsing the phone and looking up numbersManaging medications3. Create a sound financial plan for assisted living.After youve determined the level of care your mom or dad might need, its time to take a deep look at what your family can afford on a monthly basis. Most families use private funds to pay for assisted living. Your parents may be able to pay for this by combining their  personal savings, Social Security payments, pension payments and retirement accounts; they may also be willing to sell their home. In some cases, adult children may contribute some of their own funds to supplement their parents resources.You may be surprised to find out the average cost of assisted living is about the same as the cost of at-home care, which is when you choose to spend retirement in your home. However, aging in place comes with a big caveat: major home renovations.To live safely at home, your parents will probably need rooms in their home, like the bathroom and kitchen, completely reworked. This could end up costing more money and stress than originally planned.Talk to your parents about their finances and discuss the difference between aging-in-place and choosing a community that offers assisted living. That way, you can be sure youre choosing the right path for your parents retirement.4. Delight in exploring the possibilities.Assisted living communities are not the dreary and sleepy halls you may remember at your grandparents nursing home. Upscale assisted living offers unsurpassed care, services, and amenities that help your mom and dad thrive through every stage of their retirement.Housekeeping and laundry services eliminate many daily concerns,  scheduled activities help your parents stay social, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities keep them active. Theyll also have convenient access to lifes little luxuries like a hair salon, restaurant-style dining, and scheduled transportation for fun-filled shopping trips.While your parents are spending their retirement in style at a luxury community offering assisted living, you can rest easy knowing their health is always in caring hands.LIVE LIFE THE SANTA MARTA WAY WITH LUXURY ASSISTED LIVING IN OLATHE, KSDiscover Tuscan-inspired views, top-of-the-line amenities, and world-class cuisine at Santa Marta. Not only will your parents  be able to enjoy the fabulous amenities and services we offer, but theyll be able to receive  uniquely tailored care as their health needs change.To schedule a tour or learn more about our assisted living neighborhood and other senior living options, contact us online, and a senior living counselor will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Prime Healthcare Passionate about SeniorsAt St. Joseph Medical Center, weve made changes to provide specialized care tailored to seniors. As the first accredited geriatric ER in KC, we identify seniors that may need extra support during or after their hospitalization. Our inpatient Senior Behavioral Health Unit provides care for adults over 55 years of age experiencing acute behavioral symptoms associated with dementia and/or other mental health conditions.Paul Hura, MD, Senior Care Services Medical Director shares, "It is an honor and privilege to care for our seniors, and these philosophies remain very important to our physicians, nurses and entire healthcare teams at St. Joseph Medical Center.St. Marys Medical Center is a patient-centered community hospital in Blue Springs, Missouri providing comprehensive quality care with state-of-the-art treatment in a warm, caring environment.  With the only accredited Geriatric Emergency Department in Eastern Jackson County, Dr. Michael Liston, Cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer, understands this well.  We take caring for seniors to heart.  St. Marys holds numerous Grade A and 5-star ratings, while continuing to offer hometown touches such as walk-in 3D Mammograms.   As a community partner with local schools, chambers, and charitable organizations, St. Marys is Your Community Hospital.  StMarysKC.comIn Leavenworth, Saint John Hospital offers Senior Behavioral Health for inpatient care. During a patients stay, the unit uses a multi-sensory and multi-disciplinary approach to care. Our specialized staff supports patients and family member with comprehensive nursing care 24 hours a day.Many times, the slow loss of a loved ones sense of self and memory is confusing and difficult for the individual and their loved ones through some of the more difficult aspects of dementia, says Dr. Amand, Psychiatrist and Medical Director.Providence Medical Center is a community hospital located in Kansas City, Kansas. Committed to excellence and award-winning patient care, Providence received an A grade on the 2023-24 Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility. Providence achieved this honor through strong performance across metrics of health equity, patient outcomes, and value of care, out of more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide. Providence has received a five-star rating from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The star award is given based on metrics such as mortality, readmission, patient safety and patient experience. Providence is also nationally recognized in multiple service lines, receiving 18 awards with eight Five-Star ratings, according to research released by Healthgrades.