Kansas/Missouri - Kansas City

Every person needs different things. Babies need constant attention. Teenagers need space. Adults need help raising their babies and teens. And seniors need the comfort and safety of an assisted living community.As a senior living community located in the heart of the Midwest, we understand the unique concerns and considerations of individuals in this region. Lets talk about the right time for seniors to go into an assisted living community and get the attention they need and the life they deserve.Maintaining Independence and Quality of LifeActivities of Daily Living (ADLs) are one of the best indicators of self-sufficiency and independent living. ADLs include tasks such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, or even navigating the home. When your loved one starts struggling to do these tasks, it may be time to explore assisted living options.Health and Safety ConsiderationsHealth and safety is no laughing matter. Chronic and painful conditions can limit and isolate a person from healthy interactions and medical care. Especially when seniors live alone, the risks are too great for accidents. Assisted living communities are equipped to provide the necessary support and care to ensure every seniors safety and well-being.Loneliness and Social IsolationLoneliness and social isolation significantly impact seniors mental and emotional well-being. If a senior finds themself alone, and craving social interaction and companionship, they may be ready for a change. Senior living communities offer so many different ways to expand a seniors friend circle and make lasting connections. Enjoying a sense of community is important for overall happiness and quality of life.Home Maintenance and UpkeepHomes hold a special place in our hearts. Theyre a chest of memories, laughs, and tears. But with all the good comes a lot of work. There comes a time when maintaining a home is too much work and increasingly difficult to manage. Between cleaning, yard work, home repairs, and maintenance, the tasks are overwhelming and stressful. Assisted living communities ease the burden and take care of all those responsibilities so that your loved one can enjoy life and pursue other interests.Family Caregiver StressBefore most seniors enter an assisted living community, their family is normally their caregiver. As wonderful and supportive as this is, its incredibly stressful for the family caregiver. A caregiver plays a major role in every aspect of life for the senior. And to fulfill those needs, they need to make sacrifices in their own life, which often means spending less time with their own family. This can be physically and emotionally draining. Switching to a senior living community can be just the change everyone involved needs to balance life and get the necessary support and care. Conclusion Theres no time like the present to make a change in your seniors living situation. We always recommend making the change sooner rather than later so that you can do as much research as possible without feeling rushed. This decision is hard. Theres so much involved in making the right choice. But if your loved one is struggling with any of the challenges listed above, the right time to switch to an assisted living community is now.

Life After StrokeNearly 800,000 individuals in the United States have a stroke each year, and there are nearly 8 million survivors of stroke in the United States alone.  With increased awareness of stroke symptoms, fast response in calling 911, and new medications, more and more individuals are surviving a stroke each year.  Following a stroke, a person will typically recover in the hospital and then progress to other rehabilitation options, with the optimal goal to return home.  Once home, there may be more therapy and/or assistance required.  Eventually the therapy may stop as progress slows down, but recovery does not have an expiration date and will continue for the individual.  As such, there is the continued need for support and services.   Explore options with the hospital and rehabilitation staff regarding the types of programs and services offered in your community post stroke.  Ask the following:1.    Are there support groups in the community for the survivor of stroke?  For family members, caregivers/care partners?  2.    Are there community based wellness programs to help continue the improvement and independence being regained by the survivor of stroke?  Look for programs that address physical and cognitive wellness, along with social and emotional well-being.  Stroke can happen to anyone at any time.  So BE FAST in identifying a stroke and call 911.  Time is brain.  The acronym BE FAST relates to the following indicators of a stroke.  Balance = Sudden onset of dizziness or balance issues.Eyesight = Sudden changes, blurred vision or trouble with eyesight in one or both eyes. Face = Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, with one side appearing droopy.Arm = Sudden weakness or numbness of one arm.Speech = Sudden inability to speak or slurred/garbled/strange speech. Time = Call 911 immediately if you observe any of these signs.   This article submitted by Jeanette Boucher, OTR/L.  Jeanette is a Program Coordinator at the American Stroke Foundation and may be reached at 913.649.1776 or by email at jeanette@americanstroke.org  

Falls can be life-changing for seniors. As we age, the risk of falling increases, and the consequences can be severe. That's why National Fall Prevention Day is so important. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about fall prevention among seniors. In this blog post, we'll dive into the common causes of falls in seniors and provide practical tips to keep them safe and steady on their feet. The Culprits Behind Senior Falls Seniors often don't fall due to a single cause; it's usually a combination of factors. Here are some of the key contributors: Dizziness Dilemma: Dizziness can strike due to various reasons diseases, hearing loss, or medications. Seniors should talk to their healthcare providers about reducing or eliminating dizziness triggers. Low Blood Pressure: Sudden drops in blood pressure when transitioning from sitting to standing can lead to falls. Hydration and medication side effects can play a role. Seniors should avoid quick stand-ups. Infection Instigators: Lingering infections from dental issues or foot sores caused by ill-fitting shoes can disrupt balance and contribute to falls. Vision Woes: Changes in vision, like cataracts or glaucoma, and outdated eyeglasses can make movements unsteady. Strength and Pain: Muscle weakness, back pain, or hip discomfort can throw off balance and increase fall risks. Actionable Tips for Seniors Seniors can take proactive steps to minimize fall risks and boost safety: Medication Mastery: Keep track of medication schedules with a pill planner and ensure all healthcare providers know the full list of medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Stay Hydrated: Aging can dull the body's thirst signals, so don't wait to feel parched before sipping water. Moderate Alcohol and Marijuana: Limit alcohol intake and consult healthcare providers when considering marijuana use, especially alongside other medications. Stay Active: Engaging in physical and mental activities can bolster balance and strength. Join local senior-specific programs, try Tai Chi, or dive into water exercise classes. For Caregivers and FamiliesCaregivers and families are the frontline defenders against falls. Here's how you can help: Stay Vigilant: Keep an eye out for changes in senior's health, medication management, and provide assistance with daily tasks. Avoid rushing them, as frustration can increase fall risks. A Safer Living Environment Simple home modifications can go a long way in reducing fall risks: Declutter and Illuminate: Clear pathways of clutter and brighten up spaces. Say no to throw rugs and secure bathroom handrails. Nighttime Navigation: Seniors often get up at night, increasing the risk of falls. Make paths to the bathroom clear and ensure good lighting. Consider bedside urinals or commodes. Emergency Help: For those living alone, an emergency call pendant can be a lifesaver. Regular Health Check-ups Matter Don't forget these crucial health check-ups for seniors: DentalPodiatryHearingVision Exams Regular visits to specialists can uncover issues contributing to falls. National Fall Prevention Day is a reminder that safeguarding seniors is a shared responsibility. By understanding the causes of falls and implementing these practical tips, seniors and their caregivers can work together to create a safer environment and reduce the risk of falls. Let's strive for a fall-free, active, and fulfilling life for our beloved seniors.

The weather can be unpredictable. In just a few hours, the day can go from hot and humid to cool and stormy. It can leave people facing emergency situations, such as tornados and flooding, with very little notice. Because seniors are more likely to live with health conditions, planning ahead for an emergency is important.From creating a home emergency kit to knowing what disaster relief resources are available, we thought it would be helpful to family caregivers and older adults if we share a few preparedness tips.Developing a PlanAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), taking time to develop a disaster plan is the first step. Here are a few items youll want to think about: Family response list: Who lives the closest to the senior that could get to them most quickly in the case of an emergency or natural disaster? Make sure everyone in the family knows who will respond and in what order. For example, if a daughter lives close, she might be personally impacted by the event and unable to respond quickly. Which friend or family member would be up next? Create and share a list to keep everyone on the same page. Medical information: Though the primary family caregiver often knows which physician the senior sees and what medications they take, its important that other loved ones do too. In the event of an emergency, family members need to be able to quickly access and share physician names and numbers, prescription medications and pharmacies, over-the-counter medications, and other essentials. Best apps for personal medical records has a list of options you might find helpful in figuring out how to easily store this information. Evacuation plan: Depending on the type of emergency, youll also want to give some thought to how and where youll meet up afterward. For example, if the senior experiences a home fire, youll want to have a plan for how they can escape the house and where they will go to call you. It is important that this location be a safe distance away. The CDC has a care plan form you can download and customize to help organize all of this vital information. Its one that can be emailed to family members once completed.Creating a Home Emergency Kit for a Senior Loved OnePutting together a home emergency kit is the best way to prepare for a disaster. The experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommend that your kit include important essentials: A three-to-five-day supply of nonperishable foods, such as canned meats, beans, and fruit, along with a manual can opener. One-to-two-weeks supply of all prescription and over-the-counter medications along with special equipment and supplies. Remember to replenish this if anything changes. One gallon of water for each person living in the home, including pets. Several flashlights and extra batteries for each of them. A hand crank weather radio or one that is battery operated and an extra set of batteries. A battery-operated cell phone charger or external power pack. Personal care items, an extra set of sturdy shoes or boots, and a change of clothes (a sweat suit is often best). A first aid kit that includes a whistle or horn to call for help. Supply of paper plates, plastic cups, plastic silverware and napkins. Food and medications for household pets. A bucket stocked with cleaning supplies, such as bleach wipes, disinfectant spray, paper towels, gloves, and face masks. Blankets, pillows, folding chairs, and a cot to sleep on. A small, easy-to-use fire extinguisher. Its usually best to store this kit in or close to the area your family member will most likely go in the event of an emergency. The basement is the first choice. If their home doesnt have one, an interior bathroom or closet are the next best options.Sunrise Communities Are Always PreparedOne of the advantages of moving to a senior living community is that most are ready to handle emergencies of all types. From fire suppression systems in suites and hallways to back-up generators, plans are in place to keep residents safe. Call 1-877-800-0364 to learn more!Article By:Sunrise Senior Living