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.

Getting proper nutrition is important at every age. Eating healthy keeps energy levels high, controls weight and supports better sleep. A healthy diet can also help to prevent some diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.For many older adults, eating healthy may be important, but the act of eating loses its appeal. Many seniors report experiencing a loss of appetite. While some medications may contribute to not feeling hungry, there are many other reasons an older adult may lose interest in food. Here are the top eight:Not getting enough exerciseDehydrationLoss of tasteFeeling bored at mealtimesNot having a routineDifficulty with swallowing or chewingLoneliness or depressionLack of ability to prepare mealsWhen families seek a senior living community for their loved one, the quality of the dining experience is often one of the most important factors. It is good that families recognize the importance of senior nutrition and senior living dining experiences, because studies show that up to 60% of a residents day revolves around mealtimes. Senior Living Dining ServicesSenior living dining services teams at communities across the country are responsible for creating menus, serving residents, collecting residents input and working closely with dietitians, physicians and chefs to create healthy culinary selections and menu choices. For example, at Anthology of Northville and all the Anthology Senior Living communities, the Executive Chef pairs senior living dining trends with expertise in senior health and nutrition to prepare meals tailored specifically for each resident. And, with snack options available all day and night, food is always fun and accessible.When considering a senior living community for yourself or a loved one, the senior dining experience should be a top priority. Taking a tour at mealtime allows the opportunity to sample the food, check out the menu choices and ask questions about food availability and diet considerations. Many senior living communities have on-site chefs and nutritionists or dietitians to help address senior nutrition needs. With an understanding of the challenges many seniors face at mealtime, such as loss of taste and changes in taste due to certain medications, senior living menu choices are created to keep the food full of flavor and to meet the specific needs of each resident. Communities are also able to accommodate specific diets and senior nutrition preferences, including low-sodium needs, non-dairy requirements, vegetarian preferences and low-sugar requirements. Senior Dining ExperiencesSenior living residents are more likely to desire flexibility, both in menu choices and in their choice of dining venues. This means that providers need to ensure that the senior living dining experiences they offer are truly extraordinary, as well as nutritious. Senior living communities, like Anthology of Simsbury, have answered this call by introducing a host of different senior dining options: Cafs and BistrosGone are the days of the one-size-fits-all senior living dining room. Now, many communities offer their residents dining venues that serve on demand, like grab-and-go cafs, bistros and coffee shops. Pubs and Wine BarsSenior living residents are adultsand theyve lived full lives. Its much more common nowadays for senior living providers to recognize and celebrate that by building full-service pubs and wine bars in their communities. Farm-to-Table FareSome senior living communities have embraced the idea of growing and eating local fare. Community residents now eat a wide variety of produce that is grown locally and picked out by the communitys chef. Eating Is a Family and Friend AffairDining together promotes healthy eating for seniors, especially for those living alone. This is because people naturally eat more around others and make better food choices. Often, seniors feel that cooking a big, healthy meal for one is too difficult and pointless, so they turn to prepackaged or frozen foods or worse, they skip meals altogether.Senior living communities, like Anthology of Olathe, recognize the importance of eating together, and many offer restaurant-style dining with a variety of well-balanced, healthy meals prepared by professional chefs. Residents who eat together have the opportunity to talk about the events of the day, recalling memories of eating with their families. New friendships often form, and relationships grow while sitting around the table together.Most importantly, the best senior living communities offer venues where residents and their family members WANT to come and enjoy the experience. After all, food always tastes better when its with family. Senior Dining at Anthology Senior LivingTaking the full senior dining experiences of residents into account is a large part of what makes the senior dining program at Anthology Senior Living so special. To create senior dining experiences that raise an interest in food, promote a social atmosphere, consider dietary needs and restrictions, and create an inviting feel, the team at Anthology works closely with chefs, nutritionists, dietitians and physicians; this collaboration has created the Entice Dining program. Each Executive Chef of the Anthology Entice Dining program recognizes the importance of tailoring distinctive, unique recipes for each residents needs. At Anthology of Tuckahoe and each Anthology community, residents can enjoy a drink or sandwich in the pub with friends, share a new dish with family in the elegant dining room or simply sample a fresh-baked cookie in the bistro! Other Anthology senior dining experiences include:New menus developed regularlyDishes that meet residents nutritional needsFood that inspires the taste buds and is easy to enjoySeasonal dishes and local favorites that are nutritionally rewardingHealthy snacks available throughout the day and night About Anthology Senior LivingAt Anthology Senior Living, our care is based on supporting every aspect of our residents health emotional, physical and mental. From our kitchen team to our fitness instructors and landscapers, every member of our team is committed to caregiving. Anthology Senior Living is able to care for residents and their families across a wide spectrum of needs and throughout the aging process. Anthology offers three levels of care: independent living, assisted living or personal care, and memory care.All of Anthology Senior Livings assisted living communities provide warm, dynamic care in a supportive, engaging environment. The team at Anthology manages everything to allow our assisted living residents to enjoy each day to its fullest. At all our communities, we provide housekeeping services, linen services, laundry and groundskeeping. Additionally, our highly certified care managers work closely with doctors and specialists, utilizing smart technology, to coordinate all resident care.Interested in finding an Anthology Senior Living community near you? Visit our community finder to learn about all our locations!

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. 

As we age, it's not uncommon for some of us to face the challenges of cognitive decline, with Alzheimer's disease being one of the most prevalent conditions in senior communities. Alzheimer's disease affects not only the individual living with it but also their loved ones and caregivers. In senior housing communities, providing adequate support and care for residents with Alzheimer's is crucial to ensuring their well-being and quality of life. In this blog post, we'll explore various strategies and resources to help you support your loved one with Alzheimer's disease in senior housing. From effective communication techniques to memory-stimulating activities and accessing specialized care services within our community, we've got you covered.Understanding Alzheimer's Disease Before delving into the ways you can support your loved one in senior housing, it's essential to have a basic understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Symptoms typically begin with mild memory loss but can progress to the point where individuals may struggle with daily activities, recognize loved ones, or communicate effectively. Effective Communication Techniques Patience and Empathy: Alzheimer's can make communication challenging. Be patient and approach conversations with empathy. Speak slowly and calmly, maintaining eye contact and using a soothing tone of voice. Use Simple Language: Keep your sentences short and straightforward. Avoid complex or abstract ideas. Ask yes-or-no questions when possible, as this can make it easier for your loved one to respond. Nonverbal Communication: Pay attention to body language and facial expressions. Sometimes, nonverbal cues can convey more than words. Smile, maintain a relaxed posture, and use touch when appropriate to reassure and comfort your loved one. Memory Aids: Use visual aids like pictures, notes, or memory books to help trigger memories and facilitate conversations. These aids can be particularly helpful in senior housing environments. Memory-Stimulating Activities Engaging in memory-stimulating activities can be beneficial for seniors with Alzheimer's disease. These activities can help improve cognitive function, boost self-esteem, and provide a sense of purpose. Here are some ideas: Art and Crafts: Encourage your loved one to explore their creative side through painting, drawing, or crafting. These activities can be enjoyable and provide a sense of accomplishment. Music Therapy: Music has a powerful impact on individuals with Alzheimer's. Play their favorite songs or introduce them to new music that can trigger positive memories and emotions. Gardening: If your senior housing community has a garden or outdoor space, consider involving your loved one in gardening activities. Gardening can be therapeutic and engaging. Puzzles and Games: Simple puzzles, card games, and board games can stimulate the mind and provide hours of entertainment. Accessing Specialized Care Services In senior housing communities, specialized care services are often available to support residents with Alzheimer's disease. These services can make a significant difference in your loved one's quality of life. Here are some resources to consider: Memory Care Units: Many senior housing communities have dedicated memory care units designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer's disease. These units offer a safe and supportive environment with trained staff. Support Groups: Joining a support group for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's can provide emotional support, information, and coping strategies. Check with your senior housing community for local support group options. Professional Caregivers: If your loved one's needs exceed what you can provide, consider hiring professional caregivers who specialize in dementia care. They can provide personalized support and respite for family caregivers. Supporting a loved one with Alzheimer's disease in senior housing may come with its unique challenges, but with the right strategies and resources, you can enhance their quality of life and ensure their well-being. Effective communication techniques, memory-stimulating activities, and access to specialized care services are vital components of a comprehensive care plan. By implementing these strategies and seeking the assistance of professionals when needed, you can create a nurturing and supportive environment for your loved one in their senior years.