Colonial Village Senior Living Community

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.

Moving a loved one into a senior living community is a big adjustment for your family and requires careful planning. Figuring out which community is best for your loved one requires you to determine the kind of care they needbut you dont have to do this alone.Lets go over the four main types of senior assisted living care that you can choose from and how to determine which level of care your senior needs.Type #1: Independent LivingIndependent living communities are great options for seniors who can still complete activities of daily living (ADL) but need some help with the light maintenance of a home. Your loved one wont have to worry about any light housekeeping or emergency services in independent living quarters because the community provides those.If your senior can safely drive, travel, and maintain a healthy level of personal care, independent living is an excellent option.Type #2: Assisted LivingAssisted living is a step up from independent living. In short, your older family numbers wont have to lift a finger for home maintenance in assisted living. The community takes care of it all.Additionally, the homes come with a kitchenette, linen services, and emergency services. This kind of living situation is an excellent option for seniors who need help outside of personal care. They cant quite care for a home, but they can take care of ADLs.Type #3: Short-Term RehabAt Pivotal Health Care, many of our communities offer short-term rehab services. These services cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Residents who need short-term rehab can access these services 5-6 days per week.We understand that rehab is essential for a seniors well-being, so we offer these in-house services to help take care of our residents. Seniors need short-term rehab if they are recovering from an injury, surgery, or other accident.Type #4: Long-Term CareLong-term care is the ideal service for residents who need assistance with ADLs, health, and personal hygiene. Residents can qualify for long-term care following a thorough assessment from our nursing staff. Following the assessment, the nursing staff will determine which services your loved one needs to preserve their dignity and respect their wishes towards their medical care.Residents in our long-term care communities have access to 24-hour nursing care, rehab services, and electronic medical chartingall the things necessary for excellent care.Choosing the Right Level of CareFinding the right senior living community is challenging. The best way to decide which senior living community is right for you is to schedule a tour and have a list of questions ready to ask.Its so important to choose the right level of care for loved ones, and senior living communities have trained professionals who can give you an honest assessment of your loved ones needs.If youre ready to start your search, schedule a tour with one of Pivotal Health Cares highly-rated communities.

Americans lost $29.8 billion between 2020 and 2021 from phone scams. These threats are highly manipulative and make it impossible to recover your money. While these people can trick you into giving them your money, they cannot force you. But how do you know if someone is trying to scam you? Use this helpful guide the next time an unknown number calls you.Five Warning Signs of a Phone ScamThe ruse may change, but the purpose remains the samephone scammers want your money, and they are willing to say anything to get it. Since these scammers can make verbal threats, its essential you know what to expect from them and how you can report phone scams. Here are five straightforward ways to know when to hang up on a scammer.1. Prizes Dont ExistWhen we think of prizes, we think of an award or gift we receive after accomplishing something, and one of the most common phone scams is a promise of an award after payment. This request is a warning signno one pays for a real prize.2. No One Can Arrest YouFear-mongering is a scammers best friend. To get you to do what they want, a phone scammer will lie to you, threaten you, and promise your arrest. However, the police cant arrest you based on a phone call like this.3. You Have Time to ThinkLegitimate businesses will never pressure you to decide on the spot. Even if the calling company is the IRS or your credit card company, they will never request a final decision over the phone. However, spam calls pressure you to decide before you take the time to think about it.4. Never Pay with Cash or a Gift CardScammers know that a debit or credit card is traceable and that you can seek legitimate refunds for money lost. Scammers will request you to pay in cash, wire transfer, or with a gift card to avoid getting caught and stay anonymous. They want you to pay this way because there isnt a way to recoup your lost money, and it keeps them free from liability and tracking.5. Government Agencies Dont Use Phone Calls to Confirm Sensitive InformationOne of the most common ruses is the government agency front. If you receive a call from a specific agency asking about your sensitive information, hang up the phone immediately. A federal agency will never ask about your social security number, bank account numbers, or other private information over the phone.ConclusionAs technology develops and changes over time, so do the ploys for taking peoples money. When dealing with phone scammers, its always best not to answer a call from a number you dont recognize. However, that is not always possible to avoid unwanted calls, so make sure you know how to recognize phone scams and use caller id. When talking on the phone with a suspected phone scam, listen for clues about prizes, arrests, government entities seeking private information, and payment methods. The moment you notice one of these warning signs, hang up the phone and report them.

Understanding the Differences: Alzheimers vs. Dementia  Welcome to Maggies Place in Overland Park, a haven of compassionate care and support for our communitys elderly. In this blog post, we delve into the often-confused concepts of Alzheimers and dementia, particularly relevant to those seeking memory care, nursing home services, or specialized Alzheimers and dementia care in Overland Park. Our goal is to provide clarity and understanding about these conditions, which significantly impact many families and individuals in our community. Alzheimers vs. Dementia: Clarifying the Confusion Its common to hear Alzheimers and dementia used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Alzheimers is a specific disease, whereas dementia is a broader term encompassing various symptoms that affect cognitive function. Understanding this distinction is crucial for families in Overland Park seeking the right care, be it in assisted living facilities or nursing homes specialized in memory care. The Relevance to Overland Park Communities In Overland Park, where the demand for quality memory and dementia care is growing, distinguishing between Alzheimers and other forms of dementia is essential. It ensures that our loved ones receive the appropriate care and support tailored to their specific needs, whether in Alzheimers care facilities or broader assisted living environments. Through this post, Maggies Place aims to educate and guide the Overland Park community, ensuring that families making decisions about memory care, Alzheimers care, dementia care, or assisted living are well-informed and empowered.What is Dementia?Dementia is a term that often brings a lot of concerns and queries, especially for families in Overland Park looking for the right memory care and dementia care options. Understanding what dementia entails is crucial in providing effective care and support. Defining Dementia Dementia is not a single disease but rather an umbrella term that describes a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimers disease. It is characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills that affect a persons ability to perform everyday activities. This decline in cognitive function is due to damage or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. Different types of dementia are associated with particular types of brain cell damage in particular regions of the brain. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Alzheimers Associations explanation at https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia. Symptoms and Impact The symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, but at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia: memory, communication and language, ability to focus and pay attention, reasoning and judgment, and visual perception. These changes are not part of normal aging and can be significant enough to impact daily life and independent function. They may also affect mood and personality. The Mayo Clinic provides a comprehensive overview of these symptoms at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/whats-the-difference-between-alzheimers-and-dementia/faq-20057881. Causes and Types There are many different causes of dementia. Alzheimers disease is the most common cause of a progressive dementia in older adults, but there are a number of other types of dementia, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Each type of dementia may have its own unique characteristics and a different prognosis. The Alzheimers Association provides detailed information on the various types of dementia at https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia. Understanding dementia is the first step in the journey of caring for someone with this condition. In Overland Park, where memory care and dementia care are essential services, recognizing the signs and symptoms of dementia helps in seeking the right support and resources. For families and caregivers, gaining knowledge about dementia is instrumental in providing compassionate and effective care.What is Alzheimers Disease?Alzheimers disease is a central topic for families and caregivers in Overland Park, especially those seeking specialized Alzheimers and dementia care. Understanding this specific form of dementia is essential for effective care and support. Defining Alzheimers Disease Alzheimers disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. It leads to the deterioration of memory and cognitive functions. This disease involves abnormal build-ups of proteins in the brain, forming plaques and tangles, which disrupt cell function. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can read about it on the Alzheimers Associations page: What Is Alzheimers. Symptoms and Progression The progression of Alzheimers can be broken down into stages, starting with mild symptoms like memory lapses and gradually advancing to severe brain damage. Patients may experience difficulties with memory, language, decision-making, and ultimately, loss of independence in daily activities. This progression and its symptoms are detailed by the Mayo Clinic at Alzheimers Disease. Risk Factors and Diagnosis Age is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimers, but genetics, family history, and lifestyle factors also play a role. The diagnosis process typically involves a thorough medical history, mental status testing, and brain imaging. The Alzheimers Association discusses the diagnostic process in depth at Diagnosis of Alzheimers & Dementia. For families in Overland Park, understanding Alzheimers disease is a key step in planning for Alzheimers care. Knowledge of the diseases symptoms, progression, and diagnosis can guide decisions regarding nursing homes, memory care, and assisted living facilities specialized in Alzheimers and dementia care.Differentiating Alzheimers from Other Types of DementiaUnderstanding the differences between Alzheimers and other forms of dementia is critical for families in Overland Park seeking appropriate care, whether its in assisted living facilities or specialized dementia care centers. Overview of Different Types of Dementia While Alzheimers is the most common form of dementia, there are several other types. These include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and more. Each type has its own set of symptoms and patterns of progression. The Alzheimers Association provides a comprehensive overview of different types of dementia at Types of Dementia. Key Differences in Symptoms and Causes The symptoms and underlying causes of these dementias can vary. For instance, vascular dementia, which is often caused by microscopic bleeding and blood vessel blockage in the brain, is distinctly different from Alzheimers in its symptoms and progression. Similarly, Lewy body dementia has unique features like visual hallucinations and motor problems akin to Parkinsons disease. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. More information about these distinctions can be found on the Mayo Clinics website at Dementia. Importance of Accurate Diagnosis Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment and care planning. For example, certain medications that are used to treat Alzheimers disease may not be effective or could even be harmful in other types of dementia. Therefore, a thorough medical evaluation, which might include brain imaging, neurological exams, and cognitive tests, is vital. The Alzheimers Association discusses the diagnostic process in more detail at Diagnosis of Alzheimers & Dementia. For families and caregivers in Overland Park, understanding these differences aids in making informed decisions about dementia care options, from nursing homes to specialized Alzheimers care facilities. This knowledge ensures that loved ones receive tailored care that best suits their specific condition.Risk Factors and Diagnosis of Dementia and AlzheimersThis section is particularly relevant for families in Overland Park looking into memory care, nursing home options, and specialized Alzheimers or dementia care. Risk Factors for Dementia and Alzheimers Understanding the risk factors for dementia, including Alzheimers, is crucial for early identification and intervention. Common risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle factors. For Alzheimers, age is the most significant risk factor, but family history and genetics also play a role. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle, are also associated with an increased risk of dementia. The Alzheimers Association provides more information on risk factors at Alzheimers and Dementia Risk Factors. Diagnosing Dementia and Alzheimers Diagnosing dementia and Alzheimers involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, neurological exams, and cognitive testing. Brain imaging tests can also be used to identify strokes, tumors, or other problems that can cause dementia. Blood tests may be done to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Mayo Clinic discusses the diagnostic process for Alzheimers and dementia in detail at Diagnosing Alzheimers: How Alzheimers is diagnosed. Importance of Early Diagnosis Early diagnosis of Alzheimers or dementia can be beneficial in managing the disease effectively. It allows for better planning, the use of available treatments that might improve symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, and more time for patient and family to plan for the future. The Alzheimers Association outlines the benefits of early diagnosis at Benefits of Early Diagnosis. For families and caregivers in Overland Park, understanding these aspects of dementia and Alzheimers is vital. It enables them to seek appropriate care options, including assisted living and specialized memory care facilities, equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by these conditions.Treatment and Management of Dementia and AlzheimersThis section is vital for families and caregivers in Overland Park, offering insights into the management of dementia and Alzheimers in settings like assisted living and specialized care facilities. Treatment Options for Dementia and Alzheimers While there is no cure for Alzheimers or most types of dementia, there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. These include medications for memory loss, and treatments for behavioral and sleep changes. Non-drug approaches, such as cognitive stimulation and physical exercise, are also important. The Alzheimers Association provides a guide to treatment options at Alzheimers and Dementia Treatments. Managing Daily Life and Caregiving Effective management of dementia and Alzheimers involves adapting the living environment, establishing routines, and using memory aids. Caregiving strategies include maintaining a calm environment, providing support for activities of daily living, and ensuring safety. The Mayo Clinic offers advice on managing daily life with Alzheimers at Alzheimers: Tips for daily care. Support for Caregivers Caregiver support is crucial, as caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimers can be challenging. Support groups, respite care, and educational resources can provide much-needed assistance. The Alzheimers Association discusses caregiver support at Caregiver Center. ConclusionUnderstanding the differences between Alzheimers and dementia is crucial for the Overland Park community. It ensures that individuals receive the right type of care, whether in memory care facilities, nursing homes, or in assisted living environments. By being informed about the nature of these conditions, their symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and management, families and caregivers can make knowledgeable decisions for their loved ones. Maggies Place is committed to providing resources and support to families navigating these challenging conditions, ensuring a compassionate and informed approach to care.   

Questions To Ask When On A Senior Living Community TourThe time has finally come. Your family is looking at senior living communities because your loved ones need assistance with daily activities. Even though you knew this day would come, its still hard.Finding a suitable senior living community is like finding a new homethere are plenty of options but you keep looking until you find the one that feels right.Here at Pivotal Health Care, we want to help simplify the process for you. Ask these questions during your tours to find the best fit for your family.Question #1: Whats the cost of living?No surprise hereits important to figure out how much each senior living community costs. This isnt a job interview where you dont want to come across as too eager and ask about compensation. This is an important question that needs answering.However, keep in mind that cost isnt everything. Remember, your loved ones are living here full-time. Make sure the cost balances out with amenities, safety, food, and other accommodations.Question #2: What amenities are available for residents?Knowing what youre paying for is good, so make sure you find out about all the amenities. Asking this question is especially helpful for seniors with physical limitations and disabilities. You want to make sure your loved one can enjoy their new home and everything that comes with it.When you ask about amenities, dont be afraid to ask about events. More and more communities are offering events, live music, delicious food trucks, and many other things. So, if a community has great gathering areas, a pool, or other community spaces, its not unreasonable to ask about events.Question #3: How does the community keep its residents safe?This one is a no-brainer. You need to find out how the senior living community is keeping its residents safe. Theres a burglary every 30 seconds in this country, and seniors can be at heightened risk because they often cant physically defend themselves.Although burglary trends are declining, you want to know if your loved one is protected. Asking about security systems, security guards, and gated communities is essential to making the right decision for your family.But safety isnt all about a burglary. Its also about what happens in case of emergencies. Like when the weather takes a turn for the worse and the power goes out. Its important to figure out how the senior living community takes care of its residents during these times of need.Ask the important questionsIts really easy to get overwhelmed in a senior living community. There are plenty of places to visit, and youre absorbing information like water out of a firehose. During your tours, take in as much information as possible and grab as many pamphlets as possible. Also, dont be afraid to ask questions and write the answers down.But most importantly, listen to your gut. Trust how you feel about a community.

Heart-healthy recipes dont have to break the bank or be hard to cook. Here are some of our tips for finding foods that promote heart health and favorite recipes that every senior can cook and enjoy.Understanding Heart-Healthy EatingWhile there isnt anything wrong with the occasional treat, we want our diets to mainly consist of foods that nourish our bodies and taste good.Here are some simple pointers to eating a heart-healthy diet:Variety of fruits and vegetablesWhole grainsLean meats, like poultry and seafoodMinimally processed foodsMinimal sugarMinimal saltA healthy diet is the foundation of a long life and healthy golden years. Seniors, even those with accessibility issues, can find unique ways to get the healthy food they need.Whether your senior shops at Walmart, Costco, or their regional grocery store, they can find foods with the American Heart Associations Heart-Check that lets them know the food theyre looking at is good for their heart.One of the most important things to remember about heart-healthy eating is to remember that health is a journey, not a destination. Eating one unhealthy food doesnt erase all your work. Its about consistency.  Our Favorite RecipesWhether its breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are plenty of heart-healthy options available. Here are some of our favorite recipes to get your senior started on the right foot.Oatmeal with Fresh BerriesOatmeal is one of those foods that are incredibly flexible and easy to make. Plus, oats are great for your heart and overall health. They have natural antioxidants, fiber, and minerals that can improve your cholesterol.Spice up your plain oatmeal with yogurt or cottage cheese, fresh fruit, cinnamon and nutmeg, and different nuts. The options really are endless when you make oatmeal.Grilled Salmon SaladSalmon is a great fish that pairs well with a lot of fruits and vegetables. Thats why a salmon salad is a great way to improve heart health in seniors while ensuring they get all the other important vitamins and minerals they need.Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which has a lot of benefits, including:Improved brain functionDecreased risk of cardiovascular problemsJoint protectionBaked Chicken with Roasted VegetablesIf youre looking for a protein that is flexible, easy to make, and gives seniors the nutrients they need, look no further than chicken. This lean protein source is technically a complete protein, which means that it has all 9 essential amino acids.Try preparing your chicken with roasted vegetables to pull in fiber and other vitamins and minerals for a heart-healthy meal.What Will You Make?Heart-healthy foods are good for all of us, but especially for seniors to live the best life they can. Try out these recipes and let us know what you like!

It happens every year. The days get shorter. The temperature drops. And cold weather chills our very bones. Even though we know exactly when to expect winter, it seems to surprise us every yearmaybe were willfully ignorant.Change up your routine this year. Dont let the cold weather keep you from having fun. There are plenty of fun indoor activities seniors can do during the cold winter months.Why Should Seniors Participate in Activities in the Winter?Its hard for everyone to stay active during the colder months. But its even worse for seniors, especially those with limited mobility. Activities are great for keeping busy when you cant go outside, but theres so much more to it.Seniors should participate in fun indoor activities in the winter to keep a sharp mind, improve their heart health, and better their mood. Plus, an active lifestyle in the winter means an active lifestyle in the spring and summer. And when seniors are active all year round, theyll live longer, healthier lives.Ten Activities for SeniorsStaying busy and having fun during the winter doesnt need to be hard. In fact, its not with the right plan and a few friends. Whether your senior is living in a senior living community or at home, here are our recommendations for healthy activities they can do during the winter.1. Book ClubFinding a group of people who love to read is the first step towards starting a book club. Best part is the group can meet regularly at a community or online and share their thoughts.2. PaintingA picture is worth a thousand words. Help a senior get their creativity out with a beautiful painting of a sunset or their favorite pet.3. Listen to a PodcastPodcasts are great for helping a seniors attention span and creativity. Help them find their favorite genres, like sports, politics, murder mysteries, or personal development.4. Cards and Board GamesCards and board games are a great way to bring people together and keep their mind sharp. We recommend Settlers of Catan, 42 (a domino game), and solitaire.5. Watch Old MoviesNothing brings back old memories like watching movies from your childhood.6. ExerciseExercise, solo or group, is a great way to get the blood flowing and muscle toned for a long, happy life.7. YogaYoga helps relieve stress, increases flexibility, and improves your moodwin-win-win for seniors!8. SwimmingNeed to take it easy on the joints? Try exercising in a pool or swimming.9. CookingCooking good food is a great way to maintain hand-eye coordination, memory, and a full belly!10. Indoor GardeningGet the herbs and small produce you need for cooking from an easy indoor garden.What Will You Do This Winter?Now is the perfect time to get productive and healthy. Any of these indoor activities are sure to bring a smile and some lasting memories.Did we miss an activity you love? Share it with us!

Community Visit Questions The search for the right senior living community in Kansas City can be difficult because there are many great options. So we developed a list of questions to help you choose the right one for you.OverallWhat was your first impression? Do you feel comfortable with the location and overall presentation of the campus? Do they offer an apartment style that appeals to you? What is the travel time to restaurants, theaters, airports, etc.? Do team members smile and offer courteous greetings? Do team members address residents by name and show respectful familiarity? Are the residents friendly and welcoming? What levels of living does this community have?What they offerWhat levels of living are available?  Are transportation services offered? Is there a fee? What is the process for discussing your care needs if your health begins to decline? What is their CMS quality rating? Do they have recent customer satisfaction survey results?Community LifeWhat is the minimum age? Do they embrace cultural diversity and inclusivity? Do they host events? What do the current residents have to say about the services? What are their policies related to pets Are they tobacco free? How secure is the community? How does parking work? Are there crisis plans in place? Do team members undergo screenings and background checks prior to employment? Do they have a newsletter and activity calendar?  DiningAre the dining rooms inviting and clean? Are the tables, chairs and linens clean and in good condition? May residents invite guests to meals? How does the community accommodate special diets? Is there a dietician or nutritionist involved in meal planning? Have you sampled a meal? FinancesAre they a stand-alone campus or part of a family of communities? What happens if you outlive your resources? What does the monthly fee cover? What is not included in the monthly fee? What are their policies related to transitioning to another unit or level of care? How might that impact you financially? What are their policies related to refunds? Next stepsCan you envision yourself living here? If so, what is the next step in making the move?  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jill Lamb. Jill Lamb is the Marketing Director with Colonial Village and may be reached at (913) 730-3700 or by email at Jill.Lamb@CLV-OP.com.