The culture surrounding dementia continues to evolve in Kansas City as more small group homes are opening in the metro.
Small group homes are an alternative to the more traditional nursing home or assisted living and have proven to be exponentially more beneficial for some older adults, the latest example being at the new Prairie Elder Care in Overland Park.
"People that have dementia a lot of times just get lost in a bigger environment,” said Michala Gibson, co-owner and registered nurse at Prairie Elder Care who has worked with older adults for decades.
The operation was started by Gibson and Mandy Shoemaker in July 2014. They have two homes in the Morse neighborhood which specialize in dementia. Both look and function like traditional homes - a kitchen where residents can make their own meals, dining room, living room, outdoor patio and each resident has their own bedroom. There’s even a house dog named Cody. Each houses up to eight adults with two caretakers on staff at all times.
"I think it's just a pleasant home. Like you're at home,” said Lorena Kraft, who moved into the newest home which opened in October.
"Our focus is to provide a feeling of community, connection and control,” said Shoemaker.
So far, it’s working, and The Alzheimer’s Association isn’t surprised.
"It depends on needs, but by and large, people need to feel like they matter and are known on an individual basis,” said Michelle Niedens.
The theory as to why some adults who suffer from dementia adjust much better to a Small Group Home? Because they feel more comfortable and aren’t overwhelmed by a large facility. The residents in a small group home also typically find it easier to stick with the same routines and activities.
How do you know if a small group home is right for your loved one?
Niedens teaches at University of Kansas and has worked in the Alzheimer’s field for nearly 20 years. She says costs for a small group home are comparable, but they are also usually private because Medicare doesn’t cover the services and Medicaid doesn’t provide enough of a reimbursement to cover costs.
"Quality of life can exist, no matter what your variables are,” said Niedens.
Where are the small group homes around KC?
There are currently at least 18 small group homes with dementia specialization in the Kansas City metro.
Click here to see the complete list.
What's next?
As the culture surrounding dementia continues to change, Niedens hopes we eventually see fully evolved dementia friendly communities.
"We have to continue to embark on innovation in elder care," said Niedens.
A dementia friendly community would include things such as:
- A setting mixed with other generations.
- An environment where the grocery store is downstairs and a day center down the street.
- Entire communities where elder care can be provided in a normalized, socialized, integrated way.
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Josh Helmuth can be reached at josh.helmuth@kshb.com.
