Unlike national chains that operate large Alzheimer’s nursing homes, we don’t spend much on advertising and self-promotion. You won’t find our houses by looking for signs in the yard, either.
Instead, you’ll hear about us from the most qualified experts in choosing memory care: our residents’ families and area professionals who advise or care for seniors. We’re proud that so many consistently recommend us to friends and clients.
A note from Neil Barnett, our Owner/ Operator
Why does Care Haven impress experienced care providers? Because they know we care for your loved one as we would a member of our own family. After all, we started by caring for my family — my Gran, that is.
Gran was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more than 40 years ago. My grandfather needed help caring for her and turned to my dad. As a neurologist, Dad knew all there was to know about the disease then, and he assumed his healthcare contacts could guide him to the best available care. Unfortunately, we discovered the best care of that day wasn’t nearly good enough.
Premier Memory Care
Kansas City’s best memory care since 2005
Unlike national chains that operate large Alzheimer’s nursing homes, we don’t spend much on advertising and self-promotion. You won’t find our houses by looking for signs in the yard, either.
Instead, you’ll hear about us from the most qualified experts in choosing memory care: our residents’ families and area professionals who advise or care for seniors. We’re proud that so many consistently recommend us to friends and clients.
A note from Neil Barnett, our Owner/ Operator
Why does Care Haven impress experienced care providers? Because they know we care for your loved one as we would a member of our own family. After all, we started by caring for my family — my Gran, that is.
Gran was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more than 40 years ago. My grandfather needed help caring for her and turned to my dad. As a neurologist, Dad knew all there was to know about the disease then, and he assumed his healthcare contacts could guide him to the best available care. Unfortunately, we discovered the best care of that day wasn’t nearly good enough.
No one offered the round-the-clock personal support Gran required. So, a large nursing home was our only option. Gran wasn’t there long, and her days were sad.
Better Care
Many years after Gran’s battle with dementia ended, we found a much better alternative than that nursing home: the Alzheimer’s care home. A revolutionary concept, it moved memory care out of large institutional settings and back into the comfort of home. With the help of compassionate professional caregivers, residents were happier and more actively engaged in daily life.
No one offered the round-the-clock personal support Gran required. So, a large nursing home was our only option. Gran wasn’t there long, and her days were sad.
Better Care
Many years after Gran’s battle with dementia ended, we found a much better alternative than that nursing home: the Alzheimer’s care home. A revolutionary concept, it moved memory care out of large institutional settings and back into the comfort of home. With the help of compassionate professional caregivers, residents were happier and more actively engaged in daily life.
I proudly introduced this model to the Kansas City area on August 1, 2005. That day, I opened Southmoor’s door to Virginia, our very first resident. (That’s her in the red hat!)
Nearly 20 years and hundreds of residents later, we’ve learned the secrets to better memory care. Count on us to call on all our experience as we care for your loved one.
Alzheimer’s Care at Home, Not in a Nursing Home
We’ve become expert homemakers. As such, we create family-style settings that are both safe and comfortable for people with memory loss.
We begin with an attractive house in a quiet suburban neighborhood — like yours.
How to Create a Memory Care Home
Safety first!
1. Remove slip, trip and other hazards, both indoors and out.
2. Also add ramps, handrails, grab bars and zero-entry showers.
3. Then install personal alarm/paging systems and keypad door access controls.
4. Equip with an emergency generator and a fire safety system (including fire doors, sprinklers and alarms).
5. Finally, secure the yard with attractive fencing so residents can enjoy the deck, yard and level walking path.
Next, redesign common living areas
In cozy but open spaces, give caregivers a clear view of when and where they’re needed.
After that, decorate to keep the environment both safe & pleasant
People with Alzheimer’s can live in a secure environment without feeling as if they’ve moved to a hospital or nursing home.
Also, give every resident a private bedroom
Let each settle in, surrounded by their furniture, pictures and mementos. Many rooms also have a private bathroom.
Then it’s time to staff dedicated caregivers round-the-clock
Maintain a typical ratio of 1 caregiver per 4 residents. Of course, be sure each caregiver is a Nursing Assistant or Medication Aide certified by the State of Kansas.
Don’t forget to see that a nurse visits residents almost daily
Have the Director of Nursing oversee every resident’s health care, including diet, medication and continence management. Support her with a highly qualified staff of nurses and aides. Furthermore, make a nurse available for emergency care 24 hours per day. (You’re probably beginning to see why people with Alzheimer’s don’t need a nursing home to receive exceptional professional care!)
Now coordinate house calls with a broad range of providers
Arrange for a geriatrician, podiatrist and dental hygienist to visit regularly. Have nurses schedule in-home lab work, x-rays, diagnostic testing, therapies and hospice services.
Arrange other special services, too
Include hair styling and local transport as well as the delivery of medication and continence supplies.
Finally, make sure residents do what they enjoy
Bring in a full-time Activities Director, and give caregivers the time to lend their full support. Tailor your calendar to residents’ abilities and preferences. Do more than keep everyone busy; see that each leads a satisfying life daily. In other words, the birder fills backyard feeders while the family cook snaps beans and sets the table. The guys tour a car museum while the ladies enjoy a spa day.
Avoiding the Nursing Home Alzheimer’s Unit
One of the most important things we’ve learned is how to help people stay in their homes.
Our six houses cater to different levels of cognitive and physical ability. We offer more help as needed, so you don’t have to search for a new home — or an Alzheimer’s unit in a nursing home. Settle in, knowing we’ll treat your loved one with kindness, dignity and respect.
We know how to provide solace at the end of life, too. We often partner with local hospices. Together, we help avoid painful and upsetting medical or behavioral crises. You spend your remaining time together in peace. With closer attention and reduced stress, you may even enjoy more of it.
See for Yourself
Maybe you’re just starting to explore your long-term care options. We’re happy to help you understand what Care Haven offers your loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia compared to a conventional assisted living or nursing home. (Explore our Resources section, too, especially the introductory post on finding help for caregivers.)
Or perhaps you need to move your loved one this month. In that case, we can discuss which home best suits them.
In any event, we’d love to show you around. Take a tour. You learn a lot by looking around someone’s home.
I think you’ll like what you find in ours.
Neil
Business Office