Prairie Elder Care and Connectivities

All Home Care Matters was honored to welcome the founders of Prairie Elder Care & Connectivities as guests to the show to share how they are helping to support, stimulate, and care for loved ones with dementia.

Michala Gibson is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience in the senior care industry. She has served as Director of Nursing and Director of Staff Development in local care communities. She is the co-founder of Prairie Elder Care and the Prairie Farmstead where residents live in small group homes on a small farm setting. As a Certified Trainer for Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, Michala works continuously to ensure that the elders in her care have the best opportunities for quality of life.

Michala is co-author of the book, Now is Found, highlighting steps to giving back Community, Connection and Control to those living with dementia.

Mandy Shoemaker brings 20 years of experience in education prior to her career in dementia care, Mandy has a deep passion for creating programs that spark meaningful engagement. As an elementary school principal, she focused on supporting her families’ children. As co-founder of Prairie Elder Care and Connectivities, she has shifted her focus to ensuring a better quality of life for people living with dementia.

Through co-authoring the book, Now is Found, Mandy has worked to minimize the stigma of dementia and help people understand how Community, Connection and Control can improve quality of life for those dealing with the effects of dementia.

Summary of Prairie Elder Care:

If you have a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you know how difficult the journey is.

So does Prairie Elder Care. With our small homes and hands-on approach, we’re proud to provide the highest quality dementia care in Kansas City. Situated on a 5 acre Farmstead, our homes are uniquely designed to ensure every resident is continually supported in an environment that’s engaging, warm, and familiar. And when it comes to quality care, we make sure your loved one gets the specialized attention they deserve, focusing on their strengths to create a daily routine that provides engagement and purpose.

Care farming offers a variety of options for residents who like to stay busy. There are therapeutic farm animals such as a mini pig, dwarf goats, and chickens for our residents to connect with in ways that may be difficult with other people. A large vegetable and sensory garden provides a calming and interactive setting for our residents to enjoy.

Because we believe that quality of life for residents begins with engagement, for those who enjoy the outdoors, love animals, or perhaps have farming in their past, the quality of life available at The Prairie Farmstead is unsurpassed. Our mission of giving back community, connection, and control is taken a step further at the Farmstead. With engaging activities for the entire family, visits become an interactive experience, rather than a chore.

Summary of Connectivities:

Co-Founders, Mandy Shoemaker and Michala Gibson, bring their passion and expertise for helping people of all ages experience authentic connections and meaningful engagement to life with Connectivities. Each box contains 8+ grab-and-go activities that include science experiments, word games, art projects, and sensory experiences.

Music therapy and home exercise plans help participants meet therapeutic goals. Every activity that makes it into a Connectivities box has been successfully trialed by people living with dementia and their care partners. Designed to use in both one-on-one and group environments, Connectivities brings a spirit of play to any setting. Trying new things builds neuroplasticity–it boosts the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and make new connections.

These activities help create the safe, supportive space needed to take risks–to get up from the TV, to engage, and to try something new. It’s about the process, not the product. Each activity builds connections in the brain and helps people living with dementia meet their therapy goals. With Connectivities, you can be confident your loved one’s brain, body, and heart are getting the attention they deserve.