Parker Senior Center Events

Summer Concert Series
Location: Parker Senior Center, 10675 Longs Way, Parker
Wednesday, July 6th, 7-8 pm: Cat on the Keys (Catherine Paz)
Wednesday, July 20th, 7-8p: Country (Lance Valliant)
Wednesday, August 3rd, 7-8pm: Favorite Hits (Anton Mallard)
Wednesday, August 17th,, 7-8pm: Music Memories (Lonie Sailas)

 
All concerts are FREE and open to the public. Donations benefit the Center and are greatly appreciated. You can park in our lot and sit in your car OR park on the street or the RTD lot (next to ours), walk over and sit in your own chair. Bring a picnic, sit back (or dance) and enjoy the sunset and a summer of music!
 
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, July 10th, 8-10am
Location: Parker Senior Center, 10675 Longs Way
What’s for Breakfast? Pancakes from Flippin’ Flapjacks! Get your day started right! Invite your neighbors and friends! Come by and get 3 pancakes, 3 sausages, butter, syrup and OJ for just $10! Proceeds benefit Parker Senior Center.

Luncheon

The Maintain Me team (from left to right, Desiree, Morgan, and Chelsea) had a great time meeting with Senior Health First. Between bites of goodies, the team met with over 20 care providers to provide information on our resources to them and their clients.

Sucess Story

How Could I Call Another Place Home?

I was so happy to get a call from an old friend who also serves our aging population one afternoon. She was calling to tell me about a wonderful couple who wanted to plan for the future and see what options they had as their home was becoming too much to care for. I enjoyed visiting their home and knew that this was more about discovering and learning so I made sure to reassure them that there is no rush in what we do and that they are in a great place for being proactive.

The husband was very against moving as he loved his home and he was very comfortable there. He was perfectly positioned on the golf course where he would spend watching the golfers play and bird dance in the morning. This made it very hard to imagine calling any other place a home. The wife was doing the majority of the household upkeep as he could no longer do it and she was starting to get worn out with her daily commitments.

After a wonderful morning coffee with them and their daughter spent educating them on different types of communities, payment models and care assistance, I asked if they would like to see any. We didn't have many options in the area they wanted to be close to the daughter but there were a couple. They said they would look but again reminded me that they didn't know when they would be ready. I wanted to show them a couple places, one that had all the bells and whistles and one that I felt might give them more privacy and the feeling of a home versus an apartment style feel. I knew we were likely to be looking at some other places down the road but most of them had a waitlist that they were slightly interested in. We saw both places, both in which they liked. I set up lunches at both places to get a feel for the food as this was the food they would be eating outside of what they cooked in their place.

It was a week after that I heard from this amazing couple that they never thought they would choose the second place I had recommended as it was older and didn't have all the bells and whistles but that there was something about it that the husband liked. It felt so meant to be as the only two bedroom they had available ended up being in the middle of a renovation, therefore the community offered to the couple to be part of the renovation, allowing them to pick out the flooring, paint colors, add additional cabinets and really make it a home. They put down the deposit and slowly started to transition their life. They never once felt rushed, they thanked me for showing them the place they would not have looked for themselves and can now truly enjoy life to the fullest. The husband has two patios with a covered area for each that backs to the green yard around the property. There were mature trees for bird watching and several places to go outside.

Thank you for allowing Maintain Me to be part of this journey with you!
-Chelsea

Happy Father's Day

Wishing all Fathers, Grandfathers, Step-fathers, and Father figures a very Happy Father's Day.

KNOW - Stroke

Topic: KNOW Stroke — how acting FAST can save your life

Description:

In the US, every 3.5 seconds, someone dies of a stroke. What can be done to minimize that risk? Presentation will include facts about stroke prevention, who is especially at risk, how to recognize a stroke and act FAST, and the treatment options available including thrombolytic therapy, endovascular therapy and rehabilitative care.

Presenter:
Irina Rebello has been a Neuroscience Program Manager at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Program, since 2015 and is a volunteer for the American Stroke Association. She has been a registered nurse for over 22 years and holds a Masters of Science in Nursing Leadership. She is passionate about providing access to stroke care and is a frequent speaker and facilitator of community events.

Time:

Jun 30, 2022 11:00 AM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Sucess Story - Desiree

Desiree explains how she helped a son find care for his mother.

A referral came in from a Social Worker at a local Home Health company who had a client in need of more care. The client, who lived at home alone, needed immediate placement within a long-term care community. I met with the client and her son, that evening to explain the process, discuss options, and assess her care needs. The client was unhappy about leaving her home, however, after some discussion they understood the importance of adequate care. We spent that evening talking about her needs and what was important to her when deciding on a long-term care community. The client needed to find a facility as soon as possible to fit her care needs so I had to move quickly to find her options that fit her needs and financial capability. Within days, the client was moved into her new community and receiving the care she needed.

Do you have a loved one that is need of transition? I can help! Make a referral today!

Ms. Colorado Senior America

You could be the next Ms. Colorado Senior America!

It’s about time you do something for YOU!!  If you are 60 years of age or older and you feel you need a new lease on life or a new commitment and want to be a part of something wonderful, become a contestant in the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant to be held in October 2022.   Space is limited to only 12 – so hurry!

This yearly pageant is held to celebrate the fact that women’s beauty, talent, and charisma do not diminish with physical age and, instead, that women have reached the “Age of Elegance.”  This is not a “beauty” contest, but rather an event to showcase women who are vibrant, poised, talented, and personable well into their mature years.  During the pageant, contestants will be scored by a panel of judges using the criteria of a private interview, an evening gown competition displaying poise and elegance, a statement that conveys the contestant’s “philosophy of life,” and a talent presentation demonstrating a woman’s giftedness and accomplishments.  And best of all – no swimsuit competition!

 The winner of the contest will be crowned Ms. Colorado Senior America and will perform at showcases, appear in parades, make personal appearances and, best of all, compete in the Ms. Senior America Pageant in 2023.   

 All contestants who compete will automatically become a member of the Colorado Cameo Club and will have the opportunity to appear in showcases around the area and become a part of that vibrant group of senior ladies who love to give back to their community by sharing their time and talent with people in nursing homes, veteran’s homes, etc.

 Contestants are now being sought to compete for the title and crown.  If you feel you exemplify the inner beauty and dignity of a Ms. Colorado Senior America, contact Colorado State Pageant Administrator, Rene’ Green at 720-384-6249 (renemcsap@gmail.com) or visit the club’s website at www.colosramerica.com for information and all application materials.  Contestants must be 60 plus years of age to enter.  Space is limited, so sign up early!  The final application deadline is August 21, 2022, that is if space is available.   Give yourself an experience you will never forget!!!

Complete your application now and make 2022 a year to remember!

Future of Aging Conferece

Join us at The Future of Aging in Colorado Conference! We are inviting Coloradans from across the state to work together to improve the lives of people as they age today, and for decades to come. We will have representatives from non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, government agencies, and individuals of all ages, assessing where we are today and exploring partnerships to move the aging agenda forward.

Learn more about our Agenda & Speakers – CLICK HERE

• Gain understanding about Master Plans on Aging and where Colorado stands relative to other states – presented by the SCAN Foundation

• Hear about Colorado’s specific efforts toward developing a Master Plan and how that ties with the Modernization of the Older Coloradans Act and Lifelong Colorado

• Learn about the latest developments and improvements to AARP’s Livability Index – just rolled out in April, 2022. This index can be applied using an address, zip code, city, or county throughout the state and scores different categories like health, transportation and housing, providing the user with indicators describing the community conditions where they live

• Increase awareness about the demographic changes and their impact on housing and workforce issues in Colorado, looking more closely at differences in rural and urban geographies

• Participate in a World Café interactive session focused on building the engine that drives the changes needed to make Colorado the best place to grow old

• Network and connect, both in-person and virtually, with stakeholders who are invested in building a vision on aging that moves Colorado forward

• Consider the role of the legislatively updated Colorado Commission on Aging in policy development and how you can become involved

We hope you can join us! Register today!

Memory Care vs. Assisted Living

Are you trying to decide if your loved one needs assisted living or memory care. Did you think that your only option for memory care was in a nursing home.

DONT MOVE YOUR LOVED ONE WITHOUT WATCHING THIS FIRST.

There are many options for memory care here in Colorado and this is not a setting in a nursing home. We want to make sure everyone knows their options when looking into memory care and assisted living.

Memory care is still a form of assisted living, come find out more!

Pride Month

Pride is a time to celebrate who we are and how far we have come, especially in Colorado. In the 1990s, when Colorado was known as the ‘Hate State’, the possibility of Colorado being a leader in the nation for LGBTQ+ equality was merely a hopeful wish. Today, in Colorado we must not take our advancements towards equality for granted. As we witness the rise of harmful actions in state capitols, school boards, and political campaigns, as well as anti-LGBTQ rhetoric across the country, Pride serves as a reminder that our work is not finished until we ALL have an equal opportunity to live successful, healthy, authentic lives. Progress does come! It will come from community members who put in the work to carve a better path forward. During the month of June and beyond, we hope LGBTQ+ Coloradans and allies can safely attend a Pride event near them while keeping in mind our history, present circumstances, and the future we would like to create for ourselves. Happy Pride!

Memorial Day Brick

Purchase a brick and support the USMC Memorial remodel

Founded in 1974, completed and dedicated in 1977, the United States Marine Corps Memorial is located in Golden, Colorado. The Memorial’s mission is to honor Marines and all who served.

The five walkways represent different aspects of acknowledging service for Marines and the other branches. Four of the walkways are reserved for Marines, the remaining walkway is dedicated to other service members. Veterans (with honorable service( and active duty) qualify to buy a brick commemorating their service.

Select the link below to find an individual walkway to purchase a brick for.

Future of Aging Conference

Register Today - June 16th Event - FREE!

Conference Location - Antler’s Hotel
4 S. Cascade Avenue – Colorado, Springs
7:30 am to 4 pm (Mountain Time)

Register for the conference, mark your calendar, and plan to attend! This conference will be both virtual and in-person.

After more than seven years in operation, the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging sunsets on June 30th, 2022. It is hosting a conference, with support from the Colorado Commission on Aging, to plan for the future of aging in Colorado building on the work of both organizations. And more importantly, we hope to energize and engage stakeholders, individuals, non-profits, and businesses interested in aging issues to stay involved as we move forward.

Conference highlights will include a presentation on Master Plans on Aging (MPA) from the SCAN Foundation talking about what has happened across the United States in the formation of MPAs. Colorado’s Senior Policy Advisor on Aging will share the progress Colorado has made on developing an MPA and next steps.

We’ll get a take on the “future of aging demographics” from the state demographer specific to senior housing, caregiving, and older adults in the workforce and hear about the new AARP Livability Index.

A segment of the conference will be in the World Café format engaging all attendees in moving the state forward to improve the lives of older Coloradans. The afternoon will focus on how you can get involved!

Lunch will be a special celebration of the recipients of the Allen M.A. Buckingham awards, which recognizes outstanding leadership of both a volunteer and a professional working in the space. To learn more about the award and to nominate someone, visit this link.

The Future of Aging Conference in Colorado is FREE to attendees. Visit the Future of Aging in Colorado conference website to learn more and to register. Attendance will be virtual or in-person. Space is limited for in-person attendance so register soon.

Make a Plan!

What happens when your cognition deteriorates during an illness and you are in the hospital?

I speak from experience here, you really don't want to find yourself in this situation. The best way to avoid it? Make a plan now, long before you ever think you will need it. Make sure you have a Power of Attorney, a Living Will, and that you are in close communication with your designated person or person. Also important to make sure you know where your documents are, and the designated person also knows where the originals are!
This is the only way to have any control of what happens to you when you are incapacitated for any reason.

I recently helped a family where my client was in the hospital for months. She was already having some cognitive impairment, and it was later discovered she was also hoarding at her residence, a sign of additional impairment, but not reason enough alone, to not be able to return home. My client suffered a heart attack and went by ambulance to the ER. She was admitted, and underwent several procedures before hospital staff and physicians noticed her cognition had declined. She was angry and refusing to take any cognitive evaluations, and this made the situation worse!

The hospital was able to reach her daughter eventually, and she was the predesignated Power of Attorney to make decisions on her mother's behalf, however, the original documents were buried someplace in her house. It took weeks and weeks to finally find them. Once the documents were located and the daughter could begin acting on her appointment, the client had been in the acute setting for months. Tragic, a terrible circumstance for everyone.
You must have a safe place to discharge someone before they can leave the hospital. This client was physically very able, so she was denied by rehab. NOW WHAT?

This is when the hospital called me to help. The daughter finally got access to her Mom's banking information to know if she could afford assisted living at all, or, if there was a need to pursue Long Term Care Medicaid (which also can take months to be approved).Thankfully, the client had been working, and almost up to her admission, and did have some resources to prevent her from going to a nursing home (no need for nursing care, but there are so few medicaid assisted living beds that many folks end up in a nursing home prematurely, simply because there is more supply of medicaid nursing beds than there is assisted living.)

Again, I am sharing this story to highlight the need for A PLAN before you need any care at all. Make sure to have money set aside or even better, make the investment in your future with a Long Term Care Insurance Policy! We don't talk about this enough! Medicare and Health Insurance does not pay for assisted living! No one wants to think about their life when they need help, but since we are all living longer, there is no reason to avoid this topic. Avoiding it is a sure fire way to have someone else making decisions for you. And I am pretty sure, nobody really wants someone else making their life decisions for them!

Like the client in this case, she had planned who would make decisions for her, her daughter, but her paperwork was MIA to prove it. The result was a very long hospital admission. OK now for some silver linings: The client had some financial resources! We were able to find a community that met her financial needs, allowed her the most autonomy and independence she could get with the medication management and meal support she needed to stay strong and find her path post hospital discharge. But none of this was easy or fast.

She is getting back on her feet now, but I hate what she had to go through to get there.
The other silver lining, it took so long, and she was frequently very (rightly-so) frustrated and angry, she even kicked me out of her room on our first meeting! BUT THEN... the next day she called and asked if I would be her friend, and I said yes. We talked everyday until she was released to her new apartment. She holds a very dear place in my heart, and I feel honored she asked me to stand by her during this very difficult time.

Denver to Double Recycling

DENVER —  The City and County of Denver today released its Sustainable Resource Management Plan as an update to the city’s 2010 Solid Waste Master Plan, a collaboration between the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR), the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) and the Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE).

The primary vision of this plan is to divert 50 percent of all solid waste away from the landfill and to recycling or composting by 2027 and to increase that rate to 70 percent by 2032. Achieving a 50 percent diversion rate will create a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that would be comparable to taking more than 600,000 cars off the road. The plan also calls for bolstering the principles and practices of a circular economy, or minimizing or eliminating waste, such as composting organic material that can be used to increase soil health rather than sending it to the landfill. 

“Through focused efforts over the last ten years, Denver has been able to increase its diversion rate from 13 percent in 2010 to 26 percent in 2020,” said Grace Rink, Denver’s Chief Climate Officer. “While we have made progress, this rate has remained stagnant and falls well below the national average of 34 percent. Reaching a higher diversion rate will require new strategies, and this plan will get us there.” 

Consultation with subject matter experts and members of the resident-led 2020 Climate Action Task Force resulted in the recommended short- and long-term tactics, including: 

• Advancing policy at the local level that would increase recycling and composting, while continuing to advocate for policy at the state level that could limit the use of certain materials and prevent waste at the source;

• Improving operations between city agencies and with other partners throughout the city to create economically viable waste diversion solutions and programs, and;

• Educating residents and businesses on responsible waste habits that promote a more sustainable future, including how to properly manage our individual and collective waste.

Within the last year, CASR has already started this work with the Bring Your Own Bag ordinance, launched in July 2021, that created a $0.10 fee for plastic and paper bags provided at checkout. CASR also worked to advance the #SkiptheStuff ordinance in January 2022 that reduces the amount of single-use items provided with takeout or delivery.

Additionally, DOTI is advancing a proposal for a new ordinance that would expand waste services with weekly recycling and composting and begin charging a fee, and is one of the proven strategies to increasing diversion rates recommended in the Sustainable Resource Management Plan. An informational review of the expanded waste service proposal will be presented at the April 26 meeting of City Council’s committee on Land Use, Transportation, and Infrastructure. 

Denver Releases Plan to Double Recycling and Composting Over the Next Five Years (myprimetimenews.com)

What is Hospice?

What is hospice? A lot of our clients who are transitioning to Assisted Living and Memory ask about Hospice. Who qualifies for Hospice? Who pays for hospice? Can you graduate from Hospice? What services does hospice provide? Can you have Hospice in a senior care community such as Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Cares? In this video Desiree and Morgan tell you all that you need to know about hospice so you can plan for you or your loved one’s future!

VA Benefits Seminar

Essential Steps for a Safe Senior Living Environment

Making a home safe for seniors is crucial. As people age, they become more susceptible to injuries and accidents in the home. Due to this, it is vital to take extra measures to make sure your home is safe and senior-friendly.

Home Safety Steps to Take

The good news is that there are a lot of things you can do to increase home safety for your elderly loved ones. In this article, we will highlight some of the essential steps you need to take!

Install Grab Bars
An essential step you should take when making a safe home environment for seniors is to install grab bars in strategic locations. Grab bars can help prevent falls and support seniors who are unsteady on their feet. Another critical step is to make sure that all flooring surfaces are non-slip. Flooring that are non-slip will help reduce the risk of falls.

Update Your Alarm System
If you have an alarm system, it is essential to update it and ensure that it is working correctly. You should also test the system regularly to ensure it is still effective. If you haven’t installed any alarms, you should do it as soon as possible. Fire and smoke alarms are extremely important in any home, but they are especially crucial in seniors’ homes.

Medical alert systems are lifesavers for seniors living alone. These systems allow seniors to call for help in an emergency. There are different varieties of medical alert systems you can choose from on the market, so it is vital to research the best one for your needs.

Add More Lights
Walking around in a dimly-lit home can be dangerous for seniors. They’re more likely to trip and fall if they can’t see where they are going. For this reason, it is crucial to add more lights to your home, both inside and outside. Motion sensor lights can be installed to make it easier for seniors to see at night. Motion sensor lights are convenient and will turn on automatically when someone walks by.

Adding more lights to your home can help seniors see better and avoid accidents. You should add nightlights in hallways and bathrooms to make it easier for seniors to move around at night.

Remove Tripping Hazards
Clutter can be a tripping hazard for seniors. So, you should always keep clutter to a minimum to reduce the risk of falls. You should also remove any loose rugs or mats that could cause someone to trip and fall.

Another thing you could do is install non-slip flooring. This type of flooring can help reduce the risk of falls and make it easier for seniors to move around.

Upgrade Your Bathroom
Bathrooms can be hazardous for seniors. It’s essential to make sure that your bathroom is safe and senior-friendly. You should install grab bars in the shower and bathtub. You should also consider adding a raised toilet seat to make it easier for seniors to use the restroom.

Consider replacing your conventional tub or shower with a walk-in tub if you have the extra funding. Walk-in tubs are excellent for seniors because they provide a safe and easy way to take a bath or shower.

Wrapping Up
Making a home safe for seniors is essential. There are many steps you can take to make your home more senior-friendly. We highlighted several crucial steps you need to take. We hope that this article was helpful and that you will take action to make your home safer for seniors!

5 Essential Steps to Creating a Safe Home Environment for Senior Living (myprimetimenews.com)

Are Large Assisted Living Better than Small?

Are large assisted livings better than small communities? Morgan and Chelsea discussed in a recent video the pros of a smaller community versus a large assisted living. Now its time to discuss how a large assisted living can be more appropriate for some people and why. There is not a one size fits all and in this video we will show you the difference. Small communities have many benefits but its not for everyone. Some of our clients whether in Independent Living or Assisted Living prefer a large community. Watch this video to find out why!

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Are you looking for help finding care for mom, dad, grandpa, grandma or yourself in the Denver or any of its surrounding cities in Colorado? We are here to help! Whether you're looking to stay at home longer, need help navigating how to find a senior community, or how to find a nursing home in Denver, we can help make that transition so much easier for you!!

Reach out Day/Nights/Weekends whenever you want, we never stop working for you!! Chelsea Sweeney and Morgan Jenkins 📲 Call/Text Direct at 303-481-0051 📲 Email: Chelsea@maintain-me.com 👨‍💻 https://www.maintain-me.com

Happy Mother's Day

From all of us at Maintain Me to you and yours, Happy Mother's Day.

Are you looking for help finding care for mom, dad, grandpa, grandma or yourself in the Denver or any of its surrounding cities in Colorado? We are here to help! Whether you're looking to stay at home longer, need help navigating how to find a senior community, or how to find a nursing home in Denver, we can help make that transition so much easier for you!!

Reach out Day/Nights/Weekends whenever you want, we never stop working for you!!

#AskMaintainMe

Cinco De Mayo

Join Brookdale Senior Living Lowry for a fun Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour celebration with free tacos, margaritas and cornhole! This fun networking event helps you get to know our community and meet with professionals in the area. 

Venue

• Venue :Brookdale Senior Living Lowry

• Address :150 Quebec St

• City :Denver

• State :CO

• Zip :80230

Organizer

• Contact :Ansley Santos

• Phone :720-697-3392

• Email :asantos20@brookdale.com