Calling All Housing Advocates

Looking to become a local Denver Advocate? Continue to join us as we advocate for low-income Older Adult affordable housing with our Denver Affordable Housing Coalition.
The purpose of the Coalition is to work with policy makers in the City and County of Denver to increase the inclusion of aging in the city's current and on-going housing planning. The Coalition creates and dives deep into conversations surrounding: reviewing current affordable housing policies; including incentives for developers to increase housing units for fixed-income older adults, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and advocates for prioritization of fixed-income older adult renters/homeowners.

Our next meeting date/time: October 6th, 2:00-3:00PM.

This week, we will discuss:

1. Update on Denver Basic Income Project
2. Review and draft Coalition recommendation for HOST's Draft 2023 Action Plan

Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcoduqhrzktHNUlAgeUQpXNd5wRx2sRnWZv

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions?
Please email: madisen.frederick@senioranswers.org

Medicare Wednesdays

The Wednesday Lunch and Learns provide an opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to learn more about specific issues as they are making decisions about Medicare and their current coverages.  ALL SESSIONS WILL BE FROM 12:00 TO 1:00 PM on Zoom.  Register for one or more sessions.

REGISTER FOR OCTOBER 19 - What is Right for You: Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement

REGISTER FOR OCTOBER 26 - Prescription Drug Benefits: Insulin, Vaccines, Formulary Changes/Tiers

REGISTER FOR NOVEMBER 2- Self=Employed: Coordinating Medicare with Employer Plans

REBISTER FOR NOVEMBER 9- Selecting The Right Option If You Receive Medicare and Medicaid

Success Story

I was contacted from Senior Health First one afternoon about a lovely lady who is needing to transition to memory care. I immediately called the power of attorney who happened to live out of state. When speaking with the clients POA, which happened to be her family friend, she was starting to get worried that our client wasn't going to be able to stay at home any longer. I agreed to get an assessment done ASAP to ensure safety measures for the client. 

The client was very hesitant to have me come there, however the situation was not as big of a safety concern as everyone had led on. This provided all involved some relief and I continued to build a relationship with the client.

I knew two things had to happen in order for this to go smooth:

  • I needed to build my own relationship with the client as she was being told from every direction that she needed to move NOW and that was not going over very well.

  • I also needed to ensure safety while I gave the time necessary to build her trust.

First thing I did was listen. She slowly opened up as I made mental notes about questions I had around safety. After she was able to get all her fears out and saw that I was just there to listen, I asked her questions around some safety concerns instead of just telling her my concerns. 

  • Example: instead of saying " I don't think it is a good idea for you to go all the way downstairs to sharpen a pencil" I would say... "Would it be easier to sharpen your pencils if we move your sharpener upstairs? Here is a great place to put it".

Now for the safety action items:
Main concern was the use of stairs while we worked through the process of her move...

  • moved pencil sharpener upstairs 

  • put large trash can upstairs for friend to take to the outside trash when visiting 2x per week

  • fall alert system in case she fell while no one was there

  • discussed lighting in her house and how to decrease her risk of falls

  • walked home to mitigate falls by moving rugs or increasing lighting.



After three short weeks we were able to move our client to a wonderful, assisted living instead of memory care to ensure she was able to adapt, fit into her environment, and was able to maintain the independence she was able to do safely. Transitions are not a quick process and sometimes deserve more time to allow our aging population the respect they deserve!

Flu Season is Around the Corner

Believe it or not, flu season is right around the corner, and flu shots are now available at all CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide, with convenient evening and weekend hours to get the whole family vaccinated. It’s more important than ever to stay current with flu shots and other vaccinations this fall, and with the flexibility of digital and walk-in appointments seven days a week, getting vaccinated at CVS Pharmacy is easy and convenient.

According to a recent survey conducted by CVS Health, 43% of Americans intend to visit a retail pharmacy for their flu shot this year, and 65% plan to schedule their appointment digitally. Individuals can quickly and easily make vaccination appointments by visiting CVS.com, the CVS Pharmacy app or by texting FLU to 287898. New this year, digital scheduling offers the ability to schedule multiple patients at once, making it easier for families and other groups that want to get vaccinated together. Patients can also schedule multiple vaccinations (if eligible), so they can receive additional vaccinations, such as COVID-19 boosters, during the same visit.

Service Saturdays

Gather your group and serve the older adults in your community today!  

We are excited to help our older adults prepare their yards for winter but we can't do it without your help. We need volunteers across the state, but especially in the Roaring Fork Valley and Grand Junction. Forward this email to friends, family, and colleagues so that they can help an older adult out by signing up today. 

Location Specific Dates and Registration Pages:

October 1st: Roaring Fork Valley

October 29th: Grand Junction

November 5th: Jefferson County, Fort Collins

November 12th: Denver, Berthoud/Loveland

Best,

The ALH Team

What are Service Saturdays? They are A Little Help's flagship event where hundreds of volunteers from across the state come together to help older adults with yard work. They are open to families, friend groups, faith-based groups, businesses, and any other group you can think of. Signing up is as easy as picking a team leader and having them register the group at alittlehelp.org/ServiceSaturdays.

If you are not yet a member receiving help from A Little Help, or a volunteer but interested in learning more or joining A Little Help, we'd love to have you. See our website for information on joining us.   

And of course, if you'd like to donate to A Little Help, every little bit helps and gives us the opportunity to continue all of these programs. 

Metro Denver
2755 S. Locust Street, #220
Denver, CO 80222
720-242-9032
office@alittlehelp.org

Larimer County
19 Old Town Square Suite 238
Fort Collins, CO 80524 
Fort Collins: 970-412-9396
Berthoud: 970-703-3623
office@alittlehelp.org

Roaring Fork Valley
P.O. Box 4231
Basalt, CO 81621
970-404-1923
office@alittlehelp.org



Metro Denver & Operations Office
2755 S. Locust Street, Suite 220
Denver, CO 80222
United States720-242-9032

Northern Colorado
19 Old Town Square, Suite 238
Fort Collins, CO 80524
328 Massachusetts Avenue
Berthoud, CO 80513
970-412-9396

Western Slope
P.O. Box 4231
Basalt, CO 81621
970-404-1923

Sucess Story

New Beginnings

When Desiree first met with Kate and her family, they were looking for senior community options. 

Kate had lost her husband late last year and also had some knee issues that were keeping her from being able to go up and down the stairs of her home. Even with the help of her daughter and son-in-law, the daily upkeep of the house was proving to be too much.

Kate was a little hesitant at first of moving out of her home which she lived in for the past 30 years. But after sitting down with Kate and her family, getting to know what was important to her and what she was looking for, Desiree started to set up tours in the area close to her home. Kate was pleasantly surprised at the amenities the different senior communities offered and fell in love with one of them.

When Desiree checked back with Kate a few weeks after she moved in, she was happy with her decision and making new friends! 

Success Story

Help Found Just in Time!

I was referred to Gina and her husband Bill by Bill's speech therapist. He has Parkinson's Disease. Sadly, Speech Therapy was no longer working for Bill, there was nothing more that could be done to help him with this modality. The silver lining for both Gina and Bill was getting introduced to Maintain Me for help with planning, "now what?". 
I met with the couple in their home and got to know each of them a little better and came to understand what was important to them with the next phase of their lives together. 
Gina was exhausted, she feared every night she fell asleep that something bad might happen because Bill would often get up at night and wander about the house. She feared he might fall when she would go for groceries or to get gas in the car. She was never gone long, and Bill never left the house, but the fear always remained. Can you imagine living like this? The stress was taking its toll on both Gina and Bill. 
After some consultation, I helped Gina have the courage to talk to her husband about her fears for his safety, and her desire for more help in providing for his care. 
Bill took the hard conversation to heart and told his wife he understood, and he wanted her to have help too. He knew his care was getting increasingly more challenging for his wife. 
They are on a fixed income and could not afford to pay for care at home, and so they were in agreement to look at a community outside the home. 
They live in Arvada, and there are many great options. We looked at 5 places, and one really stood out. Unfortunately, they were full, with a waiting list. 
Gina decided to move forward with her second choice, because she was too tired to fathom the idea of waiting indefinitely for a bed to open at her first choice. 
Well, the universe works in mysterious ways, and heard Gina's wishes. The second-choice community ended up not working out. So, we met and talked about possible options. 
Gina decided to bring in home care short hours, to at least give her some respite, and low and behold, there was going to be a room opening up at the top choice community because someone was moving into a shared room from a private room. 
We were able to help get Bill settled in his new home, and a tremendous weight was lifted from Gina's shoulders. Bill is now in a small, loving environment that understands his unique needs. AND it is walking distance not only from Gina's home, but also her sister's! Both ladies can walk and get sunshine and fresh air and visit Bill daily. 

This type of success makes the hard days all worthwhile. 

Colorado Cash Back

All Coloradoans Age 18 and over can receive the Colorado Cashback $750 Tabor Refund.  Individuals on limited income need to complete the Colorado Income tax forms DR 0104.  Individuals who file federal and state income tax will automatically receive the refund, as well as those who filed the PTC 104 for 2021 prior to June 30, 2022.


We are especially concerned about older adults whose only income is Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income and/or Old Age Pension and who do not usually file taxes.
 
To receive the $750 refund, individuals must file a Colorado Income Tax form DR0104.  Download the form , complete and mail before October 17, 2022.  

ONCE YOU DOWNLOAD THE FORM (forms are not available in Spanish). 

  1. Check "full year" box

  2. Complete name, address and other information on page 1

  3. Put zero on Line 1, 5 and 7

  4. Sign the form on page 4

  5. Mail to Colorado Department of Revenue, Denver CO  80261-0005 before October 17.

Please share this email with your residents/clients, families and friends, and anyone over age 18.
 
Please call 303-333-3482 if you have questions.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. The event, which spans from September 15 to October 15, commemorates how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society at large.

The term Hispanic or Latino (or the more recent term Latinx) refers to a person’s culture or origin—regardless of race. On the 2020 Census form, people were counted as Hispanic or Latino or Spanish if they could identify as having Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or “another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin.”

Hispanic Heritage Month actually began as a commemorative week when it was first introduced in June of 1968 by California Congressman George E. Brown. The push to recognize the contributions of the Latinx community had gained momentum throughout the 1960s when the civil rights movement was at its peak and there was a growing awareness of the United States' multicultural identities.

Brown, who represented East Los Angeles and a large portion of the San Gabriel Valley—both heavily populated by members of the Hispanic and Latinx communities—wanted to recognize the role played by those communities throughout American history.

On September 17, 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90-48, officially authorizing and requesting the president to issue annual proclamations declaring September 15 and 16 to mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Week and called upon the “people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first Hispanic Heritage Week presidential proclamation the same day.

The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. September 15 was chosen as the kickoff because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five “Central American neighbors,” as Johnson called them—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Those five nations declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.

Celebrating One Year

Desiree's One Year Anniversary

Maintain Me was so lucky to have brought on Desiree Diaz as part of our family a little over a year ago. Desiree has brought so much compassion, patience and knowledge to our team. The Maintain Me team wanted to take a second to thank Desiree for all the hard work that she has put, not only toward our team, but also every client that she has helped over the last year. Desiree is kind, strong, patient, determined and the list goes on and on. Desiree is a critical part of the Maintain Me family and we feel so blessed to have her standing beside us while serving our aging population.

THANK YOU DESIREE FOR JUST BEING YOU! 

Have you worked with Desiree in the field? Help us celebrate her today by leaving her a review. A review is the best complement we can receive not by our peers, clients and referral sources! 

CDPHE Event

Who: Elaine McManis, the Divisional Director of CDPHE's Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division

What: 1.5 hour conversation with Q&A

When: 11:00 - Thursday, Sept 15

Topics:

  • What is CDPHE and why you should care

  • The difference in Federal standards

  • The lack of Federal standards for ALF

  • The tools available to CDPHE to bring a building into compliance

  • How the new legislation with the absence of capped fees applies in the landscape

  • Changes she has seen over the course of only a few years in the ALF world

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84230653213?pwd=ZVhUejZOMml0MFdRbmtuTzZuazlDZz09


Meeting ID: 842 3065 3213

Passcode: 009550

5 Star Review

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! Sharing experiences allows others to find us when they need help too. The process of finding the right care as your needs change in life is not easy. We are eager to be able to help people be empowered in a hard situation and support their loved ones who often help with much of the process navigation.


Do you have a loved one that is need of transition? Click Contact Us to be connected!

Labor Day 2022

1. Labor Day is much more than just a day off of work. It started with Peter McGuire, who is considered the Father of the Labor Day holiday, according to Purple Trail. He was an Irish-American pioneer unionist who wanted citizens that “labored” all year long be acknowledged and have a day to relax.

2. He is credited with saying the following statement during a Central Labor Union on May 18,1882: "Let us have, a festive day during which a parade through the streets of the city would permit public tribute to American Industry."

3. Labor Day has been a nationally celebrated holiday in the U.S. since 1894. It’s also honored in Canada.

4. Creators decided to pick the first week of September to honor Labor Day because the time is between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. The first Labor Day parade was held on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. And it wasn’t on a Monday. It was a Tuesday.

5. Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day a holiday. This happened in 1887, five years after the first parade.

6. It was President Grover Cleveland who decided the first Monday of every September would be set aside to celebrate Labor Day. The move came during a railroad strike.

7. On average, Americans worked 12-hour days, seven days a week during the Industrial Revolution, local Colorado news station KUSA-TV wrote. And it wasn’t just adults. Children as young as 5 or 6 years old worked in factories and mills throughout the nation.

8. Labor Day is celebrated on a different day in most countries. Many choose May Day, which is on May 1, as their day to honor working people.

9. It takes the average American nearly 30 minutes to get to their job. The average commute it 24.3 minutes, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

10. Why is it a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day? Well, there’s no need to worry anymore. Thanks to trend-setters like Diddy and J-Lo, wearing white all year long is acceptable.

Labor Day Trivia Facts 2015: 10 Fun Things For Kids To Know (ibtimes.com)

Taste of Colorado

After being canceled in 2020 and moving to a new format in 2021 that saw events scattered throughout downtown, Taste of Colorado will return to Civic Center Park for its 2022 edition — though that wasn't the original plan.

A Denver Labor Day weekend tradition, this year's festival was set to take place September 3-5 on the 16th Street Mall. As of August 1, that venue was still listed on both the Downtown Denver Partnership's website as well as the event's website. But the Taste is definitely moving.

"Unfortunately, due to the 16th St. Mall construction, Taste of Colorado will be held at Civic Center Park," says Tyree Johnson, office coordinator for the Downtown Denver Partnership.

The move may not be all that unfortunate, though, as it means that the festival can return to the site where it had been held from 1983 — the year it was resurrected to celebrate the opening of the 16th Street Mall — through 2019. The Taste was initially billed as a comeback of the Festival of Mountain and Plain, which ran from 1895 to 1902, then briefly returned in 1912. But over the years, that earlier identity has all but disappeared.

The 2022 Taste of Colorado at Civic Center Park will include five music stages and performances from over sixty artists, though the final lineup has yet to be announced.

The Arts & Crafts Marketplace will have over fifty local artisan booths, and more than thirty food trucks and restaurant vendors are slated to be on hand — a definite drop from previous years, but turkey legs are sure to make an appearance. The Greek Theater inside the park will become a "speakeasy," according to the Downtown Denver Partnership, with spirits from local craft distilleries. Admission is free, even if food and beverages are not.

 

Taste of Colorado Will Return to Civic Center Park (westword.com)

Highlands Ranch Music and Arts Festival

Highlands Ranch Music Arts Festival
 
Presented by the Highlands Ranch Concert Band,
Saturday September 17, 2022
Civic Green Park 9370 Ridgeline Blvd. Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Performances begin at 11:00 AM.

The free, family-oriented Annual Highlands Ranch Music Arts Festival will fill Civic Green Park with entertainment, arts, a festival marketplace, and activities on September 17th starting at 11:00 am.  Bring a blanket and folding chairs and enjoy.

Highlands Ranch Concert Band, an organization of volunteer professional, amateur and high school musicians that provides free concerts throughout the year, is the organizer/promoter of the festival.

Major sponsors are Metro Districts of Highlands Ranch and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), and as well the band receives support from local businesses and individuals.

Music will include a wide range of styles:  Jazz and swing fill the program on Saturday, along with concert music.

Featured are the Highlands Ranch Concert Band, The Rootin’ Tootin’s Dixieland Band, Blue 88’s Big Band, Golden Eagle Concert Band, the Over the Hill Band, and Highland Ranch Swing Shift.

The Festival Marketplace offers items by artists, craftsmen, and food vendors.

Lunch with Senior Health First

One thing the Maintain Me team loves to do is provide value to our referral sources. It was so amazing to visit with the Senior Health First crew and collaborate.

We thank you Senior Health First team for trusting us with your patients and for always going over and beyond in your practice!

What a fun day as our team comes together up north to support one another!

Active Adult Programs

Active Adult Programs

Morning Coffee Chat – September 6 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Wild Blue Coffee Shop
Medicare 101 – September 14 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Douglas County Libraries at Highlands Ranch
Museum/Park Tour & Sack Lunch – September 16 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Hiwan Heritage Park
Morning Coffee Chat – September 20 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Wild Blue Coffee Shop
 
For more information and to register for events, please visit highlandsranch.org/signmeup.

Estate Planning

Pet Trust

We all love our pets and want to ensure that they are taken care of after we die.  There are several options for pet owners in Colorado.  The most elaborate option is to establish a pet trust.  To create a pet trust you must set aside a certain amount of money to be used to care for your pet(s) and you must name a trustee to manage those funds.  The trustee may physically take care of the pet(s) or they may arrange for the pet(s) to be taken care of elsewhere.  In the case of horses for example, the trustee may pay a stable to board your horses if they are unable to physically shelter the animals.  The trust terms should include the amount of money held in trust; when distributions may be made by the trustee, when the trust will terminate and what will happen with any monies left over when the trust terminates.  The trust will be terminated when your pet(s) die, or when there is no money remaining in the trust.  If there are remaining monies in the trust, they may be devised to the trustee at the death of the pet(s) or they may be left to another person and or charity.  A pet trust is often called an honorarium trust.

As an alternative to a pet trust, if your will or trust document gives you the opportunity to dispose of your personal property through use of a personal property memorandum, you may list your pet(s) on your memorandum giving them to an individual at your death.  This method may be risky because the person you give your pet(s) to may not have the funds to take care of your pet(s).  In addition, the person you give your pets to may decline to take the gift.  It is important to talk to the people you want to care for your pets to ensure that they will agree to care for your pet(s) and that they not only have the funds to care for your pet but the time and a good home for them as well.   

Tamra K. Waltemath

This article was written by Tamra K Waltemath of Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C.  This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  For specific questions, you should consult a qualified attorney. Tamra K. Waltemath is an elder law attorney focusing on wills, trusts, estate and trust administration, probate and non-probate transfers, guardianships and conservatorships.  She can be contacted at:  Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C., 3843 West 73rd Avenue, Westminster, CO  80030; 303-657-0360; or visit her website at: www.WaltemathLawOffice.com.

Morgan's 6- Year Anniversary

An Anniversary comes every year and although it's to no surprise, I still am at a loss of words. How do you describe your gratitude to business partner, your friend, your role model? This last month marked the 6 year anniversary Morgan has been building alongside me at Maintain Me Senior Services. 

We have been through so much, yet I have never felt so optimistic as Morgan and I always come together to create, celebrate and share our passion. 

We always giggle when talking about our strengths. As many of you probably already know, Morgan is passionate, driven, kind, fun, adventurous, detail oriented, a problem solver, and more. Morgan is also the person who shows up as her best self to all that she takes on. 


Here are just a few of her accomplishments this last year:

 

I would be lying if I said this was the entire list...WE want to HEAR FROM YOU!

If you have worked with Morgan or want to share a success you know of not mentioned above...

 

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! Leave a review below to show her your love!