SeniorChoices A comprehensive guide to products and services for active & vibrant senior adults
Six super snacks for seniors
2
page
A life of learning and social change
page
3
The view from the front desk at RiverPointe page
5
An affordable alternative to moving page
6
A supplement to The Villager Newspaper August 6, 2015
PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • August 6, 2015
SeniorChoices
Six super snacks for seniors SUBMITTED BY CENTENNIAL HOME CARE ASSISTANCE
When it comes to healthy snacks, the age of the baby carrot is over. Sure, raw carrots are great for you, but so are plenty of other delicious foods. These six delicious snacks are also “superfoods” – not only are they not bad for you, they have health-boosting properties to boot. Whether you crave something sweet, something salty, something crunchy, or something creamy, there is a superfoods snack for you. Note the serving sizes mentioned and enjoy all snacks in moderation for a healthy, varied diet.
1. Almonds have been shown to lower cholesterol and help maintain a healthy weight. About a ¼ cup of almonds is a beneficial serving. Enjoy them plain or roasted, whole or slivered. Almond butter – just a tablespoon or two – is a healthy treat, too. Try some on a whole grain cracker and
a cup of green tea for a late afternoon energy boost.
2. Blueberries are as full of cancer- and disease-fighting antioxidants as any food around, so much so that they have been even shown to restore antioxidant levels. Also, like cranberries, they can help prevent urinary tract infections. Note that wild blueberries tend to have even more antioxidants than cultivated ones. Fresh berries are delicious all on their own or with a bit of Greek yogurt (see No. 5). Frozen berries can be used in smoothies or put on top of low-fat frozen yogurt. Use about ½ cup fresh or frozen berries as a serving. 3. Broccoli eaten either raw or lightly steamed contains tons of soluble fiber and antioxidants, as well as folic acid, calcium, ion, and potassium. Broccoli has even been shown to have
dried fruits like blueberries, tart cherries, or raisins – as well as a good substitute for fatty sour cream. Include in it your three servings (1/2 cup each) of low-fat dairy a day.
the power to reduce diabetic damage. Don’t throw away the stalk/stem! Cut off the thick, fibrous darker green peel to reveal the tender, pale green vegetable underneath – it has the crunch of celery and a mild broccoli flavor. Try broccoli florets or peeled stems with a little drizzle of soy sauce or a simple dip made from fatfree Greek yogurt (again see No. 5) – stir in minced garlic and herbs, lemon zest and minced rosemary or a sprinkle of cumin and cayenne to taste. About ½ cup of florets or peeled stem is a serving. 4. Cherries, tart ones in particular, have similarly insanely high antioxidant levels as blueberries, putting them in the position to fight memory loss, heart disease, and diabetes. They’ve also been shown to help reduce inflammation, helping alleviate arthritic and gout pain. Fresh, frozen or dried (unsweet-
The Top Choice for In-Home Care Home Care Assistance helps keep older adults safe and offers peace of mind for family members. We provide: • Meal preparation, transportation, medication reminders, personal care, and more • Extensively screened, expert caregivers trained in the Balanced Care Method™ • Cognitive Therapeutics – research-based, enjoyable cognitive activities • Live-in and hourly care options • Post-hospital and rehab care
Call today for a complimentary consultation 303-957-3100 • www.CentennialHomeCareAssistance.com Serving the communities of South Metro Denver
ened) tart cherries make a great snack on their own or combined with other nuts almonds, walnuts, pumpkins seeds) and fruits (blueberries, raisins). Count ½ cup fresh cherries or ¼ cup dried cherries as a serving.
5. Greek yogurt is thick and creamy in a way regular yogurt can only dream of. It’s high in calcium, of course, and contains good levels of probiotics, which aid healthy digestion. But did you know low-fat and fat-free versions contain twice as much protein as regular yogurt? The texture of Greek yogurt makes it a great snack – especially when topped with
6. Dark chocolate – saving the best for last. Dark chocolate has tons of antioxidants, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, and phosphorous. Look for chocolate that contains over 70 percent cocoa to get the full benefit of chocolate’s antioxidant powers and limit your intake to about an ounce a day. If you have an aging parent and you’re concerned about his or her ability to maintain healthy diet choices, a Home Care Assistance caregiver can help. We are available 24/7 to provide experienced, trustworthy caregivers to help with meal preparation, companionship, activities, transportation, socialization and more. Visit www.CentennialHome CareAssistance.com or call 303957-3100 for more information.
Heflebower Funeral Services is the We Highlands are here to listen andfuneral respect yourprovider only Ranch based services wishes. and with located here and is hereWe to are servefamily you andowned your family Dignity andtoRespect take care our friends and neighbors. during your of most difficult time. Because each life is as unique as a fingerprint, we encourage you and your family to personalize your service and share the indelible markfor thatthe eachlove person hascare left onyou this showed earth. “Thanks so much and to our
family and especially your kindness for Josephine. As her Mama,
Heflebower Funeral Services is theand care you showed to our family and especially your so to much forheld the love We"Thanks are listen andfuneral respect your IHighlands felthere you truly her tight for me.” only based services kindness forRanch Josephine. As her Mama, I provider felt you truly held her tight for me." wishes. We are family owned and with located here andThe is here to serve you and your family Dignity andtoRespect The Chapel Family Heflebower Funeral Services is the Chapel Family Wecare areof here to listen and respect your take our friends and neighbors. during your most difficult time. Because each lifeprovider is as unique as a only Highlands Ranch based funeral services wishes. We are owned and located here fingerprint, we encourage your family to Dignity personalize your service and and is here to servefamily youyou andand your family with andtoRespect share the care indelible mark thatthe each person has leftlife onyou earth. take our friends and neighbors. “Thanks so of much for love and care during your most difficult time. Because each isthis as showed unique as ato our fingerprint, we encourageyour you and your family to personalize yourAs service family and especially kindness Josephine. her and Mama, We are available tofor serve "Thanks so the love and care you showed our especially share themuch indelible mark that each person hascare left onyou thisfamily earth. and to “Thanks sofor much for the love showed our your your family 24and hours a to I felt you truly held her tight for me.” kindness for Josephine. As her Mama, I felt you truly held her tight for me." day,your 7 dayskindness a week, andfor Josephine. As her Mama, family and especially The Chapel Family "Thanks so much the love and care youme.” showed to our family and especially your The Family 365 a year. IChapel felt you trulyforheld herdays tight for kindness for Josephine. As her Mama, I felt you truly held her tight for me." TheChapel Chapel Family The Family Mike Heflebower Director Licensed Funeral Director We Funeral are available to serve and Owner yourNationally family 24Licensed hours aand Certified day,We 7 days a week, and are available to serve Office Hours: M-F a 9AM to 4PM 365your days a year. family 24 hours Saturday and Sunday by Appointment day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Mike Heflebower
8955 S.Director Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. 100, Funeral Licensed Funeral Director Highlands Ranch CO. 80129 Nationally Licensed and Certified and Owner Mike Heflebower Funeral Director Licensed Funeral Director Office:Office 720-344-6087 - FAX: 720-344-6101 Nationally Licensed Certified Hours: M-F and 9AM to 4PM and Owner Saturday and Sunday by Appointment E-mail – heflebowerfuneralservices@gmail.com
Office Hours: M-F 9AM to 4PM www.HeflebowerFuneralServices.com Saturday and Sunday by Appointment
8955 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. 100, Highlands Ranch CO. 80129 8955 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. 100, Office: 720-344-6087 - FAX:CO. 720-344-6101 Highlands Ranch 80129 E-mail – heflebowerfuneralservices@gmail.com
SeniorChoices
August 6, 2015 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3
A life of learning and social change At 82, Centennial’s Ellie Greenberg isn’t done yet
Elinor Greenberg – known as Ellie to her friends – was a strange neighbor when her family built a house in what was then greater Littleton in the late 1950s. Having received her master’s degree in speech pathology in 1954, she was on the faculties of the University of Colorado and Loretto Heights College at a time when many women were attending the June Cleaver school of stay-athome moms. Greenberg and her late husband Manny were also Democrats during a period when the south suburbs were strongly dominated by Republicans. What’s more, the Greenbergs were outspoken civil-rights activists, even as segregation and white flight to the suburbs were playing out in Arapahoe County. Last but not least, the family was Jewish. “One of my motivations for moving out here is I wanted my children to grow up knowing what it is like to be a minority,” Greenberg said. “I felt that was a much better preparation for life.” As the mother of three continued her career and education for decades, eventually receiving her doctorate in 1981, Greenberg found time to take a leadership role in Littleton’s small, but passionate, civil-rights movement, eventually welcoming an unlikely visit from Martin Luther King Jr. “My career was in higher education, but it was about creating access to opportunity,” Greenberg said. Decades later, the activist-educator would travel to Germany’s Dachau concentration camp as part of a high-profile delegation that would be the basis for a local television documentary called Journey for Justice. Over the years, Greenberg would author nine books, including 2008’s critically popular A Time of Our Own: In Celebration of Women Over Sixty. Greenberg, now 82, has not slowed down as she continues running her consulting and publishing firm, while organizing the annual Colorado Feminist Luncheon and writing narrative poems reflecting on the aging process and other topics. On Saturday, Aug. 8, Greenberg will participate in Denver Days at New Hope Baptist Church where Journey for Justice will be screened and followed by a panel discussion with some of the surviving visitors to Dachau.
White flight
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1932, Greenberg’s parents were descendants of Ukrainian Jews who had
fled persecution before and after the turn of the century. Greenberg says at an early age she understood the historical connection between Judaism and social activism, citing wisdom of the ancient Jewish sage Hillel. “It is our obligation to be concerned with justice and equality. It’s all in the Torah,” the Littleton activist explained. “It’s what Judaism is about.” After spending much of her childhood in New Jersey, Ellie and Manny settled in what was then called Littleton – now west Centennial – just as the introduction of Martin Marietta was spur- Centennial’s Ellie Greenberg helped ring job growth and organize Martin Luther King’s visit to a south-suburban Littleton in 1964. Photos by Peter Jones housing boom. “Everybody on this block was a Martin engineer, “We went on about education, except my house,” Greenberg said employment and housing, all the in the home where she still lives. things we were working on.” Although King was larger than “Then, they brought in their first life, the Littleton activist was taken black engineer.” When a real estate agent learned aback by what she perceived as his that the couple who had just made relative shortness of stature. “He was standing around these a successful bid was black, he changed the locks on the doors, big bodyguards and I looked eye to eye with him,” she said. “We alGreenberg said. But as it happened, it was the ways see him behind a podium and agent – not the black couple – who think of him as a big guy.” When the civil-rights leader fihad picked the wrong neighborhood. Greenberg and others had nally arrived at Littleton’s Grace founded the small, but passionate, Presbyterian Church, he was met Littleton Council for Human Rela- by supporters, as well as those who tions, which lent both advocacy and were not so sure. “The room was full of chambermoral support when the couple took of-commerce types and Realtor the issue to court. That activism did not come types with their arms folded, just without a price, as the group be- waiting to see what the heck he came a social pariah. Bomb threats would say. But he was just magnifiwere made on the council’s church cent,” Greenberg recalled. During his extemporaneous meetings and the Greenbergs’ speech, King tied events in Littleton house became a popular site for and across the United States to what toilet-paper brigades. “A neighbor came over and said, was taking place around the world. “As we struggle to break down ‘You’re going to make our property values go down. Why are you the barriers of discrimination in our siding with all these Negroes?’ He nation, we are struggling in the final went on and on and on. There were analysis to save the soul of our napeople in the neighborhood who tion,” he said, as heard in the Rocky Mountain PBS documentary, When were very upset,” Greenberg said. a King Came to Town. “… The peoples of the world are looking to A visit from a King In 1964, as both Congress and America. They are asking questions the Colorado General Assembly about our commitment to this demwere mulling fair housing, Rev. ocratic creed. They’re wondering King came to northeast Denver to whether we are really committed or meet with the Black Ministerial whether these are just words written Alliance. Somehow, the Littleton down on thin paper.” group was able to convince the recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient to make a diversion to the lily-white suburbs. “We went down in our little station wagon and had this marvelous talk with him all the way down Broadway,” Greenberg recalled.
My career was in higher education, but it was about creating access to opportunity. - Ellie Greenberg
developed degree programs for Native American mental-health workers, among other efforts. In 1993, as skinheads rallied at the state Capitol and neo-Nazism was seeing resurgence in Europe, Greenberg was part of a 26-member Colorado coalition that traveled to Dachau. Other coalition members in the purposefully diverse group included a Dachau survivor, a Catholic nun, a rabbi, a Hispanic leader, a Palestinian and a representative from Denver’s gay-rights movement, among others. “It was a very powerful experience,” Greenberg said. “You can’t walk into the crematorium without just being silent and weeping.” The beautiful city that bears the same name as the concentration camp belied the horrors of the nearby death factory, she said. “Dachau has gorgeous buildings and a town hall that’s stunning,” she said. “The camp is across the highway. It’s like from here to the other side of Arapahoe Road.” After more than 80 years on the planet, Greenberg says she takes away from it all an understanding of what she sees as the universality of human conflict and a struggle that will likely be around as long as mankind inhabits one world. “In every era, there are challenges to our ideals,” she said. “We’re
Arapahoe Community College presented Ellie Greenberg with the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award in 2003. Greenberg has also been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. never finished with certain questions. Every culture has its hierarchies and struggles between people of different stations, colors and beliefs. It’s up to every generation to learn about it and do something at that particular time in history.”
Ellie Greenberg will participate in a panel with other members of Denver’s 1993 multi-cultural visit to Dachau after a screening of Journey for Justice on Saturday, Aug. 8, as part of the Denver Days Fair at New Hope Baptist Church, 3701 Colorado Blvd. in Denver. For more information, call 303-322-5200.
Western Welcome Week at RiverPointe with
the Dean Bushnell Orchestra and
Rick Crandall from KEZW
Pilgrimage to Dachau
Greenberg would continue her work at the intersection of education and activism for decades. She headed University Without Walls, established a bachelor’s degree program in Colorado prisons and
If a family member needed long term care, are you prepared? Let me help you personalize a plan to take care of the overwhelming emotional, physical, and financial consequences of long term care as you age.
Tuesday, August 11th 6:00-8:30 p.m. NO RSVP needed
Ice Cream Social & Car Show featuring
the Mile Hi Banjo Society
(Frozen Custard provided by Freddy’s) Thursday, August 13th • 6:00-8:00 p.m. RSVP Appreciated
RiverPointe of Littleton
Matt Chalek, CLTC • 720-339-5962 matt@sundanceltc.com • www.sundanceltc.com
5225 S. Prince Street • (corner of Belleview and Prince) 303-797-0600 • Visit us at www.RiverPointeSeniorLiving.com
PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • August 6, 2015
SeniorChoices
Social Security matters: Is the application process difficult? SUBMITTED BY AMAC’S CERTIFIED SOCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR C.J. MILES OF ASSOCIATION OF MATURE AMERICAN CITIZENS QUESTION: What are the most difficult questions in the application process for Social Security? How should I handle them? Do you have any suggestions? ANSWER: I have been with people while they applied for benefits and helped them through the process. You do have the option of applying over the phone, in person at the Social Security office, or online. The Social Security Administration recommends applying online and I have to agree. Not only can you easily verify your answers and go at your own pace in the comfort of your own home, but your application will be processed more quickly than the other methods. If you are even a little comfortable using a computer, you should not have a problem. If you have difficulties using the
computer while doing this, you can always stop and finish the application in person or over the phone. With that being said, I recommend that the first thing you do is get a statement of estimated benefits. If you do not already have one, you can also get it online (both the application and your statement of benefits can be found at ssa.gov). Click on mySocialSecurity to get an online statement. The application will ask if you agree with the earnings listed on the statement. Your benefit payment may be slightly different than what’s listed, but will be very close if you are applying right away. When you start your application, you will receive a number. Write that down, as well as your login and password (these can be difficult to get back if you lose them). After that you will be asked a long series of questions. Depending on how prepared you are with information and how quick you are
Navigating the challenges of aging can be time consuming and confusing We handle the burdens of managing healthcare so you can focus on quality time with your family.
• • • • • • • •
on a computer, the process can take as long as one-two hours. However, you have the option of saving and finishing at a later time by using the number I just mentioned. Some of the questions you may want to be prepared for include: Income: How much did you make in last year and up to the day you’re applying? There are several reasons for this information: the SSA wants to know if you are applying for disability, if you are applying at an age younger than full retirement age (because there is an earnings limit), and to make sure all your earnings are applied to your highest 35 years of earnings for your benefit. Employer: Name and address Have you ever applied before for Social Security, Disability, or SSI? Spouse information: They will ask for your husband and/or exhusband’s name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as dates of marriage, where
SUBMITTED BY JEFF BUCHER, PRESIDENT OF CITIZEN ADVISORY GROUP hat do school kids and retirees have in common during these dog days of summer? For many, it’s having lots of time and not knowing what to do with it. “But that comparison begins to breakdown almost immediately, because in a few short weeks, kids go back to school, but retirees have an indefinite amount of time to contend with,” said financial advisor Jeff Bucher, president of Citizen Advisory Group. “Worse
W
Denver Metro Colorado Springs (303) 986-0218 (719) 447-1711
www.lifecaresolutions.com
still for retirees, many don’t know if they can afford the time they have left, which may not be yielding a satisfying lifestyle. After all the technical details I review with clients and their finances, such as protecting and growing their money, I sometimes offer a bit of unexpected advice: consider your employment options.” Many people who take his advice often do so more for overall happiness than money, he says. Work gives us structure, purpose and a social network. Bucher reviews many fun options that retirees often find appealing. • Golf course: This is a popular option since so many retirees love golf. And, if you are a morning person, work at a golf course is perfectly suited for you. Some popular jobs available at a golf
GET A 3-WEEK HEARING AID TRIAL* It’s Absolutely FREE! Book a FREE hearing consultation today and receive these exclusive benefits: • Connect Hearing Price Match Guarantee‡ • 0% Financing† • 3 Year Warranty and 3 Year Loss & Damage ** • 3 years of free batteries †† Stay Connected. Call or visit us today! 1.888.4CONNECT • connecthearing.com/family (1.888.426.6632)
Denver – 950 E Harvard Ave Ste 620 Littleton – 6702 West Coal Mine Ave
At the end of the application, if you are applying online, you will be directed to a page that lists any additional documentation they want from you and a mailing address. While you are taking care of that, your application will be processed, but will not be finalized until those documents are received. The documents requested could be any number of things. For example, if you were born outside the U.S., then it might be citizenship proof. If you estimated your income, they may want income proof. Just remember to review your answers before submitting your application. Also, if you have any questions during the application process, do not hesitate to stop, save your application, and get the answer you need by contacting the Social Security Administration by phone or by visiting a local office. To ask a question about Social Security, contact AMAC’s C.J. Miles at cmiles@amac.us.
How to have fun during retirement
6 jobs you may be overlooking
Patient Advocacy Emergency Response Assessments Living Transitions Care Planning Bill Payment Medication Management Medical Power of Attorney
you got married (and divorced if applicable). They allow you to estimate, so do the best you can, and if you do not have the social security number, that’s OK. Children information: Even if you do not have children that would be eligible, they will ask questions to find out if they are eligible. If they are not, you will not have to include further details. Banking information: They will ask you for routing number and bank account number. This is just for direct deposit of your benefit payments and nothing more, but it is necessary if you want to get paid. They will ask when you want your benefits to start and provide a list of dates for you to choose from that will be three or four months out depending on the date of application and your birthdate. Keep in mind that whatever date you choose, your benefit will start one month later. For example, if you choose a date in August, your first check will arrive in September.
6 Locations to Serve You!
Wheat Ridge/Arvada – 4980 Kipling St Ste A5 Loveland – 1440 W 29th St Ste 300
Fort Collins – 3665 John F Kennedy Pkwy Bldg 2, Ste 310 Greeley – 3257 W 20th St Ste 11-13
1-800-591-7067
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare and other health plans. See center for details. *Certain types of hearing loss may require a hearing aid model that is not appropriate for the Three Week Free Trial. See center for details. Lyric excluded. ‡ As a member of the Connect Hearing network, if we don’t already have the lowest price, we will match any valid competitor quote or advertised price on hearing aids within 60 days of purchase. † 0% financing offer is subject to credit approval. If at the time of your application you do not meet the credit criteria previously established for this offer, or the income you report is insufficient based on your obligations, we may not be able to offer this financing. Complimentary hearing screening and consultation required. Some restrictions apply. **The 3 year warranty is valid starting from the date of invoice. This limited warranty covers manufacturing and material defects in the hearing aid itself, but not accessories such as batteries, tubes, ear modules, external receivers. The warranty includes 3 year loss and damage coverage that can be redeemed ONE TIME and requires a deductible of $450. ††3 years FREE batteries with hearing aid purchase. Must be a current patient of Connect Hearing to continue to receive benefits under Connect Advantage Call for details. Offer expires 12/31/2015.
course for retirees include golf shop staff, ranger, starters and golf course maintenance. • Retail: A smiling face and a pleasant disposition has earned many retirees positions as greeters at places like Wal-Mart, but there are other stores that may better fit your personality. That may include cosmetics at Macy’s or the shoe department at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Think about where you like to shop. • Sporting venue: If you love sports, consider being an usher at a venue. Ushers assist fans to their seats and help answer any questions the fans may have. You might have to walk up and down steps, so if that’s difficult for you to do find out beforehand whether the job involves steps. The job may have perks, such as free tickets. • Tour guide: A tour guide’s job is to introduce people to places that they are unfamiliar with, which may include wineries, museums and a city’s historical locations. • Theme park/zoo: If you want to brag about your job to your grandkids, look into the local zoo or theme park. Some of the most popular jobs for retirees at these parks include ticket takers, working at a merchandise stand or helping assist guests at an information booth. • Your current or former job. This one may throw you for a loop, but it could be perfect. You’ll likely maintain the same salary as the rest of your earning years; it’s something you already know and are good at; and, many people derived much satisfaction from their profession. You may find new freedom in knowing that this job is more optional than before, which may engender a sense of freedom and, perhaps, an outside-the-box mentality.
SeniorChoices
August 6, 2015 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5
The view from the front desk at RiverPointe SUBMITTED BY RON AXELSON, RIVERPOINTE FRONT DESK CONCIERGE STAFF It’s amazing what you can see from the front desk at RiverPointe. You can see back in time, you can see the future. You can see all over this country, and to the four corners of the world. From my place at the front desk, I like to see the residents here, who have worked so hard over their lifetimes, and given so much, be rewarded for all they have done. That reward comes in many forms; living in such a nice place, finding new friendships and maintaining dear old ones, having family come visit, going on excursions to shows, ball games, special places like Union Station, the Botanic Gardens, the dinner theater. And when a resident comes in “late” and apologizes for the inconvenience, I’m quick to tell them that this is their home, all of it, and there is no curfew! RiverPointe is a “high rise” by Littleton standards, and I occasionally enjoy greeting residents who are returning from an outing with a stately, “Welcome to your castle, me Lord/Lady!” While the residents probably think my theatrics are a bit silly (and so do I), I do like for them to think of this as the fabled castle we all hope to call home one day. The grandfather clock in our lobby across from my station chimes through the nights, the months and the seasons of my life here. And it’s almost as though I’ve come from my apartment to my second home. The residents make me feel that way; they have so much warmth, friendship, wisdom and humor. I just kind of bask in it while attending to the phone calls, the front door, the cable guys and on and on. It is a unique mixture of work and home life, and I am always aware that this is, first and foremost, home for our residents. It’s home to some 180 remarkable, unique and delightful folks, and it is my great and good fortune to be their concierge, their helper, their trouble shooter and yes, a friend. About 30 minutes into my shift, the view from the front desk receives a splash of light from my “Sunshine Ladies.” It requires a special kind of generosity and caring to be a good housekeeper, and the “Sunshine Ladies,” as I have dubbed them, embody that spirit. They come pouring out of the elevator, still laughing and joking, even after a hard day. They turn their keys in to me, clock out and exit into the world, leaving in their wake a concierge with lifted
Residents Jerry Panfil, Glenn Kraft and Noah Lee spirits and a renewed sense of optimism. You might think I’m guilty of a biased enthusiasm, until you actually meet “The Sunshine Ladies.” The view from the front desk can also be described as a table located in a vast library of knowledge and life experience. There are former engineers, nurses, postal workers, teachers, musicians, artists and world travelers. Cammie raced cars, and her daughter competes in marathons. Jim and Ginny braved the circus in Washington, D.C., to improve insurance legislation and help the people. Earl helped form the famous 10th Mountain Division during WWII and fought in a decisive engagement in the European Theater. And then there’s Larry. It’s France, WWII. Two British RAF pilots and a French soldier are walking the forested path from mess hall to airstrip when an air raid claims two of them. The survivor, Larry, will live to tell his story of the Battle of Britain to an awe struck concierge at his home in RiverPointe, 70 years later. And there’s Kay, who operated a café in Frisco with her family for many years, then served as Town Clerk in Dillon and Morrison, and was a legal secretary in Denver. Bill was an electrical engineer who helped design soil analysis experiments for the Apollo Moon missions. Sally and her husband published the world famous RCM (Radio Con-
trol Modeler) magazine from their home in California. But these residents of RiverPointe, who have led such rich and storied lives, still see fit to live in the present. They are busy with family, holidays, and the challenges life keeps throwing at all of us, no matter our age. They continue their “walk” through life, literally as well as figuratively. And this location is conducive to walking – both kinds. I see them on their literal walks, as their minds and spirits traverse the figurative journey. I see Keith, or Roger, Lucille, or Shirley, and so many others, walk through their seasons here, soaking in the glow and green of summer, the burnished gold and red of autumn, the silent, still beauty of a winter blanket of snow, or the gathering rush to life of spring.
A resident named Joan is a wonderful example. She is so engaged, and so grateful and appreciative of it all, too. I admire her outlook enormously. She’s a dedicated walker, and constantly raves about the beautiful sunsets and “magnificent” landscaping she enjoys on her walks here on our grounds. She always tells me how lucky she is to be here, and how much she appreciates the other residents and staff – “well, everyone except that funny Ron fellow at the front desk,” she jokes. One of her sons is a landscape architect, and she has mentioned several times how much she is looking forward to showing him the property, knowing that he will find it quite impressive and inspirational. And that is one of many ways their walk through life encompasses their families, too. I see parents, sons
and daughters interacting here in the lobby, meeting to go out to dinner, go shopping or what not. Sometimes, in the moment, it can look and feel harried or perfunctory. And yet I also sense the bigger picture, the arc of time, the great love and devotion that is the underpinning of these moments – precious moments that in memory will be preserved by, and perceived through, those deepest connections of family and love. And for me, another privilege of being at the front desk is meeting and getting to know the families of our residents. I have seen a number of people move here who have recently lost their spouse, and are still in the grieving process. It is such a joy to see them befriended by another resident here, and make a brand new start. The adjustment when one moves to an unfamiliar place and situation is always daunting, and I get great pleasure from seeing people reach out and extend their heart to someone who is struggling. And I have also seen those who have borne the loss of a mate for some time, and meet someone here that becomes very special to them. This is satisfaction for me on the level of a great Love Boat episode, only it’s real life and it occupies a place in my heart from whence Cupid’s arrow flies! But it is more than the sharing and witnessing of all that life experience. For me, it is making a connection with the generations who shared the same time and world that my parents lived in. Through those wonderful people at RiverPointe, I get to jump in a time machine and touch the lives of my Mother and Dad once more… For more information about RiverPointe of Littleton, located at 5225 S. Prince St. (corner of Belleview and Prince), call 303797-0600 or visit www.River PointeSeniorLiving.com.
Affordable Assisted Living With Secure Memory Care Openings!
O
A summer concert at Riverpointe
ur Memory Care Neighborhood is specifically designed to meet the resident at whatever level they are experiencing at this time. Our care plans are modified continuously as the residents’ mental and emotional status changes. We have a loving staff who receives ongoing training to provide the best care for our residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. We also offer assisted living in two settings and have independent patio homes for those who are still active. Conveniently located in southeast Denver at 2445 S. Quebec St. 80231 No Masonic affiliation is required. For more information, please call our Marketing Department at 303-800-7023 or go to www.esmrc.com
PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • August 6, 2015
Aging in place An affordable alternative to moving SUBMITTED BY ASCENT MOBILITY Aging in place is a term meant to describe a person living in his or her home, or chosen place of residence for as long as they are able. According to a 2010 survey by AARP, 88 percent of those surveyed want to remain in their homes, and 92 percent stated they would like to stay in their communities. Leaving your home can be a stressful process not only emotionally, but financially as well. Selling a home can be quite costly when you factor in repairs, closing costs, taxes, title insurance and real estate commissions. On average, the seller will pay 7 to 10 percent of the selling price of the home. Additionally, once the home is sold people are left with where to go next. Do I sell my home and
move into a single level, or to assisted living? If step one is selling a home, and step two is assisted living, then step three is budgeting for the recurring monthly costs associated with assisted living facilities. According to www.senior homes.com, an online directory that provides housing information for seniors, the average cost of as-
sisted living facilities in Colorado is $3,300 per month. The costs associated with the decision to age outside of your home can be surprising to some. However, there are affordable and logistical solutions that allow one to age in place with ease, and for a fraction of the cost. Assistive technology is a term to describe the devices used to
aide individuals in movement and mobility. Theses devices can range in price and size and become reliable tools when choosing to age in place. Bathrooms are proven to be
ASSISTED LIVING |
SeniorChoices
slightly difficult to navigate when aging in place. Devices like grab bars, walk-in tubs, shower benches and bath lifts can greatly increase the maneuverability of the bathroom. Other places in the home may also become challenging. Stairs inside the home, or on the porch leading the entry often become increasingly difficult to traverse. A stairlift is a chair that carries a person up and down the stairs, and it is very safe, compact and easy to operate. This is a very affordable alternative to moving. There are many other devices that aide with aging in place including support poles, roll in showers for wheelchairs, bed rails, automatic door openers, wheelchair lifts, ramps and residential elevators. If selling your home is not the right choice for you, aging in place is an affordable solution. For more information, call 720-204-2124 or visit www. ascentmobility.com.
M EMORY C ARE
Spring Move-in Specials
W HAT S ENIOR L IVING Should B E Executive Chef-prepared Meals Resort-style Amenities Housekeeping/Laundry/Maintenance Signature Wellness Program Secure Neighborhood for Memory Care Studio, One & Two Bedroom Suites
303.321.3277
ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE at JORDAN
14301 E Arapahoe Road
MorningStarSeniorLiving.com
SeniorChoices
August 6, 2015 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7
Give the gift of a subscription
303-773-8313 Assisted Living With Secure Memory Care Retirement community Openings! Tours Available 7 Days A Week
AssistedLiving Experience True Peace of Mind.
specialized carecarefor W eoffers have added 48 assisted living and 20 memory apartments n our beautiful 19 acre campus to complement our historic existdementia and g assisted living apartments and Alzheimer’s spacious independent living
1 & 2 Bedroom Apartment Homes Available.
If you are overwhelmed S E We are conveniently located in Southeast atio homes. Denver at caring for someone with S M R dementia or Alzheimer’s, 445 South Quebec Street. Please feel free to contact us for pric-Assistance is always available, if and when you need it. C you may want to visit didn’t take longfloor plans. No Masonic affiliation required. g andforItavailable the Eastern Star Masonic our local commuubmitted by tar
asonic
astern
etirement
ampus
nity to check out the
Retirement Campus and
just eight months, al-
formation, provide vital
Enjoy an Independent lifestyle and know that all the
checkthat out its Memory ettle in, and thrive with the peace of mind assistance is assistance you’ll need is available, right here. new grow digs at the Eastern Care Neighborhood. They Star Masonic RetireOur Assisted Living services are second to none. mmediately nearby can give you pertinent inment Campus. After if needed. mostmore every assisted livFor information, please call our Marketing Department resources and also disneed for secured, specialized care ing apartment has been cuss options and costs. at 303-800-3480 gomemory to www.esmrc.com for seniorsor with issues. Families report after placing their leased. “I think a big reason our retirement community has been so popular is our affordable pricing,” said Larry Lillo, executive director. The other factor in the success of the community is they now offer secure memory care in a small, home-like setting. As more and more seniors experience advancing dementia or Alzheimer’s, there is an emerging
This neighborhood is designed to meet the resident at whatever level they are experiencing at this moment. Care plans are modified continuously as the resident’s mental and emotional status changes. One of the best features of the Memory Care Neighborhood is its small size. With only 20 apartments, we can provide personalized care for each individual.
loved one that the calm environment tremendously helped their loved one adjust and settle in. The community, located at 2445 S. Quebec St. offers assisted living in two settings and they also have independent patio homes for those who are still active. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 303 7315918.
Assisted Living With Secure Memory Care Openings! Tours Available 7 Days A Week
It takes a Village W e have added 48 assisted living and 20 memory care apartments
a home on our beautifulto19make acre campus to complement our historic existing assisted living apartments and spacious independent living ShareWe yourare dayconveniently with friends, located in Southeast Denver at patio homes. 2445 South Quebec Street. Please participate in enriching group feel free to contact us for pricing and activities, available and floor No Masonic affiliation required. relyplans. on caring Settle in, associates grow andto thrive with the peace of mind that assistance is support your immediately nearby if needed. changing needs over time. For more information, please call our Marketing Department at 303-800-3480 or go to www.esmrc.com Join us for our Signature Brunch*! Call 303.416.2800 today to make your reservations. *First time guests only; some restrictions apply.
5565 South Yosemite Street Greenwood Village, CO 80111 www.MBKSeniorLiving.com
Come by for lunch and a visit. Call Today!
303.695.8100
www.StAndrewsVillage.net EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Independent & Assisted Living • Nursing • Medicare Rehabilitation In-Home Care • Out-Patient Therapy
PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • August 6, 2015
Offices located in: Breckenridge Denver
Denver’s Business and Tax Law Experts. • Business Law
• Elder Money Management
• Estate Planning
• Income Tax for Businesses
• Probate & Trust
• Income Tax for Individuals
• Financial Planning
• Trust Administration
www.wiegandattorneys.com
SeniorChoices
Stay connected to the sounds of life
Connect Hearing provides connections
We are all familiar with the phrase, “stop and smell the roses,” but how often do we pause to appreciate how our ability to hear our environment? Conversations with friends, birds singing, the sound of music, and the joy of children’s laughter are only a few examples. For the vast majority of us, hearing health will diminish over the years. According to a 2011 study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, nearly 1 in 5 Americans experience some sort of hearing loss. By age 65, that number increases to 1 in 3. The more we ignore these changes, the greater the chance our hearing will continue to decline. Connect Hearing provides a strong network of convenient neighborhood hearing care centers that continuously strive to find innovative ways to serve you better. In other words, Connect Hearing has a passion for helping the surrounding communities to stay connected to the sounds of life. For years, Connect Hearing has been providing Denver and surrounding areas with outstand-
ing patient care. We value our ability to customize hearing solutions to help patients’ individual needs with the most advanced state-of-the-art hearing aids. Also, we obtain hearing solutions to fit every budget to help more individuals. All of Connect Hearing’s Colorado centers offer Lyric, the first and only invisible, extended wear, hearing aid. Additional information about this technology and how it can help you can be found at www.connecthearing.
com. If you are curious about what option is best for you, stop into one of our six locations for a free, no obligation hearing consultation. And with a free three-week trial, you have nothing to lose! There’s a reason to stay connected to the sounds that have gone missing from your life. Visit us online or call 800-5917067 to book your free consultation. Locations in Denver, Littleton, Wheat Ridge, Loveland, Fort Collins and Greeley.
Wiegand Attorneys & Counselors welcome Fontanella Wiegand Attorneys & Counselors led by long-time Greenwood Village local resident Robert “Sonny” Wiegand, welcomes Doriana Rosaria Fontanella, Esq. as special counsel to the firm. With offices in Greenwood Village for more than 20 years, more recently the firm relocated to Uptown Denver. Wiegand Attorneys & Counselors are pleased to announce their recent addition to the business, tax law and estate planning practice. Fontanella is an estate planner and estate and trust administrator with an emphasis in special needs planning, entity
Doriana Rosaria Fontanella, Esq
formation, and tax issues. “I assist clients with any number of issues from IRS controversy to financial planning, and wills that ensuring that their legacies reflect their true wishes. I also have a specialty in estate planning for families where a potential beneficiary has taken religious vows of poverty,” she said. Previously Fontanella was working as of counsel to the law firm. She has held of counsel and associate attorney positions at other Denver area firms including the Limbaugh Law Firm. She started her estate-planning career as an attorney at Katz, Look and
Moison, PC in 2000 after graduating from University of Denver – Strum College of Law with an LL.M. in Tax Law and earned her JD at from Notre Dame. She is originally from New York and has resided in Colorado since 1981. She is a licensed in both Colorado and New York State. Wiegand Attorneys & Counselors has offices in Uptown Denver and Breckenridge. They specialize in tax, estate planning, business law, probate, and elder money management. The other attorneys at the firm include Robert “Sonny” Wiegand II who founded the firm and Kimberly Johnson Raemdonck who is a Senior Associate. Fontanella said, “I am very pleased to join the firm with likeminded professionals who also share deep experience and commitment.” Fontanella is also a speaker who enjoys presenting to business and other affinity groups on these important topics. She is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, Denver Bar Association, the Rocky Mountain Estate Planning Council, Le Tip of Arapahoe County, and the Alliance of Professional Women. She is proficient in both Italian and French and in 2005 was awarded the first Primo Award for Attorney of the Year by the Colorado Italian American Community. With more than 30 years of experience, Wiegand Attorneys & Counselors LLC is Denver’s Business and Tax Law Experts. For more information, visit www.wiegandattorneys.com.