July 31, 2014 VOLU M E 31 | I SS UE 5 | 5 0 ¢
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Forms of dementia likely to increase as county ages By Amy Woodward
awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com Editors Note: This is part one of a four-part series, exploring the challenges of Alzheimer’s in the county. George’s name has been changed to protect his privacy. Future installments will be published in consecutive issues. Experts call it the Alzheimer’s is the most common form “silver tsunami”— of dementia. It affects memory, thinking the 850,000 cenand behavior with symptoms worsening tenarians living in over time. Abnormal protein buildup in the country by 2050 the brain is believed to cause the sympwill represent one toms. There is no cure. Treatment only the largest pools slows symptom progression. The disease of people to reach is most common in those 65-and-over, “senior status” in the but “early onset” is occasionally seen in country’s history. patients in their 40s and 50s. In the nation, — Source: The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado ranks third as the fastest growing senior population, according to the State Demographer’s Office. Jefferson County alone is planning for a 54-percent increase of older adults between the years 2011 and 2021, the Colorado Department of Human Services reported.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
George spends time writing letters to friends and even writes poetry when he is not participating during weekly activities with the Alzheimer’s Association. He logs his daily activities in a small calendar that he views often, which helps him to remember what he did earlier in the week and what he has planned in the days to come. Photo by Amy Woodward
Alzheimer’s continues on Page 5
Respite care for special needs kids opens Megan’s Place offers home away from home for visiting children POSTAL ADDRESS
WHEAT RIDGE TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 1089-9197)
OFFICE: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Wheat Ridge Transcript is published weekly on Thursday by Mile High Newspapers, 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210, Golden, CO 80401. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT GOLDEN, COLORADO. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Wheat Ridge Transcript 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legal: Fri. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 5 p.m. G ET SOCIAL WITH US
PLE ASE RECYCLE T HIS C OPY
By Amy Woodward
awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com “You are braver and stronger than you think” is the saying painted in cursive on an entry way just behind the front desk as you walk into Megan’s Place. Located in Wheat Ridge, Megan’s Place is a respite care facility for children with developmental and physical disabilities ages 6-16 and is the first of its kind in the Denver area. Originated by two Jefferson county teachers; Bryan and Kristin Smock, the facility is located at 6175 W. 38th Avenue in an old home built in 1929 that has been renovated to meet the demands of special needs kids. The center is handicapped accessible throughout the entire facility that has a homely feel with both open and private spaces to suit the varying needs of kids that will be visiting. Rooms are stocked with toys, puzzles, balls and books with fun themed rooms such as the Mario Playroom and Cuddle Corner. “We wanted the place to feel very much like a home that they love to come to and feel very comfortable,” said Kristin Smock, director of Megan’s Place. It’s also serves as a place for parents to receive much needed rest from taking care of a child with a disability. During the facility’s open house, John, who did not want to use his last name, drove up from Littleton to donate $5,000 to Megan’s Place. “The purpose they’re acting in is unbelievably noble,” John said. John and his wife have a special needs child at home who is wheel-
The first respite care facility for children with mental and physical disabilities in the Denver area just opened in Wheat Ridge mid-July. The stucco two-story building offers a homely environment for children ages 6-16 and offers many services to accommodate much needed time-off for parents. Photo by Amy Woodward chair bound and incontinent. In the early years of taking care of their son, respite care was impossible to find and homelife became increasingly overwhelming, he said. “It damn near killed us.” There are currently three people on staff which includes Kristin along with her sister and Bryan. All three staff members are trained in CPR, first aid, seizures, and medication administration. Pricing ranges from $10-$20 an hour with a two hour minimum requirement. Walk-ins are welcome although calling ahead is encouraged in order to make necessary preparations. Although staff is expected to grow, Megan’s Place will maintain a low child-to-teacher ratio, Kris-
tin said. The center which is open Monday through Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. offers in-home weekend overnights upon request and sibling care on the first Friday and Saturday nights of the month for “Date Night” for parents. It’s a remarkable addition to the community and a service that Bryan has had in mind since his first encounter with Megan Rogers, the little girl to whom the center is named after. Born with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder, Bryan met Megan at a respite care facility in Ft. Collins where he worked before becoming a special education teacher and eventually a history teacher.
“I created just this bond with her that I didn’t create with the other kids,” Bryan said. “She’s always had a special place in my heart.” Megan passed away in 2006 at the age of 10. Bryan said it was important for him to receive permission from Megan’s parents to name the facility after her and to share her story. “As her parents, we are humbled and honored that Bryan and Kristin have named their facility after her,” the Rogers’ said in a statement. “It’s a wonderful tribute.” For more information about Megan’s Place visit www.megansplacellc.org or search Facebook at www.facebook.com/mshdenver.