Vil seniorchoice p

SeniorChoices A comprehensive guide to products and services for active & vibrant senior adults

Centennial’s Senior Commission

3

aging gracefully page and taking charge

Choose assisted living and memory care page

4

in Denver’s newest high-rise

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Denver

5

offers top- page notch care

Centennial retirement community

launches radio station page

6

A supplement to the Villager Newpaper

PAGE 2 • THE VILLAGER • October 24, 2013

SeniorChoices

Kaiser Permanente receives highest rating for Medicare Plan in Colorado

Centennial mayor keeps an eye on aging population

he Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that the Kaiser Permanente Medicare plan in Colorado earned five stars, the highest overall rating for quality and service for 2014 plans.

This is the fourth year in a row Kaiser Permanente Colorado has received the 5-star rating from CMS. “It is an honor to be recognized as one of the top health plans in the nation for quality and service for the fourth year in a row,” said Donna Lynne, DrPH, executive vice president, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan, Inc. and president of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. “As the only 5-star Medicare plan in Colorado, this honor reflects the exceptional patient-centered care provided every day by our physicians and care teams and their dedication to helping Kaiser Permanente members be as healthy as they can be.”

Each year through the Medicare Star Quality Ratings system,

Thirty percent of city’s residents are 50 or older

T

CMS rates Medicare health plans (both parts C and D) on a scale of one to five stars, with five stars representing the highest quality.

The overall scores are based on more than 50 care and service quality measures across nine categories, including staying healthy, managing chronic conditions, member satisfaction, customer service, and pharmacy services.

For the first time this year, all Kaiser Permanente regions nationwide have earned five stars for the 2014 plan year.

Kaiser Permanente Colorado has participated in the Medicare program since 1986 and currently serves 86,084 Coloradans in the Denver/Boulder, Southern Colorado and Northern Colorado service areas.

Jane Carlstrom, 85, a longtime Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage member who has ex-

perienced that top-quality care first-hand, said, “My experience with Kaiser Permanente has been very good. Kaiser is really patientoriented. They’re concerned about you and they show it and they want you to stay well. The doctors we’ve had are outstanding. My husband and I are lucky to be a part of Kaiser Permanente.”

In addition to receiving highquality care and service, 5-star excellence means that Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in a 5-star plan from Dec. 8 – Nov. 30, 2014, without having to wait until the next annual enrollment period.

Medicare beneficiaries can learn more at medicare.gov/finda-plan or by calling Kaiser Permanente at 1-855-817-583.

By Peter Jones Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon is not a senior citizen yet, but she is getting close – at least by one official governmental designation.

The 57-year-old grandmother has been thinking ahead for some time, and not just for the sake of her own membership benefits in AARP. “We’re not looking to be a seniors community,” she said of the aging city of 100,000 people.

“We’re looking to be a community where seniors thrive right alongside their children and grandchildren.”

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 30 percent of Centennial residents are age 50 or older, making it among the older-skewing cities in the generally aging Arapahoe County. As the highly popu-

REASON #35: SAVE ON MEDICARE. SPEND ELSEWHERE. ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEALTH PLANS PUTS YOU IN CONTROL OF YOUR MEDICARE PLAN. Just because you have Medicare, it doesn’t mean you have to give up control. With limits on what you pay out of pocket, and surprisingly affordable monthly premiums, you can remain in control of your costs. Plus, you retain control of your Original Medicare benefits. Stay in control with Rocky Mountain Health Plans.

RETIRING? TURNING 65 SOON? MEDICARE PLAN CHANGING? To speak to a licensed salesperson call: 888-251-1330 TTY: 711 To request more information: www.rmhpMedicare.org/Change

Let us help you. Call Rocky Mountain Health Plans to discuss how you can save on your 2014 Medicare Plan.

RMHP is a Medicare-approved Cost plan. Enrollment in RMHP depends on contract renewal. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call Customer Service at 888-282-1420 (TTY dial 711). Hours are 8am - 8pm, 7 days/ week, Oct. 1–Feb.14, and 8am - 8pm, M-F, Feb.15–Sept.30. Esta información está disponible gratuitamente en otros idiomas. Por favor llame a la línea de Atención a Clientes, al 888-282-1420(TTY marque 711). Horario de 8am - 8pm, 7 días a la semana, del 1 de octubre al 14 de febrero; y de 8am - 8pm, de lunes a viernes, del 15 de febrero al 30 de septiembre. ©2013 H0602_MS_MCAd300_10032013 Accepted

Cathy Noon lated baby boom generation continues to enter retirement years, the 12-year-old suburb wants to be prepared.

“Those people are not seniors yet, but it’s an indication of what will be coming,” Noon said of the 50-plus population. “It gives you time to plan for that.”

By at least one measure, someone turns 60 every seven seconds, and those sexagenarians who live in Centennial could help chart the city’s destiny by taking a spot on the Centennial Senior Commission, the city’s official advisory board for those 60 and older. The group is a sort of generational counterpart to the longstanding Centennial Youth Commission comprised of teenagers.

Noon, who serves as the Senior Commission’s liaison to the City Council, spearheaded the formation of the panel in 2010 after emphasizing the impending needs of seniors during her first run for election the previous year.

The 10 voting members, appointed by the council, advise the elected officials on senior issues, encourage senior involvement in the community and serve as a forum for the goals, concerns and ideas of those 60 and older. Three nonvoting ex-officio members represent the senior-services community.

Noon says her idea for the commission was to build a bridge between Centennial’s seniors and local government without creating a new bureaucracy.

“What we didn’t want to do is grow government,” the mayor said. “We’re looking for what’s already out there – and how do we connect our citizens to it.”

For example, rather than crafting new city-level programs, the commission has worked to ensure that seniors have user-friendly access to services provided by Arapahoe County, RTD and such nonprofit organizations as Meals on Wheels.

The commission is also keeping its eye on Centennial’s business community and its senior-accessible housing stock as the city’s population ages.

“Patterns of shopping and so forth are different with seniors,” Noon said. “Seniors tend not to buy as many things. They buy more services.”

Safety is another concern as older drivers make their way down Arapahoe Road. At the instigation of the commission, the city is running a pilot project to find the best ways to mark difficult-to-see traffic medians in the city.

On another front, a planned seniors expo will highlight an array of senior-related services – from Continued on page 3

SeniorChoices

October 24, 2013 • THE VILLAGER • PAGE 3

Not your grandfather’s grandfather Centennial’s Senior Commission aging gracefully and taking charge

on the vacant lot where his longtime home now stands.

The retiree was one of his employer’s youngest field engineers at the time he entered the computer industry – when “tweets” were for the birds and clunky oversized car phones were reserved for the rich and famous.

“I started out in service with computers that were as large as this room,” he said. “If you had 16 megs of memory, that was considered big time. I knew that things were going to be shrinking. It was obvious.”

Glischinski could not have predicted a life of senior discounts – though he is now a volunteer state lobbyist for AARP and serves as liaison to the Centennial Youth Commission, the Senior Commission’s demographic counterpart.

The Villager recently asked Glischinski about the commission, growing older and Centennial’s readiness for an aging population.

By Peter Jones Greg Glischinski was born the same year as Stevie Wonder and David Cassidy. He was 13 when the Beatles played The Ed Sullivan Show. He was too young to vote for Kennedy. He was not yet 20 when the Woodstock festival defined a generation And at 63, Glischinki is now a senior citizen.

The Centennial resident enters his “golden years” during a period when 10,000 U.S. baby boomers are becoming seniors every day and according to the U.S. Census, 30 percent of Centennial’s population is 50 or older.

Two years ago, as Centennial began to recognize the inevitability of its demographics, Glischinski, a retired computer-industry Villager: What are the Senior professional, was appointed to Commission meetings like? the Centennial Glischinski: Senior ComThey’re very inmission, a ninetense, the whole member advisotwo hours. We need ry board comthree hours probprised of city ably, before everyresidents age 60 one is tired enough and older. to say “OK, call it As an onquits.” slaught of postVillager: What war babies are the major ismakes its way sues? into 21st cenGlischinski: tury retirement, Transportation is a the City Counmajor senior issue cil-appointed right now, especommission cially in Centennial advises the city because we’re the - Greg Glischinski, government on longest city in the seniors-relat- member of Centennial state and very thin.

Senior Commission ed issues and It’s huge issue for makes quarterly seniors, especially reports to the elected council. in your 70s and 80s. We’re trying Glischinski grew up in south- to be the voice of the seniors. We ern California – or Disneyland as have gotten out in the community he calls it – before coming to Col- and polled seniors about what orado as a young man in the early their main issues are. We’re go1970s. He has lived in present-day ing back to City Council over and Centennial for 34 years, and ad- over again to keep them apprised mits he used to go four wheeling that seniors want to see the City of

We’ve all identified what the major issues are for seniors here in the city and we’ve set up working groups.

In 2010, 30 percent of Centennial residents were 50 or older Continued from Page 2 transportation to technology, with a booth of Youth Commission members helping seniors sort through their newfangled computer devices.

The Senior Commission has even taken its work to new levels with representation on the Arapahoe County Council on Aging, the Colorado Commission on Aging and the Denver Regional Council of Governments.

All the while, the Centennial seniors group is working to ensure that new definitions of creative aging are considered as the young city gets older in more ways than one.

Noon recalls one former commission member in his 80s who simply became too busy in his social and volunteer life to continue with the board’s work.

“This is not your parents’ retirement,” the mayor said with a laugh.

Young-at-heart Greg Glischinski, 63, a member of the Centennial Senior Commission, takes a climb in the city’s Center Park.

Photo by Peter Jones Centennial act on those issues.

Villager: What kind of changes are you advocating?

Glischinski: We recommend things like being able to add on more RTD bus routes and to bring back [Call-n-Ride]. They’re relatively inexpensive. Some of them have been cut back. RTD got rid of the Dry Creek route, so we’re trying to bring that back.

Villager: Is there much disagreement on the commission?

Glischinski: Not really, no.

We’ve all identified what the major issues are for seniors here in the city and we’ve set up working groups to go after those certain things and possibly set up projects to get more involved and find out how we can make it easier for seniors in the city.

Villager: Does politics ever

color your discussions?

Glischinski: We try to stay apolitical. There is quite a diversity, but we leave that outside the door. It has no place. We’re here to advocate for senior citizens to the City Council.

Villager: Do you think Centennial will be prepared for the influx of older people?

Glischinski: I believe so. It’s a great place. It is suburbia, and it has a very good base for seniors. If they were to add a few things like walkable communities and areas where seniors can get to stores easier, and longer crosswalk times, it would make it even better.

Villager: What’s going to be Centennial’s greatest challenge, as far as seniors are concerned?

Glischinski: Making the younger population aware that

there are more and more seniors coming onto the roll. That’s going to be a population to contend with.

Villager: The baby boomers broke the rules as young people.

Will they break the rules of aging too?

Glischinski: I don’t know that they’ll break the rules. I think they became acclimated as I did.

Villager: It’s the first generation to refuse to grow old, don’t you think?

Glischinski: Yes, No. 1, we’re more active, and No, 2, more healthy. A lot of seniors don’t want to just go to a place and meet and play bingo, eat and just socialize.

They want to get out with their own families and be active. They want to ride bikes. They want to have more bike paths.

Villager: And because they’re healthier, seniors will be more likely to stay in their homes.

Glischinski: That is one of the huge things that we’re pushing.

I belong to that particular work group and we’re trying to figure how to make Centennial a very good place for people to grow old in their own homes. It comes within the home – doors wider, better grips for people. It’s called universal housing.

Villager: Is it available in Centennial?

Glischinski: No, not at this point.

Villager: What do you think is the biggest misconception about seniors?

Glischinski: That we don’t have anything to contribute to current society.

Villager: How does it feel to be in your 60s? Is it what you expected?

Glischinski: I’m doing a heck of a lot more than I was in my 50s. It’s probably a 60-hour week sometimes.

Villager: Anything surprise you about getting older?

Glischinski: The fact that I can’t do what I used to do in my 20s. I used to climb the side of mountains, literally. There’s no way I can get up four feet at this point.

PAGE 4 • THE VILLAGER • October 24, 2013

Personal Concierge Services Any task, just ask.

• Travel • Schedule Meetings or Appointments • Errands • Social Events • Medical Needs • Investment Property • Financial Matters • Home Projects

Judy James

SeniorChoices

HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care will open at I-25 and Hampden in December.

Courtesy photo

Any needs clients have, “I will take care of it”.

Dependable Lifestyle Management, LLC 303-638-7662 judyatdlm@aol.com Call for an appointment Have

the

Talk Lifetime

of a SM

You talk

about many things with your loved ones: from day-to-day details to big events. Sharing stories with those who matter most isn’t just important today; it will be especially significant when it’s time to honor and commemorate your lives.

Memorialization at the end of life is more than it used to be. It can reflect a person’s life story and be transformative, healing and comforting.

Meaningful memorialization starts when loved ones talk about what matters most: memories made, lessons learned and how they hope to be remembered.

Download a free brochure and Have the Talk of a Lifetime today. It can make the difference of a lifetime.

Visit the website below for a free brochure.

720.344.6087

www.heflebowerfuneralservices.com

8955 S. Ridgeline Blvd, Suite 100 • Highlands Ranch Heflebower Funeral Services is a member of The National Funeral Directors Association and The Colorado Funeral Directors Association

Downsize and Upgrade: Choose assisted living and memory care in Denver’s newest high-rise Submitted by HighPointe The decision to downsize from a large single family home to an assisted living community has many an upside, if the decision includes Spectrum Retirement’s newest community, HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care. Like a fine hotel operated by a staff of caring family members, HighPointe’s expert team delivers personal and medical care in an environment that promotes independence, dignity, privacy and choice. Residents pay only for the services they might need while enjoying the many amenities offered by the community.

Imagine casual and fine dining chefs that cater to special requests, activity directors that plan classes to benefit each resident’s body and mind, neighbors gathering for games and conversation, spa services, and more – all in an environment that supports optimum health and independence.

It’s close to heaven, truly. HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care boasts four stories of luxurious, yet affordable senior living, nestled atop the highest point in Denver at

East Hampden Avenue and Interstate 25. It’s hardly remote though.

Residents have easy access to a wide range of amenities outside the community, including Southmoor and Hutchinson Parks, movie theaters, coffee shops, restaurants and more; all within the neighborhood.

The new community offers 63 Assisted Living residences, along with a Memory Care wing with 23 residences. Services are provided by HighPointe’s expert staff who are trained to help with simple responsibilities such as day-to-day tasks that can get in the way of enjoying retirement, to highly specialized care that targets the specific needs of those with Alzheimer’s and various types and levels of dementia. HighPointe also offers an alternative advanced memory care program called the Path to the Presentsm which offers positive and effective care at multiple levels of support, allowing individuals to maintain dignity and a level of self-confidence.

“We are a resident-centered company, and strive to offer the support and care that helps our residents thrive,” said Spectrum Retirement VP of Resident Care Carole Hull.

“Our transitional memory care program allows those experiencing mild cognitive impairment to continue living in their own space or with a spouse, with a little extra support.”

All this at an affordable price?

Of course. Assisted living apartments ranging in size from studio suites to two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,000-square-foot apartments, are available through a month-to-month rental program, with no buy-in fee required – and all HighPointe’s programs and amenities are included.

Even better? Your pet can come too because pets are welcome at HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Opening in December, it has never been easier to make the difficult decision to move. Why not join the many new residents enjoying fireplace lounges, outdoor gardening areas, well-appointed apartments, trips and programs, all with the expert care you desire within reach? We’ll even help you movein.

For more information, call 720-644-8811 or visit www. highpointeassistedliving.com.

AWARD WINNING CARDIAC CARE • Spacious, Bright Apartments with Spectacular Views • Weekly Housekeeping, 24-Hour Security • Health & Wellness Programs • Exciting Excursions, On-Site Concerts & Dances • Convenient Shopping & Golf Course Nearby • Scheduled Transportation • Dining Room & Much More!

Join us in welcoming the newest member of the South Denver Cardiology physician group, Ajit Janardhan, M.D., Ph.D. He is a Cardiologist/Electrophysiologist and joins Dr. Damle, Dr. Choe, and Dr. Sundaram as a part of the “EP” team. Dr. Janardhan like the others is a heart rhythm specialist and focuses on treating abnormal heart rhythms with state of the art medication and surgical methods.

• A graduate of Stony Brook University School of Medicine M.D. & Ph.D. • Distinguished Knowlton Award for Excellence in Clinical Training from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital • Specializing in Cardiac Electrophysiology • Developed new methods in treating complex electrical disorders of the heart such as Atrial Fibrillation, Ventricular Tachycardia, and Sudden Cardiac Death

Call today to arrange your tour

303-797-0600

1000 SouthPark Dr., Littleton, Colorado 80120 303-744-1065 • www.southdenver.com

SilverSneakers

®

Buy a Gift Subscription

TO THE VILLAGER!

The South Denver Heart Center is an official participating location for Healthways SilverSneaker® Fitness Programs. SilverSneakers is a fun, energizing program that is designed exclusively for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance Classes include, SilverSneakers® Cardio, SilverSneakers® Classic, and SilverSneakers® Yoga.

Visit our web site calendar for a complete schedule and list of times. www.soutndenver.com

SeniorChoices

The stars are out MorningStar Senior Living offers patience, love, companionship, support and healing care

Submitted by Cara O’Connor, MorningStar Senior Living There is always reason to arise confident in the day and the promise it holds. To engage the day with mind, body and spirit. To continue learning and contributing. To shine.

That’s how we see life at MorningStar Senior Living.

As for our residents, we see them as heroes—men and women who have exacted out of life all its triumphs and trials, who in raw courage and tenacity have invested

October 24, 2013 • THE VILLAGER • PAGE 5 their days. If anyone deserves honor and respect, it is our seniors. This is MorningStar’s high and chosen calling.

Genesis

Ken Jaeger, founder of MorningStar, first proved his acumen for management through 15 years of executive roles in senior living communities. In 2003, he resolved to create his own brand of senior living — one defined by the human touch. Out of his convictions, Jaeger established three precepts for MorningStar: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; Invest generously in our employees’ ability to serve well.

Giving Back

MorningStar’s mission to love and honor others stretches beyond its senior living communities — and into the world. In this, Jaeger takes a

Check out MorningStar Senior Living at www.morningstarseniorliving.com. decided lead. From his earliest days in Colorado, Jaeger was deeply impacted by abject poverty internationally. He resolved to use any success he might achieve in combating despair with hope.

In recent years, Jaeger has committed himself to furthering the work of Casa Bernabe, a refuge for 120 abandoned and orphaned children in the village of Puerto Cabezas, 300 miles from Managua, Nicaragua. The tremendous needs there have led him to return to this suffering country once a quarter in a sus-

tained commitment to help. Jaeger’s volunteer teams, recruited from his staff and church, have completed a dormitory for 60 girls. Next to build is a kitchen/dining room and a boys’ dorm.

A decade of commitment

2013 marks MorningStar’s 10th anniversary of caring. Together, as we give thanks for the blessings of the past 10 years, MorningStar celebrates those by whom we are inspired and for whom we serve: our

seniors. We are honored by the trust extended to us by them and their families.

One resident’s son said, “We chose MorningStar after a search that included 37 senior living communities in four states. My family will be forever grateful for the patience, love, companionship, support and healing care that you provide our mom in her dementia. Your staff developed a bond that adds joy and comfort to her life.”

For more information, visit www.morningstarseniorliving.com.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Denver offers top-notch care Submitted by HealthSouth It is well documented that people who have the opportunity to participate in rehabilitation in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital after an injury, illness or surgery show improved functional outcomes over those who do not. Rehabilitation, in the appropriate setting, provides the greatest potential for a person to return home, becoming active once again in the community.

In an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, like the new HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Denver that opened May 15, a full continuum of rehabilitative programs and services is offered for individuals who have suffered a major accident or illness, including trauma, stroke, head injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, arthritis, chronic pain, neuromuscular and pulmonary diseases. HealthSouth is one of only two freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the Denver metro area.

Patients are admitted from acute care hospitals and from home, serving a diverse range of needs. Patient care is led by a medical director who supervises the hospital’s multi-disciplinary team to provide a coordinated program of care, including goal setting, treatment plans, family education and discharge planning. The average length of stay at the hospital is 12 days.

Patients who receive their rehabilitation in an acute rehabilitation hospital are offered a much more intense approach to rehabilitation. Not only does a more aggressive routine boost patient recovery to optimum levels, but it also offers beneficial advantages to patients and families in less time.

Patients receive:

Daily physician visits: Patients are evaluated by a board-certified physiatrist (physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation) daily.

Certified Rehabilitation RNs: HealthSouth patients have roundthe-clock supervision from certified rehabilitation registered nurses.

Three hours of therapy at least 5 days/week: Therapy is provided by seasoned physical, occupational and speech therapists.

Weekly team conferences: Each patient’s physician, therapists, case manager and nurse meet to consult on progress made by the patient on a weekly basis.

It is important for patients to realize that they have a choice on where

Centennial’s Newest Assisted Living

ANOTHER STAR IS BORN

Proud to be joining the MorningStar family HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Denver is an inpatient hospital that offers a full continuum of rehabilitative programs and services.

Courtesy photo

they receive their rehabilitation.

Prior to discharging from the hospital following a surgery, a stroke, an orthopedic injury, a neurologic condition, etc., a patient has the right to choose where they receive their rehabilitation. Be sure to discuss with your case manager all of your discharge options before choosing a hospital.

HealthSouth also offers a Home Admission Program where patients who are demonstrating a decline in their abilities to walk or perform self-care activities can be assessed by a liaison and be admitted directly from home. HealthSouth is licensed as a hospital, and does not require

a three-day stay in an acute hospital prior to admission. Common conditions accepted by our home admission program are Parkinson’s disease, history of a stroke, generalized weakness, cardiac surgery, neurological disorders, rheumatoid disease, and back, pelvis or lower extremity fractures.

For more information on how an inpatient rehabilitation hospital benefits those recovering from a major life event, contact HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Denver at by calling 303-334-1111 or emailing lisa.hinton@health south.com. Visit www.health southdenver.com.

Visit our on-site Info Center Deposit now for exclusive pricing

303.321.3277

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE at JORDAN

Corner of Arapahoe & Jordan l MorningStarSeniorLiving.com

You Have a CHOICE When It Comes to Your Rehabilitation.

Choose HealthSouth, Denver’s premier choice for rehabilitation.

When it comes to your rehabilitation, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Denver offers all the care you need. We offer a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, physical, speech and occupational therapies, the latest technologies, and direct admissions from home to help you regain your greatest independence.

HealthSouth treats a variety of conditions including: • Arthritis • Joint replacement • Amputations • Parkinson’s disease • Cardiac • Stroke • Hip Fracture • Generalized weakness

Call 303 334-1111 for more information.

Brand New!

OpeNeD MaY 2013 private Rooms

1001 W. Mineral Avenue • Littleton, CO 80120 • 303 334-1111 healthsouthdenver.com

©2013:HealthSouth Corporation: 473786-04

PAGE 6 • THE VILLAGER • October 24, 2013

SeniorChoices

Centennial retirement community launches radio station

Holly Creek Radio started by residents for residents

Submitted by Chuck Montera he call letters are HCRK but don’t look for it on your AM or FM dial. Centennial’s newest radio station is being broadcast out of the Holly Creek Retirement Community directly to its residents and staff using its closed circuit TV feed and through podcasts.

Holly Creek Radio was the brainchild of resident Dick Gustafson, who brought his idea to Holly Creek’s Executive Director Jayne Keller. Dick and his wife Wendy moved to Holly Creek

T

in January after 44 years in Vail, where Dick was a disc jockey at Radio Free Minturn.

“Dick came to me shortly after moving in and said our community needed its own radio station.

I loved the idea and it was a perfect fit for our Masterpiece Living program,” said Keller.

According to Keller, Masterpiece Living is a lifestyle program that uses resident created activities to promote a healthy mind, spirit and body.

World quickly spread throughout the community that Dick and Jayne were launching a radio station. A poll was sent to all resident’s asking them what the types of programming they wanted to

hear. Residents responded they wanted big band, jazz and classical music, updates on community happenings and original programming including comedy and sports talk shows.

Gustafson oversaw and organized all of the music for the station. He quickly became an expert in iTunes and also digitized more than 500 jazz and classical albums from his personal collection.

“We can take any album or CD that a resident has, load it into our iTunes playlists and then play their favorite songs for the entire community,” Dick said.

Residents Ed Jeffords and Jack Kelly put together a live sports

talk radio show that airs every Friday.

“Holly Creek Radio has given me a second career,” said Kelly. “I’m the kind of person who loves to hear themself talk, which is why I was an attorney. Now I talk sports on the HCRK every Friday and have more than 300 listeners on the other end.”

Holly Creek dining services employee Joe Jacobs teamed up with residents Jack Vente and Norm Kautsky to create a comedy trio.

“Every good com- DJ and HRCK founder Dick Gustafson edy routine has a straight man and that’s station director and put all the the role I play,” said Kautsky. pieces in place to go live on air.

Comedy with Jack, Joe and “It’s been fun to see the colNorm airs weekly on HCRK and laboration between staff and can be downloaded on podcasts residents that made Holly Creek though the community’s website Radio a reality,” said Holly Creek and Facebook page. executive assistant Peter SherAfter a generous anonymous will. “Our residents and employdonation was made to buy the ees have created their own radio equipment needed for the station, station which allows them to be Holly Creek staff member Peter creative and use skills they norSherwill played the role of radio mally wouldn’t have the opportunity to use – it’s been a labor of love.”

According to Sherwill, the station and it’s programming of music and live programming has been a hit with all residents.

The station is also open to any resident who wants to drop by and share a story or just observe the live talent on air.

“When I came up with the idea of HCRK, I thought it would be just a hobby, something to keep me busy,” said Dick. “But it’s become much more than that. It’s become a purpose – a service to the residents.”

For more informaThe equipment given to Holly Creek was tion, visit www.holly made possible by an anonymous donor. creekretirement Courtesy photos community.com.

“ I am passionate about helping people find the best solution for their hearing needs!”

Dr. Julie Prutsman Au.D., FAAA

(720) 251-2633 | YourEarDoc.com 9330 S. UNIVERSITY BLVD., SUITE 240, HIGHLANDS RANCH AND 15450 E. ORCHARD RD., CENTENNIAL

Specializing in Tinnitus “Ringing in the Ears” and Hearing Devices Radio personality and sports talk radio host Jack Kelly promotes his show.

SeniorChoices

October 24, 2013 • THE VILLAGER • PAGE 7

r o i n Seoices h CAdvertise in our upcoming SeniorChoices issues: JAN. 9, 2014 APRIL 10, 2014 JULY 10, 2014 Deadline for all materials is 10 days prior to publication date.

Call

303-773-8313 for details

MillBrook Homes owns and operates eight group homes in the Denver area and Longmont. This is a home in Willow Creek – the Wabash Home.

Courtesy photo

MillBrook Homes offers a different choice in assisted living Submitted by MillBrook Homes Senior care communities are expanding rapidly in response to our aging population. Baby boomers, people born between 1945 and 1964, now represent 25 percent of the total population.

Seniors have more choices than ever for care options. One alternative that some families are unaware of is a group home. A group home is a single-family home, licensed by the State of Colorado to offer assisted living services. This option is often not considered because these homes are tucked away in ordinary neighborhoods. You may have a group home in your neighborhood.

Group homes offer the same services, such as bathing, dressing, meals and laundry, but for fewer residents. Most group homes have five to eight residents. Because there are fewer residents, the care they offer is often better. A group home feels more like the home your mother lived in prior to needing assisted care. Research also shows that people with dementia respond better in a home environment. Residents do not sit alone all day in their apartment, they are helping fold laundry, setting the table or making the salad. These activities give the residents a sense of purpose and belonging.

Senior Living in

Centennial, CO 80111

important person is the caregiver that interacts every day with your loved one. When evaluating senior care, look past the fancy amenities and take a good look at the way the business is managed. Look at the care staff, look at the company training standards, and ask the staff if they are happy. The care staff sets the tone for residents. If the staff is cheerful and well trained the residents will receive excellent care...

Look at the Millbrook difference, assisted living and memory care in your neighborhood. For more information, call 303-2207989 or visit www.millbrookcare. com.

Your Neighborhood Secure Memory Care

Assisted Living

5809 S. Kenton Way

MillBrook Homes owns and operates eight group homes in the Denver area and in Longmont.

The Alzheimer’s Association has recognized them as offering excellent care for the memory impaired.

Four of the caregivers at MillBrook Homes have been nominated this year for The Pat and George Sugerman Award. Each year the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association gives this award to a professional caregiver that offers outstanding care.

Most experts agree that the single most important factor when considering options for a loved one is the care that is offered. The most

The Finest Care at Millbrook Homes

6462 S. Heritage Pl. Centennial, CO 80111

Benefits of a Home Setting More Familiar and Comfortable ■ Family Lifestyle – Home Cooked Meals ■ Residents continue the same routines that they are accustomed to ■

Only 5 Residents per Home ■ More Personal Attention ■ Loving Experienced Staff – 24 Hour Care ■

Respite Care ■ Onsite Doctor Visits ■ Nurse on call 24 hours/day ■

303.220-7989 • www.millbrookcare.com

PAGE 8 • THE VILLAGER • October 24, 2013

SeniorChoices

Actual Spectrum Residents

Locally owned and operated

WHERE PEACE OF MIND TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW MEANING As needs change, our residents continue to receive quality care surrounded by caring professionals in a familiar environment.

(303) 951-4397

(303) 957-0783

Visit our Information Center at the Happy Canyon Shopping Center

I-25 and Lincoln Avenue, East of Sky Ridge Hospital

5010 East Hampden Avenue, Denver, CO 80222 HighPointeAssistedLiving.com

10001 S. Oswego Street, Parker, CO 80134 LincolnMeadowsSeniorLiving.com

OPENING DECEMBER 2013 SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES HP LM Villager 10 24 13