Denver Catholic

12 I SENIORS AUGUST 28, 2013 I DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER Resources and patience needed to find best care for elderly BY NISSA LAPOINT Sometimes, asking for help can be humbling. Especially for the elderly who are no longer able to care for themselves or the home in which they live. The senior population has always been accustomed to taking care of themselves, said Tricia Cox, director of clinical services at the Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency in Denver. "They don't ask for help because they're used to being independent," she explained. "They're not used to having to need help. It's a very humbling experience to ask for it." Cox, who works with a nursing PHOTO PROVIDED DOMINICAN Sisters Home Health Agency nurse Susan Eager helps a senior monitor blood sugar levels and take insulin. There are many resources for seniors and the disabled who need assistance at home. and homecare staff to care for and down it was Saturday and the poor, and Chris Koch of First- it wasn't. She didn't feel like she RESOURCES Light Home Care in Wheat Ridge, needed any help," Koch said. Difficulties with ambulation or Financial: Health Seniors which provides companionship DRCOG (Denver Regional Estate Planning care to seniors, talked about increased weakness. This could Council of Governments) Netthe signs that an elderly person be evident through an increase work of Care in falls or difficulty getting in and needs help. This council provides a comout of a bathtub. "They're getting prehensive resource online progressively weaker," Cox said. for seniors and people with Recognizing the signs disabilities with education and Every situation is different, "You need to be preemptive beaccess to services. but there are some telltale signs fore they have a fall." Education Law Health Hoarding. "If they have never Web: http://denverregion. that an aging parent or loved one Vocation Awareness co.networkofcare.org/aging been a hoarder and then they needs assistance. Respect Life Month Confusion or forgetfulness. "I start to hoard things," Koch Dominican Sisters Home begins had one woman who swore up said. "It's a sign of dementia and Health Agency of Denver aging of the brain. The older we Phone: 303-322-1413 get, we start to stash things and Web: www.dominicansisters.org hoard." FirstLight Home Care Neglecting to take medications. Phone: 303.953.9575 Weight loss and a change in Web: www.denverwest.firstthe ability to cook meals. lighthomecare.com Lapses in housekeeping or hySPECIAL giene. "Maybe they've combed MOVE-IN O their hair every day for the last consistent care for a loved one Move in by NovemFFER: 20 years and then they just quit," abound. and receive $400 ber 1, 2013 NOW OPEN! of Koch said. "Or they say they took After having a conversion to month's rent and f your first also get a shower but they didn't." determine their needs, famiyour twelfth mon th Mismanaging finances. This lies may access online educaFREE. can be evident from a lot of past tional guides and lists of service due or unopened bills, Koch said. providers. Poor sense of time. "A good exOne of the most comprehenample is if they feel like its 5 p.m. sive and widely-used is the onand it's actually 10 a.m. in the line DRCOG (Denver Regional morning," Koch said. Choose your brand new, never-been-lived-in residence at Bella Vita. Council of Governments) NetOutdoor neglect. Cox said a work of Care website, said Cox. Be just steps from The Gardens on Havana retail development. sign could be newspapers piling "There's every resource under up outside their door or driveway. the sun for seniors," she said. • Spacious apartment floor plans up to two-bedroom, two-bath with den During the fall and winter, leaves The council provides both an • Washer/dryer and all utilities included—even cable TV and Internet service or snow may be accumulating. online and print resource. • Complimentary concierge service for everything from theater tickets to a If these signs become evident, It may be ideal for a family to ride to the airport, plus a live-in caretaker it's best to discuss with family take care of a loved one, Koch and the elder member about a said. • Bright apartment interiors and fabulous mountain views from large sliding glass doors. solution, they recommended. "It's almost always best that a Juliette balconies let you safely bring the fresh air indoors. "Bringing up the conversation family takes care of family," he • Pet friendly to your parents can be one of the said. "However, taking care of most difficult things to do," Koch aging parents can be very taxing said. "It's really important to de- on somebody. It's a lot of work." Choose the freedom of apartment living. cide what the best situation is." That's where FirstLight may be Call today. (303) 500-7002 of service. The agency provides Finding the right care privately-paid respite care and Resources for families seek1470 S. Havana Street • Aurora, CO 80012 www.bellavitaseniorliving.com ing either occasional or more See Elderly, Page 13 ADVERTISING FOCUS CALENDAR Sep. 4 Sep. 11 Sep. 18 Sep. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 NEW! A premier rental option for those 55 and better

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