Giving Back

Stay Safe and Celebrate: 6 Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors This Holiday SeasonThe holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and togetherness. But for many seniors, they can also bring unexpected hazards. From slick winter sidewalks to crowded, decoration-filled spaces, its important to prioritize safety so you can enjoy the season to the fullest. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping your home safe and festive.At Seniors Helping Seniors, were here to help make your holiday season both merry and secure. Whether you need a hand with decorating, organizing, or just navigating the winter months, weve got you covered. Here are our top fall prevention tips to keep your holidays safe and bright.Why Holidays Bring Extra Risks for SeniorsWinter weather already introduces challenges like slippery sidewalks and damp entryways. Add holiday decorations, gatherings, and extra clutter, and even a familiar home can become tricky to navigate. But the good news? Small adjustments and a bit of planning can make a world of difference.Our caregivers at Seniors Helping Seniors specialize in spotting risks and creating safer environments. With their support and a few proactive steps, you can enjoy the season without worry.6 Fall Prevention Tips for a Safe and Joyful Holiday1. Declutter and OrganizeHoliday decorations and seasonal items can easily pile up, creating tripping hazards. Take a moment to clear hallways and high-traffic areas. Need help tidying or rearranging? A caregiver can assist with storing decorations safely and keeping your home accessible.2. Choose Simple, Safe DecorationsOversized holiday decorations might be beautiful, but they can block walkways and create obstacles. Stick to smaller, manageable decor that stays out of paths. A caregiver can help you set up decorations in a way thats festive yet safe.3. Opt for Steady LightingTwinkling lights may look magical, but they can make it harder to spot potential hazards. Consider steady, bright lighting to illuminate your space without causing distractions. A Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can help place lights where theyre most needed.4. Tame Those Extension CordsExtension cords are a holiday staple, but loose cords can be dangerous. Keep them along walls or secure them with tape or cord clips to prevent trips. Let your caregiver handle the setup so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.5. Skip the LaddersHanging decorations or adjusting lights often means pulling out a stepstool or ladderbut these can pose serious risks. Instead, ask a family member or caregiver for help. Its a great opportunity to catch up while staying safe.6. Create a Toy ZoneWhen grandchildren visit, toys can quickly scatter everywhere. Designate a specific play area to keep toys contained and reduce tripping hazards. Caregivers can help tidy up so everyone can focus on celebrating together.Celebrate Safely and ConfidentlyThe holidays are a time to connect with loved ones and create cherished memories. By clearing clutter, simplifying your decorations, and asking for help when needed, you can ensure your home is a safe space to celebrate.At Seniors Helping Seniors, were here to lend a handwhether its decorating, organizing, or just providing companionship. Together, lets make this holiday season one to remember for all the right reasons.Wishing you a joyful and safe holiday season!

AltaVita Senior Residences is a dream come to fulfillment for the Macy Family. The longtime Longmont locals desired a way to give back to the community in which they grew up. And what better way to deliver on that commitment than to provide a multigenerational housing opportunity for Colorado families: three levels of continuing senior care on one campus in an unmatched, upscale environment. Filling a niche for older folks who want a place to call home for years to come, AltaVita has thought of every lifestyle element that seniors desire and deserve in an adult living community. Here a foundation for a brighter future is built on a unifying philosophy: Always put the resident first. This means providing for all aspects of the aging process 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. People are living longer and healthier lifestyles, and theyre remaining active, says Linda Berens, the campus Executive Director. Because of that many are looking for a multi-tiered campus offering continuing care within the familiar lifestyle. From involving family members in each residents life to creating a secure residence for those with advanced memory-related illnesses, AltaVitas well-designed campus and comprehensive services are built from the ground up to address and enhance every moment of daily living. One AltaVita residents family member said it best recently: I cant truly convey the appreciation I have for all that you have done. You have all been such a blessing to my mom and our family. The AltaVita team holds one another to a higher standard, which honors the important work they do, assisting the people who need them most. Enrich and enhance the lives of everyone we serve with respect and excellence: the AltaVita mission is confirmed daily by all the smiling faces. Three levels of care on one campus AltaVitas Longmont campus consists of the Memory Care Community, which opened in 2012; the Assisted Living Community, which followed in 2016; and the Independent Senior Living Community, which opened in June 2019. By building the community in three phases, planners have been able to thoughtfully design each building with residents in mind, taking into consideration the type of care they need and the amenities that will best suit them, explains Don Macy, owner.Memory Care Dr. Haleh Nekoorad-Long, M.D., a certified geriatric psychiatrist, is the medical director of AltaVita Senior Residences and works primarily with aging adults and issues regarding dementia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Recognized by the Alzheimers Association as a Leader in Dementia Care, the AltaVita Memory Care Centre is setting a new standard in Colorado for exceptional care for people with memory-related issues. AltaVita Memory Care Centre runs an adult day program, with respite services in suites specially designed for residents with Alzheimers and dementia. Additionally, care is customized for every residents level of dementia, ranging from acute medication management to the sense of freedom that comes with visiting AltaVitas beautiful garden patios and spacious, secure courtyard.Assisted Living With access to the same welcoming outdoor landscape, the AltaVita Assisted Living Community offers an upscale service focused intention. On the main level a great room welcomes visitors with a cozy fireplace, tavern, bistro and ice-cream parlor, and plentiful seating areas. The second floor overlooks the great room and features a large community room for varied activities as well as a comfortable lounge. Inclusive to the Assisted Living lifestyle are three meals every day, housekeeping and laundry services, social and recreational activities, 24-hour staffing, medical transportation, and emergency and nurse call systems. Independent Senior Living This is AltaVitas newest addition to the campus, a community for active adults who would like the enrichment of community life free of the responsibilities of home repairs. This maintenance-free lifestyle, including housekeeping, dining and transportation services, is designed to maximize that freedom and minimize those pesky daily duties. The new three-story building contains 84 stylish apartments with nine different floor-plan designs ranging from one bedroom, one bath to two bedrooms plus den and two baths. All include full kitchens, walk-in closets, large showers, washers and dryers, and private patios. The independent lifestyle program includes top-notch services and amenities like a full-service salon, fitness center, wellness programs, Tai chi classes, bistro and bar, housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining room. And when the outdoors beckons there is easy access to hiking, biking, and walking trails. On behalf of the family, we wish to extend our gratitude to such an excellent place for Vern to live, report family members of the experience of their loved one at AltaVita. The friendliness of the staff is beyond compare. We are very impressed with the quality and freshness of the food; the execution of meals; the presentation of such meals.Whole-life WellnessAltaVita believes one of the most important aspects of maintaining good mental and physical health among an aging population is lifestyle. And thats where AltaVita really shines. Supporting every part of the individual, AltaVita subscribes to Whole-Life Wellness. The methodology is envisioned to enhance residents health through seven critical aspects of wellness: social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, vocational, physical, and intellectual. For more information on AltaVitas progressive approach to maximizing the lifestyle of seniors, visit altavitaliving.com or call 888.745.8268 to schedule a free tour. 

As we age, maintaining cognitive health becomes increasingly important. Research shows that engaging in stimulating activities can help preserve mental acuity and potentially delay the onset of cognitive decline. 1,2Brain Training Strategies - Keeping your brain active involves a multifaceted approach:Cognitive Exercises Play challenging games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and chess Try memory-building activities like memorizing to-do lists Learn a new language or musical instrument Take classes at local community centers1 Lifestyle Modifications Change routine activities to challenge your brain Read instructional books Try new hobbies and crafts Engage in creative activities2 The Science Behind Brain HealthResearchers emphasize that brain training is not a guaranteed prevention for dementia, but it can be beneficial. The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study demonstrated that targeted brain training can help seniors maintain mental skills.2Physical Activity and Cognitive Function - Physical exercise plays a crucial role in brain health. Studies have shown that:         Regular physical activity can benefit cognition across the lifespan3         Older adults with higher levels of physical activity experience slower cognitive decline4Holistic Approach to Brain Health - Experts recommend a comprehensive strategy:         Maintain a healthy diet         Get adequate sleep         Manage stress         Stay socially active         Follow medical advice for existing conditions1 Promising ResearchOngoing studies are exploring "cognitive super-agers" - individuals in their 80s and 90s who maintain exceptional mental performance. Researchers hope to uncover strategies that can help others prevent age-related cognitive decline4 Key TakeawayWhile there's no guaranteed method to prevent all forms of cognitive decline, staying mentally and physically active can significantly contribute to maintaining brain health as we age. The most important factor is to remain engaged, curious, and proactive about your cognitive well-being.References:1 - Brain Training for Seniors - familydoctor.org2 - Brain Exercises: Can They Help Older Adults? 3 - Physical Activity, Aging and Brain Health4 - How the Aging Brain Affects Thinking | National Institute onAging Editors Note: This article was submitted by Craig Luzinski, CEO of Hover Senior Living Community. For more information, please call Hover Senior Living Community at 303-772-9292.