SummitWest Care Feeds the Community Through the Hungry Hearts Program 2 years in a Row
Meals were delivered daily by our volunteer employees. Meals consisted of a pasta, bread
SummitWest Care proudly earned the #GJSTRONGFUND award through the City of Grand Junction, allowing us to feed the community for another year in a row. SummitWest Care was awarded $25,000. Compared to 2020, over 1700 households we delivered a warm meal. Recipients ranged from community members in need, Strive, Hilltop, Ariel Service Clients and our own patients.
Meals were delivered daily by our volunteer employees. Meals consisted of a pasta, bread and salad large enough to feed 4 people.
We are so thankful to have delivered meals for another year. During these times, we believe spreading kindness and taking care of our community is vital.
Check out our story featured in the Beacon Senior News:
HUNGRY HEARTS PROGRAM FEEDS MORE THAN THE BODY
By Jan Weeks
Isolation, anxiety, stress. In the time of COVID-19, thousands of people here on the Western Slope exhibit all of those. For seniors, these emotions can be especially debilitating. Sometimes all it takes is a prepared meal to lift spirits and reinforce the idea that someone cares. To that purpose, the Hungry Hearts program was born, facilitated through SummitWest Care.
Feeding hearts
According to Charleen RaaumCEO of SummitWest Care, the largest home care company in the Valleywhen the pandemic shut everything down, the care team met to brainstorm ways to show their clients and others that theyre not alone.
Were all about serving our community and providing a better quality of life. In team meetings we are always asking what we can do and thinking outside the box, Raaum said.
Since the virus left a lot of people wondering where their next meal would come from, employees saw an opportunity to do something, and that something was food.
Together with Andrea Smith, who oversees business development at SummitWest Care, the two worked to write grants to fund a program that would enlist local restaurants to prepare meals. They received funding from the #GJStrongFund, Caring for our Community Fund through Western Colorado Community Foundation and a donation from Western HealthCare Alliance. Though the current grant money has run out, the women have applied for more grants to keep the program going.
Employees volunteered to pick up meals from restaurants and deliver them. Smith kept track of the statistics.
Seven hundred employees volunteered to deliver meals to 470 households and 1,663 individuals, Smith reported.
Both women agreed that volunteering gave the employees much in return, including the pleasure of giving while receiving appreciation from those they fed.
The Hungry Hearts program is not limited to seniors and is free for recipients. In addition to easing food concerns, SummitWest Care reached out to the Department of Human Services, HopeWest, Strive and other agencies to serve those who might need some food and kindness in a time of uncertainty.
Someone cares
Katherine Hambek, 62, cares for husband Dave, 67, who suffers from heart failure and permanent nerve damage to his lower extremities, making him prone to falls. She thought she was doing a good job until SummitWest Care staff showed her ways to maximize care and save time by organizing chores, such as giving Dave medications on schedule, taking his vitals and helping him shower and get dressed.
Im a clean person, Hambek said, and I learned even more about how important cleanliness is. I even learned how to clean away spider mites that might spread disease.
The couple are pretty much homebound. One day, Hambek was feeling overwhelmed when a Hungry Hearts volunteer called to inform her that she'd be receiving a prepared meal. The small gesture made a huge difference.
It made us feel like we matter, and someone cares enough to help, Hambek said. She added that the chicken fettuccine and salad were delicious!
David White, 70, is responsible for his wife, Barbara, who's been hospitalized five times in four years for complications from rheumatoid arthritis and dementia. After her last hospitalization, long-term care wasn't an option due to the virus.
I had to step up and roll with the deteriorating situation. SummitWest Care trained me on how to best take care of her at home, White said.
Raaum delivered a meal that fed the couple for three days, giving White a much-appreciated break.
It was nice to be recognized for the work I do with Barbara. Hungry Hearts made my life easier for a weekend, and it was most welcome, he said.
White added that if further funding allowed the Hungry Hearts program to continue, he would view any more meals as a treat, rather than a necessity.
I wouldn't want to subscribe or receive meals all the time, but an occasional meal would be wonderful, he said.
You matter
SummitWest Care operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, offering both skilled nursing care and unskilled help
such as running errands and housekeeping. Its mission states,You matter, we care.
We really want to ensure that. Kindness is needed in this crazy time, Raaum said.
To that end, the organization offers in-home newborn and pediatric care, adult and senior care, and physical and speech therapy. Medicaid sponsors in-home support services (IHSS) that provide care, training and resources to assist family members and friends in caring for the elderly and disabled, or children with disabilities. Private insurances and private pay are also accepted.
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Passions Grow, Passions Bloom:
Passions Grow, Passions Bloom: Cultivating Wellness at Willow Valley Communities Among the most popular passions at Willow Valley Communities is gardening. And, Residents here have a wide variety of ways to indulge. Three generous gardens are situated across our sprawling 210-acre campus for Residents to use in a multitude of configurations of their choosing. Willow Valley Communities hardworking Grounds Team tills each garden in the spring and plows them in the fall, making them ready for Residents to dig right in. Whether Residents are experienced pros or novices, gardening is a wonderful way for them to get outside, enjoy nature and each other, and learn new things. Some Residents have been gardening for decades, while others have only started gardening after moving to Willow Valley Communities. In keeping with our Life Lived Forward philosophy, some Willow Valley Communities Residents take their love of gardening to deeper levels. For example, several Residents from across the country have achieved the distinction of Master Gardener. Master Gardeners are certified in their home state, and the program can take six months to a year to complete and includes a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training, a score of 80 percent on the final exam, and 50 hours of volunteer service. In another example, Residents Annabelle Simpson and Susan Kelly worked with the Penn State Extension of the Pennsylvania State University to have one of their gardens certified as an official Pennsylvania Pollinator-Friendly Garden. The stunning garden is well-known for attracting huge numbers of bees, butterflies, insects, and birds, helping our ecosystem to thrive. Residents are also able to partner their gardening skills with their desire to volunteer and give back to the Lancaster community. With the areas rich, fertile soil, and the extra special care and attention the plants receive, Residents often have an abundance of vegetables and donate them regularly. Throughout the growing season, the Solanco Neighborhood Ministries food bank receives a variety of beans, lettuce, kale, peas, carrots, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and much more from Willow Valley Communities Resident gardens. Additionally, every fall, a harvest of hundreds of pounds of sweet potatoes and butternut squash goes to the Lancaster County Food Hub, a community resource for free, nutritious food and gently used clothing. Some Residents maintain gardening plots every year just for this purpose.Annabelle Simpson and Susan Kelly Gardening time is couple time for Residents Mike and Susan Ziegler. Sue is an avid gardener, and Mike loves being outdoors supporting her gardening passion at Willow Valley Communities. They both love being together in nature, and Sue is amazed by how magical gardening can be. Its just a miracle when the seeds come up, she says. Resident Pat Mortensen challenges herself every year by growing something completely different. Once she enjoyed a robust harvest of King Tut Purple Peas, a very rare garden pea said to have been taken out of the tomb of King Tut! Resident and Master Gardener Angela Booker-White is originally from Virginia but has lived all over the country. Her interest in gardening grew as she read and learned more about it. In her plot at Spring Run, Angela grows all sorts of fruits, vegetables, and flowers and always tries something new. She has the most success with seeds she purchases from the dollar store! Angela has also learned how gardening can help during challenging times. She is grateful to her garden, as well as to her fellow Willow Valley Communities gardeners, for helping her during the difficult time of her husbands unexpected passing. Gardeners, and she doesnt know exactly who, would come and help by doing extra work around her plot. Residents just came in and helped, Angela says. Weeding, cutting, trimming, harvesting whatever work needed to be done. Thats the way Residents are here at Willow Valley Communities: very supportive. Resident Keith Yoder, who coordinates the Spring Run Garden, is not at all surprised by the variety of gardeners at Willow Valley Communities or by the reasons they enjoy the activity so much. He agrees that gardening is definitely a hobby that enhances well-being. Though hes known this himself for years, he refers to an article put out by CNBC that states how gardening can add years to your life. And life to your years, Keith adds. Gardening gets you into nature. Its good exercise for your body and your mind plus, you get to eat what you grow!
Pampering for Self-care & Wellness
The Willow Valley Communities Day Spa is a destination for wellness and renewal. Its a critical component of the comprehensive Mind, Body, Spirit approach to wellness of Willow Valley Communities. The Day Spa offers many ways to soothe, calm, invigorate, or rejuvenate. A full range of professional services, all performed by our attentive and inviting staff, allows Residents to create their own regimen for personal well-being and beauty. These services include manicures and pedicures, skin care, facials, revitalizing peels, waxing, tanning, microdermabrasion, and body treatments with a wide range of different massage modalities, wraps, and scrubs. The Relaxation Room, with its beautiful waterfall and Himalayan Salt Wall, is a main feature of The Day Spa. It provides a peaceful and well-appointed environment in which to relax and offers a perfect and welcome respite between services. Himalayan salt rich in negative ions and essential nutrients and minerals offers numerous health benefits for our bodies, such as stress reduction, energy increases, and mood boosts at a biochemical level. Day Spa Manager Diamando Wallace says, Self-care is essential. Although manicures and pedicures are a well-deserved treat, they offer so much more to Residents sense of well-being. You can see the boost in a clients self-confidence as they walk out feeling refreshed. Massages are one of the most popular services requested by Residents, and The Day Spa offers a wide menu of options, including hot stone and aromatherapy. Emily Ransing, Willow Valley Communities Day Spa Massage Therapist, says, Massage is meant to enhance your well-being physically and mentally. I frequently remind my clients that this is their time to focus on themselves to feel healthier. I do all I can to send each client home feeling better than when they arrived. A Willow Valley Communities Resident was asked about her massage as she was leaving The Day Spa one afternoon. She said, After a massage with Emily, your body is so relaxed that you can focus on the things that you often overlook the air is sweeter, the birds are more melodious, the day is brighter. You are better equipped to face the next days, whatever they may bring. As she walked out of the Cultural Center to her car, she added with a smile, Its also a way to take the tension out of your body although theres not much tension at Willow Valley Communities!
How to Talk to Elderly Parents About Hygiene
Even though you know its coming, the role reversal that comes with caring for aging parents can catch you by surprise. For many, this switch happens when we notice a loved one is starting to struggle with hygiene or personal care.Its not easy to know how to talk to your aging parents about their hygiene, or how to offer your support while still respecting their dignity. Understanding why personal care can be a challenge for some seniors, along with actionable steps you can take to support your loved one's hygiene, can help you handle this sensitive situation with confidence and compassion.Why Do Seniors Struggle with Personal Care?Activities of daily living (ADLs)the basic self-care tasks we perform regularly to stay healthy, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toiletingcan be challenging for seniors who have limited mobility, memory loss, or other health conditions associated with aging.Understanding why your older loved one may be struggling can help you approach the topic with more empathy and less frustration. Common challenges include: Physical Limitations: Conditions such as arthritis, reduced mobility, balance issues, and chronic pain may make ADLs difficult or unsafe. Cognitive Decline: Problems with cognition, including dementia and Alzheimers disease, can affect a seniors awareness of hygiene needs. Depression or Social Withdrawal: Loss of motivation for self-care is a common symptom of depression. Fear of Falling: Seniors sometimes avoid bathing or showering because of legitimate safety concerns, such as fall-related injuries. Sensory Changes: Our sense of smell diminishes as we age, so seniors may not notice body odor or other biological reminders that they need to take care of their hygiene. Talking with Seniors About Hygiene & Personal CareTiming, tone, and framing of the conversation all matter when deciding how to talk to someone about hygiene. Now is not the time to rush into a conversation that may come off as a confrontation. Think carefully about how you want to proceed. After all, the goal is to open a door, not win an argument.Before the ConversationAs you prepare for your conversation with your elderly parent, dont just consider how to talk to your loved one about hygiene, but also when and where. Avoid bringing up the topic during or after a stressful or draining event. Instead, choose a calm, quiet moment when you know your loved one is likely to be alert and open to hearing you.Focus on leading with care and concern rather than criticism. For example, you might say, I want to make sure you feel comfortable and well instead of Ive noticed you havent been showering. This allows them to see you as genuinely interested in their well-being, rather than trying to offend them or take away their independence.In some cases, it can help to ask a doctor or trusted friend to introduce the topic first. They may be able to lend credibility to your concerns.During the ConversationAs you talk with your senior parent, use I statements that express your concern for their well-being. For example, instead of saying, You never keep up with hygiene anymore (which can suggest blame or shame), position it as your worry: I want to make sure you have what you need to feel clean and comfortable every day.Avoid using elderspeak, and be respectful. Acknowledge your loved ones desire for independence, and involve them in the solution by asking what would make it easier for them. Giving them the ability to be a part of the solution can help them feel less defensive.Remember to take their concerns seriously, particularly regarding privacy. Many seniors resist help with bathing or toileting out of embarrassment, and these feelings deserve to be addressed and validated. The role reversal that often comes with aging is not just difficult for you; it can be embarrassing for them to accept the change as well.Most importantly, don't make threats. Stay positive and emphasize the connection between hygiene and goals they care about. For example, you might say, I want you to feel confident when the grandkids visit or I know staying in your home matters to you, and good hygiene helps make that possible. Framing it around their prioritiescomfort, independence, family timecenters the conversation on offering support rather than pressure.Routines & Practical Strategies to Support Senior Hygiene at HomeOnce you've had the opportunity to talk about your concerns, work with your senior parent to build practical strategies into their routine. This can make staying on top of hygiene easier and more sustainable for both of you.Bathing & GroomingThe first step for many family caregivers in making bathing safer for seniors is adding fall-preventing features. These simple upgrades can include grab bars, a shower bench, and a handheld showerhead and can go a long way in helping your loved one maintain their dignity and independence.A consistent bath schedule can also be helpful. Many people find comfort in a routine. You can set the schedule according to when your parent typically has the most energy. For days when your loved one doesn't have the energy for a full shower, keep no-rinse bathing products on hand, and walk your loved one through how to use them for freshening up.If hair care is a struggle, it might be time to turn hair appointments or manicures into a regular habit. In-home hair care may be an option if getting to the salon or barbershop is a challenge.Oral HygieneOral hygiene for seniors often slips through the crackswith potentially serious consequences. Poor oral hygiene is linked to aspiration pneumonia (a leading cause of hospitalization) and cardiovascular disease. It can also make diabetes harder to control.Providing your older loved one with an easy-to-manage electric toothbrush and scheduling regular trips to the dentist can help you stop dental problems before they start.If your elderly parent has dentures, remind them to rinse their dentures after eating when possible, and to brush dentures and their own teeth/gums with a soft brush daily. Soaking dentures overnight with a mild soaking solution will also help them stay fresh.Skin CareSeniors skin becomes more fragile naturally during the aging process. It can be prone to issues like dryness, breakdown, and infection. This means moisturizing and checking skin for damage should be part of your loved ones daily care routine.Family caregivers should watch for rashes, cracks, and other sores, and seek medical attention if theres any suspicion the skin is infected or doesn't seem to be healing properly.An easy way to broach this subject is to ask your senior parent if they have enough towels and supplies and can reach the sink easily to wash their face and hands regularly. If it feels like it would be well-accepted, gift them with moisturizing face wipes or lightly scented soap designed for sensitive skin to make a skin care routine more enjoyable and refreshing.When to Consider In-Home Personal Care ServicesFamily caregivers often feel compelled to take on an aging parents personal care tasks themselves. This can be physically and emotionally exhausting for everyone involvedand potentially uncomfortable for your loved one.If you notice any of the following signs, professional in-home personal care may be the right next step: Your loved one resists hygiene help from family members but may accept it from a trained, professional caregiver. Hygiene needs have become a safety issue (e.g., fall risk in the bathroom, development of skin conditions, inability to trim their toenails, etc.). You or other family caregivers are experiencing burnout, or the personal care dynamic is straining the family relationship. Your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or another condition affecting their ability to manage ADLs independently. Frequently Asked Questions About Senior HygieneWhat happens if a senior doesnt bathe or shower regularly?Not bathing or showering regularly can increase an elderly persons risk of potentially serious health problems. These include skin infections, fungal rashes, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It can also cause body odor and an unkempt appearance, which may lead to social isolation and, in turn, bring on loneliness or depression.How often should a senior wash their hair?In general, seniors should wash their hair once or twice a week. As we get older, the scalp produces less sebum (i.e., the waxy substance that moisturizes hair and skin), so hair becomes drier. This means hair can be washed less frequently with old age.Dry shampoo and waterless, no-rinse shampoo can be helpful for keeping the hair and scalp clean and odor-free between washes, or even as a substitute for washing on days when showering cant be managed.Why do older people stop bathing or taking care of themselves?There are many reasons why a senior might neglect their personal care or hygiene. They may be facing physical challenges like loss of mobility or cognitive decline. Mental health issues like depression or anxiety about falling are also common reasons some seniors stop bathing or taking care of themselves.How BrightStar Care Supports Seniors' Dignity with Personal Care ServicesHelping an aging loved one with personal care is ultimately about preserving their dignity and quality of life. Its a physically and emotionally taxing job, but you don't have to go it alone.BrightStar Care offers in-home personal care services that can help your senior parent age comfortably in place. Our compassionate caregivers are experienced in assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, grooming, toileting, eating, and other personal care needs while allowing for as much independence and privacy as possible.
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SummitWest Care
Home Health 2800 Printers Way, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506SummitWest Care is proud to offer Home Health Services that deliver expert medical care directly to your doorstep. As a leading non-profit home healthcare provider serving Colorados Western Slope, we are committed to improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life for individuals who need professional medical support in the comfort of their own homes. Whether youre recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or transitioning from hospital to home, SummitWest Care is your trusted partner in health.Patient-Focused, Personalized Home Health CareAt SummitWest Care, patient-centered care is more than a philosophyits the foundation of everything we do. We understand that every person has unique health needs, personal goals, and home environments. Thats why we offer individualized care plans designed specifically for your medical condition, lifestyle, and recovery journey.Our experienced team of licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists work collaboratively to deliver coordinated, high-quality care. We focus on fostering independence, promoting healing, and reducing the need for hospital readmission.Skilled Nursing Services at HomeOur skilled nursing services are provided by registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who are specially trained in home-based clinical care. These services include:Wound care and dressing changesMedication management and educationChronic disease monitoring (such as for diabetes, COPD, and heart disease)Pain managementPost-surgical recovery careCatheter and ostomy careWe emphasize education and empowerment, ensuring that both patients and family caregivers understand treatment plans and feel confident managing care between visits.Therapy Services to Enhance Function and RecoveryOur in-home therapy services help individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence after illness, injury, or surgery:Physical Therapy helps improve balance, coordination, strength, and endurance through individualized exercise programs.Occupational Therapy assists patients in adapting to their environment and relearning essential daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and cooking.These therapies are delivered with compassion and patience, helping patients make steady progress toward their functional goals in a familiar and supportive setting.Transitional Care for Hospital-to-Home RecoveryNavigating the shift from hospital to home can be overwhelming. SummitWest Cares transitional care services are designed to bridge that gap and ensure a smooth, safe recovery. Our interdisciplinary team provides follow-up care, monitors for complications, and helps coordinate with your primary care provider or specialist to prevent hospital readmission and improve outcomes.Our goal is to reduce the stress of transition and provide comprehensive support during a critical time in your recovery journey.Chronic Disease Management and Long-Term Care SupportFor individuals living with chronic or complex medical conditions, consistent and proactive care is essential. SummitWest Care specializes in long-term home health services for conditions such as:Congestive heart failure (CHF)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)DiabetesParkinsons diseaseStroke recoveryDementia and Alzheimers diseaseBy offering regular nursing visits, health monitoring, and coordination with your care team, we help minimize complications and promote a higher quality of life over time.Why Choose SummitWest Care for Home Health?Locally Based, Non-Profit Mission: As a non-profit agency, our mission is to serve the community, not shareholders. We reinvest in our programs, staff training, and patient care innovations.Experienced and Compassionate Team: Our home health professionals are not only clinically trained but also deeply compassionate, bringing warmth and respect into every home they visit.Convenient and Cost-Effective: Home health care reduces hospital visits, promotes faster recovery, and is often more affordable than facility-based care.Customized Plans of Care: We tailor every service plan to the patients specific medical and personal needs.Serving Colorados Western Slope with ExcellenceSummitWest Care proudly serves Mesa County and surrounding areas, delivering home health services to patients across the Western Slope. We coordinate closely with local hospitals, primary care providers, and community organizations to ensure continuity and excellence in care.If you or a loved one are in need of trusted, professional home health care, SummitWest Care is here to help. Let us bring the care you needright where you live.
SummitWest Care
Non-Medical 2800 Printers Way, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506At SummitWest Care, we understand the importance of maintaining independence and dignity in the comfort of ones own home. As a non-profit, independent homecare provider based in Colorado, we proudly offer high-quality, non-medical home care services tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Whether you or your loved one needs short-term assistance or ongoing support, our compassionate team is here to help you thrive at home.Personalized Non-Medical Home Care in ColoradoOur non-medical in-home care services are designed to support daily living activities that promote comfort, safety, and wellness at home. These services are ideal for seniors, individuals living with disabilities, those recovering from illness or surgery, and anyone in need of daily personal assistance. From light housekeeping to meal preparation and personal hygiene support, we ensure our clients receive respectful and empowering care every step of the way.SummitWest Care proudly serves Grand Junction, Mesa County, and surrounding Colorado communities with a trusted team of professional caregivers trained to provide exceptional non-medical care under the highest ethical standards.What Sets SummitWest Care Apart?Non-Profit Mission-Driven Organization: We focus on patient-centered care, not profit margins. Every decision we make supports the health and independence of our clients.Customized Care Plans: Each care plan is built around your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle, with flexible scheduling and personalized support.Experienced, Empathetic Staff: Our highly trained caregivers bring not just skills but also compassion, patience, and dedication to every home visit.Access to Medicaid and Private Pay Options: We offer services through Medicaid waiver programs, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payment options, ensuring affordability and accessibility for all families.Our Comprehensive Non-Medical Homecare ServicesOur range of non-medical homecare services focuses on assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) all crucial to a safe and comfortable home life.Personal Care AssistanceOur caregivers help with:Bathing and groomingDressing and toiletingAmbulation and mobility supportMedication remindersTransferring from bed to chair or wheelchairHomemaker ServicesA clean and organized home promotes health and peace of mind. Our caregivers offer:Light housekeepingLaundry and linen changesMeal planning and preparationGrocery shopping and errandsCompanionship CareSocial interaction plays a key role in mental and emotional well-being. We provide:Meaningful conversation and emotional supportAccompaniment on walks or to appointmentsRecreational activitiesEngagement in hobbies and interestsServing All Ages and BackgroundsWhile many of our clients are older adults, SummitWest Care serves individuals of all ages. Whether you need assistance for a child with special needs, an adult recovering from an injury, or an aging parent, were here to help. Our non-medical care programs work in tandem with our skilled nursing and pediatric services to provide a comprehensive home healthcare solution.Funding and Insurance OptionsSummitWest Care offers flexible payment options to ensure our services are accessible to those who need them most. We accept:Medicaid waiver programs (including Home and Community-Based Services)Private insuranceSelf-pay optionsOur knowledgeable team will work with you to identify the most cost-effective solution, provide assistance with enrollment, and coordinate services efficiently.A Trusted Leader in Non-Medical HomecareWith years of experience and a deep commitment to the communities we serve, SummitWest Care has become a trusted leader in home-based care across Colorado. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to age in place or recover at home, supported by skilled, compassionate professionals who respect their independence and honor their life journey.Our caregivers dont just provide services, they build relationships. They create a safe, nurturing environment that supports physical health, emotional well-being, and social connection.If you or your loved one could benefit from non-medical in-home care services, contact SummitWest Care today. Our team will walk you through our intake process, develop a care plan, and connect you with the right caregiver match.