Resources For Aging Well

When a loved one suffers a life-changing injury, illness, or stroke, the question of what comes next? weighs heavily on families. The recovery journey is often long, complex, and emotionally challenging. Thats why access to world-class rehabilitative care is not just a benefitits a lifeline. For Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital (NCRH) in Johnstown, that mission has been at the heart of its work since opening its doors. Today, NCRH stands proudly recognized in the nations top 10% of rehabilitation hospitals, a distinction awarded by the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR).This national recognition is more than a badge of honor. It represents a deep commitment to patient-centered, effective, efficient, and timely care, qualities that set NCRH apart in the highly competitive landscape of post-acute rehabilitation. It also underscores what so many patients and families across Northern Colorado already know: recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, and exceptional outcomes depend on a collaborative, evidence-based approach.Why Rehabilitation MattersToo often, rehabilitation is seen as an afterthoughtsomething that happens after the real medical work of hospitals is complete. But in truth, rehabilitation is one of the most critical components of recovery. Research consistently shows that inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), such as Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital, offer patients better long-term results compared to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).A landmark study commissioned by the ARA Research Institute, which analyzed more than 100,000 patients with similar medical profiles, revealed striking differences. Patients who underwent intensive rehabilitation in inpatient facilities: Returned home from their initial stay two weeks earlier. Remained home nearly two months longer before needing additional care. Lived nearly two months longer on average. Experienced an 8% lower mortality rate. Had 5% fewer emergency room visits per year. These statistics translate into something profoundly human: more time spent at home, greater independence, fewer disruptions from emergency health crises, and ultimately, a higher quality of life. For patients and their families, that quality of life is priceless.A Leader in Stroke RecoveryOne area where inpatient rehabilitation demonstrates particularly strong results is stroke recovery. Every year, millions of Americans experience strokes, and while medical advances have dramatically improved survival rates, many patients are left with lasting disabilities. How they recover in the weeks and months after a stroke can determine the trajectory of the rest of their lives.The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association strongly recommend inpatient rehabilitation hospitals for stroke survivors. The reason is clear: facilities like NCRH provide the kind of structured, team-based care that maximizes recovery potential. At NCRH, stroke patients receive: Three or more hours of rehabilitation per day, working with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Continuous access to specialized nurses, who provide round-the-clock support. Daily visits from physicians, ensuring progress is carefully monitored and treatment plans are adjusted as needed. Recovery from a stroke is never a solo effort. It requires a coordinated team of professionalstherapists, doctors, nurses, patients, and familiesall working together to push the boundaries of whats possible. At Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital, this philosophy is not just encouraged; it is embedded into the very culture of care.What Sets NCRH ApartThe Top 10% ranking by UDSMR is not achieved easily. UDSMR, a nonprofit organization supported by the U.S. Department of Educations National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, collects and analyzes outcomes data from rehabilitation facilities nationwide. To rank among the nations best, NCRH had to demonstrate not only strong patient results but also a dedication to efficiency, timeliness, and continuous improvement.This recognition reflects several key strengths of NCRH: Patient-Centered Care Every patient arrives with unique needs, goals, and challenges. NCRH builds individualized treatment plans designed around those realities, ensuring care is never one-size-fits-all. Collaboration and Best Practices Through UDSMR, NCRH shares information and collaborates with peer hospitals across the country. This creates a cycle of shared learning that raises the standard of care not only locally but nationally. Highly Skilled Team From physicians to therapists to nurses, the staff at NCRH are specialized in rehabilitation medicine. Their expertise allows patients to benefit from the latest advances in therapeutic techniques and technology. Commitment to Community As part of the Northern Colorado community, NCRH serves not just as a hospital but as a partner in health. Many patients treated here are neighbors, friends, or family members of staff and caregivers, adding an additional layer of compassion to the care experience. Transforming Recovery, One Patient at a TimeBehind every data point, every percentage, and every award are real peoplepatients who walked out of NCRH with renewed strength, confidence, and hope. For someone recovering from a traumatic brain injury, regaining the ability to walk may feel like reclaiming their life. For a stroke survivor, learning to speak again may mean reconnecting with loved ones in ways once thought lost.Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital is more than a medical facility; it is a bridge between crisis and independence. The staffs dedication ensures that every milestone, no matter how small, is celebrated as part of a larger journey toward recovery.A National Model for Rehabilitative ExcellenceIn todays healthcare environment, where efficiency often competes with compassion, Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital proves that both can exist in harmony. Its ranking in the nations top 10% of rehabilitation hospitals is not just a reflection of past achievements but a commitment to the future of rehabilitative medicine.By aligning patient care with evidence-based practices, investing in specialized staff, and fostering collaboration nationwide, NCRH has established itself as a model for what rehabilitation should look like. More importantly, it has set a standard of excellence that directly benefits patients and families across Northern Colorado and beyond.Conclusion: Raising Expectations for RecoveryThe journey of recovery is never easy, but where a patient receives care can make all the difference. At Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital in Johnstown, patients are not just treatedthey are empowered to heal, thrive, and reclaim their lives. Recognition from the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation places NCRH among the best in the nation, but the hospitals true achievement lies in the lives it transforms every day. For the people of Northern Colorado, having one of the nations top rehabilitation hospitals right in their backyard is not just a point of prideit is a beacon of hope for anyone facing the difficult road to recovery.

At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that a well-organized home is a haven of peace, not a museum of forgotten memories. This is especially true when working with our cherished senior clients. For many, their homes are living archives, each item a tangible link to a rich past, a loved one, or a significant life event. The thought of "decluttering" can feel like erasing their very history, and that's precisely what we aim to avoid.We understand that organizing for seniors is about so much more than just sorting through possessions. It's about respect, empathy, and honoring a lifetime of stories woven into every object. Our approach isn't about discarding indiscriminately; it's about curating a comfortable, safe, and functional space that celebrates their journey while ensuring their present and future are manageable and serene. We're here to help you navigate this sensitive process, turning potential overwhelm into a beautiful opportunity for reflection and legacy building.Preserving Memories, Not Just Possessions: A Gentle ApproachWhen we step into a senior's home, we see more than just "stuff." We see photographs that whisper tales of bygone eras, letters that hold the echoes of cherished voices, and mementos that mark milestones and triumphs. These aren't just objects; they are anchors to identity and invaluable pieces of a personal narrative. Our goal is to help seniors and their families thoughtfully preserve these treasures, ensuring their stories continue to resonate for generations to come.One of the most effective ways to do this is through intentional memory preservation. This isn't about keeping everything, but about selecting what truly matters and finding creative, space-efficient ways to honor it. Consider these powerful techniques:The Memory Box/Journal: Instead of holding onto every single greeting card or trinket, encourage your loved one to select a few truly significant items for a dedicated "memory box." For other items, take photographs and pair them with handwritten notes or recorded stories about their significance. This creates a tangible, cherished collection without overwhelming living spaces. Think of it as a personal museum exhibit.Digital Storytelling: Technology can be an incredible ally. Scan old photographs, letters, and documents to create digital archives. This not only preserves them from physical degradation but also makes them easily shareable with family members, no matter where they live. Consider recording audio or video interviews where your senior loved one shares the stories behind specific items or pivotal life events. These "oral histories" are priceless.Curated Displays: Not everything needs to be tucked away. Select a few truly special itemsperhaps a piece of heirloom jewelry, a cherished trophy, or a beloved handcrafted itemand find a prominent, safe place for them to be displayed and enjoyed. This allows the stories to be seen and appreciated daily, rather than being hidden in a cluttered corner.Practical Tips for a Respectful and Effective ProcessOrganizing with seniors requires patience, understanding, and a systematic approach. Here are some actionable tips to ensure the process is empowering, not overwhelming:Start Small and Slow: Avoid the urge to tackle an entire house at once. Begin with a single drawer, a shelf, or a small corner of a room. Set a timer for short bursts perhaps 15-30 minutes to prevent decision fatigue. Consistent, small steps yield significant results.Prioritize Safety First: Before tackling sentimental items, address any safety hazards. Clear walkways, remove tripping hazards, and ensure essential items are within easy reach. A safe home is the foundation for a comfortable one.Empower Their Choices: This is their story and their home. Always involve the senior in the decision-making process. Ask open-ended questions like, "What does this item mean to you?" or "What memories does this bring back?" Their input is crucial, and forcing decisions can create resistance and emotional distress.The "Three Piles" Method (with a twist): While "Keep, Donate, Discard" is standard, add a "Story" or "Memory" pile. Items in this pile are those that hold deep sentimental value but might not have a practical place in the reorganized space. This is where the memory box or digital archiving comes into play.Leverage Support Systems: Encourage family members to participate. This can be a wonderful bonding experience, allowing younger generations to connect with family history. If a senior is resistant, a neutral third party, like a professional organizer specializing in senior moves, can provide objective guidance and emotional support.Plan for the Future: Discuss what items the senior wishes to pass down to family members. Label these items clearly and, if possible, include a brief note about their history or significance. This proactive approach ensures cherished legacies continue.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, our mission is to create spaces that serve our clients, not the other way around. When it comes to seniors, this means approaching each project with compassion, celebrating their past, and creating a present that is organized, functional, and filled with joy. We don't erase stories; we help them shine brighter. Call us today at 719-231-5425 Learn more at www.acalltoorderco.comFollow Us and Stay Encouraged: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/Together, lets clear the clutter and uncover the comfort beneath it.

Enhancing Mobility and Independence with Stair LiftsAs we age or face health challenges, maintaining independence at home becomes a priority. For those with multi-level residences, a stair lift can be a transformative solution, offering safe and confident movement between floors.A stair lift is essentially a motorized chair that travels along a track securely installed on your staircase. Designed with safety in mind, they typically feature seatbelts, intuitive controls, and swivel seating for easy transfers. Investing in a stair lift allows individuals to stay in their beloved homes longer, preserving their autonomy and comfort.When considering a stair lift, understanding the types available is key. Straight stair lifts are ideal for staircases that run in a single, unbroken line. Their standardized design generally makes them more affordable and simpler to install. Features include foldable seats and footrests, power options and folding rails.For staircases with curves, landings, or turns, curved stair lifts are the appropriate choice. These require a custom-built rail precisely fitted to your unique staircase. While a greater investment, curved stair lifts offer tailored solutions that can seamlessly integrate into your home's aesthetic.Choosing the right stair lift involves a few considerations. Think about the location of your stairs: is it narrow or a high-traffic area? Some models are designed to be more compact. Customization options allow you to match the lift to your home's dcor, from fabric colors to rail designs. Crucially, evaluate safety features like obstruction sensors, seat belts, and weight capacities.Finally, consider your budget. Options exist across various price points, and some providers offer rental programs. By carefully assessing these factors, you can select a stair lift that provides the ideal blend of safety, independence, and comfort for your home.This article was submitted by Ryan Fullmer, Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). Ryan is an owner of Next Day Access - Boise, ID and may be reached at (208) 540-9873 or by email at boise@nextdayaccess.com.  

 Need help with your oral health?As we age our oral health is as important as ever. Retirement might mean taking a break from your job, but your teeth never get a rest from theirs. See your dentist at least twice each year and protect your smile and yourself with good oral health. Health conditions, such as diabetes and vitamin imbalances, among others, show symptoms in the mouth. Likewise, diseases of the mouthmostly gum diseasemay be linked to pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, among others. A dentist can tell a lot about your overall health by how your mouth looks. Thats why its important to continue to visit your dentist at least twice per year. But thats not always easy, is it?  If you need help getting dental care, Delta Dental of Idaho has a dental benefits program called GrinWell for You, for income-qualifying seniors.  So, what is the GrinWell for You program? Its a one-time gift of $1,850 in free dental coverage. While not all procedures are covered, the gift may be used over 12 months for services such as:  Exams & Fillings Cleanings X-rays Extractions Dentures and partials, including repairs There is no fee, co-pay, or deductible to use the $1,850 benefit for covered services. Delta Dental of Idaho offers the GrinWell for You program to eligible Idahoans because we simply want you to have the best oral health possible. We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile because your oral health affects your overall health.  Remember, your mouth plays a crucial role for everything you do (no age exemptions!) so, its important to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. To learn more about GrinWell for You call 1-866-894-3563 or visit deltadentalid.com/grinwell.   Editors Note: This article was submitted by Heather A. Brown RDH, MPH.Heather is the director of oral health and community outreach at Delta Dental of Idaho.