Colorado - Denver South

Unfortunately, its likely to happen to each of us when we least expect it: we hear the news that a friend or family member has lost a loved one through an unexpected or expected death. We may have an immediate feeling of doubt about how we should respond. What do we say? What do we do? What if we say or do the wrong thing?These are important questions because what we say or do can either relieve emotional pain or make it worse.Yet, by understanding a few important things about grieving and mourning we can be confident that we can help and not hurt.Understand the Many Faces of Emotional ShockEven when a death is expectedlike after a long, serious illnessyour friend is probably experiencing a roller coaster of strong emotions. According to the American Cancer Society, the shock of losing a loved one can manifest itself anywhere from disbelief, anger, uncertainty, denial or numbness. In my own experience, Ive seen people whose numbness is misinterpreted as peace or acceptance, leading others to say, Shes so strong or Hes taking this so wellyet when the funeral is over and everyone has gone home, they fall apart.Remember that your friend is likely to feel many emotional ups and downsand a period of strength might be followed by real anguish.Communicate Your Sorrow SimplyIm so sorry for your loss, or I wish I knew what to sayplease know that I care, are simple and comforting ways to let your friend know that you care. When we stray into clichslike Shes in a better place now, or It was his time to go,the person who is grieving may feel wounded because they simply want their loved one at their side. This can be especially true of parents who have lost children.If youre completely unsure of what to say, being nearbyyet silentalso communicates that you care.Show Your Support through ServiceYou can decrease your own feelings of helplessness or powerlessness by serving your grieving friend. However, during the strongest moments of grief your friend may not be able to tell you what he or she needs. If thats the case, you might consider doing anything that may be helpfullike mowing their lawn, doing their dishes, or helping them with the funeral. But remember that your service shouldnt end with the funeral.Thoughtful service will continue to show your concern.Listening May Be the Most Helpful Thing You Can DoYour friend may need to talk often. He or she may have to discuss the details of their loved ones deathand may need to talk about it repeatedly. This can be part of the grieving process and you can help by being a patient, non-judgmental, listening ear.But take your cues from your friend because talking about their loved one might be painful. One friend recently told me, One of the most difficult things for us was when someone wouldcasually [mention our childs name]. To us, mentioning his name was a reverent thing that we didnt do very often except among each other. Even then, we were careful about it. It felt very jarring when others were too casual about it.Dont Rush the Grieving ProcessExperts in the field of emotional health and grieving concur that the processand timeframeof grieving is different for everyone. As a friend, you need to be ready for the long haul. It may literally take years for a grieving person to feel stable with their emotions. Encouraging them to get outside and take part in social activities may be helpful, but shouldnt be forced. Give your friend time to adjust to their feelings and emotions and dont be surprised if their grieving lasts much longer than you expect.Dont be Offended if Your Friend Shows AngerAnger can be a normal emotion during the grieving process. Grief can heighten negative emotions and a normally kind person who is grieving may strike out at others emotionally. Understand that its a product of their grief and dont take it personally. You can support them best by maintaining a level head and forgiving them when theyre not at their best.Grief and Mourning Shouldnt be Interpreted as a Lack of Religious FaithAbout half the people in the world believe in an afterlifeand that belief is typically tied to religious views. While those who are grieving may find comfort in their belief that their loved one lives on in some other realm, that belief may not override the pain of separation. Often, grieving is about being separated from our loved onesregardless of our beliefs.Id love to hear your thoughts on this subject, so please leave a comment in the comments box. I also invite you to subscribe to this blogwhich will cover a variety of healthcare topics.A short post cant cover everything, so if youd like more information on this topic I encourage you to research the Five Stages of Grief by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Also, see the U.S. Governments excellent A LifeCare Guide to Helping Others Cope with Grief. If youre concerned that your friends grief has developed into thoughts of hurting themselves or others, please contact a mental health professional.This post is dedicated to the memory of Bailey Rae Bullock, Matthew Bullock, Dan Bishop, Joe Adams, Michelle Pereira, and the many others who's passing profoundly affected me.

Winter can feel like a month of Sundays or a clean page, waiting to be drawn on. Either way, winter impacts all of us differently, some welcome the indoor warmth and time of reflection and some shudder at the thought of the colder, darker days ahead.However, you experience winter and with the pandemic continuing to keep us masked and safer indoors, this is a good time to bring some light ideas to enhance your days and make your wintertime more meaningful or productive. Not only that, staying engaged helps keep the blues at bay, enhances your overall mood, keeps you connected and less isolated.There are so many online options to choose from and here are a few suggestions that might inspire you to learn even more.Take up a new hobby. Perhaps youve wanted to learn how to knit or crochet. There are many beginner YouTube videos available online that show you step by step, such as this one.Learn how to make a new recipe such as Easy Fudgy Brownies from Scratch, click here.This is a good time to walk to the library and check out the newest books, use a computer or bring your own device and access Wi-Fi. Maybe pick out a book and start a book club with your friends. You can even meet on Zoom. Check out the Denver Public Library.Learn how to get your own Zoom account with this information.Take up a new stretch routine and keep your body fit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XHlqzdK5hwSign up for an activity though Kavods Life Enrichment department:Calendars and Program & Trip Sign UpIf you dont have access to a computer, there are so many fun things to do and some of these ideas you might already have at your fingertips.Find a recipe book and try a new recipeMake your own greeting card and write a letter to brighten someones dayFind a new puzzle or board game and invite a friend (and keep your mask on J)Make time to organize your drawers and closets then say goodbye to those items that served you wellTake a walk with a friendOpen your curtains, put on your favorite music and dance like no one is watchingWatch a comedy on television and laugh out loudContact Kavods Life Enrichment Department or Health and Wellness Department and sign up for a class or activityHopefully, as the days get shorter and the nights get longer, your new winter routine will be greeted with an attitude of what can I do today? Healthy anticipation is known to energize and motivate us. This powerful emotion can remind us that there are pleasurable rewards when we change our behaviors and do something that feels good and connects us. Winter just might become a season full of possibility.

8 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Denver ColoradoFiguring out how to pay for assisted living can be terrible, but its also unavoidable. A little preparation can go a long way. If you arent prepared to pay out of pocket, then you should probably reach out to our team of local experts who can help you explore in more detail the ways you can pay for Assisted Living.Eight Ways to Pay for Assisted living in DenverAt Stacy's Helping Hand, Inc we advise families with the following eight ways to cover the costs of assisted living in Denver:1.Plan Ahead and BudgetWhile this seems smart, most people do not put the money aside. Life can be hectic and unexpected. For those who are planning on the unexpected well ahead of time might also consider2.Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI)Long term care insurance is for the lucky few people whove prepared and put the money aside for the specific purpose of needing it for long term care in the future. While this is a great benefit to have built-in to your plans, the benefits vary dramatically from one plan to another. Payouts range from $50 to $300 a day and are contingent on meeting certain diagnoses. LCTI may not be an option due to policy requirements, but many people have another form of insurance that can be useful.3.Your Existing Life Insurance PolicyMany life insurance policies allow you to cash-in for accelerated benefits that you can use while you are still alive. Even for plans that dont have this option, you can transfer the plan to another policyholder that will offer cash out option. Your life insurance is like a deferred Annuity that you created a long time ago and forgot about, but if you didnt get life insurance when you were young, you can still get an4.Immediate AnnuityAnnuities can be pretty tricky business. You shouldnt consider one unless you are using the guidance of a financial advisor who is looking out for your best interests. In the case that an annuity isnt an option, many people can still5.Sell, Rent or Reverse Mortgage a HomeMany middle class Americans dont have much retirement savings to speak of, but they do own homes. Home ownership has been an especially valuable source of retirement savings for seniors in the Denver Metro area. As a result of appreciating home values and rising rent, seniors can sell, rent or reverse mortgage their homes to help pay for assisted living. If the need for money is more immediate and assets havent sold yet, people can get a6.Bridge LoanFor those who need cash now, but need time for their valuable assets to sell, such as their home, a bridge loan can help seniors pay for Assisted Living Facilities to fill the gap between when they need cash and when they have cash from their sale. For those who dont have as much cash or income, there are still options such as7.SSI/Medicaid/InnovAgeMedicare and regular Medicaid doesnt cover long term care such as Assisted Living, but if you dont have savings or assets, you can apply for a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver through Medicaid. In the Denver area, there is an organization that can help people who need Colorado-specific Medicaid through the government-backed non-profit InnovAge. You apply for Medicaid through the InnovAge program, and they handle your case. For more complicated cases or if you want someone to hold your hand through the process, a Medicaid specialist such as a local Colorado company, Helping Hands Consulting is a good idea.The typical Medicaid payout is $700/month but assistance goes as high as $2,250/month and supplements SSI and SSDI. Medicaid wont entirely cover the cost of Assisted Living, but it can make a large dent. Only some assisted living communities will accept Medicaid, and Medicaid beds are usually limited, but either way, seeking professional help throughout the Medicaid process can alleviate the stress and ensure that all the information is provided when the application is submitted.8.VA BenefitsVeterans benefits can be used to pay for residential care in a variety of situations. One set of benefits is available to those with service-related injuries or disabilities; another set of benefits, known as Aid and Attendance, is available to any veteran or surviving spouse whos disabled and whose income is below a certain limit.Receiving Medicaid and VA Benefits can be a tricky and time-consuming process. If you reach out to us today, we can help you navigate these complex systems and find you the right Assisted Living facility for your needs in the Denver Metro area.Finding the best Assisted Living community options for seniors is our specialty. If you have a question about Assisted Living in Denver CO metro area, give us a call at the number above.

Container gardening allows seniors with limited mobility to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of gardening from a comfortable chair.April is National Gardening Month and now is the perfect time for seniors to learn about the benefits of container gardens.  Gardening is a wonderful activity for seniors, but it can be very difficult for some seniors to perform the physical movements needed to garden. Kneeling down or bending over for long periods of time is very painful for a lot of seniors. Seniors with home care assistance have some help with gardening tasks, but even home care assistance may not be enough to make traditional gardening easy for all seniors.Container gardening is a great option that makes gardening less painful for seniors with mobility or dexterity challenges. Container gardens allow seniors to garden while seated in a comfortable chair. And container gardens can be created just about anywhere. Your senior parent can enjoy gardening on a patio, a deck, even on a balcony. Some of the biggest benefits of container gardens for seniors are: Easy Accessibility for All SeniorsContainer gardens are raised off the ground, making them more accessible for seniors with mobility issues or those who use wheelchairs or mobility aids. Seniors can place containers at a height that is comfortable for them, reducing the need to bend or kneel down. Almost any type of container can be used from buckets to wooden planting boxes so seniors can create any type of garden that they want. Space SavingContainer gardens are ideal for seniors living in apartments, condos, or homes with limited outdoor space. They can be placed on balconies, patios, or even indoors, allowing seniors to enjoy gardening regardless of their living situation. Seniors can also move their containers indoors when the weather gets cold. Low MaintenanceContainer gardens require less maintenance compared to traditional gardens. Seniors can choose low-maintenance plants and flowers that require minimal watering, pruning, and weeding, making it easier for them to care for their garden. No more digging out hoses, worrying about mulch, or trying to keep bugs and wildlife out of the plants. Reduced Physical StrainGardening in containers eliminates the need for heavy lifting, digging, and other physically demanding tasks associated with traditional gardening. Seniors can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening without putting strain on their bodies. Therapeutic BenefitsGardening has been shown to have numerous therapeutic benefits for seniors, including stress reduction, improved mood, increased physical activity, and enhanced cognitive function. Container gardens provide seniors with a sense of purpose and accomplishment as they nurture and care for their plants. Variety of PlantsContainer gardens offer endless possibilities when it comes to plant selection. Seniors can grow flowers, herbs, vegetables, and even small fruit trees in containers, allowing them to experiment with different plants and create a diverse and vibrant garden space. Sensory StimulationContainer gardens provide sensory stimulation through sight, smell, and touch. Seniors can enjoy the beauty of colorful flowers, the fragrance of aromatic herbs, and the texture of different plant leaves, stimulating their senses and promoting relaxation. Nutritional BenefitsSeniors can grow their own fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits in container gardens, promoting a healthy and nutritious diet. Growing their own produce allows seniors to have access to fresh, organic food while also encouraging them to eat a wider variety of fruits and vegetables. If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Boulder, CO please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.