Dayspring Villa - Christian Living Communities

At every stage of life, forging meaningful friendships can be tough, and especially so during times of transition. It is common to adopt fears of loneliness and hesitations to form new friendships. However, making friends when moving to an assisted living community can also be deeply rewarding and important for overall well-being.According to a recent CDC report on healthy aging, loneliness and social isolation are serious health risks that affect a significant number of older adults in the United States. While it is hard to accurately measure the effects of loneliness and social isolation, this report states that the health risks due to a lack of strong relationships can include dementia, heart disease, and stroke. The CDC suggests that, as people are social by nature, high-quality social relationships can help them live longer, healthier lives.At Dayspring Villa, it is top priority to promote an inclusive culture where each persons passions and growth are fully engaged with purpose, honoring them wherever they are in the rhythm of their life. Doing so encourages autonomy and choice, which opens the door for deeper connections based on common interests.Community begins with connection, and there are a variety of ways to make meaningful friendships in assisted living communities. Get to Know the Activities CalendarMany assisted living communities have no shortage of activities and programs available for residents to take part in, which may be developed with or led by residents. The variety of engaging activities help spark and strengthen relationships among residents who are able to connect through shared hobbies, interests and beliefs. Whether you enjoy fitness classes with a larger group, card games with a few close friends, creative projects, bible study, or are interested in pursuing a new hobby, the community calendar will likely have something for you!Make Meals a Social EventFor many, a shared meal can be an opportune time for stimulating conversation and connection. Asking a neighbor to share a meal with you, sitting with new groups in the dining areas, or even inviting a trusted family member or friend to accompany you to a meal are ways to meet new people in assisted living communities.Many assisted living communities are also open to new ideas that will elevate and customize the dining experience. Being open to sharing feedback on the menu, offering to share a personal recipe, or even suggesting an experience that would get community members involved in cooking provides meaningful moments that promote friendship.Embrace the LocationAnother way to make friendships is to explore what your surrounding neighborhood has to offer. Depending on the location, there could be a variety of community activities and ways to connect with new cultures by exploring shops, museums, community organizations, parks, and more.Many assisted living communities, including Dayspring Villa, coordinate community outings with transportation provided as a way to provide a variety of interactive ways to forge new friendships.Embracing Eden Principles at Dayspring Villa Developing meaningful relationships is no small feat. Similar to the task in other phases of life, making friends in a new assisted living community may take some time and it is likely that many of your neighbors are experiencing the same feelings. Collective feelings are what has created and sustained the collaborative and holistic approach to assisted living at Dayspring Villa, all shaped by the Eden Alternative and the Rhythms Life Enrichment program.The principles of the Eden Alternative have been adopted by hundreds of homes in the US, Canada, and Australia with the core belief being that aging should be a period of growth rather than decline. Following this same belief, Dayspring Villa uses the guiding philosophy of Being Well Known, meaning that the culture is shaped by each persons unique life story, personal experiences, and gifts that are honored by the community. Ultimately, the act of friendship could be said to follow that same philosophy too, spurred from unique perspectives and understanding.  Dayspring Villa strongly believes in the value of friendship.  Along with the robust activities calendar, the prime Denver location full of both urban and suburban amenities and the addition of partner programs such as Duet Dining, Dayspring Villa is committed to putting the community members and their ability to form friendships as a top priority.When planning a visit or a move to a senior living community, ask about the programs and resident groups available. Have a unique passion or hobby that isnt already on the calendar? Ask a neighbor or a team member how you can start a new class or plan an excursion. You may be surprised to see how many of your neighbors share the same interests.

They say challenging times bring out the best in people. Anyone who has tried to buy toilet paper recently may disagree with that statement. In a broader sense, however, we see evidence this is true. Neighbors are reaching out on the Next door social media app offering to purchase groceries and run errands for older neighbors; teachers are providing non-perishable food to low-income students while schools are closed, and most importantly, the majority of Americans are following guidelines for social distancing. Nevertheless, social isolation can bring problems of its own. If you have a family member living in a nursing, assisted living or memory support community, you may be especially feeling that isolation. Fortunately, readily available technology can aid in alleviating some of the loneliness and anxiety about your loved one while helping to build community at the same time.There are multiple free or very low-cost ways to connect with loved ones through technology. The most obvious and lowest-tech one is the phone. A daily phone call cannot only make your family member feel important, but it is a good way to check up on their mental wellbeing.Older adults who live in a community can benefit from team members helping them connect via technology with family. If a resident is not comfortable using platforms like Skype or FaceTime to video chat with loved ones, Life Enrichment Coordinators can help them make the video calls. Additionally, Christian Living Communities utilizes the One Day phone application. This is a video sharing app that enables team members to record short videos of residents life stories or daily activities and send them directly to family members. They can also share the video to social media when appropriate.Social media is an excellent way to stay connected. Instagram and Facebook are great visual means for sending messages to isolated family members. In 2018, Facebook launched Watch Parties. A Watch Party is a way to connect and watch an event, program or video with other people and chat via the app. Recently, churches have used Watch Parties or YouTube Live to connect worshippers with compromised immune systems with their fellow congregants. There are also Facebook groups that focus on common interests, hobbies, and discussion topics. With a little set-up and help, older adults can participate and feel they are a part of a much larger community.We want to help older adults find purpose in this time of social distancing. We hope this restricted access to assisted living and memory support communities will be short, and family members and loved ones can get back to their normal engaging routines. In the meantime, there are benefits to short periods without distractions. If you want to help, consider sending fun greeting cards to your local senior living community. Have children draw pictures and send letters to residents; they may even get a response letter. Christian Living Communities is encouraging residents to start seedlings by providing pots and seeds to grow in their apartments and many similar creative outlets. Great creativity is a bi-product of such times!

Living with COVID-19 over the past several months has been stressful for everyone, particularly with the senior population, many of whom felt isolated before the coronavirus hit. While it may seem that group environments like assisted living communities are not the right choice right now, for many, its a better option than living alone and not having adequate support.Many people are often confused about the difference between assisted living and nursing homes. The main difference between the two is the level of medical care. While assisted living may have a nursing staff and a health clinic, its primary focus is to help residents with the activities of daily living.Assisted living communities are for people who can still take care of themselves for the most part. But it might be time for assisted living when people might just needor enjoying havingassistance with cooking, household tasks, and personal care. Residents still enjoy a private space, such as an apartment or condominium, and have their own bathroom and kitchen. Couples are generally able to live together, which should be something to consider when choosing an assisted living floor plan. There is transportation available when residents need to leave for doctor appointments or shopping trips.Some of the questions you should ask before touring an assisted living community include:What types of living spaces do you currently have available?What services does the monthly fee include?Do you offer on-site health services?Do you offer a variety of meal options?How flexible are the meal options?What kind of experience and training does staff have?Community and SupportSocial isolation increases the risk of depression and cognitive decline in older adults. While COVID19 has changed the way we approach Life Enrichment, residents at Dayspring Villa are provided with opportunities daily opportunities to engage in exercise, games, arts and crafts other activities within the safety guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Social distancing has made technology more important than ever when it comes to reaching out to loved ones safely. Given that many older adults dont have the latest electronic devices in their homes, being in an assisted living community that is equipped with the latest technology can help ensure residents stay in touch with family and friends. We use video platforms, such as Facetime and Skype, to ensure residents still feel connected to children and grandchildren during isolation. If residents are not comfortable with technology, we have Life Enrichment Coordinators who can help.Assisted Living Safety During a PandemicSenior living communities can provide significant advantages to residents and their families with robust prevention protocols, access to medical monitoring, and safe socialization. Some seniors may be safer in assisted living than at home. Given the strict protocols around hygiene, social distancing, face masks, and assisted living communities continue to be a safe option.The clinical teams that are part of Christian Living Communities senior living communities receive daily briefings from government and health professionals. These teams use this information toupdate protocols and procedures across the community. Residents can feel confident they are receiving the best care available to keep them safe and healthy.Quality of Life at Dayspring VillaFrom its well-designed apartment homes to its location just blocks from Sloans Lake Park, Dayspring Villas inclusive community offers all of the amenities of maintenance-free apartment living and extra support seniors need to live life to the fullest. Dayspring Villa offers residents a care free way of living with a variety of amenities and healthy dining plans.

By: Stormie Foust, Administrative Coordinator at Dayspring Villa and Olivia Mayer, Director of Donor Relations with Christian Living CommunitiesSince December of 2017, Dayspring Villa, near Sloans Lake, has made space for a group of LGBT seniors, team members, and their allies to gather together monthly. This elder-driven group, LGBT + Friends, has served as a safe forum for participants to discuss challenges they have overcome and the advocacy and work towards inclusivity that they would still like to accomplish. The group also includes older adults from neighboring Francis Heights, an independent living community, and participation from SAGE of the Rockies. In addition to its monthly forums, the group has hosted two community PRIDE BBQs.Reducing Inequality in Senior Living for LGBT Older AdultsThis January, the LGBT + Friends group gathered for a learning circle to talk about a big, important question: How can we reduce inequality in senior living communities for LGBT older adults? Participants are profoundly aware that the majority of LGBT older adults seeking senior living choose to go back into the closet, choosing not to share that they are LGBT out of fear that they will receive inequitable treatment. Residents shared ideas on what they thought an inclusive community for LGBT elders would look like.Among their ideas and comments:It would be OK to be myselfI would not be afraid of judgmentI would see inclusive marketing photosI would see inclusive symbols around the communityI would know people respect ALL of my identitiesI would be told by team members that they value inclusivityI would not be judgedI would be welcomedThere would be open spaces for conversationColorado Health Foundation GrantWith this vision in mind, on behalf of the group, Dayspring Villa and Christian Living Communities (CLC) the operations owner, in partnership with the University of Colorado, applied for and was awarded a grant from The Colorado Health Foundation to address health inequities faced by LGBT older adults. The project, Were just as normal as everybody else, is rooted in this vision for inclusive assisted living communities.The goal of the two-year project is to train and educate associates at six CLC-owned communities in Colorado to create a culture of equity inside assisted living communities. In year one, the focus will be on producing a video featuring stories from LGBT elders titled Caring for All: Opening Hearts and Minds. This video will be shared with all team members throughout the CLC organization.During the second year of the project, team members at six CLC communities will receive specialized training to educate them about the unique needs of LGBT elders from SAGE, a national advocacy organization for LGBT older adults.Through this training and education, our goal is for Dayspring Elders vision of inclusive senior living communities to be realized. The work aligns with CLCs focus on whole-person wellness and its commitment tocreating communities where aging is honored and celebrated. Eventually, this training may be shared with other senior living providers so that they can also focus on creating inclusive senior living communities for all LGBT older adults.

One year ago this month, my partner Thomas undertook a five-month journey to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT is one of Americas long-distance trails, and runs 2,650 miles through California, Oregon, and Washington. PCT hikers start at the US/Mexico border, and carrying their food, water, tents, and sleeping bags on their backs, they hike until they reach the Canadian border. Its a physically and mentally demanding journey through deserts, mountains, and forests; requiring planning and discipline and the courage to survive in the wilderness for nearly half a year.I knew it would be a difficult experience for Thomas. What I didnt know was how difficult it would be for me at home. There are very few blogs or articles written by the partners of PCT hikers on what the experience was like for them. I think I know why, and its related to something that our company sees and thinks about a lot loneliness. More people are talking about the negative health consequences of loneliness youve probably spotted at least a few articles or news segments about it in the last few years. Because I have a job where I need to think about, spot, and try to help alleviate loneliness, I thought I knew a lot about the topic. Experience, as it has a way of doing, was a much better teacher. Heres what I learned about loneliness in the five months Thomas was on the PCT.Loneliness can make you feel ashamedLike many people our age, Thomas and I moved away from our families for work. Most of our friends from childhood and college also live far away. I learned that you can be lonely and still have a lot of loving, supportive people in your life. There were a lot of people I could have turned to for help and support, but because of the distance, it would require me to speak up and ask for it. I knew objectively that there was nothing shameful about feeling lonely in a busy and disconnected world and asking for more support.I found, to my surprise, however, that I was reluctant to ask. It felt embarrassing to admit that I was lonely. When friends and family called I was thrilled and would chat happily with them, basking in the feeling of connectedness. I wanted to share that I was feeling lonely and isolated. But when they asked, I found I couldnt make the words come out. I felt ashamed of being lonely, and also afraid that if I felt told them, it would be putting an awkward demand on them to help alleviate my loneliness. So instead, I said nothing.Loneliness can be consumingLike everyone, I had times of feeling lonely before Thomas hiked the PCT. But those experiences were brief and fleeting and easily resolved by spending time with someone and then going on my way. Being lonely is different. I learned that loneliness can be pervasive and consuming. I came to dread weekends, previously a beloved time of relaxation and solitude, because I knew that I wouldnt have anyone to connect with. Three-day holiday weekends were my enemy. My thoughts would turn to how long it had been since Id seen another person, how long it had been since I had used my voice to talk aloud. Many Sunday nights Id collapse exhausted into bed, crushed under how alone I felt. I would rush into work on Mondays, eager for the chance to see and talk and connect with fellow humans. I learned that chronic loneliness isnt a passing feeling. Chronic loneliness colors your entire world, removing some of the vibrancy and joy even from pleasant and joyful things.Loneliness can rebound quicklyMy experience of loneliness gave me enormous empathy for the Elders I meet who are also experiencing isolation and loneliness. It also gave me insight into the fight against it. One of the most critical things I learned from my experience is that there is no quick fix to loneliness. My parents came to spend a week with me last year when Thomas was on the trail, and for that week I was not lonely. We had a wonderful time, and I was so happy to have other people in my apartment, to eat dinner with and spend the weekend with and to see when I came back from work.When they left, I thought I would start over emotionally from the place I was when my boyfriend first left for the trail not lonely, gradually becoming more lonely. It wasnt like that. The loneliness returned immediately with full force. I suspect that being lonely might actually have impacts that are much longer, a phenomenon Im still exploring. Thomas completed the PCT and returned home in October, so he has now been back home for longer than he was gone. I have not been lonely during that time. Recently, however, he went out of state for a few days and I found myself reverting shockingly fast back to the patterns and mindset I experienced when he was gone. Loneliness, Im learning, has really strong muscle memory. You cant fix it with weekly phone calls or occasional visits. The only way to beat it is through strong, sustained social connection.After the TrailDespite how difficult my experience with loneliness was, I was lucky. For me, loneliness had an end date. I knew that Thomas would reach the end of the trail and then come back home, and that knowledge made a difference in my ability to push through and live my life. I am humbled thinking about how different it must be for people who have lost their partners, or who never had one, who are isolated and lonely and dont know if there will an end to that lonely.Ive always known, academically, that one of the strongest benefits of communities like ours is the increased socialization that our Elders experience and enjoy. Now I know first-hand how consuming loneliness can be, how it can make you feel ashamed, and how quickly it can come back. Now, when I meet with family members who worry that their loved one is experiencing loneliness and are considering Assisted Living as an option, I know what a profound and serious problem that is. I take extra care to point out the many ways that Dayspring Villa is set up to alleviate loneliness by creating strong and lasting social connections between Elders, their neighbors, and our warm, caring team.The PCT gave my boyfriend the adventure of a lifetime. The PCT gave me powerful empathy, a renewed passion for my work, and lifelong motivation to alleviate loneliness and the suffering that it brings. We all have more work to do to understanding and eliminating loneliness.

If you have a parent or other loved one who is an older adult, you have probably already seen them through many late-life changes. One change that is hard for any of us to prepare for is the loss of a spouse. When someone is grieving, making the right financial decisions can feel like a heavy burden on top of the emotional weight of loss. As a loving friend, you can help guide your loved one through this difficult time so they feel confident and comforted through many of the steps that follow.Do These Things FirstThe first hurdle you face is helping your loved one carry out the immediate necessities, including managing the deceased persons estate.Start by determining if there is a will, and if so, the executor will need to start the process of handling assets accordingly. Along with the executor, a copy of the wills hould also be made accessible to beneficiaries, the accountant of the state and to tax authorities.Obtain multiple copies of the death certificate. Business Insider recommends getting at least 10 copies of the death certificate, because these will be required by the various agencies that will need that information.As part of their duty in carrying out the will, the executor should contact the Social Security Administration and all financial institutions the deceased had accounts with.How You Can HelpOnce the ball is rolling on these necessary steps, you can help your loved one get paperwork organized. Your loved one and their deceased spouse will have multiple accounts for everything from banking to auto loans, credit cards, insurance, and investments. According to USA Today, you should be prepared to go through at least three months worth of bills to find all the information you need. Its also important to be aware that credit card accounts that were in their spouses name may not remain active, even if the surviving spouse is an authorized user.With this paperwork in hand, help your loved one research and understand all survivor benefits. Consult their most recent statements for Social Security, any pensions and other survivor policies. These statements will help you determine where they stand, but dont try to do this alone. Trusted professionals, such as an attorney, Certified Public Accountant, and financial advisor are all valuable resources to help you make sense of the ins and outs of these policies.Start Planning AheadThroughout this process, you also want to help your loved one consider the implications for their financial future and how any decisions they make now will impact that. For example, if the couple was still living at home, the death of their spouse may mean your loved one is now facing the loss of their independence. According to Money Crashers, some people who lose their spouse are at greater risk for depression if they have assets, such as a home, because they now have to handle daily upkeep on their own or make the decision to move.Coping with this new reality is challenging emotionally, and at the same time, a change in lifestyle involves making some pretty big financial decisions. Whether they decide to move to a retirement community immediately or a move is in their near future, you can help your loved one plan for this financially.One way to help make sure they are prepared for expenses they may face in the future is to review health and life insurance policies. If they have a life insurance policy, it may be worth selling if their spouse was the beneficiary, especially if the policy is approaching its expiration date. Selling a life insurance policy (also called alife settlement) can be a good solution to help with expenses and medical costs down the road.Grieving and learning to live without a spouse is hard enough. Dealing with the financial implications that come along with that is yet another struggle. The comfort and security you can help provide through this process is an incredible way to support your grieving loved one.