January 2016 Events in Louisville, CO: Welcome New Beginnings

Happy New Year! January is the time when we all welcome new beginnings and set resolutions to make this year better than the last. But how does one keep those resolutions throughout the year ahead? The New York Times offers four suggestions: First, make a concrete plan, something visual to embed it to memory. Second, put something you value on the line – is it your health or your pocketbook – keep that in mind when you are tempted to break your resolution. Third, bundle your temptations. For instance, you want to exercise more, but struggle getting to the gym and you also have a fondness for gossip magazines but feel they are a waste of time. Combine the two – read the magazines only at the gym! And fourth, seek social support. You can achieve more by pursuing goals with the help of a mentor.

Still haven’t made any resolutions? Resolve to join us every month for a wide variety of events and activities. This month we explore our creativity through music with outings to local musical performances, Elvis’ birthday celebrations and concerts by our Joyful Noise Choir. We invite you to Welcome New Beginnings and make regular visits to Juniper Village part of your new year’s goals!

Our fabulous January 2016 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

§  Juniper’s Tribute to the King of Rock and Roll because at Juniper we know that there is no better way to celebrate Elvis than to embrace the things he enjoyed, like Peanut butter banana bacon sandwiches, and of course no tribute would be complete without an Elvis impersonator, and while that is a celebration in and of itself, we didn’t want to stop there as we will also have an American Band Stand Dance competition, and two winners will be announced and awarded, so brush up on those dancing skills and get ready to show us what you’ve got on January 7^th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

§  Music and Memory Showcase because music is intertwined with our memories as since childhood we have used music as a way of learning and bonding from the song on your first date or first dance as man and wife, so we will talk about the influence of music with dementia, and we will also update playlists for the residents, while we have a live demonstration and talk about how we incorporate this therapy here at Juniper on January 13^th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

§  Celebrating Generations of Music as we host the Monarch Elementary School Choir to connect our residents to younger generations and create relationships that are not only beneficial for them, but also for the youngsters, as having interactions like these allows for our residents to impart wisdom that can be shared with the younger generations, and we are thankful for our Neighbors at Monarch Elementary School as they are so active here at Juniper, so join us on January 21^st from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

We look forward to sharing our January 2016 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville with you as we Welcome New Beginnings.

Be Aware For Better Care

What is it like to live with dementia? A group of healthcare professionals in the Boulder, CO area are offering you the opportunity to “Walk A Mile In The Shoes” of those with dementia. Jillian Lucero of Juniper Village at Louisville, will also be discussing Music and Memories to show us how music can “ignite the fire” inside and bring back great memories. Other presentations offer a virtual dementia tour, low vision simulation, information about germs and shower transfers and a hands-on demonstration of the benefits of aromatherapy. This interactive afternoon is planned to help you “Be Aware for Better Care” and will be held at MorningStar Senior Living at 575 Tantra Drive, Boulder, CO on Thursday, December 10th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Please RSVP by December 7th for your families, teams and loved ones that would like to experience this exciting hands-on event.  For more information or to RSVP call Gabriella at MorningStar 720-545-1575.

December 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Celebrate Little Things

This month is all about celebrations! Not only will we be celebrating holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve, but we will also celebrate the little things that make life worthwhile. Little things such as the reassuring touch of a friend’s hand, a kind word from an acquaintance and a warm smile from a stranger.

In our all too busy lives we sometimes forget to honor the simple things in life that bring us peace and joy. Most experts recommend that we allow 10-20 minutes of relaxation and stress relief each day. Making time for that can even be a stressful experience! During this busy month of baking, shopping, visitors and juggling tasks take time to remember what is really important.

Here are some tips to keep holiday stress in check: Acknowledge your feelings – you are not alone as holiday stress is not uncommon. Be realistic with expectations – you can only do so much, learn to say no. Ask for help when needed – everyone wants to be needed and may feel more included by being able to contribute. Plan ahead to minimize unplanned expenses and tasks. Take a breather – take a walk at night and do some stargazing, listen to soothing music, or get a massage. Above all enjoy all the holidays have to offer by sharing time with others.

Join us during the busy month of December for our annual cookie exchange and holiday celebrations. Take time to Celebrate Little Things with those you love.

Our fabulous December 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

§  Celebrate the Little Things Exquisite Sweets and Delicious Treats as we are kicking our holiday sweet tooth up a notch, with champagne and small French pastries as the highlights of this Parisian inspired event, as we are putting our chefs to the test in a little kitchen competition with a local French pastry shop, so join your colleagues as we celebrate the season Juniper Village at Louisville style on December 8^th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

§  Dreaming of a White Christmas with Caroling, Candy Canes and Cocoa, so come snuggle up with a friend and sing-a-long with our carolers after you sip on something warm to drink, as this evening we reminisce on holidays past with some of our favorite traditional holiday songs on December 18^th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

§  Noon Year’s Eve because sometimes staying up until midnight can be tough, so why not celebrate at noon, with this year’s Noon Year party at Juniper Village at Louisville with the theme of the 1920s a nostalgic period in time for the party of the YEAR, or as they would have said in the 20s “The Cat’s Meow”, so don’t be square, we’ll see you there on December 31^st from noon to 1:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our December 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville with you as we Celebrate Little Things.

November 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Cherish The Journey

Family is a simple word, with complex meaning. To some family is the people you are related to by blood, but to some family is the people you choose to hold in high regard, and to others family isn’t people at all, but animals – our beloved pets.

Regardless of the definition, family plays an important role in our personal journey. As the saying goes, “Family is what you make it.” Whether made of blood relatives, friends, colleagues or pets, your family can offer you the support you need to thrive.

This month we celebrate family and reflect on our personal journeys while creating new memories for the future. Join us as we reminisce about these journeys through autobiographical journaling. Plan to share with those less fortunate through our annual food drive from November 1-30 with all non-perishable food items being donated to a local food bank. Also interact and share with others through our community support groups, and know that you are not alone. Throughout the month we will also be hosting several family events as we celebrate family and give thanks. We encourage you to review our calendar and join us for any or all of our events and Cherish The Journey!

Our fabulous November 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

§  Minute to Win it Family Games are a wonderful way to pass time with bonding and laughter, as things are about to get a bit silly here at Juniper as we have picked out some pretty ridiculous games to play, so mark this event on your calendar if you don't want to miss Cheetos being thrown across the room as we Live well, laugh often, love much on November 10^th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

§  Introduction to Dementia Part 2: Approach and Communication because according to Peter Drucker, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said,” and communication can sometimes be difficult with someone who has dementia, so Sherri Koltz with Accent Care will explain different communication techniques we can use to foster understanding and achieve positive outcomes on November 20^th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

§  Traditional Thanksgiving Celebration because this holiday season we have much to be thankful for, and it’s also a day of feasting, football and family, so please join us as we share Thanksgiving feast and cherish life’s journey, and if you feel so inclined, bring in a favorite dessert to share, since we will have a dessert table just for this occasion on November 21^st from noon to 1:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our November 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville with you as we Cherish The Journey.

Benefits of the Small House Model: the Gold Standard for Memory Care

At Juniper Communities we have long subscribed to the belief that the keys to healthy aging include staying physically active and socially connected. For some of us, doing one or both can be more difficult over time.  This is particularly true of some individuals who are living with memory loss. Our job as caregivers and partners in caring is to facilitate new ways of helping residents to be connected to the community - their home - while at the same time fostering a sense of independence.

Environmental features are key in both keeping people physically active and connected with others. A 2011 study by Dr. Margaret Calkins, Ph.D., an internationally recognized leader in the field of environments for the elderly, especially those with Alzheimer’s or dementia,  found that people who lived in small group or cottage settings had less disruptive behaviors and greater socialization.  They (and their families and the staff who cared for them) were also more satisfied—happy.

Another study done in 2011 in the Netherlands by Hilde Verbeek titled Redesigning Dementia Care concurred.  Her research indicated that residents in small-scale living communities were significantly more socially engaged and displayed fewer physically non-aggressive behaviors, such as wandering, than residents in larger, traditional settings.  They experienced greater wellbeing and less stress—they were happier. The study also found that residents in this “person-environment model” developed an individually meaningful experience of choice, mastery and relationship.  They developed a feeling of “at-homeness” or happiness!

Understanding the Small House Model

Caroline Cantley in her 2002 book Put Yourself in My Place stated that there is broad agreement that desirable dementia care homes be small scale, which she defined as 6-14 residents.  Getting much larger, she and her colleagues said, is a distinct move away from a “family feel” towards something more institutional.  Different research provides other specific numbers, Dr. Calkins suggests between 9 and 24 residents, but they all are within this general range.  Larger communities may mitigate their size with their layout, such as linking several smaller houses together to achieve economies of scale.

Juniper has been well ahead of the trend as we have owned and operated two types of small house models for more than a decade.  Two of our small house models, Aurora and Louisville, both in Colorado, were purpose built by Juniper in 1999 and 2000 respectively, as part of our initiative to provide leading-edge care to residents living with memory impairments. These two communities include four small houses, each with 12 or 13 rooms, virtually all private, surrounding a town hall area. Each town hall provides destination locations consisting of multiple familiar spaces such as an office suite, game room, library, country store, and gymnasium, where residents from all houses can go for additional services or programs. In this model, where the houses are linked, all staff are readily available to assist if needed.

Juniper’s other three memory communities although not purpose built by Juniper, were acquired between 2006 and 2014, in part based on their similar design.  All three are based on a small house or cottage model.  For instance our community in Naples, Florida is a campus with six small cottages, each home to 15 residents in a combination of private and semi-private rooms, spread across lovely grounds connected by walking paths and gardens.  Another, acquired around the same time, has three neighborhoods of 12 residents each in a combination of private and semi-private rooms, which open onto a central common area.

In both models, residents at Juniper’s communities live within a short walk to the living room, kitchen and dining areas.  The environment is homelike; there are no nurses’ stations and no medication carts that block the hallways.  Staff wear polo shirts, not scrubs, and are trained to engage residents in activities of daily living, as well as social and recreational activities.  In both models, there are large, accessible and safe outdoor spaces surrounding the community.

Download the full white paper.

October 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Show Your Colors

Every October we turn our Alive in All Seasons focus to holidays and sports as we “Keep the Spirit” during this last celebratory quarter of the year. Sporting events are inevitably part of that celebration for many families.

According to Dr. Renee Clauselle, founder of Child and Family Psychology, “Bonding over sports — the highs and lows of the game — strengthens ties, helps us feel supported, and makes it easier for you to open up about personal things.” Think of sports as an opportunity to connect with others over a favorite – or even rival – team and learn more about each other. Even strangers can learn more about where they grew up, which teams they support, which sports they played and how those sports are different today. You may even learn something about your loved ones that you never knew. Perhaps great-grandma played softball in a women’s league during college. That would be something to pass along to future generations! Watching a sporting event can become so much more than plays and scores; it can become an opportunity to learn the history of someone you love.

Join us this month and “Show Your Colors” as we sponsor a local sports team, get into the spirit of the season with our Halloween Costume Party and honor those associates who go above and beyond with our annual Juniper Spirit Awards.

Our fabulous October 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

§  Beans and Jeans for our 6th Annual Chili cook-off intense competition that brings out some accomplished chili makers, who insist they have the world’s best chili recipe, as we invite the Louisville Fire department in to be our official judges to see who holds the title of “Best Chili Maker” with prizes awarded for best green, red and white chili on October 8^th at noon.

§  Introduction to Dementia Part 1: Understanding the Stages of Dementia for part one of our two-part series with Sherri Koltz, from Accent Care, who will discuss the stages of dementia in this highly informative presentation about the time line of dementia progression and what to expect in each stage on October 8^th at 6:00 pm.

§  Oktoberfest: Show your Colors for German food, fun and beer, so bring your multi-colored dirndls and lederhosen as we celebrate the merriment of Oktoberfest in a fun way to relax and network with other business professionals in our area as we enjoy all things German on October 16^th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

§  Trick or Treat on Junipers Street for a spooky good time with children and families invited to join residents and staff for a fun evening of candy, costumes, and much, much more, as residents will be handing out candy and goodies to all children in costumes on October 30^th at 9:30 am.

We look forward to sharing our October 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville with you as we Show Your Colors.

Juniper Village at Louisville recognized for outstanding resident and family satisfaction

Excellence in Action award recognizes exemplary commitment to quality

Juniper Village at Louisville is pleased to announce it has received the Excellence in Action award from My InnerView by National Research Corporation. This honor recognizes long term care and senior living organizations that achieve the highest levels of satisfaction excellence, as demonstrated by overall resident satisfaction scores.

"The Excellence in Action award isn't just any quality performance award," said Jason Stevens, Senior Vice President of Business Development at National Research. "Rather, it's an award that defines what it means for providers to provide the right kind of care—patient-centered care—for their residents, families, and employees. It's an honor and well-deserved accomplishment for repeat winners and new organizations alike."

Juniper Village at Louisville is a Wellspring Memory Care community and home to 52 residents, located at 1078 S. 88^th Street. It provides specialized programming and healthcare including the use of the Music & Memory program.

“Our Louisville team truly goes above and beyond to provide quality, individualized care and service to our residents. I see this every day that I am present in their community. The results of our customer satisfaction surveys validate their incredible efforts,” expressed Jennifer Harris, regional director of operations for Juniper Communities.

Samples of questions asked on the survey include, “What is your recommendation of this facility to others” or “What is your recommendation of this facility as a place to live?”

Juniper Communities’ focus on the total well-being of each resident, providing personalized care coupled with innovative healthcare practices, has made it a recognized leader and the first choice among many patient/resident referral sources. Its’ Connect4Life model which provides onsite health and physical therapy care, is regarded as the most forward looking practice by industry sources for 2015.

Nominations for the CHCA caregiver award!

Congratulations to our hard working, big hearted, care staff for their nominations through the CHCA annual award for making a difference! Those nominated include: Diane Closson, Jampa Dolma, Marie Belle Lorenzana, Katie Thompson, Kiron Adhikari, Fnu Wagdol, Madaline Holder, Julie Castaldo, and Tsering Khechog.

September 13 – 19 is National Assisted Living Week

Understand the senior living options available

This year, National Assisted Living Week’s theme is Nourishing Life: Mind, Body and Spirit and celebrates the countless ways assisted living caregivers nurture the whole resident. This has been the basis of Juniper Village at Louisville’s mission since we began and is certainly a goal of the industry.

With the percentage of the U.S. population over age 65 steadily increasing, it is important to understand the many options available in specialized residences and the level of care they provide for the growing and varied needs of seniors.

In addition to the type of community, it is equally important to find one that offers compassionate care, unparalleled access to healthcare – preferably onsite, programming that will stimulate you such as Music & Memory, and a commitment to continued improvement.

Personal Care/Assisted Living residences are for seniors who require the least amount of care. Meals are provided along with assistance in medication management, bathing, and dressing, if needed. Housekeeping and laundry services may also be available. Community social activities or outings may be offered, and depending on their preferences and budgets, residents may have the option of choosing a private room or a shared apartment.

Although some Assisted Living residences may provide services for seniors with cognitive impairment, a Memory Care residence is a specialized community for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Providing 24-hour supervision and security, the Memory Care environment is designed to meet the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s patients.

A Skilled Nursing Care residence, sometimes known as a nursing home, provides the highest level of care for its residents as well as round-the-clock availability of medical care. Seniors in these communities may be incontinent or require assistance with eating, walking, and moving about the bed.  Skilled Nursing Care residences usually provide long-term care for seniors who are too sick or frail for other types of residences.

In recognition of National Assisted Living Week, remember, when independent living becomes too difficult, moving into a senior living community that offers appropriate levels of care based on an individual’s need can often be the best solution.

September 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Spread Your Joy

As the air begins to cool and summer wanes, Juniper Village ends our “Stay Connected” series by recognizing Friendship and Joy. What is it that brings you joy? Is it the wet nose of a newborn pup? The smile of your first grandchild? The taste of a triple chocolate ice cream cone? Whatever it is we invite you to share that joy with others at Juniper Village this month.

Much attention has been paid to studies regarding the effects of stress on your health, but what about the effects of joy? The landmark “Nun Study,” as it's often known, revealed that positive emotion is correlated with longevity: 90% of the most cheerful quarter of nuns was alive at the age of eighty-five, whereas only 34% of the least cheerful quarter lived to that age. Similarly, 54% of the most cheerful fourth was alive at age ninety-four, versus 11% of the least cheerful. Of the 678 sisters in the original study about four dozen are still living. So go ahead, grab that triple chocolate cone it might just extend your life!

This month we invite you to “Spread Your Joy” as we honor our friendships in our Red Hat and Villager clubs and our Best Friends events; get our hands dirty at our Friendship Daffodil Project; and celebrate with our Birthday Party and House Warming Initiatives.

Our fabulous September 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

§  Footloose Friendship Dance to kick off those Sunday shoes and come get FOOTLOOSE because nothing brings smiles to our residents’ faces faster than dancing and great music, so there is sure to be a good time had by all on September 11^th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

§  Red Hat Society Party for making New Friends and having a good time with old ones, we invite our Juniper Red Hat Ladies from our sister community in Aurora to come down for a proper tea here in Louisville on September 17^th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

§  FFB with BFF Friendship Foto Booth with your Best Friend Forever the perfect opportunity to have some silly “Fotos” of you and your Besty here at Juniper, so come on in as we try on hats, glasses, and mustaches, then get a keepsake picture souvenir on September 30^th at 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our September 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville with you as we Spread Your Joy.

Alzheimer’s Walk with Juniper Village at Louisville

We had a fabulous turn out for the Boulder County’s first Alzheimer’s Walk! Our juniper Village at Louisville team was huge and their fundraising efforts were tremendous. All our participants both young and old had a wonderful time, and we could not have asked for better weather; it was a typical bright sunny day. Even one of our furry friends came out to get a little exercise and socialization while supporting a great cause. Won’t you come join us next year?

Volunteering with Coal Creek Meals on Wheels

We had the pleasure of assisting Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, an organization that provides free meals to disadvantaged or home-bound individuals who need additional assistance to eat nutritious foods, on Wednesday. Our residents helped organize and prepare meals for those in need in the community by washing and cleaning vegetables, packaging salads, making coffee, and helping out in any other way they could. It feels good to give back!

August 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Breathe in Life

As we continue our summer focus on Staying Connected, we devote our August 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village in Louisville to connecting to the Environment. One of our Signature Programs is the Green Canopy Program. This program is designed to support healthier living for our residents and staff through environmentally conscious communities and events. This program directly supports this month’s focus on the environment and our vision to make the world a better place, a place where each of us can live fully throughout all seasons of life.

Margaret Mead reminds us that “We won't have a society if we destroy the environment.” To that end, Juniper Village has created Green Teams in each of our communities to support our environmental initiatives by assisting with our recycling and energy efficiency programs – such as using CFL light bulbs and Energy Star rated appliances, while making suggestions for additional programs to increase quality of life and promote sustainability in our communities. Have you met your Juniper Village Green Team? This month during our August 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville our Green Teams will share their mission with the greater community by heading up initiatives to help others learn how to live a more sustainable life through our Wide-Scale Recycling Programs, our Environmental Stability Program and the Implantation of our Green Teams. Stop in for one of our educational programs, recycling and upcycling events or anything else that strikes your fancy this month with our August 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville as we Breathe in Life!

Our fabulous August 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

§  Mexican Fiesta Feliz Aniversario a Juniper Village at Louisville to celebrate our 15-Year Anniversary with brightly colored attire, food that is delicioso, and the wonderful serenade of a Mariachi band on August 14^th at 4:00 pm.

§  Raven’s Native Dance with Color Movement and the heartbeat of the Drum from the Raven dancers, a local group of Native Americans that teach the ancient art of native dancing on August 22^nd at 10:00 am.

We look forward to sharing our August 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville with you as we Breathe in Life.

July 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Stand in Integrity

With our July 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville this month we kick off our summer quarter Alive In All Seasons theme “Stay Connected” where we will strive to stay connected to the community and the environment. Throughout July we will focus on staying connected to our community through Volunteerism, where we Stand In Integrity. The biggest and most visible benefit of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers work magic in unifying communities. Through volunteer work you are able to connect with your community on a deeper level and help to make it a better place to live and grow. But what we don’t always realize is that volunteering is a two-way street. Volunteers benefit as much as the causes they support. Through volunteering you make new friends, expand your professional, social and support networks and boost your social skills. So, give it a try and experience the benefits of giving of yourself.

If you are looking for opportunities to share your time, check with our Connections Directors to see what opportunities we have, or join us in one of our volunteer projects. Also plan to join us during our July 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville as we recognize our Ambassador Program, focus on our Resident Computer Center and training or any other calendar item that catches your eye.

Our fabulous July 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

§  Caped Crusaders because together we can accomplish great things and the Avengers comics are a great example of this, so whether you enjoy saving the world from mass destruction or just like wearing capes and masks, this event will bring smiles and comical moments, plus some of Louisville's local heroes from the Fire and Police departments, will be joining us, so come enjoy some BBQ on July 9^th at noon.

§  Volunteer Appreciation Celebration to express our gratitude by inviting our precious volunteers in for a little TLC because we love our volunteers and whether you bring in your precious fur– people, help with Memories in the making or sing your hearts out with our Louisville Singing Seniors, we are so grateful so come on July 14^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Juniper Gives Back because one of life's greatest pleasures is the feeling of giving e have designated this day to give back to those in the community who need it, so today we will partner up with Meals on Wheels and help provide some necessary comfort to our community, and you are very much welcome to join us on July 29^th from 9:00 am to noon.

We look forward to sharing our July 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville with you as we Stand in Integrity.

Memories in the Making Art Auction

On June 13th Juniper Village attended the Memories in the Making Art Auction in Dove Valley. What an inspiring evening! All were gathered in support of the eradication of Alzheimer’s disease. Pictured here is our very own Ashandra standing next to our resident Bill’s art work. We are so proud of his accomplishment!

Father’s Day Celebration

I really mustache you to take a look at our Father’s Day celebration! Our residents celebrated Dad’s Day on Saturday, and had a fun filled day with sweets and relaxation. They enjoyed donuts and massages while visiting with family. Here are a few pictures of the fun filled day!

June 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Live in Wellness

We close this quarter’s theme of Healthy Aging: “Let Wellbeing Thrive” with a focus on Food, as we Live in Wellness through our June 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville. Hippocrates advises, “Let food be thy medicine”. Research shows that eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, some kinds of cancer, and anemia. But, food has other benefits. There are also emotional needs that are satisfied by food. Most of us have fond memories of food from days gone by. Whether it was our mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies, a hotdog from a street vendor or our wedding cake, food has a way of transporting us back to the past. It is in that spirit that Juniper’s dining program is called the H’art and Soul of Dining. The philosophy is that we impart spirited service, companionship and nourishment through the sharing of good food. In addition to meeting our resident’s unique nutritional needs, we also meet their emotional and social needs as well.

Join us for our June 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville to share in our hydration program, complete with healthy snacks and learn more about healthy food and wellness with our dietitian presentations as we continue to Live in Wellness.

Our fabulous June 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

§  Dads and Donuts for our Delightful Dads because they were very often the first to teach us how to ride a bike, throw a baseball or drive a car, and although we appreciate them all throughout the year, it’s nice to have a day just for them, so we will have a decadent array of pastries to eat, and a photo opportunity with an authentic old fashioned car to remember the good times on June 13^th at 10:30 am.

§  Summer Picnic Kickoff because it’s time to start the summer right, and what better way to do that than great food and a live blue grass band, plus flip flops, water melon and good ol’ fried chicken, so grab your sunblock and join us for some afternoon fun here at Juniper Village at Louisville on June 18^th at noon.

§  Food on a Stick because we've designated a day of pure delight with nothing but food that’s prepared on a stick, so come join in as our cooks get creative with this fabulous invention, and make sure you arrive with an appetite, and don’t be surprised if you run into Freckles or Twinkles clowning around on June 22^nd at 2:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our June 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville!

Former WASP Betty Lotowycz Flew for her Country

as seen on The Denver Channel ABC 7 News

If putting on a hat could take you back in time, Betty Lotowycz would be traveling with her daughter, Sophia Stoller, to 1942.

"How's that look?" asked Lotowycz, the moment she put back on the blue WASP beret.

"That looks pretty good," her daughter said with a laugh. "I think your head might have grown."

During World War II, while men were flying planes in combat, women were answering a call closer to home.

"Somebody had to fly the planes at home, you couldn't just let them rust on the ground," said Lotowycz.

She was one of the pioneering women who paid their own way to get to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, to become a Women Airforce Service Pilot, or WASP, as they were known.

Their mission was to fly military aircraft in the United States to free up men for combat flights.

The applicants were required to already have a pilot's license, but to become a WASP, they had to pass intense military training.

"You had to march in formation?" asked Stoller, looking at photographs.

"Oh God, yes," her mother said with a groan. "And we stayed in barracks and boy, was that hot. We had these rotten little cots, and they let us drag them outside for the night because it got cooler at night."

More than 25,000 women applied to be a WASP, only 1,800 were accepted, and just over 1,000 graduated -- including Lotowycz.

She flew different types of aircraft all over the country, delivering planes and cargo to bases, and even serving as a test pilot for military aircraft that could be less than reliable.

"When you were testing aircraft, after they had been worked on if there had been a problem, didn't you usually ask the mechanic to come up with you?" asked Stoller, remembering the stories her mother has told her over the years.

"You bet we did!" Lotowycz with a grin. "And if he said he was busy, we'd say, 'Well, work on the plane a little longer, and we'll go up together again.'"

In less than two years, the WASPs flew more than 60 million miles for their country before the government suddenly disbanded the program.

The pilots had to pay their own way home and were almost forgotten.

"WASP, what's a WASP? An insect that will sting you! Watch out!" laughed Lotowycz.

The women couldn't get veterans benefits or even jobs.

Lotowycz applied to be a commercial pilot using her nickname, Gerry.

"And you got as far as the interview they said sorry the flying public wasn't ready?" asked Sophia.

"For women pilots," Lotowycz  finished her sentence, shaking her head.

It wasn't until 1977 that the WASPS were finally given status as veterans, and in 2009, they received the Congressional Gold Medal.

"It is wonderful to get recognition after many years of being pushed to the side," said Stoller. "Because, you know, we sort of accept that after a while. 'It doesn't count, or it wasn't important.' But actually, it did count. It was important. I'm very proud of you mom."

Betty and three other local veterans will be honored during the Bolder Boulder's Memorial Day tribute on Monday.

2015 Juniper Leadership Conference Awards

Juniper celebrated its 27^th anniversary this year.  Each year communities are honored for their achievements in critical operational and financial areas.

Awards were presented at the 2015 Juniper Leadership Conference, held this year in Baltimore’s historic inner harbor.  Awards were presented by Lynne Katzmann, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities, and Diane Byrne, Vice President of Program, Development, Training & Operational Oversight.

At the recent Juniper leadership conference, Juniper Village at Louisville was presented the Juniper Customer Satisfaction Award in recognition of the highest overall satisfaction score in the company in 2014.

May 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Grow Strong Daily

Fitness is on our mind during our May 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville with our Alive In All Seasons theme “Grow Strong Daily”. As you know, physical activity is good for you both physically and mentally. Regular physical activity can help you to continue to do the things you love and stay independent as you age. Exercise can reduce the risk of developing some diseases and reduce symptoms of some chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and balance issues.

But, if exercise has not been a part of your daily routine how do you take that first step? Start by making it fun! Turn a walk around the block into a scavenger hunt – search for daffodils, birds, squirrels or lucky pennies. Instead of a dip in the pool, create an adventure as you pretend to swim with the dolphins. Rather than send your co-worker an email, walk to her office and communicate face to face, double the benefit with a smile! What’s important is to make it fun and just start – today!

Join us for our May 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville as we will Grow Strong Daily with Fitness Five, and walk “cross country” with our Route 66 Walking Program and learn more about keeping our hearts fit at our Healthy Heart Luncheon. We look forward to sharing these and many other activities with you this month. Peruse this month’s calendar, and we will see you soon!

Our fabulous May 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

§  Way to Grow Party as we are inviting our friends and family to launch our planting season since many of you have a great amount of knowledge that we could use our in our very own back yard and we will also be serving fruit salad with beverages on May 15^th at 10:00 am.

§  Juniper Olympics because it’s time to get competitive here so come and challenge your skills at our very own ring toss or try to hit the bell to the top of our high striker on May 28^th at 10:00 am.

We hope to see you at one or more of our May 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville!

April 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Believe in Yourself

Welcome to April - the name derived from the Latin word Aperire meaning “to open”; the month when everything starts to bloom and come alive. What better time to really put forth your best efforts and see the true beauty inside than the month in which everything begins anew! Diana Ross, in the Wiz, advises “believe in yourself, right from the start. You'll have brains; you’ll have a heart; you’ll have courage to last your whole life through if you believe in yourself.” So let’s put our best foot forward, believe in ourselves and we can move mountains!

Join us for our April 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville as we pull pranks on April Fool’s Day; honor Jesus Christ on Good Friday, followed by hiding Easter eggs; celebrate the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery on Passover; and celebrate mother earth on Earth Day and Arbor Day. Peruse this month’s calendar as we focus on the brain through our Daily Brain Builders, Wii tournaments and our Healthy Brain Luncheon. Plan to join us for any and all events. Also, check out our Healthy Aging Resource Library to learn more about the brain or any number of health related topics. We look forward to seeing you during this fun filled month.

Our fabulous April 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville include our:

Ø  Easter Brunch for a fun filled magical morning as hopping along in the courtyard will be our very own Easter Bunny named Peter whose favorite thing to do is hide magical Easter eggs filled with surprises and our residents take great joy in watching the smiles of grandchildren run eager in anticipation on April 4^th at 10:00 am.

Ø  Brainiac 101 with Nina who is very well known in our community and will transport us to an imaginative world filled with excitement and inspiration followed by a smorgasbord of healthy brain foods and great company on April 17^th at 10:00 am.

Ø  Juniper Game Show with our very own hand crafted wheel and “Vana White” as we would love to challenge you in a game of Finish that Phrase and there will be excellent brain food to enjoy as you sit back and enjoy the show on April 21^st at 3:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our April 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville!

Juniper Communities Introduces Theralink for Onsite Integrated Therapy at Juniper Village at Louisville

Juniper Communities, a national owner-operator of Juniper Village senior living communities, is rolling out Theralink in all its facilities, and locally at Juniper Village at Louisville. Theralink is an on-site program designed to help residents regain and maintain independence, fitness and overall wellbeing. It is being implemented through a newly established partnership between Juniper Communities and Genesis Rehab Services.

“Rehabilitation, restorative services, and fitness are vital to healthy aging and whole person wellness,” explains Lynne Katzmann, CEO and Founder of Juniper Communities. “Coordinated with other clinical services permits, Juniper will be able to provide integrated post-acute care onsite at the communities through Theralink. This is especially important for Juniper’s residents who want and need more intensive rehabilitation services in their ‘home’.”

Grant Welson, Area Director for Genesis Rehab Services states, “Juniper is taking an industry lead by creating Theralink to offer onsite therapy services where they are integrated into everyday patient care. Feedback from preliminary implementation from Juniper’s residents has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The Theralink program will provide physical, occupational, speech, and when needed respiratory therapy that is integrated into the care Juniper currently delivers. Elements of Theralink include special balance and strength training, and fall prevention programs; technology and apps that facilitate and record personal fitness training; dementia management programs that integrate cognitive and occupational therapies; cardiopulmonary management; and monthly assessment reports.

March 2015 Events in Louisville, CO: Your Treasure Is Within

Treasure hunting has been around forever! The search for riches has evolved from archaeological digs revealing lost treasure to present day treasure hunts such as television’s “The Amazing Race”. Much has been written about the allure of treasure, but one thing that we’ve come to realize is that the treasure within is the most valuable of all. Each one of us has a treasure within and through our March 2015 events in Louisville, CO we will be exploring that treasure at Juniper Village at Louisville - be it your ability to sing, play a musical instrument, recite dramatic prose or balance a spoon at the end of your nose. No treasure is too small! In the immortal words of Captain Jack Sparrow, “Not all treasure’s silver and gold, mate.”

With our March 2015 events in Louisville, CO at Juniper Village at Louisville we end our Creative Expressions Series with a focus on Performance. Please join us during our March 2015 events in Louisville, CO while we recognize “Your Treasure is Within” as we provide opportunities to express yourself through our weekly drama clubs and by attending theatrical performances. If step dancing and corned beef and cabbage is more your thing, sample all that is Irish with our annual St. Patrick’s Day party or walk the red carpet and share your movie trivia skills at our Oscar Party.

Our fabulous March 2015 events in Louisville, CO include our Spellbinders professional story telling event where our minds will create a new world for us to explore on March 4^th at 10:00 am; our Simply Soothing Symphony as we enjoy the privilege of live classical musicians here on March 18^th at 2:00 pm; or our Pot of Gold Party as we celebrate our Irish heritage because we are all a little Irish in March with a group of Irish dancers as well as green inspired food and drinks on March 24^th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our March 2015 events in Louisville, CO, so check out our calendar for more!

Coal Creek Rotary Club welcomes our newest member, Jillian Lucero!!

"I find Louisville to be absolutely charming! I love this town and the people in it. I’m completely devoted to the aging population, specific to memory care. Alzheimer’s can be a devastating disease but with an open heart you can still find beautiful moments. I will be celebrating being married to the love of my life for 19 years this August. We have two kids together. Our daughter Alexis and son Jimmy, both of who make us tremendously proud. I’m excited be a part of the Coal Creek Rotary. They represent a selfless and inspiring group of people and I’m honored to be a part of their community outreach." Says Jillian. 

Alive Inside Screening; New Memory Care Program

On January 19^th, Juniper Village at Louisville showed the popular Sundance film called Alive Inside.  It portrays the power of music and memory as the film documents stories of several elderly people whether living in their own home still or a community.  Over 35 professionals and family members attended the Alive Inside film screening at Juniper Village at Louisville.  There was not a dry eye in the house as everyone was moved to tears by the incredible impact of personalized music on the residents showcased in the film.  Carmy Jerome, executive director and certified dementia trainer, led a lively discussion after the film.  Everyone was interested in how they could best help to bring the power of music to their loved ones.  As of February, we will begin to distribute iPods to our Wellspring memory care residents and creating individualized personal playlists for them to listen with some of their favorite oldies.  This is the basis of our music and memory program that we are starting up.  

Awaken Your Passion: February Events

This month at Juniper Village we continue our Creative Expressions Series with a focus on Art.

Creating art for many of our seniors has been a lifelong passion, for others it may have been a casual hobby or serious vocation. Whatever the reason, art has substantial benefits to our bodies, minds and spirits! In Successful Aging, John W. Rowe, MD, and Robert L. Kahn, PhD, discuss key aspects of successful aging: low risk of disease, high mental and physical functioning, and being actively engaged in life. Expressive art activities promote active engagement in life in positive, healthy, and fulfilling ways - in other words, nurturing the spirit of life. Recent studies further indicate that older adults who participate in art programs have fewer doctor visits, use less medication, and experience a lower rate of depression – all resulting in lower healthcare costs.

Our fabulous activity offerings this month include our Unforgettable Art presentation with an educational speaker who will share some of her knowledge of art and bring along some visual examples of some of the more popular pieces as she is joined by our Red Hat Ladies on February 5^th at 2:00 pm; our Iron Chef Cookie Bake off where four designated chefs from Juniper and surrounding communities compete in this year’s first cookie competition using their spatulas in this duel for the right to be called BEST COOKIE MAKER and we invite you in to partake of this sweetness as we will be auctioning off their delectable creations with all proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer's Walk on February 17^th at 10:00 am; or our 9th Annual Art Walk featuring some of the most interesting art work made by our residents all year long using professional quality art products to masterfully create their interpretations of life and as you walk through our community set up as a gallery, you will get to enjoy the many different ways of expression while savoring fine wine, cheese, and hors devours on February 27^th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

Look through our calendar and plan to join us this month and “Awaken Your Passion” as we explore various mediums to expression through weekly art programs and visits to local art museums. Or, if art isn’t your thing, tailgate with us during the Super Bowl, await the Ground Hog’s prediction, our join in one of our festive celebrations on Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day or Mardi Gras.

Juniper Village at Louisville: Our Clinical Outcomes Speak forThemselves

We want to be your partner of choice in the new shared savings environment. At Juniper Village at Louisville, we have been collecting critical data for nearly 10 years. For example, we closely monitor residents to assure successful returns from either the hospital or rehabilitation setting.

Many re-hospitalizations are the result of falls. While unavoidable, response rate and injury rate contribute dramatically to unnecessary re-admissions.

Another contributing factor to acute re-admissions is infections, in particular Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). The senior population can be extremely susceptible to infections and proper care and monitoring is paramount. Our wellness response team is skilled in recognizing symptoms of UTI in order to provide proactive interventions that reduce the need for hospitalization.

Communication is key and Juniper Village at Louisville takes communication to the next level through:

• Use of Electronic Health Records (Point Click Care)
• Optimized care transitions protocols
• Full implementation of INTERACT (Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers)
• Use of a highly recognizable and consistent transfer information packet
• Focus on resident and care giver education and engagement
• Individualized care and service

Contact us today to see how we can assist you in managing your patient transitions.