Whether you are an older adult living in Pitkin County or love someone who does, the following resources can help you stay connected, active, and involved in our vibrant community.

At Vintage, we are always looking for ways to keep older adults and their families equipped with the most up-to-date information about services, programs, and events. Our mission is to create a supportive community where all generations can thrive. 

Welcome to Pitkin County!

In the shadows of the Rocky Mountains, Pitkin County, Colorado, beckons with its breathtaking beauty and vibrant spirit. 

The charming town of Aspen, its crown jewel, is a haven for celebrities and art lovers alike. Stroll down chic Aspen streets lined with art galleries, high-end boutiques, and cozy cafes, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the lively chatter of locals and visitors. 

If you are more of a fan of the arts, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene, catch a performance at the historic Wheeler Opera House, or explore the diverse collections of the Aspen Art Museum.

But Pitkin County’s charm extends beyond Aspen. Quaint towns like Snowmass Village offer a laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly activities, while Basalt exudes a bohemian vibe with its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the freedom that comes with the later years of life!

Pitkin County Senior Services

Imagine a one-stop shop for all your needs as an older adult in Pitkin County. That’s what Pitkin County Senior Services delivers. 

This incredible organization acts as a central hub, connecting you with a wealth of resources and programs designed to enhance your well-being and keep you engaged in the community.

Key offerings:

• Transportation assistance: No more worrying about getting around! They can arrange rides to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, or social events.
• Meals & nutrition programs: Stay healthy and nourished with delicious and nutritious meals delivered right to your door, or enjoy a friendly dining experience at a senior center.
• Health & wellness resources: Get expert guidance on managing chronic conditions, staying active, and maintaining overall well-being.
• Legal aid: Navigate the complexities of legal matters with confidence, thanks to their free legal consultations and referrals.
• Social events & activities: Combat loneliness and stay connected with fun and engaging activities like game nights, movie screenings, fitness classes, and educational workshops.
• Volunteer opportunities: Give back to your community and share your skills by volunteering in areas that spark your passion.

Roaring Fork Psychology

Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, we all need a little extra support. Roaring Fork Psychology understands this and provides specialized therapy services tailored to the unique needs of older adults.

Services:

• Individual and group therapy: Address issues like anxiety, depression, grief, adjustment to aging, and life transitions in a safe and supportive environment.
• Older Adult-focused therapists: Benefit from the expertise of therapists who are attuned to the specific challenges and experiences of older adults.
• Neuropsychological evaluations: Gain valuable insights into cognitive functioning and memory changes that may occur with age.
• Caregiver Support Groups: Connect with others facing similar challenges and find strength and understanding in shared experiences.

Aspen Compassion Hospice

When facing a terminal illness, the journey can be daunting. Aspen Compassion Hospice offers compassionate and comprehensive care to navigate this challenging time with dignity and peace.

Services:

• Pain and symptom management: Receive expert care to manage pain and other symptoms, ensuring comfort and well-being.
• Emotional and spiritual support: Find solace and guidance through counseling, chaplain services, and spiritual care tailored to your individual beliefs.
• Bereavement counseling: Receive support and resources to cope with the loss of a loved one.
• Companion Care: Enjoy the company of caring volunteers who provide companionship, conversation, and emotional support.
• Holistic approach: Beyond physical care, they offer music therapy, art therapy, and massage therapy to nurture your emotional and spiritual well-being.

These resources are just a glimpse into the wealth of support available to older adults in and around Pitkin County. Remember, you deserve to live a vibrant, fulfilling life, and these organizations are here to help you achieve just that.

Thrive In Pitkin County with Vintage

Explore all the ways to make your years enjoyable. Visit our website for a comprehensive list of services and programs designed specifically for older adults. 

There’s something for everyone, from senior centers and adult day care to sports leagues and virtual classes. Don’t forget to take advantage of age-friendly discounts, too! With so many options available, you’re sure to find something that brings joy to your life.

With all of the opportunities available in Pitkin County, you can find a fulfilling way to spend your golden years. At Vintage, we are committed to helping you thrive in all stages of your older years. Visit us online to learn more about the various resources we offer for older adults in Colorado.

The post Pitkin County, CO: The Best Resources for Older Adults first appeared on Vintage.

As we age, access to resources and help becomes increasingly essential. From organizations that offer transportation to resources on aging well, older adults rely on these services for a better quality of life. 

Whether you are an older adult in Summit County or a loved one who is looking for resources, here are some of the best ones available in Summit County:

Summit County Community & Senior Center

The Summit County Community & Senior Center (SCSC) is a useful place for older adults in the area. From Mountain Meals on Wheels to a place to find local information and resources, this heart of the community is the perfect place to connect with others in the region.

Beyond being a great place to access help and resources, the SCSC hosts tons of activities and classes just for older adults. Opportunities such as health and wellness classes, art workshops, financial planning seminars, and more are offered.

Some highlights include the large event spaces and full kitchen available to rent for community functions. The SCSC is also home to Summit 50 Plus, formerly known as Summit Seniors, a membership organization that provides opportunities for enhancing the quality of life for individuals who are 50 and older. 

Supporting the SCSC through volunteering or donations is a great way to support local adult health, well-being, and involvement.

Summit County is a certified AARP Age-Friendly Community and has an action plan to help make the county more age-friendly and livable for all.

Summit 50 Plus

Summit 50 Plus is an organization that has been supporting the health and well-being of older adults in Summit County for over 40 years. With dozens of activities, events, and social gatherings yearly, it aims to foster community and engagement among older adult residents and visitors.

Some key offerings and initiatives of Summit 50 Plus include:

• Indoor and outdoor recreation activities like hiking, cards, dance classes, yoga, and more
• Educational programs and speaker events
• Day trips and social outings
• Volunteering opportunities
• Health and nutrition classes
• Fundraising events like an annual rummage sale

Summit 50 Plus partners closely with the Summit County Community Center. The organization helped develop and fund the center, which provides space for many Summit 50 Plus programs and events.

Memberships are available for those interested in participating. The organization also relies on volunteers and donations from the community to keep its programs running. Check out their events calendar for upcoming activities open to members and non-members.

Lenka’s Loving Care

Lenka’s Loving Care is a locally owned home care agency serving older adults in Summit County, Colorado. As a family-owned business, they aim to help older adults continue living independently in their own homes with compassionate, dignified care.

The caregivers at Lenka’s Loving Care get to know each client and their preferences to provide customized care plans. Their services are tailored to make daily living easier and safer so individuals can find enjoyment in everyday activities.

As an alternative to facility-based care, home care allows older adults to maintain their freedom and remain close to family. It can also delay or prevent the need for more intensive levels of care in some cases. The agency aims to provide reliable support 24/7 as clients’ needs change.

Building Hope

Building Hope is a grassroots non-profit organization serving Summit County, Colorado, with the mission of improving local mental health. Their goal is to promote emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and increase access to mental health care and support.

The organization provides several resources to residents struggling with mental health issues:

• A crisis response line to offer immediate support when needed
• Referrals to licensed therapists and other care providers
• Support groups and community events like yoga and art classes
• Mental health navigation to find the right services
• Suicide prevention training

Building Hope partners with various local businesses, government entities, nonprofits, and community organizations. These partnerships allow Building Hope to pursue its mission and host awareness events like the 5Point Adventure Film Festival.

The Faces of Hope project features stories and interviews with Summit County residents who have experienced mental health challenges. By sharing their journeys, it aims to reduce stigma and connect community members.

Building Hope also shares mental health resources and information through its website, newsletter, and social media. Anyone in need of support can get in touch by phone, email, or by visiting the Frisco office.

FIRC

The Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) is a non-profit organization serving Summit County, Colorado. Their mission is to strengthen local families through education and financial resources.

FIRC believes strong, sustainable families are the foundation for a caring, thriving community. Their services aim to equip people with the tools to succeed as individuals, parents, and community members.

FIRC offers various services, including financial empowerment programs like tax prep, budgeting classes, and financial coaching. They also focus on parenting, food access, clothing access, and much more for families.

FIRC’s dedicated volunteer base helps to bridge the gap for families in need and ensures everyone has access to necessary resources. By providing education and financial support, FIRC is helping to build a stronger Summit County.

Staying in Summit County

Staying in Summit (SIS) is a nonprofit organization based in Summit County, Colorado, with the mission of developing housing and care options to allow older adults and those with disabilities to safely age in place.

The organization aims to facilitate housing communities for assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. SIS is partnering with Summit County to develop older adult housing as part of the Lake Hill workforce housing development.

By developing housing and connecting residents to support services, Staying in Summit works to enable Summit County residents to remain in the community as they age. The organization values improving quality of life and providing care options so individuals do not have to relocate outside the county.

Find The Resources You Need in Summit County, Colorado

When you know where to look for valuable information and resources, you can live with peace of mind. The above organizations are each playing their part in helping ensure that older adults in Colorado have the support they need to age safely and happily in their own homes.

You can also find more resources via One Degree – an online portal providing one-click access to a variety of emergency and non-emergency contacts in the county. Bookmark this page to keep access to these valuable organizations at your fingertips. 

With the right information, you can make informed decisions about your care needs and ensure that you receive the best care for yourself or a loved one.

No matter where you live in Colorado, accessing resources and support is essential for older adults as they age. Start by exploring the local options above – and remember to visit Vintage to learn more about helpful programs, services, and partners that may be available in your area.  

Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to age safely and happily in their own homes.

The post Summit County, CO: The Best Resources for Older Adults first appeared on Vintage.

Caregiving can be an immensely rewarding yet challenging role. Not only does it require patience and dedication, but it can also be physically, mentally and emotionally strenuous.

That’s why it’s important to make sure family caregivers are supported and honored for their hard work this month. 

Here at Vintage, we are leading the way in helping family members with respite care and other resources that offer much-needed breaks. To help celebrate and recognize all the family caregivers in Colorado, here are some ways to show your support this month!

Ways to Celebrate Family Caregiver Month

1. Host a Tea Party

What better way to celebrate family caregivers than with a nostalgic vintage tea party? This is an opportunity to celebrate and honor family caregiving and to provide a much-needed break from the daily routine.

Decorate the event space with antique teacups, dainty doilies, and fresh floral arrangements to set the scene. Play jazz or big band music in the background to complete the retro ambiance. 

When it comes to food, you can serve an array of finger sandwiches, scones, petite desserts, and, of course, a selection of fine teas. Just make sure not to forget to invite your favorite caregivers and their loved ones!

2. Organize an Intergenerational Art Class

Want to enjoy time together while learning? Tap into the power of artistic expression and human connection through an intergenerational art class at a local senior center or community center. 

For this, you’ll want to plan to supply all the materials like canvases, paints, colored pencils, and more. Pair younger volunteers or art students with older individuals to spark creativity and meaningful relationships. Then celebrate the finished projects together!

3. Assemble Care Packages

Nothing says “Thank you!” like a caring gesture. Show caregivers you care by putting together care packages filled with items to promote self-care and rejuvenation. 

In these care packages, you can include scented lotions, herbal teas, adult coloring books, chocolate treats, gift cards for coffee or movies, and other pampering picks. Deliver the care packages directly to caregivers or donate them to a local support organization for distribution. Don’t forget to tuck in informational brochures, too – this is a great way to spread awareness and resources.

4. Host a Storytelling Workshop

Preserve precious family memories and stories while honoring caregivers through a storytelling workshop. 

Let the event be free-form or provide thought-provoking prompts and guiding questions. As individuals share their stories, record or transcribe them to create a family memoir. 

Consider partnering with a local library, historical society, or university writing program to host the event. It’s a great way to keep the memory of your loved one alive while honoring the caregiver.

5. Organize a Caregiver Social

Treating caregivers to an afternoon of fun and relaxation is a beautiful way to show appreciation. Host a social with light refreshments, music, games, and rapport-building activities. 

Socials are a wonderful way to gather, celebrate, and honor the special bond caregivers share. As you build your guest list, consider what may make the event special for those attending. Provide additional resources like a massage therapist, spa gift cards, or a yoga instructor for those who need it!

Join Us As We Celebrate Caregivers This year!

This November, let’s make National Family Caregiver Month memorable for the dedicated individuals caring for older loved ones here in Colorado. We owe caregivers and their families our support and gratitude, so join us as we show our appreciation for their selfless sacrifice. Spread the word, and help us make this a month of celebration! Let’s honor them with an event they will remember forever! To learn more and find out how to get involved with Vintage, visit us online today!

The post 5 Ways to Celebrate National Family Caregiver Month in Colorado first appeared on Vintage.

Best Gifts for Your Family Caregiver in Colorado

We are here to share our thoughts on your family caregiver’s best gifts here in Colorado. 2020 was a crazy year, and we wouldn’t have gotten through it without our community and support systems. Now is as good of a time as ever to show your caregivers a little extra love and support throughout the year.

As we learned in this post, the general term caregiver applies to any one—family member, friend, spouse, neighbor, or a paid employee that assists someone. 

A family caregiver is just that, an unpaid family member that assists a loved one while sometimes working full time, raising young children, or maintaining other core responsibilities.

In the context of paid positions, a caregiver is a licensed professional hired through an agency or nonprofit who assists an older adult or person in need that lives at home.

Why give your family caregiver a gift?

You may have heard the quote, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Simply put, your family caregiver can’t continue to give their 100% when providing care if they are exhausted and running on empty. 

It’s essential that caregivers take time to have fun, rest, and recharge their batteries, and receive constant support from their loved ones while doing so.

How do we show our caregivers how much they mean to us, especially after how crazy the year 2020 was?

Here’s our list of ideas for the best gifts to give your caregivers:

Show appreciation all year round 

Showing your appreciation doesn’t need to be reserved for just holidays and special occasions. Sometimes it’s the small, day-to-day actions that mean the most.

For a caregiver, the days can be high-stress and emotional, and receiving daily words of encouragement or small tokens of appreciation can mean far more than large gifts during significant events only.

Here are some small ways you can show your caregiver appreciation throughout the year:

1. Write or send them a card. Whether handwritten or virtual, a heartfelt card can go a long way to show your caregiver that you are thinking of them.
2. Words of encouragement. Provide your caregiver with frequent encouragement or motivation to let them know that you support and believe in them. 
3. Send them flowers. Fresh flowers are always a thoughtful token of appreciation appropriate for any time of year.
4. Cook or buy their meals. Cooking or prepping their meals is an excellent gift for a busy caregiver. Ordering home delivery for meals and groceries is also an option that will save them time.
5. Offer to give them a break. Offering to take over for a couple of hours, pay for respite care, or taking errands off their plate will lighten their load.
6. Just tell them. Sharing your appreciation doesn’t need to cost a thing. Picking up the phone or paying a visit is just as if not more effective and much more personal.

Non-Work Time Together

Being a caregiver means spending most of their time away from loved ones or doing the things that mean the most to them. The moments they can spend quality time doing the things they enjoy with others outside of work are precious and often look forward to doing.

Here are a few ways you can spend quality time with your caregiver on the days they are away from work:

• Dine out together. Whether it’s a morning coffee meet-up, afternoon lunch, or evening dinner, offer to take your caregiver to their favorite spot to relax and refuel.
• Movie night. Plan a fun movie night at home or visit your local theater to catch up on the latest films.
• Take them on an outing of their choice. Ask your caregiver what they enjoy doing the most and dedicate time to doing just that. Or, schedule time for them to do it on their own!

Self Care Treats

Self-care is a buzzword that ranges in authenticity from relaxation to working on yourself. For our caregivers, they may not be able to find time for self-care, or because they are so focused on caregiving may neglect to take care of themselves.

Encouraging your loved ones and caregivers to engage in self-care activities is the first step in this process. The next step is finding out what makes your family caregiver feel good and buying them or finding time to do the things that lift their spirits.

These activities could be meditating or doing yoga, having dinner with a close friend, getting a well-deserved massage, or taking the time to go for a walk through the park. It could also be a gift certificate for a coffee from their favorite coffee shop and a new journal so they can take some alone time to reflect on the new year and their goals for 2021.

No matter what, center your self-care treats around your individual caregiver’s personality, passions, and joys. 

Here’s the self-care list that we love:

1. Massages. Gift them a massage at a local spa or give them a gift certificate to get their nails done at the local salon.
2. Care Kits. Make a sleep well kit with a sleep mask, chamomile tea, and a wonderful smelling candle. You can also add a super-soft throw blanket and comfy pajamas!
3. Meditation. Sign your caregiver up for a meditation app to encourage them to meditate daily.
4. Journals. Get them a gift certificate to their favorite coffee shop and a new shiny journal for all those 2021 goals.
5. Candy. Buy them their favorite candy or dark chocolate as an indulgent treat.
6. Gift Cards. A gift card to their favorite grocery store or drug store makes them promise not to use it on standard items but something to treat themselves!

What not to give your family caregiver:

When thinking up a great gift for your caregiver, keep in mind that you want to make their lives easier, not add more to their to-do list. Although full of thought and good intentions, some gifts don’t make sense for a caregiver with limited time and energy.

Here are a few no-nos when it comes to gift-giving:

1. Gifts that require too much time away. As much as a week-long vacation on a sunny beach may sound, taking that much time away from the ones they provide care to isn’t ideal.
2. Projects. Avoid gifts that are projects within themselves and take a lot of time and energy to assemble or complete (such as 1,000-piece puzzles, furniture, or digital picture frames).
3. Books about caregiving. As thoughtful as the idea may sound, caregivers don’t have much time to sit down and immerse themselves in a good book. When they do, reading about the job they do every day is likely the least of their interests.

Being a caregiver isn’t an easy task to take on and can often make one feel lonely, isolated, or that they’ve lost a sense of self. However, surprising them with a gift (no matter how big or small) goes a long way in expressing our care and appreciation as one of our family’s most essential pieces.

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The post Great Gifts for Your Family Caregiver first appeared on Vintage.

November is National Family Caregiver Month

National recognition of family caregivers came to the public eye because of the Caregiver Action Network in 1994. Not long after, President Clinton signed the first National Family Caregiver Month proclamation in 1997 and since, November has been devoted to honoring family caregivers. The theme this year is #BeCareCurious and throughout the month of November, there will be events and raised awareness surrounding caregivers and the work they do. This month honors the family caregivers, who are unpaid and give their time, energy, and hearts to their care recipients.

Who is a Caregiver? And what do they do?

The general term caregiver applies to any one—family member, friend, spouse, neighbor, or a paid employee, that assists someone. A family caregiver is just that, an unpaid family member that assists a loved one while sometimes working full time, raising young children, or maintaining other core responsibilities.

In the context of paid positions, a caregiver is a licensed professional hired through an agency or nonprofit who assists an older adult or person in need that lives at home.

According to the National PACE Association, “the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.”

“Caregiving can be a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week job,” states the Caregiver Action Network, which spearheads National Family Caregivers Month. “Providing care around the clock can crowd out other important areas of life.”

Caregivers have a variety of roles and responsibilities but most often are the primary care for everyday life for their loved ones. The responsibilities range from handling all finances and legal matters to being a companion and friend. Most often, a caregiver is on call 100% of the time 24/7.

They often assist their loved one from morning till night, doing a wide range of home services like cooking and cleaning to arranging and attending medical appointments and leading medical care decisions.

Vintage offers caregiver support and services as well. Give us a call today!

The post Who is a caregiver? first appeared on Vintage.