Pages

Friday, June 28, 2013

South Denver 2013 Fireworks and Fourth of July Fun Page

While many cities and suburbs in the South Denver area have cancelled or are postponing fireworks this 4th of July, there are still plenty of events to enjoy in our communities. I wanted to give you a short overview of those and also supply you with some additional ideas for party fun on the Fourth along the Denver Front Range. Have a great time and be safe! - Jim




There's a crazy amount of fun taking place at the July 4th Parade, Run, & Celebration at Town Center in Highlands Ranch. Just a sampling of the activities include a 5k run, hot dog eating contest, skateboard demos, and plenty more.

By the way, fireworks have been tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, September 21 during Oktoberfest.







Get some tips on grilling, BBQ, desserts, holiday drinks and picnic salads




Intriguing 4th of July Fact

Three U.S. presidents have died on July 4th. Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the singing of the Declaration of Independence. Five years later, James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.






Share with the Kids: How Fireworks Work











Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Costs and Contracts: Financial Questions to Ask Assisted Living Facilities in Denver, Colorado

by Jim Holmes

It can be stressful enough when a senior citizen or a caregiver decides that a move to assisted living may be the best option for that elder. Along with a ton of organizational and emotional issues, the financial implications are important points that must be pondered and acted upon.


As a Realtor in south Denver, it's part of my job to help transition senior clients to the assisted living facilities in the Denver Front Range that may be the best options for their care. One of the ways in which I act in service to seniors is by doing more than just helping to sell their home: I want to make sure that the entire transition in this phase of your/their life is as seamless and hassle-free as possible.

As such, I want to provide some basic financial and legal questions that a caregiver or senior citizen should ask any community they are considering moving to.



Disclaimer: I am NOT a lawyer and this should NOT be interpreted as legal advice. It's important that you talk with an attorney before signing any contracts.

Questions for Assisted Living Facilities

1) What is the basic fee?

2) What services are included with that fee?

3) What are the additional prices for ala carte services or products?

4) What initial (or down) payment is required? Is any portion of that refundable?

5) If my loved one is not at the facility for an extended period of time (such as due to a hospital or nursing home stay) what fees are still applicable?

6) Is renters insurance mandatory?

7) When, why, and how often are fees likely to be changed?



8) How much advance warning is provided in the event of fee changes and who is notified?

9) Is financial assistance available now or at any juncture?

10) Who is responsible for cleaning or repair in the event of a significant spill or other accident?

11) What's the refund policy in case of closure, ownership change, transfers, or similar events?

12) What are the behaviors or circumstances that may result in termination of services or eviction?

13) What are the rights of residents?

14) What are the grievance procedures and alternatives in case of dissatisfaction with that process?

If you have other questions concerning a move to an assisted living facility, or if you'd like to discuss with me the possible sale of your family home, please feel free to contact me anytime here.





Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Holly Creek Retirement Community Summer Open House

I absolutely love it when I see a senior living community in the Denver area that provides a unique arrangement of activities and events for their residents. And when those events include participation from the public and local citizens, it's all the better!

And things are hopping this month at Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial as their Summer Open House celebrations are well underway with a variety of activities including an Art Walk, speakers on Heart Healthy Nutrition and Cooking, and a discussion on an embattled Mideast culture, all designed to enlighten, entertain, and engage. I hope you'll stop by and join in the fun! - Jim Holmes


Things got underway with a kickoff breakfast on May 31 and June 1, and the residents and staff were also awesome enough to quickly put together a benefit bake sale on June 4, with all proceeds designed to help the Oklahoma tornado victims.

Active Minds: Kurds
June 10
3pm

Holly Creek residents and guests (anyone from the community is welcome to attend) will explore the complicated dynamic of 30 million people Kurdish people in the Middle East and seek to understand the Kurdish people and their struggle. The Kurds are an ethnic group of approximately 30 million with origins in a part of the Middle East that has been surrounded by the historic powers of the region. Today, the traditional lands of the Kurds are divided into parts of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. As a minority in each of these countries, the Kurds have long sought their own sovereign nation or at least more autonomy, with mixed results.


Heart Healthy Nutrition with the Cooking Cardiologist 
June 13
1:30pm

The engagement and enlightenment at Holly Creek continues! Join Dr. Richard Collins, "The Cooking Cardiologist" with South Denver Cardiology Associates, and Susan Buckley, RD, as they explore the relationship between heart disease and nutrition. Dr. Collins is a nationally known speaker and practicing cardiologist who will provide you with information on how diet improves cardiovascular health and how making changes at any age will make a huge difference!



Art Walk and Reception 
Thursday, June 20th
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m

Join Holly Creek's first Art Walk & Reception in the town center that will feature a group of local Colorado artists and some of the Holly Creek resident artists as well. Each artist will be displaying their art work for viewing and some pieces will be available for purchase. Come on down and enjoy the varied and beautiful art work while munching on some delicious appetizers and wine.

RSVP to 720.266.5610 or to dnelson@clcmail.org

Again, these folks  events are open to the public and part of the Holly Creek Summer Open House season. Come by and enjoy.