How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Denver

by Jim Holmes

It's the time of year when the cold prompts people from Littleton to Aurora to Highlands Ranch to utilize their fireplaces and space heaters.

I thought it was important to remind you of how to properly utilize these tools and protect yourself and house from not only fire, but also carbon monoxide poisoning.

Of course, as it concerns poisoning from carbon monoxide, the most important step is to ensure that you have at least one, functioning carbon monoxide detector in your home or workplace.

Contact Jim Holmes for Info on How to Buy or Sell a House in South Denver

I gathered some information here from the Denver Health Trauma and Injury Prevention Program. My thanks to this community resource for their good work.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness

High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:

Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness
Ultimately death

How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Denver

Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals.

Have the heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.

Avoid using a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.

By Sideroxylon (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Install CO alarms in the every sleeping area of the home.

If you cannot afford to do this, install one in the hallway near every sleeping area or one on each level. Make sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.

Avoid using portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area.

Avoid burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.

More Denver Health Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety Tips and Info

Aurora Condominium for Sale: 13991 East Marina Drive Unit: 508, Aurora, CO 80014

RARE ATRIUM 2 BED 2 BA W/BEAUTIFUL GOLF COURSE VIEW. 

Where to See Christmas Holiday Lights, Displays and Decorations in Denver: Neighborhoods, Addresses, Maps and Directions

The Christmas holiday light displays and decorations are twinkling across Denver. Several local resources have put together interactive maps, directions, and addresses for you to see the best and brightest neighborhoods along the Denver Front Range.

User Generated Map and Directions to Holiday Lights from ABC 7 News

A Slideshow of Denver Favorites from 2012 with Addresses

I bet they're decorated again this year!

Contact Jim Holmes to Buy or Sell a House Along the Denver Front Range

The Denver Post has done an especially good job with their Holiday Lights Map. Submit your own or grab an address and drive the decorated neighborhoods including Highlands Ranch, Englewood, Arvada, Aurora, Littleton, Centennial, Lakewood, and all across Denver.

The Denver Post Holiday Lights Map

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Jim Holmes

Aurora House for Sale: 5978 South Yakima Street, Aurora, CO 80015

Review: Clare Bridge Crossing at Clare Bridge Highlands Ranch: Dementia and Alzheimers Care, Denver, Colorado

by Jim Holmes

A vital part of my job as a Certified Senior Housing Professional & Senior Real Estate Specialist along the Denver Front Range is staying abreast of the various senior communities in the area that may be helpful to my clients or their family caregivers when the time comes for an older adult to transition - or right size - to a senior community.

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So last week I made it a point to be at the Expansion Open House & Ribbon Cutting for the new Clare Bridge Crossings at Clare Bridge Highlands Ranch, part of the Brookdale Senior Living family of communities. Clare Bridge Crossings is Brookdale’s newest senior living solution designed for those in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Jim Holmes and Britny Otto

I spent some time speaking with Britny Otto, the Executive Director of the community, and discovered that the staff is carefully vetted, selected and trained to manage the challenges associated with dementia. Their approach - called the Clare Bridge Daily Path - provides a gentle structure to each day that targets specific needs of those with Alzheimer's and various types and levels of dementia. It features:

Morning Mental Workout - Daily late morning mental exercises including discussions, brain stimulating games, and reminiscing.

Daily Physical Activity - A variety of exercise opportunities including group exercises, walking programs and dancing.

Daily Life Skills - Individual or group activities that provide a sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging.

Person Centered Life Enrichment Programming - Activities are designed using the resident's own social history information as a foundation.

As I walked about the community, I found that the interior design has been perfectly set to feel like that of a private home and the enclosed walking areas give residents a chance to move around and exercise, while also maintaining a standard of safety.

Clare Bridge of Highlands Ranch Website

The Clare Bridge Dining Program, awarded a top level certification by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is a nutritional and dining program designed by a team of specialists to help those with Alzheimer's and dementia. It offers dementia-friendly menus, individualized dining assistance, a supportive environment and consistent seating arrangements.

If you're an older adult or the family caregiver of one ready to rightsize, please feel free to contact me for further insights and advice on senior living options across the Denver Front Range and/or for assistance with other senior real estate services.

Evergreen Home for Sale: 284 Skyhill Drive, Evergreen, CO 80439

Custom Mountain Estate on 35.18 acres with incredible grounds, spectacular views of snow capped mountains includes guest house with 834 SF oversized heated garage located in gated community. The English Country home built by Nicholas Custom features finest finishes and millwork and was recently updated and remodeled. Main floor includes formal dining with adjacent butler pantry and wet bar, living room/music room, a gourmet kitchen with a huge center island, slab granite, separate Sub Zero Refrigerator and Freezer, two dishwashers, large country sink and additional prep sink, double ovens, microwave and stove, large walk-in pantry and custom 42 cabinetry. Adjacent to kitchen is a large casual dining room with three-sided fireplace, family room shares fireplace, spectacular sun room/office. Main floor master suite has sitting area, gorgeous master bath with heated spa tub, radiant tiled floors, separate vanities, large steam shower, his and her walk-in closets. Evergreen Schools.

Centennial, Colorado House for Sale: 3891 E Long Court, Centennial, CO, 80122: Littleton School District

Spend the holidays in your new house!

Please join me at this home on for an Open House on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 4:30-7p with drinks & Hors D'Oeuvres.

3891 E Long Court, Centennial, CO, 80122

Have to sell your home before you buy? This home is a perfect match! Seller would consider a contingency contract.

Exterior Features: Just under .25 Acre, corner lot, sits on cul-de-sac. Large deck in backyard with mature trees. 

Easy access to Denver Tech Center, South Suburban Golf Course, and Linksview Park.

Move In Ready, Cozy Two Story Home: professionally remodeled offering separate Formal Living/Dining Rooms with Bay Windows; New Flooring throughout;  Kitchen Cabinets/Granite Countertops; New Baths; New Wrought Iron Rails; Finished Basement with Family Room and additional Bedroom. 

This Corner lot sits within a Cul De Sac and offers just under .25/Acre;  large deck off the kitchen; mature trees. It's within walking distance to the South Suburban Golf Course and the close to the Denver Tech Center. 

Popular Highlands 460 Neighborhood within the Littleton School District - Highland Elementary, Powell Middle, and Arapahoe High. This home is ready to create new memories for its next family.

Join me, Jim Holmes, at the Open House on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 and contact me here for more information.

Seniors Visiting Seniors in South Denver

I've recently launched an initiative throughout South Denver called "Seniors Visiting Seniors," a Senior ambassador program designed to help brighten the lives of Seniors in retirement and assisted living facilities.

It’s a fairly simple concept based on giving Seniors an easy way to connect with other Seniors through requested visits within a Senior Community.

The pilot program was launched at Someren Glen Retirement Community, which is part of Christian Living Communities in Centennial, Co.

Contact Me for Help in Selling or Buying a Home in South Denver

The idea is based on the exact opposite message we have all seen hung on hotel room doors boldly stating 'DO NOT DISTURB.'

Instead, the same style of door hanger stating 'I WOULD LIKE A VISIT' is given to all residents should they ever want to request a visit for any reason. They may be lonely and just need someone to listen. They may have been dealing with something difficult and just not know anyone well enough to reach out for support of any kind.

Here are a few ways I intend for this program to be beneficial to all concerned: 

1) Staff at the communities can be alerted to any potential physical or emotional problems their residents are experiencing.

2) The residents themselves benefit from knowing that someone cares and by the emotional boost they receive from the Ambassador visits.

3) Senior Ambassador volunteers from within the community have an opportunity to support their peers, stay active and truly enjoy getting to know their neighbors better often by sharing stories and discovering common interests.

4) This will encourage socialization and connections among the residents of the community themselves, with those who are being visited inspired to get out of their apartments or rooms and become members of the program themselves, visiting others and actively participating in "Seniors Visiting Seniors."

5) During the summer months, we plan to recruit school-age kids to take part in the program as well, bringing a sense of youthful exuberance to the visits. 

With the help of my assistant, Christine Watson, and the support of Someren Glen's Life Enrichment Director, we have begun the process of recruiting and training Ambassadors, with an initial 26 visits already placed.

Feedback from the Ambassadors has been quite positive. It’s been a pleasure for them, while making a great difference for all the folks they visit.

My vision is that this program be primarily resident-driven, placing no additional burden on community staff.

As a south Denver real estate agent who specializes in helping seniors or their caregiver families negotiate the complexities of a late-in-life move, I love the opportunity to be able to give back to our community and enrich the lives of all involved in this project. The more communities and people we can get involved in this initiative, the better!

If you'd like more information on including the "Seniors Visiting Seniors" program at your community along the Denver Front Range, or if you're involved with a group of youths who may like to be involved as Ambassadors in the summer months, please contact me here for more information.

Evergreen House for Sale: 126 Mountain Sage Path, Evergreen, CO 80439

How the Government Shutdown Affects Home Loans and Mortgages in Denver

Here's what buyers and sellers of homes in the south Denver area can expect as a result of the shutdown of the U.S. government.

Many U.S. agencies involved in the federal approval of loans for houses in Colorado - in addition to agencies you may need customer service from as part of the home sale process - are not open for business.

Here's a rundown of their status and what you can expect in terms of non-service and delays. This information is via The National Association of Realtors. - Jim Holmes

Please feel free to contact me here for ANY of your real estate needs.

What a Government Shutdown Means for Real Estate Transactions

(As of October 1, 2013)

Congress has failed to approve a Continuing Resolution (CR) providing funding for most government operations. Therefore, spending authority for most of the government expired at midnight on September 30, 2013. Until legislation providing for funding is signed into law, many offices and programs of the federal government are now shut down. This means many, but not all, government programs, including some that impact federal housing and mortgage programs, have been suspended or slowed due to the lapse in government funding. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requires each agency to have contingency plans in place. The information below is based on NAR staff review of agency agency contingency plans for the current shutdown and past experience with previous shutdowns and near-shutdowns.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The IRS is closed and has suspended the processing of all forms, including tax return transcripts (Form 4506T). These transcripts are required for many kinds of loans, including FHA and VA, so delays can be expected if the shutdown is protracted.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

The Social Security Administration is closed and has suspended most customer service functions. According to the SSA Contingency Plan, verifying Social Security numbers through the Consent Based SSN Verification Service will also be suspended during the shutdown, a further complication for mortgage processing.

Federal Housing Administration

HUD’s Contingency Plan states that FHA will endorse new loans in the Single Family Mortgage Loan Program, but it will not make new commitments in the Multi-family Program during the shutdown. FHA will maintain operational activities including paying claims and collecting premiums. Management & Marketing (M&M) Contractors managing the REO portfolio can continue to operate. You can expect some delays with FHA processing.

VA Loan Guaranty Program

Lenders will continue to process and guaranty mortgages through the Loan Guaranty program in the event of a government shutdown. Expect some delays during the shutdown.

Flood Insurance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed that the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will not be impacted by a government shutdown, since NFIP is funded by premiums and not tax dollars. Changes to the flood insurance program scheduled to take effect on October 1 will be implemented as scheduled.

Rural Housing Programs

For the U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, essential personnel working during a shutdown do not include field office staff who typically issue conditional commitments, loan note guarantees, and modification approvals. Thus, lenders will not receive approvals during the shutdown. If the lender has already received a conditional commitment from the Rural Development office, then the lender may proceed to close those loans during the shutdown. A conditional commitment, which is good for 90 days, is given to a lender once a USDA Underwriter approves the loan. If a commitment was already issued, the funds were already set aside and the lender may close the loan at its leisure. If Rural Development has not issued a conditional commitment, the lender must wait until funding legislation is enacted before closing a loan.

It is important to note that the traditional definition of “rural” for qualifying communities for assistance will be continued in effect during the shutdown. We expect that language to continue the current definition will be included in whatever funding measure is eventually enacted.

Denver House for Sale: 1201 Eudora Street, Denver, CO 80220

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A Poem for Senior Citizen Family Caregivers

I recently discovered a poem that I know speaks with emotion to anyone who is a caregiver of a senior citizen. If you know of a family caregiver who works passionately to meet the needs of their loved one, please feel free to share this with them.

As a Denver Front Range REALTOR who specializes in helping elders and their caregivers through the sale of a family house, I'm regularly fortunate to meet dedicated folks from Colorado who daily face the obstacles spoken of in the poetry below. - Jim Holmes

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"Caregiver"

By Sue Green

"The surreal world I live in

Thrust there over night

It was a stroke that hit him 

Since then just nothing’s right

The frustration of it all.

The many hats I wear

The tasks that never end

The new roles that I bear

I wake up in the morning

Wishing for the past

Stick to his routines

And never move too fast

There’s someone living in my house

I know there’s someone here

Why do I feel so all alone

Even when he’s near?

Some days he comes to visit

And talks of things we share

‘tho conversation’s brief

And oft’ too short to bear.

I try to see it his way.

I try to help him out.

I know he faces struggles

For him, no easy bout.

A different world he lives in

His own pace that he sets

I try to make him understand

He sometimes tries, and yet

Can I know the effort that it takes

To put together words to talk?

Can I feel his inner struggle 

When he tries to walk?

I can only be there

Let him know I’m here

I can sit beside him

And try to ease his fear.

It’s a surreal world we both live in

Just ‘one day at a time.’

With some days still a struggle

When all is not sublime."

Evergreen Home for Sale: 126 Mountain Sage Path, Evergreen, CO 80439