HI Everyone.. thanks if you've been reading my Posts; just trying to share Senior information with anyone out there who's interested.
However, I'm having a ton of problems with my computer crashing too many times in a day; and it's very frustrating! I knew this great computer guy who used to help me with such issues, but he's very ill right now due to complications from diabetes. So I'm looking for a CHEAP way to get some technical assistance.. he only charged $18/hour, and most of the places or ads I've called recently charge anywhere from $35/hour on up (I mean WAY up!).
So, there you have it for now! Say a prayer for me if you are so inclined.. I'd appreciate it a LOT!
Thanks, and have a great and blessed Summer!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Well, after a Winter of pretty much Springtime weather, about which I've heard few complaints from anyone, seems we're getting into our Colorado Summertime! Several times it's already been in the 80s. And thankfully, we've had a fair amount of rainfall several times, which I know everyone has been praying for. In fact, here in Manitou Springs, every Thursday through the Summer, the Drum Circle meets in Memorial Park. To my knowledge, they usually played from May until October or November, depending on weather; so it was no surprise to me that they began earlier this year in April as the weather's been so beautiful for so long. A couple of weeks ago, my mother and I sat out on our little front porch that particular Thursday listening to the drums playing well into the dark hours of the evening. Our little apartment is located directly across the street from the park. It had been so dry for several weeks prior to that Thursday, I made the comment to my mother, "Maybe their doing a rain dance!" Well, lo and behold, that very night, around 1:30-2:00 in the morning, a great thunderstorm rolled in; and we had a wonderful, appreciable rainfall through the night. The next morning, everything looked so fresh and clean; and the brightness of the green of the trees and bushes was outstanding! Everyone I talked to that day made comments about the wonderful thunderstorm that night, and I said, "I could almost hear all the 'Amens' being whispered in the middle of the night!"
Since that night, we had two or three consecutive days this past Mother's Day weekend of a nice, steady, very Springlike drizzle. The temperatures were decidedly cooler; but by Monday, the warm weather returned. My mother and I sat out on the front porch Monday afternoon for a while and were admiring the array of different shades of green surrounding us here in the foothills around Manitou! It's breathtaking!
And I have to mention the lilacs! Everyone both here in Manitou and in Colorado Springs seems to love planting lilac bushes! They abound everywhere you look. When my mother and I or just I, myself, have been sitting outside on our little front porch, or taking a stroll around the park, the scent of the lilacs permeates the air around us! One doesn't even have to walk up to the bush itself in order to take in the aroma; however, I often spot a person here and there taking the time to "stop and smell the lilacs"! Several times one person or another has broken off a branch or two to take along with them, hopefully to present to a loved one somewhere! One young fellow on a bicycle carefully broke off several small branches and tucked them into the front of his shirt. I'm sure the rest of his bike ride was more enjoyable for it!
And, yet, there's always so much to do, so much going on in our lives - medical appointments to keep, bills to pay ("borrowing" from Peter to pay Paul!), grocery shopping, services and information to follow up on, laundry, three meals a day, dishes (we don't have a dishwasher at this time). My 91-year old mother, soon to be 92 next month, requires assistance for most everything; and as her "official" Caregiver, sometimes I feel that there's not enough time in a day to accomplish all that needs to be done, let alone something I just might want to do.
That's why I'm sitting here at 11 o'clock at night writing on my blog!
There is The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging (PPAAA), located in Colorado Springs, that has been most helpful in providing me with information about Senior services in the El Paso County area. They are located at 14 S. Chestnut, Colorado Springs, 80905; and the main phone number is (719) 471-2096. The Director is Kent Matthews, and he has referred me to numerous persons or departments to help with Caregiver services.
Either through the PPAAA or through other agencies, such as Pillar, there are classes offered to assist Caregivers in learning better ways to care for their loved ones or helpful techniques in caring for oneself. It's so easy to get "burned out", as they say. I'm relatively new at this responsibility, but I can see that if one doesn't take the time to take care of one's own needs, too, it's not too long before it takes a toll, whether it's on one's own health or mental or emotional well being.
I'll be trying to share some of the dates and locations of some of the classes being offered over the coming months. Hopefully, I'll meet some of you there!
Thanks for reading "me"!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Hello today! It's April 3rd, and here in the Manitou Springs, CO, area we finally are receiving some very needed moisture in the form of mixed rain and snow. Now, in Manitou, because we're sort of nestled into the foothills, we most often do not get as much of whatever weather is happening at the moment; but I know other areas, particularly further North of here, are probably going to receive more accumulation. I'm SO glad I live HERE!!
My Mother and I had planned to do our grocery shopping this afternoon, but because of the weather I cancelled today's Silver Key trip and rescheduled for Friday. And Silver Key Transportation is the first topic I wish to highlight.
It is mainly for Seniors in the El Paso County area, and the scheduling staff is most helpful and patient whenever I have to arrange for transportation.
Between my Mother and myself, we have quite a few medical appointments on a pretty regular basis. My Mother was referred to what we refer to as The Coumadin Clinic, which is located at 3207 N. Academy; it's official name is The Health Learning Center/Diabetes & Renal Clinic.
When my Mother was still in Michigan, under her Primary Physician's care, her Coumadin was monitored at the local laboratory in the same building; on nearly a monthly basis, the doctor was adjusting her Coumadin dose because it fluctuated so much. Since she has been here beginning last August and since being monitored at the Coumadin Clinic, there has been absolutely NO incidence of any fluctuation. The difference was accomplished by simply advising her to eat a little of the dark green vegetables just about everyday on a regular basis. When her former Primary had explained to her some years ago about the green vegetables she was to AVOID, she misunderstood and thought she should not eat ANY of them. Now that she includes a little of these green veggies on a daily basis, there have been, as I mentioned, NO fluctuations whatsoever. If it were not for Silver Key Transportation, we would not be able to go to the clinic for monthly monitoring.
I, too, have had numerous medical appointments in the past several months. With major back and leg problems, my Primary has referred me to a Neurosurgeon (Dr. Hammers at CSNA - Colorado Springs Neurological Associates, Penrose Pavillion, 2312 N. Nevada Avenue, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, (719) 473-3272) who, in turn, referred me to Physical Therapy (Action Potential, 2955 Professional Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, (719) 227-7079). I was also going to a Chiropractor (which I highly recommend - Becco Chiropractic at 1819 W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, (719) 471-4174) on a regular basis, but suspended that treatment until completing Physical Therapy. Silver Key, once again, has been totally cooperative in helping me arrange transportation, at times even having to rearrange appointments, as well as always calling the day ahead with a reminder of pick-up and return times .
SILVER KEY IS LOCATED AT: 2250 BOTT AVENUE IN COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80904
THEIR MAIN PHONE NUMBER IS: (719) 884-2300
THEIR TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT NUMBER IS: (719) 884-2380
Give Silver Key a call! They provide many other services for Seniors in the greater Colorado Springs area. There is no set price, just a request for a donation. Ask for one of their Transportation Services Rider Guides; but be sure to inquire about all their many other services. If you remember to mention you saw their information on my blog, www.seniormomentsintime.blogspot.com, I will appreciate it.
If you happen upon my blog from another area in Colorado or another State, I know for a fact that most major cities as well as smaller cities and towns have some kind of Senior transportation. In Plymouth, Michigan, it was through the City of Plymouth Senior Center. In most areas, you can start with looking up an Area Agency on Aging, or finding any Senior Center in your area for additional information about transportation and other Senior services.
And thanks for reading "me"! Have a wonderful day!
My Mother and I had planned to do our grocery shopping this afternoon, but because of the weather I cancelled today's Silver Key trip and rescheduled for Friday. And Silver Key Transportation is the first topic I wish to highlight.
It is mainly for Seniors in the El Paso County area, and the scheduling staff is most helpful and patient whenever I have to arrange for transportation.
Between my Mother and myself, we have quite a few medical appointments on a pretty regular basis. My Mother was referred to what we refer to as The Coumadin Clinic, which is located at 3207 N. Academy; it's official name is The Health Learning Center/Diabetes & Renal Clinic.
When my Mother was still in Michigan, under her Primary Physician's care, her Coumadin was monitored at the local laboratory in the same building; on nearly a monthly basis, the doctor was adjusting her Coumadin dose because it fluctuated so much. Since she has been here beginning last August and since being monitored at the Coumadin Clinic, there has been absolutely NO incidence of any fluctuation. The difference was accomplished by simply advising her to eat a little of the dark green vegetables just about everyday on a regular basis. When her former Primary had explained to her some years ago about the green vegetables she was to AVOID, she misunderstood and thought she should not eat ANY of them. Now that she includes a little of these green veggies on a daily basis, there have been, as I mentioned, NO fluctuations whatsoever. If it were not for Silver Key Transportation, we would not be able to go to the clinic for monthly monitoring.
I, too, have had numerous medical appointments in the past several months. With major back and leg problems, my Primary has referred me to a Neurosurgeon (Dr. Hammers at CSNA - Colorado Springs Neurological Associates, Penrose Pavillion, 2312 N. Nevada Avenue, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, (719) 473-3272) who, in turn, referred me to Physical Therapy (Action Potential, 2955 Professional Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, (719) 227-7079). I was also going to a Chiropractor (which I highly recommend - Becco Chiropractic at 1819 W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, (719) 471-4174) on a regular basis, but suspended that treatment until completing Physical Therapy. Silver Key, once again, has been totally cooperative in helping me arrange transportation, at times even having to rearrange appointments, as well as always calling the day ahead with a reminder of pick-up and return times .
SILVER KEY IS LOCATED AT: 2250 BOTT AVENUE IN COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80904
THEIR MAIN PHONE NUMBER IS: (719) 884-2300
THEIR TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT NUMBER IS: (719) 884-2380
Give Silver Key a call! They provide many other services for Seniors in the greater Colorado Springs area. There is no set price, just a request for a donation. Ask for one of their Transportation Services Rider Guides; but be sure to inquire about all their many other services. If you remember to mention you saw their information on my blog, www.seniormomentsintime.blogspot.com, I will appreciate it.
If you happen upon my blog from another area in Colorado or another State, I know for a fact that most major cities as well as smaller cities and towns have some kind of Senior transportation. In Plymouth, Michigan, it was through the City of Plymouth Senior Center. In most areas, you can start with looking up an Area Agency on Aging, or finding any Senior Center in your area for additional information about transportation and other Senior services.
And thanks for reading "me"! Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
More often than not, we hear people comment, "Uh-oh, I just had a Senior moment!" I guess it implies that, due to aging, people just accept the idea that we should experience more memory loss as a normal aging process. I don't quite agree with that concept. If that were so, I've been having "memory loss" since I was in my twenties, a young mother in the beginnings of having and raising a family!
How many times did I, or you (?), think of something you wanted to get while in one room, and by the time you get to the other room, you have forgotten why you went there?! How many of you can relate to taking the time to make out that long-g-g grocery list only to forget it at home, and then find yourself attempting to recall ALL the items you had on your list sitting at home on the kitchen table?! I always seemed to recall nearly all of the list; but invariably, there were always at least three, four, or five items I just couldn't remember!
Over the years of raising a family (for me it was being pretty much a single Mom with seven children), working mostly full-time jobs, sometimes along with a few part-time jobs, there was always so much going on with school projects and programs, homework, agonizing over budget issues, wrestling matches or football games, swim meets, Brownie Troop meetings (I was even a Leader at one time), as well as all the normal colds and flues and chickenpox along with a few broken kneecaps and minor concussions resulting in Epileptic petit mal seizures and attacks by a swarm of yellow jackets, how could one NOT forget a thing or two here and there?!!
And now I am a Senior! Having survived all of that, I find myself reflecting on where life will take me from here. I lived alone for several years after going through a second divorce (I never in my wildest imagination even considered I would experience ONE divorce - but here I am!). During the past eleven years, since returning to live here in Colorado (I was born and raised in Michigan, experienced some years in Colorado, then spent five years each in Germany, Louisiana, and then Texas, before returning to Colorado to plan my "Golden Years" retirement!), I have attempted to gear my employment toward work-at-home jobs and was pretty lucky to succeed in that attempt up until 2008 when I lost my primary position in advertising. That created a downhill experience for me complicated by the "aging factor" - it was becoming more and more difficult to find substantial jobs that could provide me with the supplemental income I still required, even after receiving Social Security.
Last year, my 91-year old mother, who still lived in Michigan in a Senior apartment complex, not assisted living, fell and fractured her right hip, went through surgery, four months of Rehab in a nursing facility, then two more months of in-home therapy before finally agreeing to come to live with me here in Colorado. At that point, due to the fact that she could never regain good balance and was forced to use a walker, the doctor would have referred her to reside in a nursing home or have a 24-hour in-home caregiver, neither of which she could afford on her Social Security alone (without all the red tape of applying for Medicaid, etc.); so it was at that time I said she would have to move to Colorado to live with me. I had practically begged her for several years to move out here with me - I cannot live long term in Michigan due to the climate and humidity and the effects on my arthritis. She would never make the free-will choice to come out here until an act of God forced her to agree to the move as she did not like the idea of going into a nursing home.
So now, here I am, the Caregiver (and I capitalized Caregiver purposely because it is a Title, it is a huge undertaking, whether it's your own flesh and blood or not). Since bringing my mother back to Colorado with me (I had dropped everything last February when she fell, went to Michigan, and was there until mid-August), we have experienced so many changes in both our lives, seeking out all the different resources that are available to Seniors here in the El Paso County area, attempting to come to terms with the totally different relationship in which we find ourselves at this time in both our lives.
And that is why I have decided to start this blog. Hopefully, I can be of service to other Seniors and possibly as well as Caregivers by sharing experiences, informing about local resources available in this area, or just offering a little moral support in any area of concern.
I recently attended a "Pampering Day" for Caregivers sponsored initially by the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments/Area Agency on Aging. Approximately 60 volunteers provided such pampering services as Massages, Manicures, Reflexology/Foot Massage, Yoga, Pampered Hands, as well as Acupuncture, Exercise Buffet, and Creative Cuisine. There was so much more that, even though the day began at 8:30AM and ran until 1:00PM, it was impossible to attend or participate in each and every event or activity. After a Continental Breakfast, provided by HealthSouth Rehab Hospital, we were free to choose whatever event or activity we wished to experience. The day was topped off with a wonderfully unexpected absolutely great lunch provided by MacKenzie Place! FREE in-home companion care was provided by three local home health care companies, Home Instead Senior Care, Comfort Keepers, and BEO Personal Care. That was the first time since August I felt comfortable leaving my mother at home with anyone for a total of five hours!
Some of the most enjoyable moments of that day, however, more than any of the events or activities, was meeting several other Caregivers and sharing our situations, our experiences, our feelings, without any fear of reprisal or judgment, as we were all in similar yet different situations. One woman was taking care of her husband, another woman was caring for her mother, also, like, me; but her mother was in the throes of serious dementia.
And this is what, partially, brings me to starting this blog. It took me from August of last year until January of this year to learn about several of the resources that became available to me and my needs as well as my mother's needs. I had heard of one thing or another, one resource or another, but it takes time and phone calls and emails, whatever you can do to follow up and track down the right resource for your needs; so I will be sharing and including as much information in my blog with which, hopefully, to assist other Seniors and/or Caregivers, in reaching such resources as might be helpful to their individual needs.
I welcome any and all comments from fellow Seniors, Caregivers, as well as agencies here in the El Paso County area. If my efforts can make life just a little easier for someone else, I will consider this a worthwhile project.
My best to you all, and I wish you all a blessed and happy Easter holiday. I hope you all have the opportunity to spend some time with family. It looks like the weather is going to continue to cooperate here in the Rocky Mountain, Colorado Springs area!
How many times did I, or you (?), think of something you wanted to get while in one room, and by the time you get to the other room, you have forgotten why you went there?! How many of you can relate to taking the time to make out that long-g-g grocery list only to forget it at home, and then find yourself attempting to recall ALL the items you had on your list sitting at home on the kitchen table?! I always seemed to recall nearly all of the list; but invariably, there were always at least three, four, or five items I just couldn't remember!
Over the years of raising a family (for me it was being pretty much a single Mom with seven children), working mostly full-time jobs, sometimes along with a few part-time jobs, there was always so much going on with school projects and programs, homework, agonizing over budget issues, wrestling matches or football games, swim meets, Brownie Troop meetings (I was even a Leader at one time), as well as all the normal colds and flues and chickenpox along with a few broken kneecaps and minor concussions resulting in Epileptic petit mal seizures and attacks by a swarm of yellow jackets, how could one NOT forget a thing or two here and there?!!
And now I am a Senior! Having survived all of that, I find myself reflecting on where life will take me from here. I lived alone for several years after going through a second divorce (I never in my wildest imagination even considered I would experience ONE divorce - but here I am!). During the past eleven years, since returning to live here in Colorado (I was born and raised in Michigan, experienced some years in Colorado, then spent five years each in Germany, Louisiana, and then Texas, before returning to Colorado to plan my "Golden Years" retirement!), I have attempted to gear my employment toward work-at-home jobs and was pretty lucky to succeed in that attempt up until 2008 when I lost my primary position in advertising. That created a downhill experience for me complicated by the "aging factor" - it was becoming more and more difficult to find substantial jobs that could provide me with the supplemental income I still required, even after receiving Social Security.
Last year, my 91-year old mother, who still lived in Michigan in a Senior apartment complex, not assisted living, fell and fractured her right hip, went through surgery, four months of Rehab in a nursing facility, then two more months of in-home therapy before finally agreeing to come to live with me here in Colorado. At that point, due to the fact that she could never regain good balance and was forced to use a walker, the doctor would have referred her to reside in a nursing home or have a 24-hour in-home caregiver, neither of which she could afford on her Social Security alone (without all the red tape of applying for Medicaid, etc.); so it was at that time I said she would have to move to Colorado to live with me. I had practically begged her for several years to move out here with me - I cannot live long term in Michigan due to the climate and humidity and the effects on my arthritis. She would never make the free-will choice to come out here until an act of God forced her to agree to the move as she did not like the idea of going into a nursing home.
So now, here I am, the Caregiver (and I capitalized Caregiver purposely because it is a Title, it is a huge undertaking, whether it's your own flesh and blood or not). Since bringing my mother back to Colorado with me (I had dropped everything last February when she fell, went to Michigan, and was there until mid-August), we have experienced so many changes in both our lives, seeking out all the different resources that are available to Seniors here in the El Paso County area, attempting to come to terms with the totally different relationship in which we find ourselves at this time in both our lives.
And that is why I have decided to start this blog. Hopefully, I can be of service to other Seniors and possibly as well as Caregivers by sharing experiences, informing about local resources available in this area, or just offering a little moral support in any area of concern.
I recently attended a "Pampering Day" for Caregivers sponsored initially by the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments/Area Agency on Aging. Approximately 60 volunteers provided such pampering services as Massages, Manicures, Reflexology/Foot Massage, Yoga, Pampered Hands, as well as Acupuncture, Exercise Buffet, and Creative Cuisine. There was so much more that, even though the day began at 8:30AM and ran until 1:00PM, it was impossible to attend or participate in each and every event or activity. After a Continental Breakfast, provided by HealthSouth Rehab Hospital, we were free to choose whatever event or activity we wished to experience. The day was topped off with a wonderfully unexpected absolutely great lunch provided by MacKenzie Place! FREE in-home companion care was provided by three local home health care companies, Home Instead Senior Care, Comfort Keepers, and BEO Personal Care. That was the first time since August I felt comfortable leaving my mother at home with anyone for a total of five hours!
Some of the most enjoyable moments of that day, however, more than any of the events or activities, was meeting several other Caregivers and sharing our situations, our experiences, our feelings, without any fear of reprisal or judgment, as we were all in similar yet different situations. One woman was taking care of her husband, another woman was caring for her mother, also, like, me; but her mother was in the throes of serious dementia.
And this is what, partially, brings me to starting this blog. It took me from August of last year until January of this year to learn about several of the resources that became available to me and my needs as well as my mother's needs. I had heard of one thing or another, one resource or another, but it takes time and phone calls and emails, whatever you can do to follow up and track down the right resource for your needs; so I will be sharing and including as much information in my blog with which, hopefully, to assist other Seniors and/or Caregivers, in reaching such resources as might be helpful to their individual needs.
I welcome any and all comments from fellow Seniors, Caregivers, as well as agencies here in the El Paso County area. If my efforts can make life just a little easier for someone else, I will consider this a worthwhile project.
My best to you all, and I wish you all a blessed and happy Easter holiday. I hope you all have the opportunity to spend some time with family. It looks like the weather is going to continue to cooperate here in the Rocky Mountain, Colorado Springs area!
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