UPDATE ON THE UPDATE!

When I went on my blog earlier today reviewing the last posting, I realized it was still in a "Draft" mode; so when I clicked on "Post", it indicates the current date.  However, this last posting was actually entered some time ago, before my Mother's health began to decline.  

My Mom passed away November 22nd, the Saturday before Thanksgiving; and although that seems like it will make Thanksgiving every year now a sort of "memorial" of her passing, in fact, for me, it will be a continuous "thanksgiving" or more of a "celebration" of her life!  She was most definitely "one of a kind", and I will elaborate on that in future posts.   

Over the next several months, however, I will be revising the content of my blog, making it less "personal" and more of a resource of information for Seniors in the El Paso County, Colorado, area.  Based on all of my experiences as the Caregiver for my Mother, all the local contacts I have made, all of the resources I discovered, all of the wonderful people I met who helped me through the myriad of issues that arose during the past four and a half years, I plan to share as much as I can with other people who are now possibly in the same Caregiver situation in which I found myself.  

Please feel free to contact me via my blog with any questions, concerns, just any issues of interest to you personally; and I will do my best to assist you in locating the proper and best resources in this area to meet your needs.  There are many and various resources in El Paso County, not only for Seniors but for Caregivers, family members, loved ones, or just anyone facing any of the issues dealing with aging.  

Please be sure to check back often as I will update regularly with the most current information not only including Senior resources but also events and entertainment of special interest to Seniors. 

"See" you soon!    

UPDATE - IT'S BEEN A WHILE, AND SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED!

I didn't realize it had been this long since I posted anything on my blog.  I see it's been nearly two years!

When I review in my mind these past two years and I realize just how the time seemed to pass, sometimes too quickly, sometimes days that lingered on forever, I reflect on all that has occurred.  When my Mother came to live with me over three years ago after hip surgery in Michigan, I was still trying to work part time from home, which, over those first couple of months, became increasingly difficult to accomplish.  The responsibilities of a sole Caregiver began to require more and more of my time as she became less and less able.  

My Mother suffered several TIAs (Trans-Ischemic Attacks) over the next three years.  In reality, after the last one about five months ago, the Physician's Assistant from Humana/United HealthCare, discussed with me the reality of my Mother's condition which is that she was not having TIAs but rather mini-strokes.  She explained that the difference is when someone has a TIA, they generally come out of it with little to no side affects; on the other hand, with mini-strokes, the person most generally has definite side affects.  We got into this conversation and her explanation because I had made the comment that each time my Mother experienced one of these TIAs (which is what we had been referring to them), when she came out of it, there was always something different.  For instance, after one such episode, she was losing her short-term memory; with every subsequent episode, she would be a little more confused and disoriented.  This, in combination with a diagnosis of Dementia, made it increasingly difficult to keep her in the moment.  Many times she would slip away into another past time, thinking she was somewhere else or waiting for someone from the past.  With additional episodes, other changes became apparent, such as loss of upper-body mobility, the use of her arms and hands.  After the last episode last October, 2013, she pretty much lost all of her lower-body mobility; as a result, she is pretty much confined to a wheelchair.  She no longer uses her walker at all.  However, just the other day she said she does walk with her walker, that the aide or nurse takes her for walks once in a while, and that they go and sit outside.  Of course, I immediately verified this with the head nurse or some of the aides, and as I thought, no one takes my Mother for walks with her walker or, much less, outside!  

It has become apparent to me, and most of the aides and nurses, that she either dreams certain scenarios and then believes them to be reality, or she just gets random thoughts in her head and believes them to be the reality.  

In December, we, meaning the family members and Caregivers, were notified that the nursing facility had lost it's Medicare/Medicaid Certification due to certain infractions from their previous inspection.  We were assured that they would be doing everything possible to get that reinstated; in the meantime, they lost numerous residents and rehab patients as well as all of their VA residents.  From December, 2013, until just about two weeks ago, we were constantly on edge waiting to hear whether we would have to move our loved one to another facility.  We watched, and waited, as there ensued a huge turnover of certain of the Administrative staff in particular; and they began holding weekly family meetings to keep us informed of the process of inspections they would have to endure.  

When my Mother was referred to this facility approximately eight months ago after one of the mini-strokes left her pretty much immobile from the waist down, I knew I could no longer give her the best care at home.  I have serious back issues myself, and I explained it to her to the best of my ability why she would have to reside at the facility from that time.  Unfortunately, along with the pangs of the Dementia, she is often sad or depressed because I'm not there all the time.  I have also tried to explain to her that I must find some kind of part-time work to do from home, hopefully, in order to supplement my Social Security income.  The first available room at that time was the front half of a smaller room; therefore, she had no window.  Her roommate, a very nice woman who used a walker and appeared to be fairly coherent, was pleasant enough; however, she kept the blinds on the window, which was on her side of the room, continuously closed as well as keeping the dividing curtain mostly closed also.  As a result, my Mother's side of the room was always totally dark; and many times I would walk in during one of my daytime visits so find her either sitting or lying in bed in total darkness.  Because of the frequency of the mini-strokes, Mom was fairly confused anyway; but not knowing whether it was day or night most of the time, she was even more confused.  I then requested a room with a window as I saw there were many empty rooms after losing so many residents.  About two months ago, we were able to move her into a larger room, with a full window, an East view so the sun came up in the morning on her side of the hall; she no longer had a roommate but she indicated that was OK with her.  I immediately noticed her ability to now decipher day from night; and I brought several of her old clocks in, so she was now able to know most of the time what time of day it is. 

It seems, however, that from week to week there is a change in either her behavior or attitude or physical needs.  Up until a few weeks ago, she was back to feeding herself without much assistance; and she was eating about 95-100% or all the food on her plate.  After the last mini-stroke, her condition had declined so much, her weight dropped down to approximately 88 pounds (her normal weight had been about 104 after the hip surgery four years ago), and it appeared she was near death.  I requested hospice care for her, and over the next several months they have been so wonderful!  The hospice nurse came in weekly to check her vitals and coordinated with the staff nurse for any particular needs or care.  A CNA visited with her twice weekly for her shower, she fixed her hair, and generally visited with her.  Along with a Social Worker and a Minister, she had plenty of company between my visits.  

Unfortunately, last December, when the nursing center made the announcement about losing the M/M Certification, the hospice services had to discontinue because they could not provide services in a facility that was not Certified.  So for the past three months, it's just been up to me to visit as much as possible, and I have one daughter who lives here, also, and she and the family visit my Mother, their Gramma and Great Gramma, as often as they can.  I also arranged for a Eucharistic Minister from the Catholic Church to visit her every Sunday, to bring her Communion, and chat with her for a while.  

Two weeks ago, we were notified that the facility passed all their State inspections; and they would be receiving their new Certification by the First of April.  So, thank God, we will not have to move Mom to a new facility.  When I had attempted to explain a little of what was going on with the certification, etc., she was confused and thought I would have to move her to another city somewhere, that I wouldn't be able to come and see her very often!  Damn, Dementia!  

But then, last week, the Social Worker of the Center spoke with both of us about consolidating some of the residents into some of the other hallways.  They had lost so many residents, there were totally empty rooms in many of the hallways.  This past Friday, we agreed to move Mom to a room to share with another woman; fortunately, we already know Velma, a lovely, kindly, and warm person.  Mom had shared a dining room table for meals with her, and two other people, until one of her mini-strokes incapacitated her upper body; and then she was reassigned to what they call the assisted dining room.  But we've often chatted with Velma in passing, so Mom is familiar with her, making the move a little more easy.  Velma was already situated in the front area of the room, which is one of the larger-sized rooms, so Mom was able to be placed by a window again.  So far, things have been fine. 

Nancy Kolb, the Eucharistic Minister, visited with Mom yesterday, as she does mostly every Sunday; and she called me later to let me know some of the things Mom had said, one of which that indicated she had played Wii bowling!  Now, she used to play that at the previous senior apartment unit where she lived in Plymouth, MI, prior to the hip surgery and moving here.  I know the CNAs and the Activities Director have attempted to get Mom involved in some of the games and activities, so I will have to followup and see if that is so (or is she just dreaming that she Wii bowled?!)  She used to play BINGO, that was her favorite; but she has cataracts on both eyes and cannot see well enough anymore to play that, cards also, like Pinochle and Eucher.  But I have encouraged her, as well as the staff, to try to get her to participate in some of the activities, if at all possible.  

After all is said and done, it is very difficult to watch someone you love slip away slowly, not only physically but mentally, also.  I miss my Mother already, even tho' she's still here; I can no longer have a reasonable conversation with her.  But it is amazing to see how a person's true nature still shines through all the disabilities.  She is still a sweet, uncomplaining, jokester of a person!  Everyone just loves her to pieces!  And I'm glad I'm available and God is giving me the wisdom and ability to handle her care and business.  She will not speak up for anything.  That's just her natural way.  So I am her advocate; and I thank God for leading and guiding me through this difficult time in both our lives.  

There are so many resources out in the world for us to aide and assist us in making it through the numerous choices and decisions put before us during this time.  I'm so grateful for the many people who have been there for both me and my Mother, giving us tips and pointers, providing us with some free services along the way, and hooking me up with a support group of sorts, people who are experiencing similar situations with a loved one.  Some days it just helps to know that you are not the only person going through these situations, and to realize it is really just the "circle of life", as cliche'-ish as that is!  One day it will be my turn, and I can only hope and pray there will be one of my children willing and able to help me through my last years.      
     

Hello Fellow Seniors - It has been an extremely busy and emotional six months since last July.  My Mother experienced another TIA (which is a mini-stroke for those of you who might not be familiar with the terminology) the end of July.  As a result, she spent about a week in Penrose-Main Hospital.  By all appearances, she seemed to be "near the end", which is when I inquired about hospice care and permanent placement in a local nursing facility.  The process went from coordinating with several local nursing centers as well as narrowing the choices down according to her medical insurance in addition to locating a facility that would accept Medicaid-pending status!  At the same time, I was introduced to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, which has a facility right there in Penrose-Main; however, there was other criteria involved, which my Mother's situation did not meet.  After going through the "process of elimination", the choice was Pikes Peak Care & Rehabilitation Center, at 2719 N. Union Blvd., 80907 (there is no affiliation to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care).  I had also received several positive references from a few outside sources, so I felt completely comfortable with the choice.

Upon my Mother's admittance at Pikes Peak Care Center (PPCC) finally at the beginning of August, 2013, I was immediately introduced to SolAmor Hospice; and subsequently, after the initial evaluations and screenings, my Mother began receiving hospice care. 

For the following month or two, through September and into October, it appeared that Mom was not making much progress.  When she was released from Penrose-Main to PPCC, she was yet unable to feed herself any longer, she was finally officially diagnosed with Dementia (which was a condition several of us in the family had been aware of for some time, several years in fact; however, her primary physician, then in Michigan, never offered a diagnosis), and she was in an almost comatose state (at times, the nurses were unable to rouse her in order for her to take her medications much less eat).  Her weight dropped from 103 to 85 over the next couple of months, and she had pretty much lost all mobility from her waist down which made her wheelchair bound.

As SolAmor continued to provide hospice services to my Mother, near the end of October into November, it appeared she was beginning to "come back to herself".  She began working at feeding herself once again, she had been placed on a puree' diet and began eating up to 85-90% of all the food on her plate, her speech and ability to work at recall began to improve as well; however, the lower-body mobility still has not improved.  She hasn't used her walker since last July.

Because of my back and leg issues, I am no longer able to take her on outside visits without some assistance by a CNA or Aide of some sort.  For Thanksgiving Day, PPCC had planned to serve a typical Thanksgiving dinner; so I joined my Mother around Noon, and we were served in one of the lovely day rooms, The Mountain View Day Room, along with several other families.  It was a very pleasant afternoon, the food was excellent, and we enjoyed good conversation with several of the people sharing our table.  A week or so later, my Mother asked me, "Who were those people, where we went to their house for dinner?"  She was trying to tell someone who had asked her if she'd had a nice Thanksgiving that we went for a drive through some park to someone's house, someone her daughter (me) knows but she doesn't know who they were!  I have attempted to explain to her several times, now, that we just went down the hall from her room to the really nice day room (which is a room where I take her often when I visit so we can sit in the sun and see Pikes Peak through the picture windows), and we were just sitting with another family who were having Thanksgiving dinner with their loved one, that we didn't have to go out anywhere, we just went down the hall.  She still does not comprehend it.  It is a very sad thing to watch someone's mind losing itself to Dementia!

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!

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"!  

 

 

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!



 

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!