Category: News

Modern technologies help keep older adults connected to far-away family members and are transforming how senior living residents communicate.

Arbor View Senior Living was recently featured in a Patch article highlighting how seniors use technology to stay connected. Today’s seniors are using technology to stay closer to loved ones, bridging distances with video calls, social media, and more. Arbor View Senior Living provides tools, training and support to help residents embrace these connections while enjoying the comfort of traditional communication methods. Read the full article below or visit Patch’s website to learn more about how older adults can maintain stronger connections with their far-away family members.

Older generations may be slower to adopt new technology, but today’s seniors seek both physical and digital interactions to stay connected with family and friends, health care providers, and their community. User-friendly apps, devices, and platforms have significantly enhanced social interaction among seniors, helping to combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging—essential for emotional well-being.

In today’s digital age, there are lots of ways for older adults to bridge the distance to stay in touch with family members effectively.

• Video Calling Platforms: Apps like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime have changed the game for long-distance communication. These platforms allow seniors to see their loved ones in real time, enhancing the feeling of connection and reducing isolation.
• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook are valuable tools for seniors to stay updated with family events, photos, and messages. They provide an easy way to stay connected with busy family members and younger relatives who are more accustomed to social media. Many seniors find joy in seeing grandchildren’s activities and connecting with relatives they might not see often.
• Email: Email remains a popular choice for seniors, allowing them to write longer messages, share photos, and maintain ongoing conversations at their own pace.
• Traditional Methods: Sending letters or cards through postal mail can be a heartfelt way to stay in touch. Many seniors enjoy selecting cards or stationery and writing personal messages by hand. Often, retirement communities feature residents’ artwork on greeting cards that are available at the concierge desk or in the general store.
• Phone Calls: Scheduling regular calls can provide a comforting routine and an opportunity for meaningful conversations. Hearing a familiar voice can be incredibly reassuring and uplifting.
• Technology Assistance Programs: Many senior centers, libraries, and retirement communities offer technology assistance programs where older adults can receive guidance on using smartphones, computers, or tablets for communication purposes.

At Arbor View Senior Living, we prioritize helping families stay connected with their loved ones, whether across the country or just across town. We have interactive technologies in place that make it easy for residents to stay connected and engaged while promoting safe, virtual interaction. With high-speed internet throughout the campus, residents can utilize wearable technology such as smartwatches, activity trackers, and medical monitoring devices like our emergency alert pendants.

We also utilize LifeLoop, a digital community portal accessible from most laptops, smartphones, and computers. Residents can send and receive messages from family, share photos, register for community events, and even make maintenance requests or schedule transportation. And while technology may be hard to navigate for some, we offer tech-friendly classes and events to ensure those who want to use their devices are set up for success in the community.

Ultimately, the key is finding the method or combination of methods that best suits the individual senior’s preferences and abilities. By staying proactive and exploring these various options, older adults can maintain stronger connections with their far-away family members, fostering happiness and a sense of belonging despite the distance.

Arbor View Senior Living is committed to partnering with industry leaders and investing in innovative solutions that keep seniors connected, safe and engaged. To learn more, call 303-268-4747 or visit arborviewsl.com. Our leasing professionals can provide a free consultation, schedule a tour and answer any questions you may have.

National Assisted Living Week (NALW) is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates the role of assisted living communities in caring for seniors and individuals with disabilities. It usually takes place in September, starting on Grandparents Day (the first Sunday after Labor Day) and runs through the following Saturday. This year, it will be held Sept. 8-14, and Arbor View Senior Living will host several events, including an end-of-summer BBQ to celebrate.

Seniors seek assisted living for various reasons, primarily related to their health, safety, and overall quality of life. Here are eight factors to consider when assessing whether assisted living is the right choice for you or a loved one.

1. Health and Medical Needs

Many seniors have chronic health issues requiring regular monitoring and care. Assisted living communities help manage medications, ensuring they are taken correctly and on time. Residents also have immediate access to healthcare professionals and different levels of care, crucial for those with medical needs.

2. Daily Living Assistance

Assisted living provides support for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal prep. Mobility assistance, regular housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services are also available.

3. Safety and Security

Assisted living is designed to minimize the risk of falls and accidents, with regular supervision ensuring help is readily available if, and when, it’s needed. Residents may have emergency call devices, such as pendants or call buttons in their apartments, and receive daily check-ins from team members.

4. Social Interaction and Activities

This is often overlooked, but assisted living communities offer social activities and events that help prevent isolation and loneliness. Recreational activities like painting, gardening, daily exercise, and educational forums keep residents engaged and active.

5. Nutrition and Meals

Residents often gain weight when they move into assisted living, thanks to balanced nutrition and regular, chef-prepared meals. Culinary teams can accommodate dietary restrictions as needed, and mealtimes are key socialization opportunities in assisted living.

6. Family Peace of Mind

Assisted living provides families with a sense of relief knowing that their loved one is being well-cared for with ongoing support from professionals who understand their preferences and needs.

7. Quality of Life

Assisted living allows residents to maintain a level of independence while receiving the help they need. Individualized care plans are developed for each resident, emphasizing autonomy.

8. Cost-Effective Option

While assisted living may initially seem more expensive than living at home, it often proves cost-effective when considering home maintenance, taxes, home care, food, and other expenses. A predictable monthly rent that includes amenities and services offers significant value.

Assisted living provides a supportive environment that enhances seniors’ well-being, allowing them to enjoy a higher quality of life while receiving the care they need.

If you would like to learn more about the Assisted Living options at Arbor View Senior Living, please give us a call at 303-268-4747. Our leasing professionals can provide a free consultation, schedule a tour and answer any questions you may have.

Taking simple precautions to avoid overheating or becoming dehydrated is especially important for older adults. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes and our bodies naturally hold less water. Follow these sun safety and hydration tips to help stay cool this summer.

Tip #1

The best times of the day for outdoor activities in the summer are early morning and evening. Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day, usually noon until the sun sets. If you are outdoors when temperatures soar, be sure to wear sunscreen on exposed skin, a wide-brimmed hat to shade your eyes and neck and try to stay in the shade as much as possible.

Tip #2

Taking frequent breaks to replenish fluids is important for avoiding dehydration and overheating in the hottest months of the year. Don’t rely on your thirst to alert you to take a drink, try to get in the habit of doing so a few times every hour, especially when you‘re active outdoors.

Tip #3

Staying cool and hydrated does not mean drinking gallons of water. All beverages, except alcohol, count towards your daily fluid intake. Add sparkling water to your apple juice for a refreshing zing and dress up water with a slice of lemon, cucumber, or frozen berries to be more appealing and encourage regular sipping.

Tip #4

Drink up in style by putting your iced latte or sports drink in a stylish colorful water bottle. Insulated water bottles and tumblers keep beverages cool and ice cubes intact longer so you can enjoy every drop.

Tip #5

You can eat to stay cool and hydrated too. Many fruits and vegetables have a heavy water content, like celery, lettuce, cucumbers, oranges, and tomatoes. Snacking on watermelon, grapes, and kiwis is a healthy and delicious way to maintain optimum hydration levels.

Keeping Cool at Arbor View

Healthy, hydrating fruits and vegetables are always on the menu here and residents have a variety of refreshing beverages like iced tea, juice, and milk to choose from. Our numerous community indoor spaces are comfortably cooled to relax during peak hours and every apartment has an individually controlled cooling system. Residents can also stop by the snack bar anytime for healthy and hydrating treats like fruit or applesauce and a cup of iced cold water with lemon or orange slices. We are also fortunate to be surrounded by trees providing ample shaded areas to safely enjoy outdoor activities.

At Arbor View Senior Living, we’re playing it cool this summer. We invite you to stop in for a tour of our newly remodeled community and enjoy a refreshing beverage with our sales team. Call 303-268-4747 or visit our website and make this the summer you start enjoying a new carefree retirement lifestyle.

Since Father’s Day is in June it seems timely to highlight a dad who lives here.

A New Jersey native, Jim moved into a studio apartment at Arbor View Senior Living in December of 2023. He came from another senior community in Arvada, and before that, he had lived in Wheatridge for almost 60 years. He questioned whether living in a studio apartment would have enough space, but says it’s been wonderful. His view is great, and he spends time in other areas within the community and goes outside the community to visit places he enjoys.

Jim feels fortunate to be close to his two adult daughters who live in the area, and he often spends time with them. One of his daughters helped him to find his new home at Arbor View.

Jim has been curious and active all his life. He’s had two careers and lots of hobbies and interests. He was a high school English teacher and later became a realtor. He enjoys gardening, playing pool, and getting out to visit places like the Botanic Gardens. He’s an avid reader and he’s studying Spanish these days. A unique passion he discovered in his 30s was sewing.

After his mom gave him a sewing machine, he realized he loved to sew. His first project? A pair of Bermuda shorts with pockets, zipper, and a lining. He was hooked. During his real estate career, he wore a shirt he’d made to a closing, and it was a hit. From that day forward he had the nickname, “Shirts.”

He’s made clothes for his entire family, one year making pajama bottoms for everyone. He’s sewn the same dress pattern with different fabrics for all his granddaughters, and he made one of his daughters a reversible jacket. He’s even helped others to sew their own tee shirts.

Talking with Jim on the phone, you’d never guess he was 88. And one of the first things Jim tells you is how lucky he’s been in life. It may be true, but it’s also been said that “Luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.” (author, Brian Tracy). It’s fair to say that Jim has followed that pattern to the tee.

This Father’s Day, Jim will enjoy two outings, one with each daughter. We wish him, and all the dads out there, a very happy Father’s Day.

Ready to see if Arbor View is a good “fit” for you or your loved one’s future? Come by, visit, meet residents like Jim, and learn more about our tailored approach to senior living. Call 303-268-4747 or visit arborviewsl.com to schedule your personalized tour today.

As a loved one ages, it’s natural to consider alternative living arrangements to enhance their quality of life. Many seniors and families start this process by researching assisted living communities. But what exactly is assisted living, when is it time to consider this living option, and what are the benefits?

Assisted living is a type of residential care that provides support for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, or preparing meals. Seniors who receive this level of care can communicate their needs but don’t require the intensive and round-the-clock medical care often provided in nursing homes.

This living option emphasizes autonomy and fosters independence while providing extra peace of mind for residents and families who know that additional assistance and personalized care are available if, and when, it’s needed.

Seniors and families should consider assisted living when several factors become apparent: an individual needs help with ADLs; the risk of falls increases; health challenges; cognitive decline; and importantly, social isolation.

If your friend or family member encounters difficulties with activities such as personal hygiene or meal preparation, it could indicate that an assisted living community might provide the assistance they require. Many assisted living communities offer restaurant-style dining and chef-prepared meals to ensure residents receive proper nutrition without the hassles of shopping and cooking.

Safety is always a concern for seniors who are prone to falls and other injuries. In assisted living communities, residents may have an emergency call device like a pendant as well as call buttons in their apartments and daily check-ins from team members to ensure they are generally in good health.

If your loved one’s health or cognitive function has declined, they may require more assistance than you can provide at home. Many assisted living communities offer specialized care services like skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and memory care for those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.

Depression and social isolation are common for seniors who live alone. Study after study highlights that being around others and socializing at some level is imperative to a senior’s health and well-being. Assisted living communities offer an array of life enrichment activities and opportunities for residents to socialize and engage like painting, playing board games, going to live musical performances, daily exercise, and educational forums.

If your loved one is beginning to exhibit signs that they require additional care, assisted living could provide the necessary support within a stimulating and autonomous setting. By researching assisted living communities now, you’ll ensure your loved one has options to age well, even if their needs change. It’s much less disruptive to get additional support in the environment you live in than to move later in life.

Your Senior Care Partner

At Arbor View Senior Living in Arvada, we help families find the best living situation to meet their loved one’s needs. Call 303-268-4747 or contact us online if you have questions about independent or assisted living or would like to schedule a personalized tour.

If you’re transitioning to a senior living community, you are probably excited to start a new chapter of life. However, you might also feel nervous at the thought of leaving a longtime home. Know that it’s perfectly normal to feel the pangs of change, but it doesn’t mean you won’t be happy in your new community. Here are four steps you and your loved ones can take to ease the transition and adjust to your new home.

Get to know your new community

Most of us have our daily routines, so the thought of changing things up and moving somewhere new may feel stressful. One way to get answers to any questions about your new community is talking to staff. At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we invite prospective residents to spend time with our team before moving in, which begins when you visit to learn more about our community, take a tour, and speak to our leasing department about details. You can also ask our team to put you in touch with the community’s residents, which will help you start building relationships right away.

Get involved

Frequent social activities are one of the best amenities senior living communities have to offer, so be sure to take advantage of your community’s social calendar as soon as you move in. Communities like Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living often maintain community social calendars so you can pick activities or events you’d like to attend. Be sure to look into clubs, volunteer opportunities and other community groups that may be of interest, too.

Make yourself at home

When it comes to your home space, your personal belongings tell a story and reflect who you are. For that reason, Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living allows residents to bring their personal furnishings to ensure a comfortable stay. Feel free to adorn your walls with pictures of loved ones and display favorite art pieces and other keepsakes on shelves and furniture. Decorative pillows, throw blankets and rugs will make your living space feel more comfortable as well.

Stay in touch

Senior living communities don’t host activities and events solely for residents. Communities like Arbor View also host occasional gatherings for your entire family and outside guests who may be considering a move. Invite your loved ones to these events and our team members will help you keep in touch with them on a regular basis, whether via phone, email, Zoom calls or social media. Maintaining a bond with the people who provide you with a sense of familiarity will help you continue feeling like part of the family even in a new community.

At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we’re committed to helping our residents live well and age well. This means that from the moment you enter the lobby, we want to ensure you not only feel comfortable but also feel at home. If you have questions about transitioning to senior living or would like to learn more about what our community offers to help ease your transition, call 303-268-4747 to speak with one of our team members.

When deciding where to live, location is paramount. While those pursuing careers and raising families might concentrate on public transportation and schools, older adults are often focused on access to good health services, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

When searching for a senior living community, it’s important to focus on the type of retirement lifestyle you desire, which will help determine what location will make you the happiest and set you up for success.

Here are a few things to consider when searching for the best location for your retirement:

Neighborhood

Are you looking for an urban environment within walking distance of downtown or a calmer area that’s off the beaten path? Many retirees seek a community that offers the best of both worlds, one that’s away from constant traffic and noise, but still close to stores, art venues, and recreational opportunities.

Arbor View Senior Living is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood situated atop Hackberry Hill far removed from the hustle and bustle of Denver. Surrounded by trees, walking paths, and gardens, residents enjoy sweeping views of the foothills with convenient access to the outdoors. A quick seven-minute drive away, Olde Town Arvada is home to quaint stores that sell pottery and jewelry, craft breweries, and the Sunday Farmers’ Market, making it a great place to spend the day, grab a meal, or catch a free summer concert.

Lifestyle

Is your ideal day spent playing a leisurely round of golf? Or do you prefer to frequent art galleries and attend live musical performances? Maybe you like spending your time equally on active outdoor pursuits and cultural outings.

Just down the street from Arbor View, the Indian Tree Golf Club is part of the Apex Park and Recreational District, which includes several nearby recreational centers and swimming pools. Seniors get discounted memberships and passes, too.

For those who enjoy the performing arts, the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is nearby and with frequent theater performances, concerts, art shows, dance and art classes, there is no end to the educational and cultural activities you can enjoy.  It’s also a great place to take visiting family members or plan a fun outing with friends.

Community

Once you’ve found a location that appeals to your pace, lifestyle, and the things you enjoy doing, it’s time to evaluate what your new retirement community has to offer in day-to-day living. Studies link our surroundings to our level of happiness. Being close to nature in a peaceful environment reduces stress and boosts your mood for better overall physical and mental health.

Arbor View offers comfortable and quiet community areas to relax, and all apartments are located on ground level with private patios for easy access to our beautifully maintained outdoor spaces. Residents also benefit from our full calendar of life enrichment activities and social programming designed with residents’ interests in mind.

A move to Arbor View meets the needs for a quiet setting without compromising good access to culture and healthcare, the best of all worlds.

Considering a move to senior living? See for yourself what Arbor View Senior Living has to offer in location, services and amenities. Call 303-268-4747 or schedule a tour online today.

Thinking about redefining your retirement lifestyle? Considering a retirement community can be an arduous task. Yet, it presents a unique opportunity: embracing a simpler lifestyle can yield a richer experience, especially when streamlining your living space within an active senior community.

For example, many people understand the importance of aligning your lifestyle with your core values and priorities. In this context, downsizing your living space within a senior community might initially seem like a step backward, but it’s a stride toward new advantages. By downsizing your living space, you’ll open doors to a plethora of expanded benefits. Below, we dive into just a few perks of upsizing your retirement lifestyle by living smaller. 

1. Liberating Your Time – A Boon for Retirement Living

With streamlined, maintenance-free living spaces, residents in a 55+ community gain precious time for what truly matters. Participating in community wellness programs, fostering friendships, or pursuing personal hobbies without the hassle of home upkeep. In addition to more time, residents don’t have to worry about cluttered spaces, losing their most valuable items, and the carefree attitude that comes with a minimalist lifestyle. You’ll spend time doing things you enjoy, not maintaining a home.

2. Practical Living – Simplifying Retirement Spaces

In downsized apartments, you create a space that reflects your personality without overwhelming clutter. At Arbor View Senior Living, our detailed studio and one-bedroom floor plans can assist in visualizing and designing your cozy haven.

3. Accessible Care – Vital for Retirement Living Peace of Mind

Enjoy peace of mind with easy access to amenities that support good health, including fitness facilities, activities, and connections with others. Imagine being able to hit the gym within a short walk away. No more treadmills or weights gathering dust in your garage. The best part? If you do need help, it’s close by.

4. Tailored Lifestyle – Crafting Retirement Community Connections

Embrace a social lifestyle within a lively community. Inviting places like the theater, library, and outdoor patios foster connections, ensuring you’re never alone unless you choose to be.

5. Enriched Living Experience – Elevating Retirement Living Beyond Space

At Arbor View Senior Living, downsizing isn’t merely about space; it’s a gateway to a fulfilling life. From communal dining to a diverse calendar of social and cultural events, residents can discover the perfect environment for a successful senior move. 

Selecting the Ideal Retirement Residence for You

Discovering the beauty of downsizing isn’t just about physical space—it’s about expanding horizons and embracing a lifestyle that matters to you. More than relinquishing square footage; it’s about gaining the freedom to immerse yourself in meaningful connections, activities, and a carefree existence.

At Arbor View Senior Living, downsizing doesn’t equate to sacrifice; rather, it unleashes you from the burdens of home upkeep and clutter. We envision a home as more than just a place for relaxation; it should be where shared laughter, engaging conversations, and cherished moments with friends find their space.

Ready to discuss your options for retirement? Call 303-268-4747 or visit our website and schedule a personalized tour to see for yourself everything our community has to offer.