Category: News

Arbor View Senior Living residents Bob and Flossie Rowley will celebrate their 73^rd wedding anniversary in August. The couple quickly fell in love after their first date and following a whirlwind courtship, embarked on their life together. Along the way, they faced challenges but always stayed connected by holding on to their faith in each other and God.

Flossie’s brother introduced her to Bob at a Youth for Christ event in Denver. They were very active in their respective churches and after encountering each other a few more times at faith-based events, Bob asked Flossie out on a date.

“We went rolling skating, something very popular then, and had a very good time. I was definitely interested in a second date,” said Flossie. As luck would have it, Bob was too and two months later, he proposed!

The couple opted for a simple ceremony wearing matching navy blue suits instead of traditional wedding attire. They soon started a family and Bob was offered a job in Kansas, so they packed up their belongings and headed east. The position didn’t work out and the couple soon found themselves back in Denver where Flossie gave birth to the first of their six children.

In 1957 Bob, who had served in the National Guard, volunteered for the draft and was stationed in Chicago so the family left Colorado again. After Bob was discharged, they returned to Denver and became members of Youth for Christ again and the whole family was very active in their church.

When most of the children were grown, Bob and Flossie, who had always enjoyed camping, purchased a KOA campground in Strasburg, Colorado, and started a new life there. Disappointed when their business venture did not work out as they hoped, the couple left it behind and started new careers back in Denver until they decided it was time to retire and made their way to Arbor View drawn by the beautiful views all around and the many services and amenities it offered.

Bob and Flossie’s marriage remains strong thanks to their devotion to each other and their faith in God.

“Bob still tells me he loves me often and we have always tried to put God first in all things. By trusting in the Lord we are able to keep going strong,” said Flossie.

Bob and Flossie’s love story is inspiring and we will continue supporting them with everything they need to enjoy their lives here. Our community is ideal for singles and couples with modern studio and one-bedroom apartments and services and amenities that can be customized to meet residents’ individual needs. Our community calendar offers a variety of activities and events for couples to socialize with other couples but also pursue their individual hobbies and interests.

If you and your spouse/partner are looking for the ideal place to retire, come see everything our community has to offer in services, amenities, and lifestyle. Call 303-268-4747 or visit our website to schedule a personalized tour.

Studies show that spirituality can benefit older adults in a number of ways, including enhanced health and well-being, greater capacity to cope, increased social support, and a deeper sense of community and belonging. The leadership team at Arbor View Senior Living recognized these positive outcomes and created a spiritual group that was inclusive of all its senior residents.

To complement its existing men’s group, The God Squad, team members reached out to Laura Heagle, who is very active in her local church, for a recommendation of a pastor who could lead the new group. When they were unable to find a pastor who could commit to regular group meetings, Laura offered up her services.

Laura was familiar with Arbor View long before she became a resident and called it home. Through her church, she had visited the retirement community several times and was impressed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere and liked how team members encouraged residents’ interests and hobbies. She eagerly jumped into creating a bible study group with the support of Arbor View’s team.

“There are a lot of unchurched people here but most of them have a church and bible study background and want to reconnect with it,” Laura says.

After researching a name that, if not as flashy as “The God Squad” still had a nice ring to it, the group became Bible Buddies. Laura, who has been studying the bible her entire life, chooses a devotional to read every week and then encourages members of the group to discuss what it means to them or how it relates to their lives.

Bible Buddies is open to everyone at Arbor View and residents can attend weekly or drop in whenever. Laura hopes the group will continue to grow and that they will find a pastor who can occasionally attend meetings, too.

Residents are encouraged to participate in all aspects of community life and the Arbor View team strives to support their interests and hobbies. That includes scheduling a regular time and place for groups like Bible Buddies to meet but encouraging the residents to take the lead in decision-making and run the groups themselves.

In addition to reading and studying the bible throughout her life, Laura was a teacher, and leading the Bible Buddies group came naturally. After retiring from teaching and losing her husband, Laura felt uncertain about what was next. But after moving to Arbor View, she reconnected with an important part of her past and feels rejuvenated.

“I’m never lonely because I can just go down the hall and visit someone. Now I am back to teaching, and gardening and the Arbor View team is beyond fabulous. I feel very supported here,” Laura says.

In addition to the spiritual opportunities at Arbor View, Laura is thrilled with the exercise classes and attends as many as possible. Initially, she went to help with some mobility issues but never expected them to change her life so much. She has a newfound energy and is so committed, that team members have asked her to lead some classes using her teaching skills and newfound enthusiasm for fitness.

When she’s not teaching bible study or leading a fitness class, Laura loves working in Arbor View’s gardens and is an active member of the gardening club.

“I love gardening and am having a wonderful time out in the fresh air, weeding and tending the plants,” Laura says.

Arbor View is committed to meeting the spiritual and physical needs of its residents by offering activities, clubs, and events that cater to their diverse hobbies and interests. These opportunities encourage residents to discover new passions – another reason Arbor View is a great place to retire.

At Arbor View Senior Living, we welcome residents and team members of all religious traditions and spiritual backgrounds. Call 303-268-4747 or visit arborviewsl.com to learn more about our independent and assisted living apartments and schedule a personalized tour.

Arbor View Senior Living is fortunate to have several retired veterans and their spouses living in our retirement community. As Veterans Day approaches, we want to thank those who have served in the armed forces for their commitment and sacrifice, plus share stories of two of our veteran residents, Bob Rowley and Tim Snyder.

Bob Rowley

Bob is a Colorado native who was born in Denver. He joined the Army National Guard as a young man and served for 11 ½ years after completing his basic training at Fort Carson. He chose to go active in the Army and was stationed in Chicago where he worked in records for three years. After he was discharged from active duty, he and his wife, Flossie, and their six children moved to Thornton. They also ran a campground in Strasburg and lived in Aurora until retiring to Arbor View.

Bob and Flossie chose Arbor View for the comfortable, affordable apartments, the many services offered, and the great views. Bob has always been very active and according to his wife, “never sits still for long.” At 93 years young, he is still going strong!

Tim Snyder

Tim Snyder was very close to his uncle, a Marine Corps veteran, who was like a father to him because his own father was in ill health for most of his childhood. Tim’s mother instilled in him a sense of responsibility while caring for him and his siblings mostly on her own. That desire to be responsible for more than himself and feeling a duty to serve inspired him to join the U. S. Marine Corps.

After basic training in San Diego and infantry training at Camp LeJeune in South Carolina, Tim was sent to Vietnam. It was near the end of the war, and he struggled to understand the reasons for it as a young man and dealt with survivor’s guilt when he returned home after losing friends in combat.

“I didn’t join the Marine Corps to be at war but to help make peace. I’m happy I served and even if I knew then what I know now, I would still probably choose to do so,” Tim says.

Tim moved to Westminster 10 years ago to help his older sister who was having hip replacement surgery. He ended up staying and chose Arbor View for retirement.

“I liked it so much once I got here! Right now, it is so beautiful with the fall colors,” Tim says.

One way our Arbor View team supports residents with military backgrounds is by actively encouraging them to apply for the Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance Benefits*, which can significantly offset the cost of monthly rent for our assisted living residences. We also strive to maintain ties with local veterans’ organizations, so residents have a chance to give back to veterans in the community.

This Veterans Day, Arbor View will host a special lunch honoring our retired veterans and team members will present them with special certificates that include their names and military service. It’s important for us to find special ways to recognize and honor veterans for their time in service. We also strive to show our veteran residents how much we appreciate their service on Veterans Day and every day.

Are you or someone you know a veteran or surviving spouse in search of a senior living community? Call 303-268-4747 or visit arborviewsl.com to schedule a personalized tour and learn more about what Arbor View’s veteran-proud community offers.

*Please note that Arbor View cannot determine eligibility for Veterans’ Benefits; only the Veterans Administration can determine an applicant’s eligibility.

Cooper The Therapy Dog and his owner, Howard Morton, began visiting Arbor View Senior Living in late March 2020. It was the start of the pandemic and team members hoped a friendly face would help residents adjust to the ever-changing uncertainties in the retirement community.

Howard and Cooper, who reside in the quiet neighborhood where Arbor View is located, began strolling through campus waving at folks through their windows. Later on, when it was deemed safe, many residents began coming outside on their patios to pet Cooper and chat with Howard about his canine companion.

“I saw a need for Cooper’s service in a population with the tightest restrictions and wanted to give back to people who have given so much to society already,” Howard said.

Cooper is a seven-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever and certified therapy dog with his own Facebook page. After passing a series of tests, he was certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a non-profit whose mission is to “share smiles and joy through a network of caring individuals and their special dogs.”

“I see our visits to Arbor View as a win-win,” said Howard. “We make residents smile and they make us happy, too, which fills our hearts. Some residents have told me they look forward to Cooper’s visits all week.”

A handful of residents at Arbor View have pets, and in addition to brightening up the community with their personalities, we know there are physical, social, and mental benefits to having pets. In fact, studies indicate older adults with animal companionship tend to be more active, more social, and have a lower risk of depression. These same studies have found great health benefits too, like lower blood pressure, less anxiety, and chemical body changes that lead to increased happiness!

Even non-pet owners benefit from living in a pet-friendly community like ours. While a pet may not be part of everyone’s lifestyle, being around them occasionally can boost one’s mood and encourage socialization.

Since pets naturally attract people, they often serve as a social bridge between their owners and others in the community where they live. Cooper is often a magnet for affection and social engagement between residents and neighbors as well as team members.

Pet owners living at Arbor View will find well-maintained walkways and ground-level apartments with private patios that make it easy for them to get outdoors and exercise. Arvada has plenty of veterinarian services and pet groomers, and locally owned Paws ‘n’ Play has a huge selection of food, toys, accessories, and more.

Inviting Cooper into the community during a challenging time and continuing to welcome him as a regular guest is one of the many pawsitive ways Arbor View supports the health and happiness of its residents and their four-legged friends.

If you’re considering a move to 55+ living, give us a call at 303-268-4747 or schedule an in-person tour to learn how you can make our pet-friendly community your next home.

Loving Memory
We are saddened to report that shortly after publishing this story, Cooper The Therapy Dog passed away. He will be missed greatly and our thoughts and prayers are with his owner, Howard Morton, and his puppy brother, Prince.

Demand for online shopping and door-to-door delivery services increased during the pandemic. This transformation in the way many older adults shop prompted Arbor View Senior Living to expand the line of products offered on its Country Store cart. The ability to shop onsite with a mobile store that comes to them with everyday essential items greatly benefits the retirement community’s residents. It has also created opportunities for residents to get involved at the community level and fill an important role.

Arbor View’s Country Store offers residents quick and convenient access to snacks and sundries and saves them time making a trip to the store or waiting for a delivery. Residents serve as “hosts” making sure the cart’s shelves are stocked and bringing the store direct to customers to ring up purchases. The volunteer position lets residents get to know their neighbors while providing an essential service.

Resident Jerry D. learned about the Country Store from Jay, who was one of the first new friends he made after moving to Arbor View. Jay was a host and Jerry was looking for ways to get involved in community activities. He has a lot of retail experience to offer and thought it would be fun to run the store part-time.

“I like to stay busy,” Jerry says. “I don’t like just sitting around and I really enjoy doing it.”

The Country Store started out small with just a few snack items but has expanded its offerings to include toilet paper, hearing aid batteries, toothpaste, laundry soap pods, and many more food and beverage products. The most popular items residents have requested are stocked on the cart and their feedback guides the community in deciding what to offer in the future. If a resident asks for something the store doesn’t have, Jerry lets Arbor View’s team members know about the requested item and they do their best to get it in stock.

Jerry moved to Arbor View because of the great location and for more opportunities to spend time with his peers and people who share his interests. Now he is a regular for bingo and Yahtzee and has a couple of good friends he plays cribbage with when he is not hosting the Country Store.

At Arbor View, residents are encouraged to participate in every aspect of daily life. Providing support for resident-run clubs and organizations encourages community engagement and residents become more than neighbors and form new friendships through common interests. Listening to what the residents want, like the modern-day convenience of the Country Store, and collaborating with them to provide it, is one of the many reasons Arbor View is a wonderful place to retire.

Ready to start shopping for your dream retirement? Call Arbor View Senior Living at 303-268-4747 or schedule a tour online. You can also keep up to date on any special promotions and events by signing up for our monthly newsletter and following us on Facebook.

Arbor View Senior Living is more than just a building. It is a community our residents call home, a place built on friendship and a sense of family with residents, their families, the leadership team, and team members. Every day we come together to support each other and renew our bonds for a better future.

Renewal is happening everywhere, all around us, with the return of spring and the construction is underway to enhance our community. With modern upgrades throughout the community and newly remodeled independent living and assisted living apartments ready for move-in, now is the perfect time to see for yourself how we are upgrading the look and feel of Arbor View.

A Modern Community with Old-Fashion Values

The newly remodeled apartments will have upgraded flooring, countertops, and modern appliances in an open floor plan ready to be personalized, just like the services and amenities our community offers. What will never change is the way we nurture our residents in mind, body and spirit. With an abundance of dining options, fitness classes, activities to engage with other residents who share their interests, personalized wellness plans, and inviting indoor and outdoor community spaces, we offer the best in modern senior living with old-fashion hospitality.

The Arbor View Way of Life

Situated atop the best spot in Arvada, Hackberry Hill, with beautiful sweeping views of the city in one direction and the mountains in the other, Arbor View is surrounded by natural beauty but still close to cultural and entertainment venues like the Arvada Center for the Arts, shops, restaurants, and community centers. Within the community there is something for everyone; delicious dining options, numerous activities and events scheduled every week and different ability level fitness classes for everyone. Residents can live an active, full life among friends but with privacy and the support and companionship of our caregiver team.

Our dining experience offers quality food, variety, and most importantly, taste. Every meal is served by attentive team members so residents can relax and enjoy meals with their friends. There are lots of opportunities for residents to gather to enjoy board games, arts and crafts activities, live music, and take local trips off campus. Sharing their interests and hobbies creates a sense of belonging for residents, encourages socialization and keeps them engaged in community life.

Arbor View residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle supported by kind and caring team members who have been with us for many years, providing the continuity of care they would want for their own family members. Our team is dedicated to the well-being and happiness of our residents every day to ensure they have the best quality of life possible. Our remodeling project is one more way we continue to strive to always provide a safe, thriving, modern community for seniors to live life to the fullest.

Want to learn more about Arbor View Senior Living, give us a call at 303-268-4747 or schedule a tour.

Working up a sweat on a regular basis is important at any age but becomes even more essential to overall health as we get older. Seniors who exercise regularly are more likely to stay mobile as they age and are less susceptible to falls, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, hypertension and other illnesses. It also helps ward off cognitive decline: a recent study found regular exercise reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia by nearly 50%.

Older adults can gain significant benefits just by exercising moderately on a regular basis, and at Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we are equipped with a designated wellness center where residents have the equipment and support to reach and even exceed their fitness goals. Arbor View offers access to some of the most popular and beneficial exercise regimes for seniors, listed below, to help our residents stay active, independent and prevent injuries.

Walking

Walking promotes a healthy lifestyle, while strengthening muscles and lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and colon cancer. It’s also one of the least stressful and most accessible forms of exercise there is. Whether you’re on one of our treadmills in our fully equipped wellness center or touring our beautiful grounds, Arbor View offers all the resources you need to make walking your preferred form of fitness.

Stationary bicycles

Stationary cycling is a great form of aerobic exercise and doing it doesn’t exert any significant impact on your joints, so there’s a minimal chance of injury. At Arbor View, our wellness center features recumbent exercise bikes with an ergonomic seat and backrest for extra support, so residents can pedal while sitting comfortably.

Chair yoga

Chair yoga is a low-impact form of exercise that improves muscle strength, mobility, balance and flexibility but provides less stress on muscles, joints, and bones than more conventional forms of yoga. Chair yoga classes, which are offered at Arbor View, have been shown to improve mental health in older adults. In fact, regular participants have better quality sleep and lower instances of depression.

At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we’re committed to helping our residents live well and age well. We hear regularly from residents who enjoy our fitness center and designated wellness programming, full calendar of events and activities, support from our caring team, companionship with peers and more. If you have questions about what our community offers, call (303) 403-3129 to speak a member of our team.

Older adults aren’t the only people living and coping with hearing loss. In fact, hearing impairment is the third most common physical condition affecting people of all ages. But people born with hearing loss may have different coping skills than those who develop it later in life, and, for those who gradually lose hearing as they age, it can be difficult to know exactly what tools are available to make life more accessible.

While some adjustments to your routine may be necessary to accommodate hearing impairment, it doesn’t mean having to forfeit your happiness or independence. At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, our team is standing by to help you adapt to and manage hearing loss and any other medical difficulties you may experience, including declining vision, mobility issues and chronic health conditions. In addition to assistance from our team, here are three helpful tips to help you adjust to age-related hearing loss:

Maintain appropriate upkeep on hearing devices

Like any medical intervention, hearing devices require some level of upkeep, and our Arbor View team is here to help you make sure your device stays in good shape. While proper care and cleaning are necessary to prevent damage to in-ear devices, you may also need to visit an audiologist if you feel your hearing aids aren’t strong enough or are not making things easier. It’s not just about adjusting for any worsening impairment; hearing aids sometimes need to be recalibrated, especially if they’re not filtering sound appropriately or causing too much static.

Consider easy home modifications

Depending on the extent of your hearing impairment, our Arbor View team members can help you look into ways to modify things around your apartment so they’re more accessible. For example, fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are available with visual elements like flashing lights to ensure you’re alerted if they go off. Your morning alarm doesn’t need to rely just on sound, either — alarm clocks with vibrations or lights are a reliable alternative to just turning the volume up on your traditional alarm.

Tell people how to better communicate with you

At first glance, someone probably doesn’t even realize you may have hearing loss. Even when you let them know, they may assume they just need to talk louder so you can hear them, which can be frustrating if you already have hearing aids that amplify sound. When asking someone to repeat themselves, give them some direction on how to better communicate with you. Simple requests like asking for better enunciation or just reminding them to turn towards you when they talk can make a world of difference.

At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we’re committed to helping our residents live well and age well, which means our team members are standing by to accommodate residents’ individual needs and preferences, including managing hearing loss, vision difficulties or mobility issues. Besides 24/7 support from our caring team, Arbor View residents enjoy designated wellness programming, a full calendar of events and activities, a friendly network of peers and easy access to local amenities and services.  To learn more about what our community can offer you or your loved one, call (303) 403-3129 to speak to a member of our team.