Category: News

Gardening offers several health benefits, especially for older adults. The University of Colorado Boulder recently published an article about the benefits of community gardening concluding that “community gardening could play an important role in preventing cancer, chronic diseases, and mental health disorders.” Researchers observed that those who participated in community gardening were more likely to eat the healthy foods they helped grow and it encouraged people to get outdoors and connect with others providing a boost to their mental health.

Here are the top five health benefits of gardening for older adults.

1. Increased physical activity

The tasks involved in planting and nurturing plants like digging, raking, and weeding improve mobility by loosening up joints, increasing muscle mass, and helping build core strength for better balance and less risk of falls.

2. Better mental health

Older adults who garden report feeling less stress and anxiety, and increased self-esteem as they watch the progress of their garden.

3. Decreased risk of dementia

Being outdoors helps with relaxation while the act of planting and tending a garden helps with focus. Both are linked to a decreased risk of developing symptoms of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or other dementias according to a Washington Post article based on numerous studies from the last decade around the globe.

4. Better nutrition

Older adults who grow fruits and vegetables are more likely to consume them as well, increasing their intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This also helps reduce their risk of developing cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

5. Increase social engagement

A community garden can bring older adults together to collaborate on what to grow and share their gardening experience and knowledge to benefit themselves and others in the form of a more beautiful outdoor environment and healthy fresh produce for everyone to enjoy.

Something as simple as a patio planter with a few herbs or flowers to tend to can improve an older adult’s physical and mental health. Jackson Creek Senior Living offers community gardens with raised beds and planters so that residents interested in growing flowers or vegetables can do so, regardless of mobility issues. We love seeing residents socializing with each other and working together to nurture plants that grow into beautiful blooms or produce tasty tomatoes, peppers, or strawberries. The socialization, camaraderie, and satisfaction of seeing the literal fruits (or vegetables!) of their labor make our community gardens an important part of our efforts to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Call 719-259-1331 to schedule a tour and learn how you can plant roots at Jackson Creek. We’re always looking for more green thumbs to help our senior living community flourish.

A handful of residents at Jackson Creek have pets, and in addition to brightening up the community with their personalities, we now learn there are physical, social and mental benefits to having pets. In fact, studies indicate folks with pets enjoy better mental and physical health, especially later in life, as 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!

For seniors with dogs, the daily walks, belly rubs and ball-tossing all add up to increased activity. Cats too need attention and cause us to move more often, from head rubs to scratches, even keeping the litter box tidy. In return for these small favors, pets shower their owners with unconditional love and affection while providing constant companionship.

At any stage of life, purpose is essential. And for older adults, caring for a pet can be very satisfying and fulfilling. Pets also need a regular schedule, and many older adults enjoy the structure that brings to their days. Since pets naturally attract people, they often serve as a social bridge between their owners and others in the community where they live. The pets at Jackson Creek are often a magnet for affection and social engagement between residents and team members as well as fellow residents.

Studies have found that when seniors with pets get out in the community, they feel a stronger sense of community. Our resident pet owners have lots of lovely outdoor spaces to spend time with their canine companions and interact with other dog owners while getting fresh air and sunshine along with a healthy dose of physical activity.

Pet owners living at Jackson Creek will find Monument to be very pet friendly. Several restaurants have patios where dogs are welcome to join their owners for a meal. There are plenty of veterinarian services, pet groomers, and independently owned and operated Wag N’ Wash has all the pet essentials like food, crates and toys.

Even non-pet owners benefit from living in a pet-friendly community. While a pet may not be part of everyone’s lifestyle just being around them occasionally can boost your mood by lowering stress hormone levels and blood pressure. They are also a source of humor and encourage those around them to live in the moment.

At Jackson Creek, we support our resident pet owners and welcome the “pawsitive” energy their furry companions bring to the community keeping us all a little healthier and happier.

If you’re considering a move to 62+ living, please give us a call at 719-259-1331 or schedule an in-person or virtual tour to learn how you can make our pet-friendly community your new home.

Throughout his culinary career, award-winning chef Michael Longo has chased opportunities rather than riches. Classically trained, he got his start in the hotel industry and spent seven years in the European apprentice program at The Broadmoor resort. He studied under the tutelage of internationally known chefs like Jacques Pépin and the author of the famous cookbook, “Death by Chocolate,” Chef Marcel Desaulniers.

It was Desaulniers who inspired Chef Michael to write his first cookbook, “Let’s Take A Leek: A Book About A Chef, Fabulous Soups, and a Slightly Different Sense of Humor!” He co-wrote a second book with his mother, “St. Joseph’s Table: Celebrating a Sicilian Tradition,” and is currently working on an outdoor cookbook featuring recipes for wild game and fish.

With his training and expertise, Chef Michael could work anywhere in the world, but his passion for serving the senior population led him to Jackson Creek Senior Living. As Culinary Director, Chef Michael oversees the dining program for a diverse group of older adults—from the Greatest Generation to baby boomers—who enjoy standard comfort foods like meat and potatoes, but also have a desire for non-traditional fare with a variety of sauces, spices, and cooking methods.

An important factor in convincing someone to move into a senior living community today is the quality of the onsite dining. As a result, many communities now offer an authentic restaurant-style dining experience that prioritizes residents’ health and offers an individualized approach to when and where they eat.

Jackson Creek residents enjoy an upscale dining experience in a casual atmosphere boasting two dining rooms and a grab-and-go bistro. The culinary team serves up crowd favorites, themed meals, and chef-inspired specials. For fun, the community hosts regular happy hours and social gatherings featuring festive beverages and treats, along with frequent food-focused activities like chef’s demos, brunch stations, and fix-your-own treats.

Chef Michael incorporates traditional meals, but he also likes to surprise residents with new twists on familiar favorites and offer them a menu with a lot of variety. He meets with the residents monthly to hear their ideas and stays knowledgeable about what types of dishes are trending and what’s popular with residents to ensure the menu stays fresh. He has nothing but praise for the culinary team, who rise to the challenge of creating healthy and delicious meals that accommodate those who have gluten-free, low-sodium, or low-carbohydrate dietary needs but with a lot of different options to choose from.

When it comes to preparing meals for residents living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory loss, culinary teams need to understand the power of food to evoke good memories and help diners connect to their past while enjoying the present. No matter where they are on their cognitive journey, Chef Michael says the quality of the food matters, especially the presentation.

“No matter what a resident’s state of mind is, we always strive for understated elegance, because first, we eat with our eyes. Everything has to be high-quality, clean, and delicious because they are worth it!” he said.

Whether you prefer classic dishes or have a more adventurous palate, there is always something delicious cooking at Jackson Creek Senior Living. Call 719-259-1331 or visit our website to schedule a tour and discover our recipe for a happy retirement.

When families are navigating life with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory loss conditions at home, it can be a challenge. It’s important for caregivers to get the proper resources and education so that everyone is supported in this difficult journey.

At Jackson Creek, our goal is to always be a resource for families and members of the local community as they explore their options in supporting a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. That’s why we provide programming opportunities and offer a myriad of support groups to help those searching for the best memory support program. Through monthly “lunch & learns” with industry experts, sponsored talks with the Alzheimer’s Association, and caregiver support groups, our retirement community strives to provide memory support resources to families and residents.

Creekside Family Nights

Creekside is our senior living community’s secure memory support neighborhood where we provide compassionate, person-centered care in a safe, homelike setting. Recently, we began hosting monthly family nights at Creekside. These gatherings provide a safe and welcoming place where residents’ families can meet face-to-face with our Executive Director and Memory Support Director to ask questions, discuss any concerns they may have, and talk about best practices and ways to support one another.

Caregiver Support Group

Recently, our team recognized that there is a gap in resources for families and spouses of a loved one living with progressive dementia. To better support these individuals, plans are underway to create a monthly Caregiver Support Group for family members impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. A member of our Life Enrichment team recently became a Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and has a degree in Health Care Science with an emphasis in Gerontology and Senior Fitness. She is collaborating with our Life Enrichment department to develop a high-quality curriculum for this future support group.

Resident Memory Support Group

When a resident expressed that those who reside in our community’s independent and assisted living residences might also benefit from sharing their experiences with mild memory loss, we listened. Many thanks to our Life Enrichment Director for helping to organize this unique group open only to IL/AL residents. The idea is to give residents a safe place to talk about their current struggles, support each other, share ideas on how to better manage daily living, and discuss ways their family members can support their mild cognitive impairment.

Events & Sponsorship Opportunities

To further support those with a loved one experiencing memory loss, Jackson Creek hosts educational presentations led by dementia care experts from various organizations. This spring, we’ve partnered with Sheryl Scheuer from Gentle Shepherd Dementia Training and Consulting, as well as the Alzheimer’s Association to offer a series of Education Nights covering topics about understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia, how to respond to dementia-related behaviors, and effective ways of communicating with a loved one experiencing memory loss. These events are always free and open to the public.

And in September, we will once again assemble a team of walkers to participate in Colorado Springs’ annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which helps raise funds to support research efforts and discover methods of treatment and prevention for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Jackson Creek is a long-time sponsor of this event.

Jackson Creek Senior Living offers memory support, assisted living and independent living, and respite care services. Call 719-259-1331 or visit jacksoncreekseniorliving.com if you have questions about our memory support program or would like to attend one of our upcoming events.

Every November, our nation honors the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Jackson Creek Senior Living is fortunate to have several retired veterans and their spouses living in our community. One of those residents is retired Col. Dr. Edmund “Ed” A. Krekorian, a veteran of three wars, an internationally respected head and neck surgeon, and the author of four novels based on his experiences in the military.

Like many young adults, the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor motivated Dr. Krekorian to enlist in the military and fight for his country. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and soon found himself in the Pacific islands fighting alongside fellow soldiers until atomic weapons ended the battle with Japan and hastened the end of World War II. Dr. Krekorian returned to the United States where he would be honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, attend Emory University, accept a direct commission as a second lieutenant in the Army, and marry his late wife of nearly 72 years, Patricia.

As a lieutenant in the Third Infantry Division commanding a platoon of self-propelled automatic weapons, Dr. Krekorian’s rescue of sixteen severely wounded British soldiers (Glosters) about to be taken prisoner by Chinese Communist Forces set him on the path to a medical career. 

Graduating from the Medical College of Georgia with honors in 1957, Dr. Krekorian eventually was assigned as Director, Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and appointed to the National Academy of Science. He became internationally known for his expertise in management of trauma of the head and neck and management of advanced malignancies of the head and neck.

In 1970 Dr. Krekorian was eligible to retire. Two prestigious university medical centers were recruiting him to replace their then-current chairman. Instead, he chose to go through parachute training and then to Vietnam. He served as Division Surgeon, (chief surgeon) Americal Division. After promotion to full colonel, he commanded the 400-bed 93rd Evacuation Hospital at Long Binh. During his Vietnam tour, he also served as U.S. Army Head and Neck consultant. 

Retiring from active military service after 27 years Dr. Krekorian joined the faculty of the University of Colorado School of Medicine as a professor in 1978. He was appointed Director, Head & Neck Surgery, at Denver Health & Hospitals. He was also on the staff of University Hospital and volunteer staff of the following: Denver Veterans Administration Hospital, and Children’s Hospital. 

After retiring as a professor emeritus, Dr. Krekorian went on to author several novels: From Bayonet to Scalpel: A Marine’s Odyssey (1996), Vietnam: A Surgeon’s Odyssey (2003), Operation Geriatric Geese (2016), and Operation Turtle Rock (2022).

In 2018, the Krekorians moved to Jackson Creek, a veteran-proud senior living community that is located near several military bases, including Schriever Air Force Base, the United States Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, and Peterson Air Force Base.

In full retirement, Dr. Krekorian became active in the Colorado Mountain Club and the local chapter of Kiwanis International. During many Christmas seasons, he could be found ringing the handbell at Walmart or King Soopers for the Salvation Army. 

This Veterans Day, Dr. Krekorian will deliver a presentation about the Korean War, the Boy Scouts will host a flag ceremony and the Oasis Band will perform a patriotic evening program at Jackson Creek.

At Jackson Creek Senior Living, we encourage veterans and their surviving spouses to apply for the Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance Benefits,* which can significantly offset the cost of monthly rent for our assisted living and memory support services. Call  719-259-1331 or visit jacksoncreekseniorliving.com to learn more and schedule a personalized tour.

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

While older generations have traditionally been slower to adopt new technology, that all changed during pandemic restrictions when many seniors embraced it to stay connected with family and friends, communicate with health care providers, and engage with their community. Senior living providers know that uplifting connections, fulfilling interactions and a sense of belonging are essential for older adults. That’s why communities like Jackson Creek have interactive technologies in place that make it easy for residents to stay connected and engaged while promoting safe, virtual interaction among residents, team members, and families. And while technology may be hard to navigate for some, we offer tech-friendly classes to ensure those who want to use it are set up for success in the community.

Technology to Enhance Residents’ Life

Technology creators are offering more devices designed to appeal to seniors by helping them maintain their health and safety and improve how they communicate. Hearing and vision loss can lead to frustration and isolation for seniors because they can’t effectively engage with their surroundings. Jackson Creek employs the latest technologies to help residents overcome those limitations and enhance engagement and communication so they can be successful and maintain a purpose in the community.

Hearing loss is common as we age and can negatively impact seniors. It often results in confusion and anxiety and can limit the ability to communicate with others or enjoy pleasurable activities. In some cases, hearing loss can be mistaken for dementia and cause undue concern about a loved one’s mental health. To assist our hearing-impaired residents, our community is equipped with Hearing Loop technology, which is compatible with most hearing aids to help filter out background noise for a better listening experience during group events and activities.

To prioritize communication between families and team members, Jackson Creeks utilizes 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.

With high-speed internet available throughout the community, residents can utilize wearable technology such as smartwatches, activity trackers, and medical monitoring devices like our emergency alert pendants. For entertainment, we developed Jackson Creek TV (JCTV), our in-house television channel that broadcasts private programming on flat screens in the community and in residents’ rooms. Residents can also take advantage of It’s Never 2 Late digital touch screen systems that house an extensive library of educational, entertainment, cultural, and health content.

Technology will continue to play a big role in the future of senior living. That’s why Jackson Creek is committed to partnering with industry leaders and investing in innovative solutions that keep residents connected, safe and engaged, which is an essential part of our person-centered approach to care.

Call 719-259-1331 or contact us online to learn how you or your loved one can find connection and joy in our community.

Communicating with a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia presents challenges that can lead to frustration and misunderstandings on both sides of the conversation. To help avoid confusion, it’s imperative for caregivers to exercise patience and practice active listening and speaking strategies.

The following tips from the Mayo Clinic will help improve how you communicate with your loved one while benefitting their cognitive and emotional outlook, building a stronger bond, and making the most of each interaction.

• Always be patient. Listen closely and allow enough time for your loved one to talk uninterrupted.
• Know what to expect. Your loved one may have trouble remembering words or communicating clearly. They may repeat phrases or ideas or mix unrelated thoughts together.
• Try to understand what your loved one is saying based on the context and use surrounding information to interpret the meaning. If they are struggling to formulate an idea, have them point to an object or have them walk you to show you what they are trying to communicate.
• Maintain eye contact while speaking and always call your loved one by their name.
• Use nonverbal actions to show support, such as gestures, visual cues, and other body language.
• If your loved one is having trouble expressing themselves, be patient and calm as they navigate through the conversation, and always be kind and encouraging.
• Avoid using baby talk, and don’t talk down to your loved one or as if they were not there.
• Limit visual distractions and background noise, which can make it difficult to hear or concentrate.
• Use short sentences, ask yes or no questions, and break down requests into single steps.
• Speak clearly and calmly. Take a break if you get frustrated, and avoid criticizing, correcting, or arguing. Never ask them, “do you remember” or “don’t you remember.”

At Jackson Creek Senior Living, our memory support community helps individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia according to each resident’s individual care plan, which is determined prior to move-in. Our knowledgeable team members use proven strategies to communicate with residents and help them develop and refine their cognitive skills, form meaningful new relationships, and take advantage of dynamic programming offering socialization, stimulation and engagement.

In addition to receiving top-quality care, residents with memory loss have access to a secure, home-like neighborhood, comfortable dining, living, and activity rooms, three chef-prepared meals a day, medication assistance, and daily living support, with experienced team members on staff for true peace of mind.

At Jackson Creek Senior Living, we’re committed to supporting seniors in our community to live well and age well. Call us at 719-259-1331 to learn more about our independent and assisted living and memory support services for those 62+.

Knowing when it is time for memory support for a loved one can be difficult. Oftentimes, the signs and symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s unfold slowly over a long period of time and can be missed by family members until their loved one’s dementia becomes too advanced for them to safely care for themselves or live on their own anymore.

Once the signs and symptoms of dementia become noticeable it is time to consider memory support. If a spouse or family member does not act, their loved one could become a danger to themselves and others. Knowing the signs and symptoms of dementia will help you decide if your loved one needs memory support to keep them safe, healthy, engaged, and improve their quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Dementia

1. Changes in Health

Has your loved one lost a lot of weight rapidly? This may be an indication they are forgetting to eat. If your loved one has unexplained bruises or other injuries this is often an indication of progressing dementia. Falls, bumping into furniture, or slipping on the stairs can be signs of Alzheimer’s while visual problems and loss of balance are common for those living with dementia.

2. Changes in Personality and Mood Swings

If your generally calm and cheerful mother becomes quick to anger or seems overly agitated, she could be experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms. People living with dementia are prone to angry outbursts, unreasonable fears, and frequent agitation, which may be caused by underlying issues related to the disease.

3. Concerning Behavior

If you find an elderly parent’s stove left on, water running unchecked, or your loved one wandering outside without a coat in the cold, these are potential symptoms of advancing dementia that can lead to harm. People living with dementia may forget to take their medication or take it multiple times per day. A pill bottle that should be half empty or a prescription that’s gone long before a refill is suggested can be dangerous signs of memory decline.

4. Poor Hygiene and a Change to Home Cleanliness

If your loved one’s personal hygiene seems neglected, such as unkempt or unwashed hair or clothing that’s been worn multiple days in a row, they may be struggling with dementia. If the cleanliness of their home has changed with unwashed dishes piled in the sink, unopened mail stacking up, or expired food in the refrigerator/pantry, they may be experiencing cognitive decline that requires immediate intervention and possibly a move to a memory support community to protect their health and wellbeing.

5. Frequent Confusion

If your loved one does not recognize you, can’t remember how to get from one room to the next, or often gets lost driving, they are most likely experiencing the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s and need additional help.

When you see a friend or loved one struggling with signs of dementia, we recommend it’s time to step in and get them the memory support they need and deserve. At Jackson Creek Senior Living, our specially trained team takes a whole-person approach to aging, and they understand the unique needs of each resident who is treated with patience and compassion. If you are uncertain about your loved one’s mental and/or physical health due to dementia or Alzheimer’s, please reach out to us. We are happy to answer your questions and help you decide if memory support is right for your loved one.

At Jackson Creek Senior Living, we’re committed to supporting seniors in our community to live well and age well. Call us at 719-259-1331 to learn more about our independent and assisted living and memory support services for those 62+.