Sunshine Gardens Senior Community

Growing up, I never thought of my grandparents as old, but as wonderful, kind people who spoiled my siblings and I with candy and attention.  They hosted wonderful family get-togethers, attended graduations, and were always there to offer love and support.  I didn't really take the time to notice that as I grew older, they too, would continue to age.

I first noticed my grandparents aging in high school when my maternal-grandfather was diagnosed with cancer.  His illness forced me to realize that my grandparents would not liv

Nine years later, my grandmother was still trying to pick up the pieces.  She was the homemaker her entire life and was still trying to mend economically and emotionally.  In her mid-70's she continued to live at home, but realized that one day it wasn't going to be an option anymore.  She will need additional care that family and friends can not provide.  We've asked ourselves what are her adult living facility options?  What types of retirement living home care communities are in the area?  Does she want to be closer to her other children?  These questions remained as she and her family prepares for the future.

My father's parents, on the other hand, are ready for senior citizen assisted living now.  My grandfather is in his early 80's and my grandmother in her late 70's.  They both are weak and my grandmother has had several heart surgeries resulting from years of smoking.  My grandfather has a terrible cough, probably emphysema, and is also very tired and ailing from his smoking.  My grandparents only eat when their children remind them to and many times it's just snack foods that are accessible.  My grandfather has no dementia, but my grandmother is very forgetful which causes concern.  All of these signs point to the need for senior care assistance.

So my parents, aunts, and uncles have decided to look into senior assisted living facility options.  They know that my grandparents should not live alone.  They need steady meals and a clean environment.  They also need protective oversight in case of falls or other emergencies.  It is a difficult reality to face, but in order to ensure the best quality of life; our family knows that changes have to be made.

My personal example is just one of millions throughout the United States.  Families are facing obstacles such as these everyday and as the Director of a Colorado assisted living facility called Sunshine Gardens Senior Community, I see first-hand the growing need for residential assisted living.

People come to our assisted living facility in Colorado out of curiosity, or in the "fact-finding" stages months before they prepare to move their loved one(s) in, or even sometimes needing a senior living care facility immediately.  I work with many types of people with varying needs.  Some folks are very independent, but are looking for social stimulation and meals, others need help dressing, bathing, and with their medication.  Still, some people have extensive needs requiring long term elderly care with assistance getting in and out of bed or reminders that it is time to use the bathroom.

Whatever the scenario or situation, it is important for families to realize that there are elderly care housing options.  Some in need may not be excited, in fact, they may down right refuse to make a change, but for the sake of health and safety it just needs to be done.  Sometimes loved ones will go willingly, other times; it causes family feuds and eventual interventions.

It is never fun to force your loved ones to receive help and/or move into senior care homes, but when you see a need, it is important to act on it before it is too late.  They may end up hurt or in a situation that requires more care than they (or you as a loved one) had originally planned.

If you haven't already, be sure to download the complimentary "Independence, Dignity & Happiness" ebook that outlines residential assisted living guidelines, alternatives and cost comparisons, to assist you with the insights you and your loved ones require in making this very important decision.

If you have any immediate questions regarding our facilities here in beautiful Durango Colorado or just want some general assisted independent living concerns addressed, you'll find further educational material for your review within this blog and at our Website. Also, if you desire, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss these sensitive issues, anytime.

Trisha Kellogg
Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

Feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

In this complimentary report you'll discover some important assisted living insights, guidelines, alternatives and cost comparisons -to assist with the concerns you and your loved ones require in making these very important decisions. Get your copy here: Independence, Dignity & Happiness