Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Memory Care Calendars:

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Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Memory Care Calendars:

Please RSVP to: 303-867-6382 or rsvpconcierge@balfourcare.com.

July 2, 2010 – Friday, 7:00 PM
The Boulder Independent Film Series Presents: Séraphine
Location: The Lodge at Balfour – The Chautauqua Theater
Address: 1331 E Hecla Drive, Louisville, CO 80027

World-famous, Boulder International Film Festival presents its monthly feature on Balfour’s big screen! This month’s showing is entitled Seraphine. It is a featured film from France. Séraphine de Senlis was very much a real person, a simple, blocky, village scrubwoman whose brilliant still-life canvases now adorn some of the most famous galleries in the world. An eccentric and often-mocked local character, Seraphine nonetheless had a vivid and ecstatic inner life: every evening, by the light of innumerable votive candles, she painted pictures of fruits and flowers with marvelous, sensuous, unsettling power. In 1914, influential art critic Wilhelm Uhde (the man who had discovered Picasso), chanced upon Séraphine’s paintings and was flabbergasted. Powered by the performance of a lifetime by actress Yolande Moreau, this elegant film follows Seraphine and Uhde’s chaste, complicated love story—and wild adventures—for the next two decades. Winner of the Seven Césars (French Academy Awards)
www.BalfourCare.com

July 7, 2010 – Wednesday, 10:30 AM
Colorado Naturalist Kevin Cook Presents: The Ferns of Colorado
Location: The Residences at Balfour – The Residences Library
Address: 1336 E Hecla Drive, Louisville, CO 80027

Like a ticket for dreams to travel, the word “fern” conjures images of tropical forests, of jungles wet and wild and wonderful! Ferns just seem like they ought to be the plants of someplace else because Colorado’s plains are too dry and our mountains too cold. Yet, despite our perceptions to the contrary, just over five dozen kinds of ferns grace the nooks and crannies of Colorado’s lifescapes. Join Colorado naturalist Kevin Cook for this fascinating series!
www.BalfourCare.com

July 16, 2010 – Friday, 11:00 AM
Active Minds Presents: NASA and the Future of Space Exploration
Location: The Lodge at Balfour – The Chautauqua Theater
Address: 1331 E Hecla Drive, Louisville, CO 80027

NASA is preparing to decommission the Space Shuttle program and the Obama administration has recently laid the groundwork for its policy regarding the future of space exploration. Join Active Minds® for a look at the future of manned and robotic space travel at this pivotal juncture. We will cover the future of the International Space Station as well as the debate over how to prioritize investing in NASA versus other pressing needs.
www.BalfourCare.com

July 27, 2010 – Wednesday, 2:30 PM
Cooking Demo with Balfour Chef Justin Ponsor: Marinades and Grilling
Location: The Residences at Balfour – The Residences Patio
Address: 1336 E Hecla Drive, Louisville, CO 80027

Each month, the chefs at Balfour present an interesting and interactive cooking demo covering a wide array of culinary topics. This month, Chef Mark Babas will present a demo perfect for the warm weather! Find out how you can perfect your grilling skills and learn to make delicious marinades to enhance flavor. Tasty samples will be provided throughout the demo.
www.BalfourCare.com
July 31, 2010 – Saturday, 7:00 PM
The June Cobin Memorial Fund Presents: Nature
Location: The Lodge at Balfour – The Chautauqua Theater
Address: 1331 E Hecla Drive, Louisville, CO 80027

Please join us for the first event made possible by the June Cobin Memorial Fund. Poet and narrator Martin Cobin and composer and pianist Sarah Dawson will present original pieces commissioned for this event based on the elements of nature. All elements of nature, including humans, contribute to its destructiveness, beauty, deceptiveness, and accommodation. This will be the first in a series of performing arts events hosted by Balfour.
www.BalfourCare.com

If you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s, one of the most difficult decisions can be the question of when is it time to seek professional help. We present this discussion with Megan Carnarius in hopes that it will address some of the issues and concerns you may be facing.

Megan, you speak with families who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s all the time. What are some of the issues that come up?

There are a number of questions that arise. The first is — “Has a diagnosis been made?” Alzheimer’s is difficult to confirm, but doctors these days have better diagnostic tools and a better understanding of the disease. While no one can predict the pace of the disease, the course it will take is highly predictable, and certain plans can be made to anticipate and manage changes effectively.

A critical question in early-stage Alzheimer’s is the resources or networks you have to help you begin this arduous and profound journey. In initial consultations with families, we analyze these resources, because an accurate assessment is important. If there is only one primary care giver, that is different from a family that has a network of people who can share the responsibilities.

It’s important to explore what systems can be put in place that support the increasing needs of the person with Alzheimer’s. How do these systems work? How do you take care of meals or general day-to-day activities? How much independent time can the person safely manage?

How do you know when it’s time to consider professional help?

This is always a very personal decision. I usually inquire how closely the person is supervised. Are they eating well? Can they take their own meds? Can they go for walks in the neighborhood? Are there habits or patterns of behavior that are changing? Sometimes relationships with neighbors begin to deteriorate. Sometimes fears or isolation or depression sets in. The key is close monitoring so you know what is going on.

The next level — and this may be the most critical one — regards safety concerns. Are there periods of confusion? Can the person drive safely? How do they handle appliances in the house, particularly the stove? Can they manage their money or everyday events? Are they vulnerable to persons selling things, or intruding or taking advantage of them? There is seldom one defining moment, but concerns about safety usually mean it’s time to explore possibilities beyond the home.

What other factors are important in this decision process?

Probably the most important is the caregiver’s stress level. If you’re the primary caregiver, and your role is exhausting the loving connection you have to your family member, it’s important to consider what that means. I often find a spouse can no longer provide the essential emotional support because they are so overwhelmed by the constant tasks and responsibilities inherent in the situation. If some of those tasks can be transferred to others, then often you can shift your energies to being in the relationship. You can then take on an advocate role, and enjoy more fully the remaining time you have with your loved one.

It isn’t always a complete “this or that” answer. There are many transitional possibilities, including in-house care, or respite stays at adult day care, especially where there is staff and facilities appropriate to those with memory impairment. Sometimes these alternatives can help for a while. But there usually comes a time when it makes sense to turn to a full-time residence.

How can a professional Alzheimer’s residence make a difference?

Each person is unique. No one story is alike. But in general, the biggest benefit is that the isolation is often cut through when one moves to a residence specifically designed for the care of people with memory impairment. At home, a person typically sees just the few people tending to their care. For a period of time this may be adequate, but over time we see depression, excessive sleeping, and resistance-to-care behaviors creep in. Often these are signs that increased structure may be necessary. In a community, the resident can make friends, begin new networks, share meals, and feel less isolated. In a professional setting, often the person begins to perk up. Simple routines designed to occupy and stimulate the person reduces anxiety and helps them relax. In a structured setting, a person can revisit the stages of their life in a non-threatening way. The properly designed building actually works to deal with memory loss. As inhibitions drop away and the person accesses their childhood and earlier adult memories, a well-trained staff can help make them feel comfortable and more at home. This steady “de-aging” requires different skills at different stages, and again this is how an experienced and caring staff can better respond to challenges as they come up.

Any other advice you wish to offer?

I encourage everyone to get as much education as they possibly can on what’s required for the road ahead. Whether you keep a loved one at home, or seek a professional residence, your role is central in the journey to come. Find a community that knows and understands the path. Open your heart to a new way of relating. And most of all, take care to nourish yourself so you can be there for the long haul.

I have prepared a CD on dealing with a number of these topics. I would be happy to have it sent to anyone interested. Please contact us.

Meet Jeff Wingfield, our Culinary Director. Or rather, yours. Jeff epitomizes the new breed of young, creative chefs that make the meals here at Balfour Retirement Community so incredible.

Jeff spent part of his professional career in the highly regarded culinary programs at the Westin Hotel and Marriott organizations. But his decision to join Balfour was very personal.

Jeff frequently visited his grandparents at the four retirement communities where they lived. These visits led to his desire to create meals and a uniques dining experience for retirement community residents.

One visit to the dining room at the Villa is all you need to know he has succeeded brilliantly. Menus change seasonally and include two entrée specials every day. There are even menus for people with special diet restrictions that feature gluten free and sugar free dishes. But if these something you want that you don’t see on the menu, don’t be shy. No special request is too great for Jeff and his team.

A special aspect of Balfour’s culinary program is resident involvement. Each month, our residents and our culinary team gather for an open food review committee meeting. Everyone is invited to share likes and dislikes, and this input forms the next month’s menu.

Getting what you want is what happens when you get a personal chef.

ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE CHEF

JEFF WINGFIELD, CULINARY DIRECTOR, BALFOUR RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

Jeff epitomizes the new breed of young, creative and energetic culinary directors that make Balfour meals so spectacular. A lifelong Coloradan from nearby Broomfield, he graduated from the Culinary School at The Colorado Institute of Art. Prior to joining Balfour he spent over seven years as a manager in the highly regarded culinary programs at the Westin Hotels and Resorts and Marriott organizations.

His decision to join Balfour was very personal. Jeff had grandparents that he was very close to that had lived in four different retirement communities. A frequent visitor, he became a keen observer of the importance that food played in the daily lives of residents. He says he was determined to seek a job as a Culinary Director for a retirement community to make meals and events exciting for those unable to dine out every night. Balfour is pleased that Jeff found his calling with Balfour in 2005.

More than likely you’ve done some research when trying to find the best restaurants to patronize.

But restaurants found in a senior living community? That’s practically unheard of.

Yet that’s what happens when you find an Executive Chef like Christopher Olchowy.

Christopher is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in fine dining. He’s tempted taste buds as the Executive Chef at the Denver Country Club and Chef at the Standard Club in Chicago.

And now he and his staff are making the meals at the Aspen Grill, The Telluride and La Pomme Restaurants something our residents are bragging about.

Our seasonal menus and imaginative daily specials feature organic and locally grown offerings. And if there’s something you want that you don’t see on the menu, don’t be shy. No special request is too great for the culinary team. They look forward to showcasing their talents for you and your guests!

And speaking of events, holidays are something families look forward to all year long. If you’ve ever seen the ice carvings and giant chocolate waterfall, you’d know why.

But you don’t have to wait that long. Every Sunday we create a festive brunch that’s simply world-class.  You can expect to be tempted by the prime rib carving station, our made-to-order waffle and omelet stations and a full array of specially prepared dishes.

CULINARY PROGRAM CHEF

CHRISTOPHER OLCHOWY, EXECUTIVE CHEF BALFOUR INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITIES

Chef Chris Olchowy, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in ala carte fine dining menu planning and design and hands-on preparation of a variety of cuisines. He is responsible for providing our Independent Living residents and their families with the finest dining experience possible. Prior to Balfour, he was Executive Chef at the Denver Country Club and Chef at the Standard Club in Chicago, respectively.

Make the best small city in America your new hometown! That’s what Money Magazine called Louisville, Colorado—"The best small city in America." And here are four incredible ways to experience it:

• The Cottages – Here’s all the feel of a spacious, single family home, but with none of the maintenance. Our cottages have almost 1,500 square feet of living space, a living room fireplace , two bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen, laundry room, one car attached garage, storage area and an enclosed back patio.
• The Lodge – This is a major hub in our community. It is combination of residential apartments and two restaurants, a heated indoor lap pool, library and business center, just to name a few of the fine amenities. And there are over 30 distinct one and two-bedroom floor plans from 700 to 1,600 sq. ft. to choose from.
• The Manse – A more intimate residential building featuring one bedroom and one bedroom with den apartments. Here you’ll find high end features like granite countertops, custom cabinetry and walk-in closets. All homes come with either a covered balcony or patio, and many have tremendous mountain views. The Teddy Roosevelt room with its pool table, Texas "Hold-Em" poker table, dart board, large, flat screen television suitable for watching sporting events and well-stocked refrigerator is located here.
• The Residences – The newest part of our community, featuring one bedroom and one bedroom plus den apartments. This is where you’ll also find La Pomme Restaurant, the Aquarium Bar, a well-stocked library and other amenities like the Springs Spa with our unique European therapy pool and the Ouray yoga, dance, and fitness studio.

Even healthy people experience changes to their eating habits as they age. Food may not smell or taste the same. It may become more difficult to chew and the body may not be able to use the energy from food as efficiently. Meals need to be served at consistent times.

Those challenges can be even more pronounced for people who need Skilled Nursing or are experiencing memory loss and Alzheimer’s. That’s why it’s so important that the three meals a day our residents receive at Balfour are well balanced, nutritionally rich and incredibly tasty.

Because it’s been shown in studies by the Health Science Institute that proper nutrition greatly improves people’s quality of life. For example, Alzheimer patients were found to have consistently low levels of calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.

So our culinary team strives to prepare menus that fill the gap with lots of food rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. In addition, special attention is given to serve meals served at consistent times every day – this contributes to our patients feeling of security and well being.

ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE CHEF

JEFF WINGFIELD, CULINARY DIRECTOR, BALFOUR RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

Jeff epitomizes the new breed of young, creative and energetic culinary directors that make Balfour meals so spectacular. A lifelong Coloradan from nearby Broomfield, he graduated from the Culinary School at The Colorado Institute of Art. Prior to joining Balfour he spent more than seven years as manager in the highly regarded culinary programs at the Westin Hotels and Marriott organizations.

His decision to join Balfour was very personal. Jeff had grandparents that he was very close with. They had lived in four different retirement communities, and as a frequent visitor, he became a keen observer of the importance that food played in the daily lives of residents. He  was determined to seek a job as a Culinary Director for a retirement community to make meals and events exciting for those unable to dine out every night. Balfour is pleased that Jeff found his calling with Balfour in 2005.

The Lodge: Telluride Menu
The Lodge: Telluride Continental Breakfast Menu
The Residences: La Pomme Menu
The Residences: La Pomme Continental Breakfast Menu
Aspen Grill