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Forms of dementia likely to increase as county ages By Amy Woodward

awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com Editors Note: This is part one of a four-part series, exploring the challenges of Alzheimer’s in the county. George’s name has been changed to protect his privacy. Future installments will be published in consecutive issues. Experts call it the “silver tsunami”— the 850,000 centenarians living in the country by 2050 will represent one the largest pools of people to reach “senior status” in the country’s history. In the nation, Colorado ranks third as the fastest growing senior population, according to the State Demographer’s Office. Jefferson County alone is planning for a 54-percent increase of older adults between the years 2011 and 2021, the Colorado Department of Human Services reported. But as officials prepare for the many impacts of an aging population, mental health is also on the forefront as experts warn of an associated rise in mental illness, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. In this four-part series which begins with a look at one man living with Alzheimer’s, this special report will explore the initiatives of the nation’s leading organization on Alzheimer’s as well as law enforcement agencies

Alzheimer’s continues on Page 5

George spends time writing letters to friends and even writes poetry when he is not participating during weekly activities with the Alzheimer’s Association. He logs his daily activities in a small calendar that he views often, which helps him to remember what he did earlier in the week and what he has planned in the days to come. Photo by Amy Woodward

IT DIDN’T RAIN ON THIS PARADE POSTAL ADDRESS

GOLDEN TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 0746-6382)

Crowds lined up along Washington Avenue on a sunny Saturday to watch this year’s Buffalo Bill Days parade. Left: Several equestrian groups, including Jeffco’s own Westernaires, above, along with rodeo royalty from across the state participated in the parade.

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Above: Balloons, frisbees, frozen juice treats, and of course candy were among the goodies handed out to children along the parade rout this year. PLE ASE RECYCLE T HIS C OPY

PHOTOS BY GLENN WALLACE

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July 31, 2014

Alzheimer’s Continued from Page 1

are ramping up services to address the care and needs of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s.

George and Alzheimer’s

The sun’s rays begin to break through the overcast haze of an early April morning just as George arrives at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Denver. Stepping off the Access-a-Ride, he hangs his light jacket in one of the church’s community rooms when he is immediately greeted by fellow croquet players who meet weekly for a two-hour game, hot coffee and breakfast burritos. George, 75 and retired, diagnosed the mental state of people since being drafted into the Vietnam War as an Army psychiatrist. He was a former staff psychiatrist at Fort Logan Mental Health Center and eventually switched to geriatrics psychiatry, performing nursing home visits and treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease. After more than 30 years observing and treating the mind, George finds himself surveying his own mental health after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2002. “It’s part of a grand experiment to see if I can live independently,” said George, who has been living on his own for the past 13 months. He is considered “high functioning” but George knows what lies ahead — he has been diagnosed with a terminally ill progressive neurological degenerative disease. He is one of 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death in the country with more than 500,000 senior deaths each year. For now, George is adapting and is working with his primary care physician

and researchers at the Mile-High Research Center in Denver, a clinic dedicated to investigative treatments for Alzheimer’s led by Dr. Jack A. Klapper. “I do need people,” George said. “I’m kind of aware of being dependent on friends, groups of people, family.” Since his diagnosis, George has been very active with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Colorado Chapter. Through its numerous group sessions and activities, George has found a network of people with a mutual challenge. The chapter allows for leadership opportunities as well, and George, who used to play guitar, occasionally leads the music therapy group. “They may seem like small things, but boy, I take great pride in preparing for it,” he said. “They let me give back. I don’t like to be in a position where I feel like a mooch.” The Colorado Alzheimer’s Association provides resources for persons living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia including their caregivers. Its presence is part of the state’s Alzheimer’s Plan that identifies the Colorado chapter as the specialist that partners with state, county, city and community service organizations. The passing of a senate bill authorized the formation of the Colorado Alzheimer’s Coordinating Council, which submitted an Alzheimer’s State Plan in 2010 to the governor, General Assembly and state departments. The report presented recommendations relating to the increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s in Colorado and assessed the state’s public and private ability to address the needs and care of an aging population affected by Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association expects Colorado to see a 46 percent increase, or 110,000 people living with Alzheimer’s by 2025. Currently, 63,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s statewide. Although many unknowns exist as to what causes Alzheimer’s, doctors agree

the older a person, the more likely he or she is to develop some form of dementia. “By age 80 almost 50 percent of the population has some cognitive impairment,” said Dr. Robert Parker, professor and chief of community geriatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. “We’re an aging population and we’ve got to learn how to deal with it.” Parker has been practicing in geriatric medicine for 40 years. By the end of the year, he will retire from a career that has been emotionally rewarding to him. His expertise has led him to tackle other issues relating to Alzheimer’s including elder abuse. Abuse and the need for care services are some of the most common topics surrounding not only seniors but also seniors with Alzheimer’s. Diagnosing forms of dementia is challenging, Parker said, with specialist and primary care physicians often missing the signs of the disease in their patients. Statistics shared by Parker through the Alzheimer’s Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that by age 75, about 20 to 25 percent of adults have some kind of cognitive impairment undetected by physicians. “The reason for that is the social skills are so well preserved that these people appear to be perfectly normal, they might even think that they’re normal,” Parker said. “It’s estimated that somewhere around 60 to 70 percent of the specialists miss mild to moderate dementia in their patients because they don’t spend enough time talking to them and they don’t listen. Primary care physicians are a little better they only miss 40 to 50 percent.” George found it difficult to find a definitive diagnosis for his condition with researchers in Denver often clashing with his primary care physician who took him off Aricept, a potent and critical drug

treatment for persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s. At one point George said he was diagnosed with depressive pseudo-dementia, depression that looks like dementia, after he reported having memory problems as early as the 1980s when he was in his late 40s. Between 2002 and 2006, he was receiving two different opinions about whether or not he had Alzheimer’s although he was experiencing “fluctuating memory loss.” The prescription drug Aricept coupled with anti-depressants seemed to relieve symptoms, but it took researchers in Denver to convince his primary doctor to restart the medication, George said. “If you think of the brain from front to back the prefrontal cortex is where executive function is, where the complex decisions are made,” Parker said. “The Alzheimer’s disease usually affects the front part of the brain and tends to go backwards. So as we lose our cognitive abilities, we kind of lose them in the reverse order that we gained them as a child.” George retired as a psychiatrist in his mid-50s when he found his memory was becoming flaky. When driving, he often missed his exits on the highway. It is possible that George developed younger onset of Alzheimer’s. But again, medical professionals were unsure what was causing his early symptoms. George accepted the diagnosis by the Mile-High Research Center but differing medical opinions early-on left him confused and unsure of his mental state for years. He now maintains an awareness of his disease that offers no cure — only preparedness against a fading memory and the dangers it can pose.

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Community Service Officer Laura Coddington of the Wheat Ridge Police Department enjoys working with the community she serves. Her goal is to work well with residents and seniors, some of whom may be suffering from dementia. Photo by Amy Woodward

Training, planning used in approach for older adult issues By Amy Woodward

awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com

ore than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s patients will wander or become lost. Half of wanderings lead to injury if the individual is not found within 24 hours. Seven out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s live at home. Those statistics come from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, an organization which addresses emerging issues confronting law enforcement. One of the most pressing issues involves how law enforcement agencies handle populations affected by Alzheimer’s. “This is going to be a growing area of concern in our communities,” said Police Chief Dan Brennan of Wheat Ridge, which has the densest population of senior in Jefferson County. “I think we’re just touching the tip of the iceberg.” Colorado recognized these challenges when the Colorado Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s continues on Page 7

POSTAL ADDRESS

Walter Strippgen is greeted by friends after his arrival at the Grange Community Center in Golden Gate Canyon to receive his Granger of the Year Award. Pictured with Walter; Ellen Phillips, right, and Elisa Hansen, left, daughter of Phillips. Photo by Amy Woodward

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OFFICE: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Golden Transcript is published weekly on Thursday by Mile High Newspapers, 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210, Golden, CO 80401. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT GOLDEN, COLORADO. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legal: Fri. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 5 p.m. G ET SOCIAL WITH US

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Golden Gate honors former granger Walter Strippgen recognized by neighbors, friends By Amy Woodward awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com Golden Gate Canyon Community prides itself on its historical residents who have called the canyon home. Walter Strippgen, recently turned 92, returned to the canyon he lived in for over two decades to receive the Granger of the Year award in recognition of his life, talents and contributions to society, on Saturday, July 26. “He’s just an amazing guy,” said Jayne Ruesch, resident of Golden Gate Canyon. An entrepreneur, inventor, rancher and

poet, Strippgen’s most significant work came from his design and fabrication of a spinal implant system called ISOLA that is now licensed to Depuy-Johnson & Johnson. Spinal implants that are used today are based upon the ISOLA system that Strippgen helped design. He holds over 11 patents relating to ISOLA. “Not many of us can say they’ve left a legacy like that,” said Ellen Phillips, resident of Golden Gate and member of the Golden Gate Grange Community Center. His impact on his fellow grangers has been just as lasting. Strippgen has designed, modified and manufactured thousands of medical instruments during his career in the industry which began in the 1970s while enlisting the help of his neighbors who worked in his shop in Golden Gate Canyon. “It’s been a fascinating experience what he’s taught us,” Phillips said.

The experience Strippgen provided to his neighbors have led them to careers built on skills taught by him including passing down his knowledge of machines and building medical instruments. Linda Lenox, close friend of Strippgen and former Golden Gate resident, was one former granger who inherited his knowledge. She now has her own medical and surgical equipment business located in Louisville, Colorado. “He just takes over every aspect of your life,” Lenox said. “My business thrives with the knowledge I gained from Walt.” Strippgen received a standing ovation when he received his award. “The grange has been a strong part of my world,” Strippgen said. “I have not forgotten the many years that I was at the grange and the wonderment that I learned from that.”

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Alzheimer’s Continued from Page 1

Coordinating Council presented to the governor in 2010 the Alzheimer’s State Plan which submitted recommendations relating to the increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s in Colorado. The plan highlighted an increased response to the senior population by law enforcement agencies statewide since 2007 — after implementation of a Senior Alert, similar to an Amber Alert, which notifies the public and media when a senior has gone missing. Since 2012, there have been 25 senior alerts, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Demands of senior care relating to dementia have also not gone unnoticed by Jefferson County’s municipal police departments. Wheat Ridge, Lakewood and Arvada, as well as the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office, have rolled out specifically designed plans and training geared toward establishing trusting relationships with senior communities and creating a better understanding of mental conditions. “Times have changed in all kinds of ways in police work,” said Jim Lorentz a Wheat Ridge police division chief who trains officers to understand Alzheimer’s issues. “We’ve realized that we need to be problem solvers.” The departments as well as the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office staff one or more officers and deputies who have been trained on how to spot someone with symptoms of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Colorado Chapter. Officer Kelly Karinen at the Lakewood Police Department helps lead CIT Training for Lakewood officers, an Alzheimer’s training program created by the Alzheimer’s Association. The training discusses how to identify symptoms of dementia as well as communicating with people affected by Alzheimer’s. It is held twice a year for up to 30 students at a time. Karinen estimates officers encounter a person with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia once a week. “It’s a little bit overwhelming at times,” she said. But Lakewood has been proactive in enlisting their officers in a program that is voluntary. “We’ve got people in every shift who are trained,” Karinen said. Earlier this year, the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office announced its first Alzheimer’s Plan. Its goal is to dramatically change the way officers respond to seniors while emphasizing resources for caregivers such as Colorado LifeTrak, a personalized wristband that emits a track signal should their loved one become lost. Investigations Division Lieutenant Bob Vette trains deputies to use behavioral interventions that provide solutions to situations, such as the one faced by officers Nellie Gisonda and John Parsons of the Wheat Ridge Police Department when they responded to a call about a missing senior. (Please see accompanying sidebar.) “We’re not going to leave them there,” Vette said. “So we’ve got to get creative.” Brennan, police chief of Wheat Ridge, agreed. In his city, 18.6 percent of the population is 65 or older, making it the county’s most densely populated municipality. “Certainty in this community, we’ll experience more of

Garage sailing teaches econ fun What did you do with Grandma Dee this week? “We went garage sailing!” the cousins replied. “We sail from one Garage Sale to another.” This fun time full of memories also teaches valuable economic lessons. On Thursday night the one cousin searches through newspapers, cuts out, and highlights Garage Sale times and addresses. Friday Grandma Dee and cousins and choose some close to the neighborhood during their time allotment. Children prepare for the “sailing” by doing “special” chores like picking up sticks and pulling little maples trees out of the garden. Their parents help record their money on threejars.com, an online money education program that teaches wise spending, saving, and charitable giving. The young cousins may spend a total of two dollars if they find bargains. What’s a bargain? A bargain is in the eyes of the beholder, but there are guiding rules. It must be within or almost within the purchase budget. If it costs more than you have, you may choose a different item or share the item cost with someone. High on the purchase lists are books, small cars, figures, board games, puzzles, stuffed animals, baby items for the new baby, sandbox toys, kitchen items like colander, LEGOS, other blocks, and sports equipment.

it (situations involving seniors) because our community is already ahead of some other communities in terms of its demographics,” Brennan said. “I think every year to a varying degree we’ll be looking at doing additional training and finding other ways to address some of the challenges that we have with this.” Providing information to available resources at service organizations such as the Senior Resource Center, Jeffco Human Services, the Denver Regional Council of Governments and the Alzheimer’s Association are all part of the problem-solving process that equips officer’s with the tools they need when confronted with incidents involving citizens with dementia. Even Community Services officers — whose sole duty is code enforcement and animal control — are trained to deal with residents who have code violations—such as overgrown weeds or peeling paint — because of their age or illness. One such officer, Laura Coddington has encountered just those types of situations with Wheat Ridge residents. “We try to find as many options as we can,” she said. “We’re here to help them.” If family is unavailable, then police make calls for the resident to network sources, she said.

Lost in the dark On a cold March evening, Wheat Ridge Officer Nellie Gisonda responded to a call about a 77-year-old woman who was lost and improperly dressed for the brisk evenings in March. After searching for her, Gisonda found the woman who was confused and gave the officer an address she hadn’t lived at for several years. Because of the training she’d received in her department related to mental health among seniors, Gisonda was able to identify that the woman had symptoms of dementia. She called in Officer John Parsons for assistance in locating the woman’s correct address. While trying to contact the woman’s caregiver, Parson’s heard screams from a nearby park from someone exclaiming, “Help me, help me.” He discovered it was the woman’s caregiver who was

Macalady continues on Page 20

distraught, holding a gun and a suicide note. Parsons was able to calm the woman down and disarm her. The caregiver told him she was upset over her friend’s disappearance and so stressed over being the woman’s caregiver for many years, that she was planning on taking her own life. Together, Gisonda and Parsons provided assistance from Adult Protection Services which placed the woman with dementia in a care facility and referred her caregiver for treatment and support services. Parsons and Gisonda “displayed exceptional compassion…,” said Linda Mitchell, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association in Colorado. “With more than 70 percent of those with Alzheimer’s living in our communities, it’s critical that our first responders know what symptoms to look for and effective ways to respond.”

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Buying strategies

The children make a general walk-through to see if any desired items are a good value for a good price. Is the

State, county and community service organizations have created an extensive collaboration in Jefferson County supporting the idea that it takes a village to care for seniors in need. Law enforcement is a key ingredient in a web of care in which police departments try to send the message that their presence is one to be trusted and not feared by the senior community. Jim Lorentz, Wheat Ridge police division chief, takes his involvement in training officers to understand Alzheimer’s outside of the office by participating in annual walks hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association. “I think it gives people who have family members, who are going through Alzheimer’s who see law enforcement engaged in those kinds of associations — it builds that trust between the community and law enforcement.” Wheat Ridge Police Chief Dan Brennan said. “It really helps us in our day-to-day interactions when officers go out, community members know that whether it’s the Wheat Ridge police department or another police department, we’re engaged and involved and trying to make our community better.”

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By Amy Woodward

awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com Editor’s note: This is part three of a four-part series, exploring the challenges of Alzheimer’s in the region. George’s name has been changed to protect his identity. George, 74, a retired psychiatrist, admits he has always been gullible, even before his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. But recent events have caused him to seek the advice of his family before being tricked into a situation that could leave his pocket empty or worse. Although advertisements on the Internet, which offer price specials on medicinal products, allow George to think his purchase through, faceto-face interactions in which he is being targeted seem to be a little more confusing. As he walked home from the store in the afternoon, a car pulled up next to him driven by a woman he didn’t recognize who said, “Hi, I think I know

Ann P., a visiting senior with dementia at the Senior Resource Center in Wheat Ridge, clutches a stuffed puppy while trying to recall the answer to a trivia question posed to her and other seniors. While it is unknown if Ann has ever been a victim of a scam, her illness can make her susceptible to various forms of fraud from health insurance to funeral and cemetery scams. “They (seniors) are the forgotten victims although, we are making strides,” said Scott Storey, senior chief of the Jeffco Elder Abuse Unit. Photo by Amy Woodward

you.” George had no idea who she was but her story seemed plausible: Yes, he and his wife used to live around here. Yes, they both dined at area restaurants, so why wouldn’t it be possible this woman used to be their waitress, as she claimed? She offered him a ride home in the car, where a young man who sat in the vehicle listened carefully as George Seniors continues on Page 7

Recycling law to hike paint prices Republicans raise hue about consumer cost By Vic Vela POSTAL ADDRESS

GOLDEN TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 0746-6382)

vvela@colorado communitymedia.com Paint prices will eventually go up because of a new law aimed at promoting recycling. The law, parts of which took effect last week, tacks on a fee for household paint purchases. The fee will go toward the creation of a paint recycling drop-off program. State Sen. Linda Newell, D-Little-

ton, who backed the legislation that led to the law, said she hopes the prog r a m w i l l Report have a positive environmental impact. “It is the highest volume product that is not recycled,” Newell said of used paint cans. “It either ends up in landfills with paint inside cans or it ends up sitting in people’s basements, or it ends up in the water stream.”

Capitol

The drop-off centers will be located at home improvement and hardware stores, where cans can be recycled at no cost. “Retailers themselves don’t have to do this,” Newell said, “but the majority will want to be a retail recycling site because it drives traffic to their stores.” The process of creating the program began last week. After the new year, retailers will get together to discuss the full implementation of the program, Newell said. The per-can fee amount is not detailed in the legislation’s fiscal analysis, but it is estimated that at least $93,000 in fees will be needed to

be collected in the first year in order for the state to cover administrative costs. The cost doesn’t sit well with Republicans, the overwhelming majority of whom voted against the bill earlier this year. “Once again Governor (John) Hickenlooper and the Democrats have created yet another burdensome program that heaps more unnecessary fees onto consumers in Colorado,” House Minority Leader Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland, said through an emailed statement. “Now that this law has gone into effect, Coloradans can thank the Democrats for the increased cost of paint.”

School tip line now under state control New laws include change for violence reporting system By Vic Vela

vvela@colorado communitymedia.com

The reorganization of a school violence hotline was among a handPOSTMASTER: Send address change to: ful of new safety laws that took effect 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 last week. Golden, CO 80401 The Safe2Tell Act moves an existing anonymous tip line from the DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. nonprofit 1sector to a state-run proLegal: Fri. 11 a.m. | Classified:Newspapers_6x1.75_Layout Mon. 5 p.m. DRW_Community 7/21/14 11:26 AM Page 1 gram that is operated through the

Department of Law. The program was set to shut down due to a lack of funding before the Legislature unanimously passed a bill earlier this year that transfers its control to the state. The hotline was set up after the 1999 Columbine High School shootings as a way for students to provide anonymous reports of potential campus threats. The state claims that since its implementation, the hotline has prevented some school attacks and suicides and has led to intervention in more than 2,000 bullying instances. “Students are often the first to hear threats against a school, or to see

bullying or drug use, so they play a critical role in preventing these problems,” state Senate President Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, a bill sponsor, said through an emailed statement. “Safe2Tell empowers students to break the silence in an anonymous, proactive way so that kids can focus on learning while at school.” Also taking effect last week was a separate public safety effort that imposes new penalties on businesses that sell designer drugs. The law subjects vendors who sell synthetic marijuana, often called “spice,” to civil liability. Synthetic drugs have been known to be more dangerous than marijuana and have

resulted in some deaths. “Despite their growing popularity, synthetic drugs are incredibly dangerous and this new law is a crucial step in taking action against these harmful substances,” state Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain, a bill sponsor, said through an emailed statement. “I’m comforted knowing this law is now in place to help keep synthetic drugs out of Colorado children’s hands.” Also taking effect last week is a new public safety law that makes operating a vehicle chop shop a Class 4 felony. The law is meant to curb cases of automobile thefts in the state.

BRING YOUR APPETITE!

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August 14, 2014

Seniors Continued from Page 1

conversed with the woman. George accepted and entered the car. When they reached his home, he gave her his number so they could meet for coffee, as she suggested. She called him frequently trying unsuccessfully to schedule a meeting. When that didn’t work, she asked to come over to his house. When George informed her he was living with his wife, the woman stopped calling. “These scam artists are much better than … doctors at identifying people that have cognitive impairment,” said Dr. Robert Parker chief of community geriatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. “They know they’re not firing on all eight cylinders, they know they have Uninitiated contact the money, Criminals contacting the recipient when the they’ve recipient did not ask to be contacted and asking for retired ... personal information is a red flag. Delete the email, they’re just hang up the phone or shred the letter extremely vulnerable.” The need for secrecy Arvada or confidentiality Senior Receiving letters or calls which state the recipient Liaison Ofis on the “Winning List” or is part of a “Chosen Few” ficer Tom opportunity and no one can know including spouse, VanderVeen family or friends. is the only police officer The need for urgency in JefferThe criminal will insist the act to move right away, son county and to visit the local Wal-Mart, King Soopers or whose Safeway to wire money as soon as possible primary duty is outreach Requires wired money services for Scams always involving sending money in order to the senior win money. commuAlways remember: “If it sounds too good to be true nity. Every … it probably is.” Tuesday at the Apex — Source Arvada Police Department a Community comprehensive list of ongoing Recreation scams can be found online at arvadapd.org/aboutCenter in arvadapd/senior-liaison-police-officer Arvada, he shares information with seniors about the latest scams, cons and local police activity reports. He highlights senior safety, home security and discusses programs and services. Every month, he visits 15 different locations including assisted living homes, independent living homes and a memory care center. “Nine years ago they (the city) did a tax initiative position just for this position,” VanderVeen said. “This is paid for by taxpayers, I’m in investigations but I’m not a detective and 99 percent of the stuff I do is all senior related, all senior activities.” This includes educating himself on scams he can share with seniors as well as informing them on how they can protect themselves. “Right now I can identify probably about 15 legitimate scams that are out there right now that are done over and over that are coming back around,” he said. “But every now and then there’s a new one.” Cary Johnson, director of crime prevention programs at the Jeffco district attorney’s office and president of the Jefferson County Council on Aging, has been instrumental in working with the county’s law enforcement agencies. His job is to help keep seniors safe by hosting more than 138 crime prevention program presentations a year, and overseeing a fraud hotline for seniors that takes calls Monday through Friday. Johnson receives about 60 to 100 calls a month on the hotline. He restarted TRIAD, an organization built on collaboration between senior community members, the district attorney’s office, law enforcement and senior service providers created by former DA Scott Storey. TRAID serves Jeffco and Gilpin counties and is designed to help prevent seniors from becoming victims of scams and providing them better law enforcement services. Johnson is co-chair of TRIAD. “I want to be out with seniors as much as I possibly can,” Johnson said. “That’s what we’re passionate about just seeing if we can keep them from becoming a victim in the first place.” Johnson testified for a mandatory reporting bill on elder abuse which took effect July 1. For the first time in the state, persons witnessing or suspecting elder abuse are required to report it to their local law enforcement agency. This requirement extends to clergy and financial institutions. Jefferson County’s Elder Abuse Unit under the DA’s office is the only one of its kind in Colorado. About 54 percent of cases handled in 2012 by the unit dealt with theft and burglary with perpetrators the victim’s family, neighbors and nurses. Assault accounted for 34 percent of cases followed by robbery and theft from a random person at 11 percent and sexual assault at 1 percent. “(Seniors) are the forgotten victims although, we are making strides,” said Storey, senior chief of the Elder Abuse Unit. Jefferson County and its cities are pulling together and progressing faster than most counties in the state to tackle elder abuse and present the tools needed to keep seniors safe from crime, Johnson said. When Johnson was brought on in 2005 to expand the crime prevention program, he aimed to pull together Jeffco’s senior related services together. “Let’s see if we can’t get everyone in Jefferson County

TYPICAL RED FLAGS INVOLVING SCAMS

Arvada Senior Liaison Officer, Tom VanderVeen, sits with a group of seniors at the Apex Community Recreation Center in Arvada to update them about the latest scams targeting the senior population. Photo by Amy Woodward who’s involved in senior stuff playing well together, working together, and I think that’s happening,” Johnson said. “I’m really proud of Jeffco and especially as I look at a lot of the other counties.” George has talked before about the appeal of assisted living but the psychiatrist within him waits for “objected evidence” that his disability is worsening. The prospect of reconciling and moving in with his wife, who has remained a support system when George has bouts of sickness, is one avenue he will likely take before stepping into an assisted living facility. “I have a decision to make with my wife,” he said. In regards to lessons learned about online scams and strangers approaching him on the street, he speaks with his daugh-

ter and wife about such incidents. “I’m really trying to be cautious,” he said. Perhaps the greatest asset for George since his diagnosis has been the Alzheimer’s Association’s Colorado Chapter. George continues to attend support groups comprised of individuals and families who are facing the same challenges, going through life changing conditions that only those who are living with it can understand and express. He shares unwavering praise for an organization that has given him so much. For George, his time with the association has been filled with positive experiences and encouragement against a disease that is determined to take it all away.

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August 21, 2014

Preparing caregivers for Alzheimer’s disease Council finds absent regulation in dementia care among nursing staff By Amy Woodward

awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com Editor’s Note: This is the final installment of a four-part series exploring the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease in Jefferson County. Education in dementia care should be a key component for health care professionals as the projected increase in dementia means it will undoubtedly become a dominating disease in the next few decades. But federal regulation for personal care workers to be trained in dementia care is nonexistent, leaving states to define their own requirements, curriculum and training hours. In Colorado, training requirements are broad and in most cases lacking. Care facilities require health care professionals to receive training for dementia care, but state law does not prescribe a curriculum, or even a number of hours needed. Nor does it require nurses to receive specific dementia training prior to licensure — yet a reported 79 percent of licensed practical nurses working in long-term care facilities expressed an interest in furthering geriatric training and 77 percent in training for Alzheimer’s disease and care. “It’s a full system failure,” said Amelia Schafer, senior program manager at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Colorado Chapter. “They (health care professionals) are not getting the tools they need to meet expectations.” The findings come from the state’s Alzheimer’s Plan, submitted by the Colorado Alzheimer’s Coordinating Council to the governor in 2010. It identified gaps in how the state handles care services for persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. A primary issue was the absence of dementia care training for health care professionals. “There are few Alzheimer’s and dementia care training requirements for health care professionals, paraprofessionals, and facilities and agencies serving consumers with Alzheimer’s disease in Colorado,” the report said. After the report’s release, directors at the state Alzheimer’s Association moved quickly to create a program that recognizes organizations that train staff in dementia care. The program, called Leaders in Dementia Care, is voluntary but offers free curriculum and training resources. Since its launch two years ago, the program recognizes 70 organizations or 5,000 health care professionals. It’s a small feat but one the association continues to market as a way to incentivize facilities to take part in the program as awareness of educational gaps for health care workers grows. “We consider it successful,” Schafer said but noted that until legislators start looking into regulations in the workforce, it will be up

to consumers to drive the program’s mission, she said. Dr. Mike Wasserman, a geriatrician, sat on the Colorado Alzheimer’s Coordinating Council in 2010. He recently relocated to southern California after working at various clinics around the Denver area. After treating seniors for 30 years, Wasserman is aware of the educational flaws presented to nurses and social workers in senior care. “The frustrating part of this is, it is so obvious and everyone knows it and yet we’re not really doing anything about it,” Wasserman said. “You get really good people who come up with really good recommendations and then nothing ever happens -that’s the shame.” He supports the Alzheimer’s Association’s Leaders in Dementia Care initiative and said community awareness and education, as well as care giver preparation are the best solutions to the growing demand for dementia care. “People who live in assisted living are the most vulnerable members of our society,” Wasserman said. “I think the most important thing we can do is to allow for resources to be available or to direct people toward those resources.” Family Caregivers Caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia isn’t always delegated to health care professionals. Often, that care falls to family members who don’t have the training or support for the challenges the illness brings. The lack of a support net can lead to cases of elder abuse that range from neglect to suicidal attempts by caregivers, law enforcement and care agencies say. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 80 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia care is in the home, and 61 percent of caregivers report stress rated high or very high because of financial strain, depression, and tension in family relationships. The Alzheimer’s Association provides an online Community Resource Finder along with contact information for the Colorado chapter to find available resources. They include in-home assistance, visiting nurses, meal delivery and adult day programs such as those found at the renowned Senior Resource Center in Wheat Ridge recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association as a leader in dementia care. Linda Johnston is the director of the center, which serves 42 to 55 people who take part in the adult day programs designed for persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia. “Ninety-eight percent of the people that we work with live in the home with either a caregiver or an adult child, so very few are able to live on their own in an apartment,” Johnston said. The center offers a number of resources and services in Jefferson County that include transportation services, care management, mental health outreach and help with developmental disabilities as well as volunteer services for minor home repairs, housekeeping services and companionship services

Maria Vengas, left, gets ready to dance with a volunteer nursing student during a music and dance session at the Senior Resource Center in Wheat Ridge. Photo by Amy Woodward

STATISTICS ON LONG-TERM CARE WORKFORCE A well-documented shortage of long-term care providers exists; high turnover rates, large numbers of job vacancies and difficulties in recruiting new workers characterize the industry. It is predicted that insufficient training in Alzheimer’s and dementia care is one cause leading to these shortages as well as inadequate care in care facilities. The nationwide demand for workers in nursing and residential care facilities is expected to increase by 21 percent between 2008 and 2018. In addition, the need for home health care is expected to increase 46 percent. According to a 2008 survey done by the Colorado Health Institute for licensed practical nurses; only half of the LPN’s surveyed reported their nursing instruction in caring for persons with dementia and other mental impairments as good or excellent. — Source Colorado State Alzheimer Disease Plan through weekly visits. “It’s not infrequent for caregivers to have health problems because of the stress that they are under,” Johnston said. “We feel like when a family comes here we certainly take care of the participant during the day. But we also care deeply for the family member and try to offer resources for them whether it is educational classes or whether it’s financial planning or just information about other services in the community.” Golden resident, Sara Spaulding, and former vice president of communications for the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter, has firsthand experience in the tremendous undertaking in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Her husband, Bill, was diagnosed around the age of 54 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s leaving a working Spaulding as the primary caregiver. As his condition progressed, Spaulding found herself declining invitations to friend gatherings because Bill was unable to handle being among large groups, which cut her off from social interactions.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It affects memory, thinking and behavior with symptoms worsening over time. Abnormal protein buildup in the brain is believed to cause the symptoms. There is no cure. Treatment only slows symptom progression. The disease is most common in those 65-and-over, but “early onset” is occasionally seen in patients in their 40s and 50s. — Source: The Alzheimer’s Association It took her some time but she set her pride aside and asked for help. “That was really hard,” she said. “I still vividly remember the day I had to ask friends. I was working so hard to keep up appearances, it was a huge relief when I could share how very hard things were becoming.” She paid for in-home care a couple of mornings a week but her greatest support came from volunteers comprised of friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and fellow church goers who called themselves Team Bill. They organized volunteers during the day while Spaulding worked and on weekends, so that she was able to a few hours alone to herself. That model is similar to one the association recommends called Lotsa Helping Hands. Another program, Share the Care, provides information on how caregivers can develop their own support group. It is a stark reminder that family members will have to take the lead in caring for a loved one but with the help of friends and community resources, it is a challenge that no one has to face alone. “It was hard to outline what kind of help we needed,” Spaulding said. “But once I started writing ideas down it was like turning on a faucet -- they poured out.” To contact the state Alzheimer’s Association, call 303-813-1669 or visit online at www. alz.org/Co/. The Senior Resource Center offers a free half day in their adult day program. For more information call 303-238-8151.

‘Love It or Leave It’ — Should You Remodel Your Home or Buy a New One? By JIM SMITH, Realtor ® This is a question I have faced myself, and I encounter it quite often among my clients. Do you renovate or remodel your home, or should you buy a new one? Above all, this is a personal question, so don’t look to me for hard and fast answers. What I can do, however, is give you a Realtor’s perspective on the value implications of your choices. By now, you probably are aware that you are unlikely to recover 100% of your investment in improvements when you sell a home. If you do decide to sell your home instead of improve it, I suggest that you not make any improvements just to sell your home, especially in our seller’s market. The only money you should invest to dress up your home for sale is to remove eyesores — negatives that catch a visitor’s attention. For example, don’t replace perfectly fine Formica countertops with slab granite. Let the buyer do that. But if the Formica is dam-

aged, yes, consider replacing it. Don’t install new hardwood flooring. But if the wall-to-wall carpeting is irreparably stained or damaged, do consider replacing it. I look at renovation this way: why wait to sell the house to make improvements that you yourself would like? Make those improvements now and enjoy them! Then, when you sell your home a few years from now, it won’t matter that you don’t get back what you spent on those improvements, because you made them for your own enjoyment. Of course, it could be the case that you can’t improve your home in ways that you want. If that’s the case, be a lookyloo. If you find a home (or two) that are appealing enough, then call me or your agent about finding a way to sell your current home for top dollar — without improving it — and buy one that makes you happier.

This Week’s Featured New Listings From Golden Real Estate

This original brick $965,000 $250,000 ranch home at 625 S. Harrison Street was built in 1957 with excellent craftsmanship. Elegantly updated, it’s in Denver’s prestigious Belcaro neighborhood. This 4-bedroom 4-bath More pix at www.BelcaroHome.info Video tour at www.BearValleyHome.info home features 2,500 Walk to Bear Creek Park from the second listing square feet of main-floor living, a finished 1,200-sq.-ft. located at 9570 W. Eureka Place in Lakewood. The basement and three fireplaces. The large and private home backs to a trail that leads to the park a few backyard is perfect for entertaining or just relaxing and blocks away, next to Bear Creek High School. It has features a covered patio area and a hot tub. The mainfour bedrooms and is in great shape, with a newer floor kitchen and bathrooms have all been recently electrical service, new hot water heater, and new remodeled in a soft contemporary style. The basement plush carpeting throughout. You’ll love the backyard features one large bedroom, one bathroom with a with it covered patio, hanging loveseat, mature trees steam shower, a fireplace, and a recreation/theatre and lots of flowers. Open this Sunday, 1-4 pm. room with a video projector and an automated drop down screen. This is a fantastic cenJim Smith tral Denver location and is Broker/Owner within walking distance of the Cherry Creek Golden Real Estate, Inc. shopping district and the DIRECT: 303-525-1851 Belcaro Shopping CenEMAIL: Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com Read the rest of this column online at www.JimSmithBlog.com, where ter. Listed by Chuck 17695 South Golden Road, Golden 80401 you’ll find two more featured listings Brown, 303-885-7855. Serving the West Metro Area COMMENT AT: www.JimSmithBlog.com