It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Westminster Castle gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Westminster, CO is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Ralph had nothing but great praise for the care he recieved. Thank you so much”
“I just wanted to say thank you for my birthday card, it was very thoughtful.”
“We have engaged Aways Best Care only for about 3 weeks, but the care provider”
“Very pleased with services...wonderful experienced well trained caregivers. Helped with all my needs, questions”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care (ABC) in Longmont provided outstanding,”
“When I was a guardian, ABC provided quality care that allowed my client to stay”
“I am a past client of this provider Our family had a great experience with Always”
“This is an amazing organization!”
“A beautiful and friendly place”
“I am a past client of this provider We had just started and all of these”
“I am a current client of this provider They do a lot of the things we”
“I am a past client of this provider I never had a problem with Always Best”
“I am a current client of this provider They are really good with the clients. They are”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me to take a day off. They”
“I am a current client of this provider It was essential for her recovery. They're very responsive”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver helps me with numerous things, like”
“I am a current client of this provider They are reliable and I can count on”
“I am a past client of this provider They helped in the way they interacted with”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregivers are friendly and they help around”
“I am a current client of this provider It's helped me get through a lot of”
“I am a current client of this provider They are helpful for me. Especially the younger”
“I've been here going on three years their so flexible I really enjoy working here”
“They were here for a few hours and always came. Everything was just fine. It”
“When I first came here 10 months ago, Rich couldn't walk. I've never seen a”
“I am a current client of this provider When I first came here 10 months ago,”
“The best employer I have ever worked for. Everyone from the management team and other”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been outstanding. It has not been”
“I’m giving ABC a 5/5 star review because I have been a caregiver with them”
“I’m giving ABC a 5/5 star review because I have been a caregiver with them”
“I am a current client of this provider It leaves me able to get more help”
“I am a past client of this provider They were only there for a short time.”
“This is a great home care company to work for! They are very sweet and”
“I am a past client of this provider They sent the caregiver that we wanted them”
“I am a current client of this provider There is not much they can do. They”
“Great place to work! I've never been happier with a job. The staff is always”
“They help to exercise him and they help with giving him medicines. They provide us”
“I am a current client of this provider They help to exercise him and they help”
“I've been a care giver for 10 years. And just started a month ago with”
“A wonderful group of caregivers managed by an amazing team of supervisors who really care!”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped us the most by providing”
“Ralph had nothing but great praise for the care he recieved. Thank you so much for taking care of my brother.”
“I just wanted to say thank you for my birthday card, it was very thoughtful. You have a great team, it's recognized and appreciated. Everyone has made me feel welcome and it was nice visiting with everyone on your caregiver appreciation lunch you had. Keep up the good work and try not to work too hard.”
“We have engaged Aways Best Care only for about 3 weeks, but the care provider is perfect for our needs. She is professional, thoughtful, and proactive. The case manager and community liaison are also personable and responsive. We highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Very pleased with services...wonderful experienced well trained caregivers. Helped with all my needs, questions and all staff at the office is always available.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care (ABC) in Longmont provided outstanding, emphatic service in helping move a family member into a new residence, making possible a higher level of care for her than previously available. In addition to supporting her prior to and through this highly stressful process, ABC, and particularly Madison and Michelle, provided extremely useful advice to us, including recommendations for movers and for a pet fostering service that will care for some of her pets until their new homes can be identified. Throughout the process ABC gave us abundant time and attention. Their recommendations and support were spot-on. We highly recommend them.”
“When I was a guardian, ABC provided quality care that allowed my client to stay in his current living space. They were great with communication, and overall had a wonderful experience!”
“I am a past client of this provider Our family had a great experience with Always Best Care. The case management that provides oversight for the caregivers is what set them apart. I would highly recommend!”
“This is an amazing organization!”
“A beautiful and friendly place”
“I am a past client of this provider We had just started and all of these hospitalizations happened. It would have had a really nice impact we just weren't able to use it for very long. They were great. Their service was wonderful and the communication was great. I was very happy with the kindness and care.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do a lot of the things we cannot do ourselves. Everyone we have had has been exceedingly pleasant and easy to get along with.”
“I am a past client of this provider I never had a problem with Always Best Care. My experience was positive because they were attuned to the time with everything I needed to do. If there was a paper I needed to be signed, they were helpful. I don't have any memory problems, but they were very friendly. We laughed and talked. They were just like a best friend who took me where I needed to go. I have always told people about Always Best Care and the people working there. I have referred people. Always Best Care is the best. I like how they were attentive when I called. Laura, she knew exactly what I needed. And the timing, they were perfect about the timing. Always Best Care was attuned to what I needed.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are really good with the clients. They are prompt and always on time. They are always on top of everything when we call.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me to take a day off. They seem to be very caring.”
“I am a current client of this provider It was essential for her recovery. They're very responsive and work to make sure they have someone here.”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver helps me with numerous things, like helping me get out of my chair, and driving me places. Everybody is very kind, efficient, and thorough.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are reliable and I can count on them and she is getting excellent care. They have great caregivers and they are matched very well.”
“I am a past client of this provider They helped in the way they interacted with her. The caregivers were all very friendly and caring.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregivers are friendly and they help around the house. They do our laundry. They do not always tell us which caregivers are coming.”
“I am a current client of this provider It's helped me get through a lot of difficult periods. I like the quality of the people they send out.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are helpful for me. Especially the younger girls are so helpful, they volunteer to do things. They're helpful and reliable.”
“I've been here going on three years their so flexible I really enjoy working here”
“They were here for a few hours and always came. Everything was just fine. It was just pricey.”
“When I first came here 10 months ago, Rich couldn't walk. I've never seen a client succeed this far for his age. They are so professional. I would not work with any other company besides ABC.”
“I am a current client of this provider When I first came here 10 months ago, Rich couldn't walk. I've never seen a client succeed this far for his age. They are so professional. I would not work with any other company besides ABC.”
“The best employer I have ever worked for. Everyone from the management team and other caregivers are some of the nicest and compassionate people I have ever encountered. They always listen and take care of questions or concerns I may have.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been outstanding. It has not been easy for me since me and my husband have a lot of medical appointments. When we are not able to get a car, they are willing to take us in their car, pick up prescriptions, and pick up groceries for us. They are very professional and look and see what needs to be done. They are very flexible and help wherever they can. They help us when the time is good for us.”
“I’m giving ABC a 5/5 star review because I have been a caregiver with them for 5 months and I absolutely love my job. I enjoy caring for other people and helping those who are in need. Besides work, every time I go into the office to pick up my checks I always feel so welcomed by the staff. They even let me bring my mini aussiedoodle there too! If you’re looking for a job that has a friendly staff, flexible schedule, and rewarding, apply TODAY to Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“I’m giving ABC a 5/5 star review because I have been a caregiver with them for 5 months and I absolutely love my job. I enjoy caring for other people and helping those who are in need. Besides work, every time I go into the office to pick up my checks I always feel so welcomed by the staff. They even let me bring my mini aussiedoodle there too! If you’re looking for a job that has a friendly staff, flexible schedule, and rewarding, apply TODAY to Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“I am a current client of this provider It leaves me able to get more help as the pandemic calms down. I can get errands done. I like that the caregivers have been with us through the pandemic and they have been stellar. They are very helpful and I feel safe leaving my husband with the caregivers.”
“I am a past client of this provider They were only there for a short time. They made a big difference. They took care of the basic daily needs. They were very good at being responsive to our questions and they provided generally good caregivers.”
“This is a great home care company to work for! They are very sweet and do a lot for their clients and care givers! Nothing but good things to say about them! I saw the reviews and decided to go with them over other companies and it was definitely a great choice!”
“I am a past client of this provider They sent the caregiver that we wanted them to send. I like the caregivers. They were responsible.”
“I am a current client of this provider There is not much they can do. They cannot do more than what they are doing now. She never stops serving us. I am very pleased. I like the attitude, they always want to work with you. The person that is here is outstanding.”
“Great place to work! I've never been happier with a job. The staff is always helpful and compassionate. They are always willing to work with my hectic schedule and do their best to give me the hours I want. Very organized and professional.”
“They help to exercise him and they help with giving him medicines. They provide us some very good care, and good caregivers.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help to exercise him and they help with giving him medicines. They provide us some very good care, and good caregivers.”
“I've been a care giver for 10 years. And just started a month ago with Abc in longmont. I enjoy working for this company. They are so nice and Alway one step ahead of you. If you are looking for work I recommend ABC..”
“A wonderful group of caregivers managed by an amazing team of supervisors who really care! A perfect choice for your loved ones caregivers who really care about their passions their feelings and their happiness!”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped us the most by providing good services to my mother. I like that they are very responsive.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Westminster City Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Hideaway Steakhouse or visit Westminster Bell Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Westminster, CO, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Westminster, CO understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Westminster, CO 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Trader Joe’s is bringing its quirky charm to Westminster, with the popular grocery store chain set to open its ninth Colorado location later this year.The national neighborhood grocer, known for its mix of everyday staples and unique finds like trendy mini canvas tote bags and ...
Trader Joe’s is bringing its quirky charm to Westminster, with the popular grocery store chain set to open its ninth Colorado location later this year.
The national neighborhood grocer, known for its mix of everyday staples and unique finds like trendy mini canvas tote bags and frozen hash brown patties, has leased a 25,000-square-foot space at City Center Marketplace, between Golf Galaxy and Sierra Trading Post at 92nd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard.
“We’ve consulted our maps and compass and have found a terrific location for a store in Westminster, CO,” the grocer announced on its website.
“We are proud to be joining the neighborhood, and to continue our commitment to providing nourishment to the surrounding communities through our Neighborhood Shares program.”
The store, 9350 Sheridan Blvd., will be added to the lineup of locations in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greenwood Village, Littleton and Parker.
In addition to unconventional finds, fresh flowers and everyday basics like milk, eggs, meat, bakery items and fresh produce, the new Westminster location will also offer beer and wine, according to the store’s description.
The exact date and time for the store opening later this year has yet to be announced.
Founded in 1967, Trader Joe’s shoppers “travel the world searching for products,” and won’t find a lot of branded items on its shelves.
The company website currently lists 10 planned locations “opening soon” across several states such as Oklahoma, California and Texas.
Nick Skelton riding Big Star at the Rio Olympics in 2016 [Cealy Tetley]BIG STAR: THE NICK SKELTON STORY Directed by Sarah George Certificate: 12a ???THERE is that lovely moment in the 1999 Richard Curtis film Notting Hill, when Hugh Grant blags his way into a press junket to meet the Hollywood superstar he has fallen hard for, and pretends he is a reporter for Hare and Hounds.This film about extraordinary sportsman Nick Skelton ...
Nick Skelton riding Big Star at the Rio Olympics in 2016 [Cealy Tetley]
BIG STAR: THE NICK SKELTON STORY Directed by Sarah George Certificate: 12a ???
THERE is that lovely moment in the 1999 Richard Curtis film Notting Hill, when Hugh Grant blags his way into a press junket to meet the Hollywood superstar he has fallen hard for, and pretends he is a reporter for Hare and Hounds.
This film about extraordinary sportsman Nick Skelton and his lifelong passion for all things equestrian is perhaps the only film in the world the Grant character could genuinely have been on such a gig covering.
It is rather niche as a documentary, as is the world of professional horse jumping, but Skelton provides a gentle interviewee and hero, who has overcome life-threatening setbacks to win an Olympic gold medal in his late 50s. That alone makes his story worth telling.
He took a bad fall in 2000 and broke his back. But he somehow managed get back in the saddle, grab the reins and compete to win gold in London 2012 and then in Rio in 2016.
He and his ride – Big Star – retired in 2017 and here we are treated to a pen pic of a life working with horses. The son of a chemist with a passion for equestrian pastimes, he took his first ride aged 18 months, on a pony called Oxo who he loved dearly.
He became a young star as a show jumper – we see plenty of footage of him leaping across fences as a youth – and we hear of the efforts he made to learn how to jump. It’s not exactly rags to riches but we also see the hard graft, the clearing out of stables, and the care for the horses.
Skelton remains fairly unrevealing about the world that created and surrounded his success – from the support and then split from his wife, Sarah, to the tragedy of his accident and how he came back. But he really comes alive when he talks about horses. It opens up a view into a world genuine horse-jumping followers would recognise, but otherwise is a strange and curious place for the uninitiated.
And for all the care the horses are given, one cannot help but wonder what they make of it all: if Sketon’s rides had been more like Jonathan Swift’s Houyhnhnms, would they have let us humans anywhere near them?
Elected leaders in Westminster have walked back an earlier commitment to build a robust trail right up to the edge of Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge — with one City Council member saying this week that she was concerned the trail would act as a beckoning “gateway” to land that some consider too dangerous to visit.Monday night’s decision came as construction began on a long-delayed tunnel under a state highway at the northern end of the refuge. It will provide a thoroughfare for cyclists and hikers seeking...
Elected leaders in Westminster have walked back an earlier commitment to build a robust trail right up to the edge of Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge — with one City Council member saying this week that she was concerned the trail would act as a beckoning “gateway” to land that some consider too dangerous to visit.
Monday night’s decision came as construction began on a long-delayed tunnel under a state highway at the northern end of the refuge. It will provide a thoroughfare for cyclists and hikers seeking to enter and exit Rocky Flats, which for 40 years was a nerve center for Cold War nuclear weapons production.
To complicate matters more on what is already a complicated piece of ground in metro Denver, a federal lawsuit that aims to shut down the tunnel project — along with a bridge that is being erected on Indiana Street on the refuge’s east side — continues to move through the courts.
Westminster Councilwoman Claire Carmelia said the proposed half-mile trail on city land just east of the refuge would be too wide — and inviting — to keep members of the public from trying to get to the refuge. Some health and environmental advocates worry that residual contamination from weapons manufacturing, particularly cancer-causing plutonium, could be unearthed and breathed in on the site.
“The whole idea is to reduce use,” Carmelia said during Monday’s study session. “It’s hard to get on board with this if it’s exactly the opposite of what we want.”
Just seven months ago, the council voted 4-3 to withdraw from an intergovernmental agreement supporting construction of a tunnel and bridge into the refuge. Rocky Flats is home to more than 200 wildlife species, including prairie falcons, deer, elk, coyotes and songbirds.
Westminster followed Broomfield, which had made a similar break from the connections project four years ago, shortly after a plutonium hot spot was found in the soil near Indiana Street.
But in March, Westminster’s city leaders agreed to build a formal trail leading to the future Indiana Street bridge. It would replace an informal single-track trail popular with cyclists that exists there now.
When the scale of that trail — 14 feet wide with a crusher fine surface — was unveiled this month, however, several council members got cold feet.
“To do this project, we’re going to be disturbing the soil,” Councilman Obi Ezeadi said Monday. “This is a classic example of intent and vision not aligning. This risks the perception that we’ve reversed course.”
Councilman Dave DeMott said the more robust trail design was probably the wisest approach, given that it would hold in place soil that is otherwise vulnerable to disturbance, particularly from churning bike tires, if the narrower informal trail remains there.
Both the tunnel under Colorado 128 and the bridge over Indiana are expected to open to the public at the end of May, and that’s when traffic in and out of the refuge will jump, DeMott said.
“Once that bridge is open, like it or not, the traffic is going to increase,” he said during the study session.
On Monday, the council decided to leave the trail situation across its land as is — at least for the time being.
Matt Robbins, the interim deputy director of Jefferson County Open Space, said Tuesday that he wasn’t in a position to comment on the fast-moving events in Westminster this week before he had a chance to talk to city officials. Jefferson County owns the bridge that will span Indiana Street, connecting Westminster property with refuge land administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Our mission is to provide open space, parklands and nature-based experiences for our community,” he said. “And we will provide safe connections.”
720-494-8407
