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 Four Mile Historic Park 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 Cherry Creek, 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.
“I had used another service for my Mom and changed to Always Best Care and”
“Many positive things have taken place since beginning of CO-VD19 in March. ABC took my concerns”
“The Denver South office of Always Best Care provided senior care services to our mother”
“Very nice and caring staff. Helped me out in a bind and was even able”
“Great company to work for. If you are looking for care for your loved one”
“After working with two other agencies, Always Best Care provided the highest level of exceptional”
“We are so happy we chose Always Best Care as our care agency. My mother”
“Thank you for the staff of Always Best Care Denver South for being such a”
“Very professional, and helpful. Cindy K. did a great job of helping my Mom move”
“I am a current client of this provider Very professional, and helpful. Cindy K. did a”
“Great company! They know their business and seniors. They were willing to make arrangements on”
“I have worked for Always Best Care Senior Services for several years both as a”
“Working for ABC as a manager has been a joy I haven't experienced in previous”
“Always responsive, always caring, goes above and beyond, experienced and always thoughtful, best choice I”
“I am a past client of this provider An experienced caregiver came weekly, never cancelled or”
“Just a quick note to say thank you for all your care that you gave”
“The care and compassion provided to my mother and to our family has made the”
“Everyone is a team player!! No one in the company feels like a stranger. The”
“My family needed to find a new home for my grandma. She had been residing”
“Simpy IDEAL. We couldn't have asked for better care. Each individual, from my very first”
“I am a past client of this provider Incomparable! ABC's care of our Father was above”
“Dear Tom and Staff, Our family is so appreciative of each of you! Your dedicating, caring”
“This company is amazing. When I met Cindy, my mom was in acute care and”
“I am a current client of this provider Everybody in this company is amazing. From the”
“Always Best Care Denver South provides outstanding care and placement services. They truly care for”
“I had used another service for my Mom and changed to Always Best Care and was amazed. I know it’s tough to find good staff and the people we had were so caring and attentive. Strongly recommend.”
“Many positive things have taken place since beginning of CO-VD19 in March. ABC took my concerns seriously about care for and to ensure my elderly parents stay safe. They made necessary changes immediately. Jen is great to work with and Pearla is incredible.”
“The Denver South office of Always Best Care provided senior care services to our mother for almost two years up until Mom passed away. The care providers they provided did a superb job of caring for Mom while running errands, taking her to her doctor appointments, making sure she took her medications and occasionally taking her to the hospital for medical emergencies. The office staff did a great job of maintaining the care providers schedule so that Mom would always have the same two CPs every week. Neither my brother or I lived in the same town as our mother so she needed in home care providers if she was going to be able to stay in her home. Without ABC's services, Mom would not have been able to remained in her home up until the time of her passing. Because of ABC and the tremendous service and care of their care providers and office based staff, Mom was able to fulfill her goal of living in her beautiful home until the end. Thank you ABC of Denver South!”
“Very nice and caring staff. Helped me out in a bind and was even able to add an extra day on super short notice. My uncle was very happy with the caregivers as well. Will be using when long term care is needed :)”
“Great company to work for. If you are looking for care for your loved one this is the right company. I've been working for this company as a caregiver for a little over a month and they are on top of keeping you busy with plenty of work.”
“After working with two other agencies, Always Best Care provided the highest level of exceptional care for my mother while she was with hospice care. It is hard to find the high quality care that parents deserve and ABC definitely hit it. The care coordinator Kathryn made sure our needs were met and it happened instantaneously. Also, the care givers were exceptional and made sure my mother was always comfortable”
“We are so happy we chose Always Best Care as our care agency. My mother and father both were very fragile and we brought Always Best Care into the home and they created a safe and loving environment for our parents. Once my father passed Cindy was very instrumental in helping navigate our family to find a community where our mom could have quality of life and be comfortable. We will always be grateful for the compassion and love that Always Best Care Denver South provided.”
“Thank you for the staff of Always Best Care Denver South for being such a huge help and being part of our family for so many years. We can't thank you enough for the care and love that you showed to our dad. You brought quality of life to him in is last years. We will always be grateful.”
“Very professional, and helpful. Cindy K. did a great job of helping my Mom move from a very poor assisted living situation to one where she can be happy. Cindy took the time to assess my Mom's situation, and then made placement recommendations based on what my Mom and her family needed. Based on assessment data, Cindy found four AL vendors for Mom to visit. Cindy setup the appts, and attended the tours with Mom and family. She made sure that what she exposed Mom to was within her ability to pay, and were places with good reputations for care/services. Once Mom chose a vendor, Cindy kept tabs on the process and even followed up after Mom was moved into her new home.”
“I am a current client of this provider Very professional, and helpful. Cindy K. did a great job of helping my Mom move from a very poor assisted living situation to one where she can be happy. Cindy took the time to assess my Mom's situation, and then made placement recommendations based on what my Mom and her family needed. Based on assessment data, Cindy found four AL vendors for Mom to visit. Cindy setup the appts, and attended the tours with Mom and family. She made sure that what she exposed Mom to was within her ability to pay, and were places with good reputations for care/services. Once Mom chose a vendor, Cindy kept tabs on the process and even followed up after Mom was moved into her new home.”
“Great company! They know their business and seniors. They were willing to make arrangements on short notice and did their best to make my mom comfortable and safe. I would definitely recommend always best care.”
“I have worked for Always Best Care Senior Services for several years both as a caregiver and now as a scheduler. They have a great support staff and a team approach that supports not only the clients but also the caregivers. You can’t go wrong with Always Best Care as a caregiver or client. Call today!”
“Working for ABC as a manager has been a joy I haven't experienced in previous employment. I enjoy exceeding client expectations and creating a positive employment experience for our caregivers. In turn we have amazing personalized customer service and flexibility to meet everyone's ever changing needs.”
“Always responsive, always caring, goes above and beyond, experienced and always thoughtful, best choice I could have made.”
“I am a past client of this provider An experienced caregiver came weekly, never cancelled or changed. They were incredible in helping find a care home when that became necessary. Always caring, always responsive, experienced caregivers, thoughtful, understanding, will always work with your needs or changes, on time, easy to contact, went above and beyond in services. Worked very hard to find a caregiver when I needed one, including changing a caregiver's schedule to meet my ongoing or additional needs.”
“Just a quick note to say thank you for all your care that you gave to my Mom in her last years of her life. All the caregivers were amazing and the management staff was always available when ever we needed them. We will always be grateful for your care and your loving hearts.”
“The care and compassion provided to my mother and to our family has made the transition from independent living to residence in a retirement village is so appreciated!! I don't know how we would have managed to navigate the decisions that had to be made! I highly recommend their services!”
“Everyone is a team player!! No one in the company feels like a stranger. The company takes the time to know caregivers individually and feel valued as employees”
“My family needed to find a new home for my grandma. She had been residing in a 55 and older community and her care requirements increased significantly. Honestly, we had no idea where to look, what to look for, what questions to ask, and even more so, what to do when her money ran out. Jerry was a HUGE help in this. He took something that was extremely emotional and stressful and made it very simple. He really did care where my grandma ended up. Not only is she in a great place now, but because she loves her home her assisted needs have decreased because she is happier and healthier. This could not have been possible without Jerry. Our family thanks you for giving us our Grandma/Mom the life that she deserves. You have brought Senior Care to a whole new level”
“Simpy IDEAL. We couldn't have asked for better care. Each individual, from my very first call to those who came to check on us all in Hospice, was genuinely caring and devoted. God Sends, every one!!”
“I am a past client of this provider Incomparable! ABC's care of our Father was above and beyond anything we could have imagined - Each Home Care provider brought such gentle, sensitive, capable talent to our entire family. We were thoroughly exhausted and feared bringing an 'outsider' in to care for Jack. But OH! What a GIFT it was to have ABC join our efforts. Don't wait- We wish we'd called sooner!”
“Dear Tom and Staff, Our family is so appreciative of each of you! Your dedicating, caring Care Givers will be forever in our memories. You all added quality to Maurice's life. Thank you - plus your cards and phone calls of sympathy”
“This company is amazing. When I met Cindy, my mom was in acute care and we needed a lot of help. She sat down with me to figure out what services we need and since that time, we have had nothing but wonderful people coming out to care for my parents. in addition, the schedulers are amazing and will make sure we have help even if we call last minute. You will be very happy with this company if you need help caring for a loved one.”
“I am a current client of this provider Everybody in this company is amazing. From the moment I met Cindy, I have had nothing but relief with my parents as they ensure my parents are well taken care of. From making meals to light house keeping and errands, my parents are getting everything they need. When we need someone in a pinch, we can trust that someone will be there and everyone is so nice and caring!!! Thank you Always Best!!!”
“Always Best Care Denver South provides outstanding care and placement services. They truly care for both their clients and staff! Best care in town.”
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 Cherry Creek 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 801 Chophouse or visit Molly Brown House Museum, 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.
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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 Cherry Creek, 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 Cherry Creek, 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 Cherry Creek, 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.
Cherry Creek Schools in the southern part of the Denver metro area is finding a way to address the national teacher shortage by growing and training their own teachers. Through a program, aspiring teachers get hands-on experience with the support of district teachers, while still attending college.The Aspiring Educator Pathway program is now in its second year and has more than doubled in size since starting. The program has grown from 16 apprentice and aspiring teachers last year to now nearly 60 this year. All the apprentice teacher...
Cherry Creek Schools in the southern part of the Denver metro area is finding a way to address the national teacher shortage by growing and training their own teachers. Through a program, aspiring teachers get hands-on experience with the support of district teachers, while still attending college.
The Aspiring Educator Pathway program is now in its second year and has more than doubled in size since starting. The program has grown from 16 apprentice and aspiring teachers last year to now nearly 60 this year. All the apprentice teachers have been paired with mentor teachers at 15 schools across the district. For the past couple weeks, they've also met to prepare for the start of the school year.
Shae Brock worked in a 5th grade classroom last year as part of the aspiring educator pathway program.
"It was something that was super exciting for me, and I knew it could be super life changing," said Brock.
Brock attends the Community College of Aurora, which has a partnership with Cherry Creek School District for the program. While students take college classes, they also work full-time in a classroom and will become licensed teachers when they graduate.
Melissa Klemenz, is the assistant director of the program, and said in traditional teacher-prep programs, students go to school for 3 ½ years and then during their last semester, they begin student teaching. She added that's why the district's superintendent worked to come up with a better way to prepare teachers. She said the goal is to recruit and retain teachers in the district and also provide the best education to students.
"We really believe that educators need better preparation to in order to be the best for their students in the classroom," said Klemenz. "There is a teacher shortage, and so the more that we can have teachers that are prepared and feel comfortable in the classroom, as well as growing our own pathway to become teachers, will really help students benefit."
In the first year of the program, Klemenz said there was improved student assessment and more positive classroom environments.
For mentor teachers like Katrina Shroyer, she's also seen the growth in her students.
"They have another person that cares about them, that wants them to be successful, that is there to impact their growth," said Shroyer. "We were a team and because they (apprentice teachers) were there every day, they knew the kids just like I knew them.
As part of the four-year-program, mentees get more than 4,500 hours of experience inside the classroom, compared to 700 hours through a traditional pathway or regular student teaching.
"I was in kindergarten as a student teacher, but it wasn't as intense as this program. I would go to school about two days a week and only be at the school part time," said Brock. "I think during student teaching, I was missing so many key opportunities that was Important for my journey as a teacher."
The program also addresses student debt. While apprentice teachers are working at the district, their costs for college classes each year drops down to $15,000.
Not only is Brock working a full-time job and getting a paycheck, but she's also getting a jumpstart in her career.
"I really have been immersed in a school and school environment and working alongside with a teacher in their classroom, and what it's like to co-teach," said Brock. "I've learned a lot about how to build relationships with students, lesson planning, and, you know, really knowing what it takes to become a teacher," said Brock.
This year as part of the program, the district also launched a Special Education Aspiring Educator Pathway. With special education position hard to fill, people are not going into that field of education as often. More than 20 teacher apprentices have signed up are focused in special education.
Cherry Creek School District teachers will return to their classrooms this week and the apprentice teachers will also be joining them to get classrooms prepared and ready to welcome students back next week.
Officials from Colorado Parks and Wildlife want visitors to bodies of water in the state to remember that even if you forget to pack a life jacket, parks often have them available to borrow.For David Chavez, there's no better way to spend a birthday than out on the water."I love the water. You know, I've been going to the beach since I was a kid. Hitting the sand, jet skis, wakeboarding -- it's pretty awesome," Chavez said.This holiday weekend at Cherry Creek State Park, it has been all about Jet Skis, boats an...
Officials from Colorado Parks and Wildlife want visitors to bodies of water in the state to remember that even if you forget to pack a life jacket, parks often have them available to borrow.
For David Chavez, there's no better way to spend a birthday than out on the water.
"I love the water. You know, I've been going to the beach since I was a kid. Hitting the sand, jet skis, wakeboarding -- it's pretty awesome," Chavez said.
This holiday weekend at Cherry Creek State Park, it has been all about Jet Skis, boats and food like burgers and brats on the shore. But park officials say the most important part of any lake day is something you can't eat or ride: life vests.
"We made sure we brought everyone a life vest -- everyone who gets on the watercraft," Chavez said.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been driving home that safety message for years. They want visitors to remember that even if you forget to pack a life jacket, parks often have them available to borrow.
"Any of the state parks with bodies of water -- most of them are going to have a loaner station," CPW said.
Those loaner stations, usually located near the boat ramps, are stocked with life jackets for the public to use. CPW stresses that everyone should wear one, no matter how confident they are in the water.
"Even if you're a good swimmer, water can be really dangerous and unpredictable for anybody," CPW officials said.
Park officials want to drive home the message that the choice to wear a life jacket isn't about comfort -- it's about survival.
As Chavez put it simply: "It can save your life."
AURORA, Colorado, Aug. 21 — The Cherry Creek [Greenwood Village, CO] Bruins scored early and often in a 45-10 rout of the host Regis Jesuit [Aurora, CO] Raiders Thursday night.The win was No. 342 for Cherry Creek head coach Dave Logan, moving him into a tie for second place in Colorado prep history with former Kent Denver [Englewood] Sun Devils' boss Scott YatesLed by senior 3-star quarterback Brady Vodicka, the Bruins took the opening kickoff and marched...
AURORA, Colorado, Aug. 21 — The Cherry Creek [Greenwood Village, CO] Bruins scored early and often in a 45-10 rout of the host Regis Jesuit [Aurora, CO] Raiders Thursday night.
The win was No. 342 for Cherry Creek head coach Dave Logan, moving him into a tie for second place in Colorado prep history with former Kent Denver [Englewood] Sun Devils' boss Scott Yates
Led by senior 3-star quarterback Brady Vodicka, the Bruins took the opening kickoff and marched methodically down the field to take an early 7-0 lead. Vodicka, a Louisiana Tech commit, made plays with his feet and his arm, and quickly put the Raiders on their heels from the start.
Following a blocked punt on Regis's ensuing possession, Vodicka and company quickly struck again to make it 14-0, and it got worse from there. Both of the Bruins next two drives were of the one-play variety, and before the first quarter even ended, the game was clearly over with Cherry Creek leading 28-0.
The Bruins eventually stretched their lead to 38-0 until the Raiders finally scored a touchdown to trim the deficit to 38-7. Regis then showed some life on defense, forcing a quick turnover, and adding a field goal just before the half to make it 38-10.
The fireworks slowed down considerably in the second half, but the game ended with Cherry Creek taking snaps from the victory formation near Regis Jesuit's 5-yard line after scoring another touchdown earlier in the second half.
Next up for Cherry Creek is a trip to Sarasota, Florida, next Friday to take on Cardinal Mooney. The Cougars open their season in Florida tomorrow night with a home contest against the True North Classical Academy [Miami, FL] Titans.
Regis Jesuit will have another hard test with a home date against the Valor Christian [Highlands Ranch] Eagles.
The game is going to end with Cherry Creek taking snaps in the victory formation near Regis's 5-yard line.
FINAL — CHERRY CREEK 45, REGIS JESUIT 10
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We're heading into the fourth quarter, and it's really been all Cherry Creek with the exception of one brief spurt at the end of the second quarter by Regis Jesuits.
And the third quarter comes to a close in Aurora, Colorado.
End of 3rd Qtr — CHERRY CREEK 45, REGIS JESUIT 10
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Cherry Creek adds to its lead in Aurora.
3rd Qtr — CHERRY CREEK 45, REGIS JESUIT 10
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And, the third quarter is under way in Aurora.
The kickers are out warming up so it won't be too much longer before we kick off the second half.
And that's the end of the first half in Aurora.
Halftime — CHERRY CREEK 38, REGIS JESUIT 10
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Following the turnover, Regis Jesuit is unable to take advantage of the field position for a touchdown, but they do add a 27-yard field goal to the board.
2nd Qtr — CHERRY CREEK 38, REGIS JESUIT 10
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Following the Regis Jesuit touchdown, they force a turnover deep in Cherry Creek's end of the field. The Raiders are showing signs of life.
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With 1:53 to play before the half, Regis Jesuit finally gets on the board. It's been a long half for the Raiders, so you've got to hand it to them for showing some fight even down more than five touchdowns.
2nd Qtr — CHERRY CREEK 38, REGIS JESUIT 7
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Following a punt, Cherry Creek quickly goes the distance again for another touchdown.
2nd Qtr — CHERRY CREEK 38, REGIS JESUIT 0
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Cherry Creek adds a short field goal to extend their lead.
2nd Qtr — CHERRY CREEK 31, REGIS JESUIT 0
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We're under way in the second quarter.
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The first quarter ends there, and it's been a one-sided affair.
End of 1st Qtr — CHERRY CREEK 28, REGIS JESUIT 0
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Another exchange of possession, another one-play drive for Cherry Creek.
1st Qtr, 3:16 — CHERRY CREEK 28, REGIS JESUIT 0
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Following a turnover, it takes Cherry Creek just one play to add another touchdown to their tally.
1st Qtr, 6:00 — CHERRY CREEK 21, REGIS JESUIT 0
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Cherry Creek adds another quick score, following a blocked punt.
1st Qtr, 6:18 — CHERRY CREEK 14, REGIS JESUIT
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Cherry Creek marches down the field methodically, and puts the first points of the 2025 season on the board.
1st Qtr, 8:13 — CHERRY CREEK 7, REGIS JESUIT 0
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And we're under way!
KEYS TO THE GAME ...
Look, an upset in this game is unlikely. It was a blowout a year ago, and it could easily be a blowout tonight.
But if there's any chance for the Raiders, it starts here: you absolutely have to limit mistakes early, and try to get to halftime within two scores at worst. If you can stay in it long enough, then sometimes, even though the other team may be much better, you start to get into their heads a bit. Can Regis Jesuit intimidate Cherry Creek?
Probably not, but you can start to get inside their heads if you stick around. Even with all the elite talent that Cherry Creek has, if the game is close, doubts can start to creep in. If you get in a deep hole early, then you lose those psychological advantages you might gain even if you are the less-talented team.
It's going to take a lot for Regis Jesuit to stay in this, and they just can't get overwhelmed early. If they do, the scoreboard will look a lot like it did a year ago.
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TEAM INFO ...
From a talent standpoint, this is a lopsided matchup. Ten of the 40 players listed in 247sports.com's Class of 2026 are enrolled at Cherry Creek. Regis Jesuit doesn't have any. That's a lot of senior leadership for a defending champion at Colorado's highest level.
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WEATHER AND MORE ...
A lot of weather issues delaying games down in the southeast. Our scheduled live blog for Columbus vs. Southridge down in Miami, Fl, this afternoon got moved to Saturday morning. And we're currently in a weather delay down in Alabama for Carver Montgomery at No. 16 Thompson. Ditto for my colleague Buck Ringgold's game between Pike Road and Prattville at the Cramton Bowl in Birmingham.
So, pardon me, if I'm a little skittish to check the weather out in Colorado. The good news there is The Weather Channel is reporting a zero percent chance of rain out there. It is hot – 93 degrees hot – and there is an Air Quality Alert for an Ozone Action Day. But, other than that, all signs are that it is a go tonight for Colorado's No. 1 team Cherry Creek at Regis Jesuit.
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TOP 25 AND THE GAME OF THE WEEK ...
While you're getting ready for tonight's big game, get yourself up to speed on the preseason edition of The Sporting News High School Football Top 25.
Then check out our TSN Game of the Week Recap featuring the No. 14 Milton (GA) Eagles at the No. 12 Buford (GA) Wolves on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
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OUR PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAMS ...
Finally, don't miss out on The Sporting News Preseason All-American Teams that just debuted today!
The Sporting News High School Preseason All-American Offense 2025
The Sporting News High School Preseason All-American Defense 2025
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We'll check back in here in a while with a look at some more storylines and an update on the weather in the greater Atlanta area.
MORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HEADLINES ...
Here are the top 20 quarterbacks to watch in West Texas for ’25 season
Battle of Texas defending state champs shifts location to nearby 10,000-seat stadium
Here are the top 20 quarterbacks to watch in South Texas for '25 season
The top of the Colorado high school football rankings hasn’t changed, with Cherry Creek still at number one, followed by Valor Christian. After those two teams, here’s what Massey determined as the state’s 25 best teams.The Massey Ratings system, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.1. Cherry Creek BruinsThe reigning Colorado high school football Class 5A state champions improved to 4-0 after a co...
The top of the Colorado high school football rankings hasn’t changed, with Cherry Creek still at number one, followed by Valor Christian. After those two teams, here’s what Massey determined as the state’s 25 best teams.
The Massey Ratings system, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.
The reigning Colorado high school football Class 5A state champions improved to 4-0 after a convincing victory over Skyridge. Jayden Fox was sensational for Cherry Creek, finishing with 275 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Brady Vodicka threw for 185 passing yards and three TDs. This victory extends the Bruins’ winning streak to 17 games dating back to last season, and they can extend it with a road victory against Pine Creek on September 25.
The Eagles are at 3-0 after a 49-21 victory against Faith Lutheran. Dawson Olk threw for 150 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Jackson Coleman had 83 passing yards and two TDs. Olk added a rushing touchdown, as well as Cash Spence, Chase Hanosh, and Caleb Randolph. Valor Christian will host Mullen on September 19.
The Golden Eagles have four victories in as many games. Their latest conquest was a 49-8 domination of Cherokee Trail in which Marquise Reese finished with 201 passing yards, 44 rushing yards, and four touchdowns (three passing). Brooklyn Bailey caught two of those scoring throws and collected 72 passing yards. Meanwhile, Brody Callister had 82 rushing yards and a touchdown. Mountain Vista moves on to host Overland on September 26.
The Mustangs defeated Mullen to improve to 3-0 early in the 2025 Colorado high school football season. Zeke Andrews finished with 243 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and three touchdowns. Ethan Shirazi had 83 receiving yards and a touchdown. On defense, Jake Lester tallied six tackles, including 2.5 sacks. Ralston Valley will be back in action on September 19 as they visit ThunderRidge.
The Titans are coming off a heartbreaking one-point overtime loss to Arvada West. Despite that defeat, DJ Bordeaux was fantastic, collecting 177 passing yards, 154 rushing yards, and two touchdowns. Ryken Banks also had 79 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Legend will try to bounce back against Castle View on September 26.
The Wildcats escaped with a one-point overtime victory against Legend. Logan Duhachek was outstanding, passing for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Keegen Balistreri also had an excellent game, finishing with 160 receiving yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Kevin Sanchez collected 11 tackles and a sack. Arvada West can go to 5-0 with a win against Overland on September 19.
The Eagles have earned back-to-back wins after a 42-0 shutout victory against Loveland, their first winning streak in the 2025 Colorado high school football season. Pine Creek can improve to 3-1 by defeating Arapahoe on September 19.
The Bears haven’t been challenged through their first three games. They have won all matches by an average margin of 41 points and defeated Lewis-Palmer by 46. Jackson Mabe was the star of the show against the Rangers, tallying 170 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Knox Tinlin threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns, while Zak Crisler caught nine balls for 121 yards. Palmer Ridge will face Longmont on September 19.
The Wolves ended a two-game losing streak with a 44-10 victory over Legacy. Chris Blanks rushed for 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Blitz McCarty added two passing TDs. Brody Flores and the Wolves’ defense generated five sacks and an interception. Grandview will try to start a winning streak, beginning with their September 20 game against Rock Canyon.
The Red Hawks are at 3-0 after a 37-20 win over Palisade. They have won 16 of their last 17 games dating back to last year. Montrose can remain undefeated four games into the 2025 Colorado high school football season if it can defeat Grand Junction Central on September 18.
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — The Massey Ratings require a recalibration.Utah’s Skyridge entered Friday’s game against Cherry Creek as the No. 20 team in the nation, while the Bruins were ranked No. 93.But the Bruins made those computerized rankings look buggy. They used a fast start and a furious finish to smoke Skyridge 51-28 at the Stutler Bowl, avenging their lone loss last season in the process.It was Cherry Creek’s third victory over an out-of-state team in as many weeks, after hanging on to beat Card...
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — The Massey Ratings require a recalibration.
Utah’s Skyridge entered Friday’s game against Cherry Creek as the No. 20 team in the nation, while the Bruins were ranked No. 93.
But the Bruins made those computerized rankings look buggy. They used a fast start and a furious finish to smoke Skyridge 51-28 at the Stutler Bowl, avenging their lone loss last season in the process.
It was Cherry Creek’s third victory over an out-of-state team in as many weeks, after hanging on to beat Cardinal Mooney (Florida) on the road two weeks ago and dominating Millard North (Nebraska) last week.
The performance against Skyridge suggests that Cherry Creek, owners of five of the last six Class 5A titles, is more than just a juggernaut in a flyover football state. This year’s Bruins — whose highest national ranking entering Friday among the three major services in Massey, MaxPreps and Rivals was No. 58 — have the size, speed and talent to play with just about anyone.
“This was a game for everyone who underestimates Colorado ball,” said Cherry Creek star running back Jayden Fox, who had three TDs and over 200 yards rushing. “They say we’re not a football state, we don’t have good enough athletes — but this game showed this program has those athletes, those star players.”
No, the Bruins aren’t a national heavyweight like Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, Bishop Gorman or Southlake Carroll.
But they possess a blue-chip frontman in defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais, a Washington commit who is a Navy All-American. They have one of the most dynamic running backs in Colorado in Fox, a UConn pledge who went scorched earth on Skyridge. And they have a slew of other Division I recruits around those headliners.
No wonder Cherry Creek’s had a tough time finding in-state opponents to fill out its non-conference schedule.
Fox was nearly untackleable in open space on Friday. When he got even the slimmest margin of daylight, he took off. While senior quarterback Brady Vodicka tossed three TDs and sophomore Elijah Cromwell was a complementary ground threat, Fox was the unstoppable star.
The Cherry Creek defense also set the tone early with interceptions by Michigan State commit Braylon Hodge on the game’s opening drive and then a pick-six by fellow senior linebacker Tate Matthews on the Falcons’ second drive. That gave Cherry Creek cushion for when Skyridge’s QB, Division I prospect Kaneal Sweetwyne, caught fire in the third quarter.
“The game started for them a little bit like the game started for us last year in Salt Lake,” Cherry Creek head coach Dave Logan said. “Their quarterback is about as good as we’ve seen in a long time, and so we tried to change up fronts, coverages, disguises. We made some plays early and we needed them, because that’s an excellent team.”
With those two interceptions and Fox’s first carry in between leading to a 32-yard score, Cherry Creek went up 14-0 just 65 seconds into the game. The Bruins never looked back, despite Sweetwyne settling into the game and engineering four scoring drives to keep the Falcons from getting boat-raced.
Alijah Landrum-Hamilton’s slick moves on a screen pass led to a 40-yard TD, and Fox added on a 75-yard TD burst as Cherry Creek took a 27-14 lead into half. On the opening drive of the third quarter, the Bruins marched the field, capped by Louisiana Tech pledge Vodicka’s 16-yard TD pass to senior tight end Ty Goettsche (BYU).
After Skyridge made a third-quarter push and cut the score to 34-28, the Bruins used a field goal, a clutch defensive stop, and a 65-yard TD run from Fox to put the game on ice. On an outside zone play, Fox shed several tacklers and outran the Falcons’ secondary to quiet the Skyridge sideline and fan section, which had been energized up to that point.
“We started to feel like we won, but we had to remember, we have to play for 48 minutes,” Fox said. “… We went out in the fourth quarter and did what we did at the beginning of the game.”
By the time another Matthews pick set up Vodicka’s TD pass to senior tight end Anthony Betti, making it a 50-burger with 4:29 left, the game had turned into a homecoming celebration for Cherry Creek.
Can any Colorado team beat the Bruins this year? Odds seem slim.
After a bye, Pine Creek is the Bruins’ final non-conference challenger, a team the Bruins beat 21-14 last year. After that, Cherry Creek’s Centennial League slate should offer a challenge or two, but also more than a few running clocks.
Valor Christian is widely viewed as the one team with the athletes and muscle in the trenches to keep up with Creek, but the Eagles have lost four straight to Logan’s Bruins since 2020.
Judging by Cherry Creek’s first four weeks, Valor or anyone else in Colorado will need to play nearly perfect to beat the Bruins, as Legend almost did in a 13-10 loss in last year’s championship. Cherry Creek’s lost only three in-state games since 2019: the 2023 championship to Columbine, and league games to Grandview in 2022 and Arapahoe in 2021.
“This (4-0) start shows what we can do,” Tate Matthews declared. “All teams should be watching out for us coming up.”
Good luck, Colorado. Skyridge will send you its tattered battle plans during its long trip back to Utah.
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