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 Daniels & Fisher 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 Denver, 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.
“Our thanks to ABC for the wonderful nursing care and general management and coordination”
“Amazing customer service and follow up regarding services for my mother-in-law”
“I'm sending this thank u to thank you, not only for being the best company”
“Thank you to all the caregivers who took care of our mom. We are forever”
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support you have shown me during this”
“Thank you for the wonderful care you have provided, specifically Simone, for my mom the”
“Thank you so much for the coordination of our parents care. Your loveliness and dedication”
“I didn't think they could do better than I could on my own. They found”
“I have referred my families to Always Best Care and they have been very happy”
“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing”
“Thank you so much for coming by to visit our community with the Always Best”
“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing”
“To Always Best Care Giver Cynthia C. H., “Thank you for taking the time to”
“I can't find Sarah S, Alyssa, Paula, and the rest of the teams direct emails”
“Our care giver Evelyn L. was wonderful, and such a great help to our family.”
“I recommend the services of Always Best Care. The several months I have employed Always”
“HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! If you or anyone in your family is looking for quality, sincere care”
“To ABC Care Giver Autumn W., we adore you and your caring heart is noticed”
“My husband had a bad fall that resulted in two pelvic fractures and a fractured”
“ABC was so responsive and made it very easy to set up care. They worked”
“The response time and options for the care of my 101 year old father have”
“It was great working with Nancy, she went the extra mile helping us find the”
“Always Best Care helped our family find just the right place for my mother-in-law. Nancy”
“Thank you very much for your kind words and thank you so much to you”
“Hiring a service from a distance is extremely stressful. Just speaking with them on the”
“Our thanks to ABC for the wonderful nursing care and general management and coordination”
“Amazing customer service and follow up regarding services for my mother-in-law”
“I'm sending this thank u to thank you, not only for being the best company I hold dear but being so individually beautiful!!! You're always the best care!!!!!”
“Thank you to all the caregivers who took care of our mom. We are forever grateful for your kindness towards our mom when we couldn't be there because of covid”
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support you have shown me during this difficult time, especially by sending me beautiful flowers. Thank you so much for your love and sympathy”
“Thank you for the wonderful care you have provided, specifically Simone, for my mom the last 4 years. We couldn't have done this without Simone's assistance. She is truly an angel!!”
“Thank you so much for the coordination of our parents care. Your loveliness and dedication made our parents lives so much better. We are very happy that ABC did every thing possible to let their home run smoothly. We appreciate all the efforts and especially your positive spirit”
“I didn't think they could do better than I could on my own. They found a much better, more beautiful place at a much better price for my mom. HUGE THANKS TO NANCY FOR HER HELP !!!!”
“I have referred my families to Always Best Care and they have been very happy with the service and the care staff that come into their homes. I was recently talking to a nurse who owns a Home Health company and asked her who she liked to use for home care. She said Always Best Care in Lakewood never lets me down. They always show up and give good care! There are so many home care companies out there it can be overwhelming. If you are trying to chose which home care company to go with, I highly recommend Always Best Care in Lakewood.”
“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing caring services to their clients.”
“Thank you so much for coming by to visit our community with the Always Best Care fun wheel! I can tell you it really was a nice morale boost for our associates! Nancy, everyone on our team who worked with you and Always Best Care for our Memory Care resident who needed overnight care was so complimentary of how kind and helpful you were in coordinating care for her. Thank you for all your help.”
“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing caring services to their clients.”
“To Always Best Care Giver Cynthia C. H., “Thank you for taking the time to celebrate Carolyn’s Birthday, and making her feel so important and loved. Hats off to you.”
“I can't find Sarah S, Alyssa, Paula, and the rest of the teams direct emails so please pass on my appreciation and gratitude for them too! Thank you so much for the shout out!! I love reading the newsletter and had no idea I was going to be in it so it was a wonderful surprise! I love this job and I hope I can help out more in the near future instead of just every weekend. Thank you again and I love being part of the Always Best team :) Thank you!”
“Our care giver Evelyn L. was wonderful, and such a great help to our family.”
“I recommend the services of Always Best Care. The several months I have employed Always Best Care have been very satisfying. The services they have provided for an elderly Alzheimer’s patient has been exceptional. One of the most satisfying aspects of their service is their reliability. They show up, on time , with enthusiasm, and know the patient before entering the home. Also, the scheduling and support staff is accommodating, helpful, and friendly. Anyone that needs help with an elderly Alzheimer’s patient should consider employing Always Best Care. Sincerely, Michael Iverson”
“HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! If you or anyone in your family is looking for quality, sincere care for yourself or a loved one look no further. Always best care has the sweetest caregivers who go through an intense training course so they know for sure how well they do in certain environments. Erin the owner is the sweetest darn person who has a heart of gold who treats her employees very good so they can focus on doing their job right and enjoy doing it. I have been around the caregiving industry since 2013 and this is by far the best company I have yet seen. Trust me they won’t let you down!!!!!!!”
“To ABC Care Giver Autumn W., we adore you and your caring heart is noticed by our family. We all thank you.”
“My husband had a bad fall that resulted in two pelvic fractures and a fractured rib. Fortunately, there was no need for surgery but unfortunately, he was going to be immobile and in a great deal of pain. He was very nervous about my ability to be able to handle him so he requested that we look into very short-term ( one week) home health care when first coming home. Not knowing when he would be released from the hospital I was in my own panic about setting up the care so quickly. With he help of Nancy -a key administrator, I was able to get set up immediately even when I was unsure of exactly when to start. I was guided through the process. When I had to delay one day-no problem. The care giver who was sent to us, Evelyn was terrific-personable and willing to help in anyway requested. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“ABC was so responsive and made it very easy to set up care. They worked closely with our Hospice team as well if we needed them to. They were respectful and kind to our Mom. Only thing I would change is having them be able to administer meds. Definitely recommend them though!”
“The response time and options for the care of my 101 year old father have been exceptional. I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone who needs assistance and/or guidance in the care of their elderly loved ones. Dan Anderson”
“It was great working with Nancy, she went the extra mile helping us find the right place for our Mom.”
“Always Best Care helped our family find just the right place for my mother-in-law. Nancy Hemming knows exactly what questions to ask in order to assess each situation and she does so with professionalism, kindness and compassion. Nancy was our shepherd through the overwhelming landscape of assisted living placement and insurance. We highly recommend Always Best Care. You will find their service to be of the highest quality!”
“Thank you very much for your kind words and thank you so much to you and your staff for taking such good care of my mother. It was a big comfort to me to know she was in capable and caring hands.”
“Hiring a service from a distance is extremely stressful. Just speaking with them on the phone took away any scary thoughts I had. Professional, but what mattered most was their kindness and understanding ! thank you Nancy and Veronka !”
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 Washington 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 Mizuna 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 Denver, 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 Denver, 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 Denver, 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.
Hungry for seafood or soulful songs? Denver’s got you with SURF: The Denver Seafood Championship and The Lumineers at Empower Field. Additionally, there’s opportunities to practice mindfulness at Yoga on the Lawn, appreciate local creativity through the Market Art Walk or laugh at the comedy of The Unteachables.When: Aug. 7-10, 2025 Where: Aspen Meadows East Lawn: 1000 N 3rd St Aspen, CO Cost: $50+ The Lowdown: Th...
Hungry for seafood or soulful songs? Denver’s got you with SURF: The Denver Seafood Championship and The Lumineers at Empower Field. Additionally, there’s opportunities to practice mindfulness at Yoga on the Lawn, appreciate local creativity through the Market Art Walk or laugh at the comedy of The Unteachables.
When: Aug. 7-10, 2025 Where: Aspen Meadows East Lawn: 1000 N 3rd St Aspen, CO Cost: $50+ The Lowdown:
This highly anticipated inaugural event will take place amidst the stunning scenery of Aspen and will feature four distinct runway shows. In addition to the main shows, there will also be various fashion pop-up events happening around Aspen, offering a chance to experience and engage with fashion in different settings.
When: Aug. 8, 4 p.m. Where: Aspen Meadows East Lawn: 1000 N 3rd St Aspen, CO Cost: $60+ The Lowdown:
When: Aug. 9, 5 p.m. Where: Aspen Meadows East Lawn: 1000 N 3rd St Aspen, CO Cost: $60+ The Lowdown:
The Aspen Fashion Week Global runway show will showcase a curated selection of top brands from both Aspen and around the globe. Set outside against Aspen’s stunning natural scenery, this inaugural event will gather leading figures in the fashion industry, including designers, influencers and enthusiasts.
When: Aug. 10, 5 p.m. Where: Aspen Meadows East Lawn: 1000 N 3rd St Aspen, CO Cost: $60+ The Lowdown:
When: July 30, 6 p.m. Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO Cost: $192+ The Lowdown:
When: July 31, 6 p.m. Where: Levitt Pavilion, 1380 W Florida Ave., Denver, CO Cost: Free The Lowdown:
The free Levitt Pavilion concert series continues with Robert Randolph and Erica Brown. Randolph is part of the gospel Family Band as the pedal steel guitarist. He collaborated with Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter and is now establishing his solo career with debut solo album Preacher Kids (2025).
When: Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO, Cost: $119+ The Lowdown:
When: Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m. Where: Empower Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St., Ste. 700, Denver, CO Cost: $67+ The Lowdown:
Colorado-based folk band The Lumineers are set off on The Automatic World Tour with a huge show at Mile High, following the release of 2025’s Automatic. Special guests Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Tom Odell are sure to make the evening extra special.
When: Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m. Where: The Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. Denver, CO Cost: $74+ The Lowdown:
The talented Regina Spektor returns to Colorado. Spektor released her first album, 11:11, in 2001. Since, the singer-songwriter, pianist has released seven more albums, including most recent Home, Before and After (2022).
When: July 30, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Where: Garage Sale Vintage, 1445 Larimer St. Suite A, Denver, CO Cost: Free The Lowdown:
When: July 31, 6 – 10 p.m. Where: McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St., Denver, CO Cost: $167.14 The Lowdown:
When: Aug. 1, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Where: Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden, CO Cost: $20 The Lowdown:
When: Aug. 2, 6 p.m. Where: Goldspot Brewing Company, 4970 Blvd., Denver, CO Cost: $87.21 The Lowdown:
When: Sundays, 1 – 4 p.m. Where: Local Jones, 249 Columbine St., Denver, CO Cost: Prices vary The Lowdown:
When: July 30, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Where: Comedy Works Downtown in Larimer Square, 1226 15th St., Denver, CO Cost: $15 The Lowdown:
When: Weekly Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Where: ViewHouse Eatery, Bar & Rooftop, 2015 Market St., Denver, CO Cost: Free The Lowdown:
This week, ViewHouse is screening Pitch Perfect for Chicks & Flicks. Fully enjoy viewing the film with Hawaiian-themed candle making from Painting with a Twist, snacking on a Charcuterie board and free popcorn and sipping on wine pairings. The remaining movie nights feature The Notebook, Legally Blonde and Bridesmaids.
When: Aug. 2, 9 – 10 a.m. Where: Levitt Pavilion, 1380 W. Florida Ave., Denver, CO Cost: Free The Lowdown:
When: Aug. 2 – 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Piney Creek Yarn, 15460 E. Orchard Rd., Centennial, CO Cost: Free The Lowdown:
Eight local yarn stores along the Front Range are teaming together for The Wild and Wooly Colorado Yarn Crawl to offer specials and crawl events. There will be trunk shows, dye classes and a coloring contest with a prize. Find more information here.
The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival may soon need a new home due to a host of environmental issues at Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver, where it takes place every year.But a potential move would hurt attendance, organizers said, at what they call both the largest dragon boat event in the country and the largest Asian Americans and Pacific Islander event in the Rocky Mountain region. The nonprofit festival draws 150,000 to 200,000 people each July ...
The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival may soon need a new home due to a host of environmental issues at Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver, where it takes place every year.
But a potential move would hurt attendance, organizers said, at what they call both the largest dragon boat event in the country and the largest Asian Americans and Pacific Islander event in the Rocky Mountain region. The nonprofit festival draws 150,000 to 200,000 people each July with its colorful races and cultural offerings.
“It would be devastating for us to have to move, because Sloan’s Lake is such the perfect location for it,” said festival executive director Sara Moore. “No matter what, Sloan’s Lake moving forward is going to need some help financially and support from the community.”
This year’s 25th annual event has already been punted from its regular July dates to Sept. 5-6 over health and safety concerns raised by Denver Parks & Recreation, which manages the park and issues permits for its use, and other organizations.
Those concerns include dead fish, increasingly warm and shallow water, blue algae blooms, and a lack of filtration from untreated runoff pouring into the 177-acre lake. In addition to the Dragon Boat Festival, the city has nixed other permits for events at Sloan’s Lake until early fall, said parks department spokeswoman Stephanie Figueroa.
But even with a multimillion-dollar cleanup project looming, the chances of using Sloan’s Lake for future Dragon Boat events look dim. The cleanup planning currently includes a $5 million funding request in the latest version of the proposed $950 million Vibrant Denver bond — down from an initial ask of $40 million.
The bond request received initial approval Monday from the Denver City Council, but more changes could be on the way before it can be put in front of voters this November.
Whatever the amount, the lake needs to be drained and dredged to increase depth and water quality, as well as adding filtration to the water that flows into the lake from various cities and districts, ranging from Lakewood and Wheat Ridge to unincorporated Jefferson County — all of which need to approve the project due to their individual rights to the water, said Kurt Weaver, executive director of the Sloan’s Lake Park Foundation.
“Even if we had all the money in the bank today, it would still be at least one-and-a-half to two years simply for permits and approvals,” Weaver said. “And we don’t have the money.”
Weaver has worked to connect stakeholders in the lake, such as the Sloan’s Lake Watershed Alliance, with visitors, caretakers and commercial and nonprofit users, he said. But while he’s busy identifying EPA and USDA loans, grants and other funding sources to shore up resources, he’s worried the calm surface of Sloan’s Lake conceals the depth of the crisis to most visitors.
As the third most-visited park in the city’s system (behind City Park and Washington Park), Denver Parks & Recreation does a great job of keeping the grass and other features tended, he said. But with an average depth of 3.5 feet, along with steadily rising sediment, the lake is actually in terrible health. So much so that the dragon boats may start scraping the bottom of Sloan’s Lake in the next couple of years.
“Certainly Dragon Boat is our largest customer, and having to move their dates this year was a contentious couple of months trying to figure out what that looks like,” Weaver said. “Nobody wants to be moved because they love their spot. But unfortunately, it’s not going to be their option here soon. If we don’t do something, they literally won’t be able to paddle around the lake.”
He said there are numerous reasons as to why moving the festival would be bad for Denver, including lost revenue from visitors who travel from all over the country to participate. Any town that nabs it would see a financial and cultural boost, he said.
“But when 5,000 fish turn up dead, people tend to notice,” he added, referring to the mass aquatic die-off last summer at Sloan’s Lake. In a single weekend in July 2024, that included at least 400 fish floating belly-up or washing up on shore, according to the city. Algae drains the lake of oxygen, and its shallowness prevents cold, safe pockets for marine life to shelter during high-temperature days in the summer.
“We’ve treated the lake in the past, but stormwater drainage keeps bringing more debris and sand,” Figueroa said. “You can imagine what that does after years and years.”
For her part, Dragon Boat Festival director Moore said she’s “actually getting a lot of positive feedback from people who are glad it’s going to September, because it’s going to be cooler.”
And while she’s looking forward to another banner year for the event, she has also begun searching for new locations — although she declined to provide specifics on where.
“It’s an impending doom that is coming faster than everybody thinks,” Weaver said about the lake. “There are 100 ways this thing is going to go poorly, so we have to start now.”
Update 4:45 p.m.: Another flash flood warning is active for Fremont County as thunderstorms have dropped at least an inch of rain and may drop another in the next hour, weather officials said.The flood warning includes Florence, Cañon City, Penrose and Royal Gorge.Update 3:42 p.m.: Three flash flood warnings have been issued for parts of El Paso County....
Update 4:45 p.m.: Another flash flood warning is active for Fremont County as thunderstorms have dropped at least an inch of rain and may drop another in the next hour, weather officials said.
The flood warning includes Florence, Cañon City, Penrose and Royal Gorge.
Update 3:42 p.m.: Three flash flood warnings have been issued for parts of El Paso County.
The warnings from the National Weather Service alert residents in the Colorado Springs, Broadmoor, Manitou Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, Black Forest, Falcon and Pikeview areas to be prepared to move immediately to higher ground and to avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
The warning for the Colorado Springs area is in effect until 6:15 p.m. and the warning for the Black Forest and Falcon area is in effect until 6:30 p.m. The warning for Palmer Lake and Monument ends at 6 p.m.
There is also a flash flood warning for Saguache County, near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, in effect until 6:15 p.m., and another for parts of the county near Crestone, in effect until 6 p.m.
Update 11:20 a.m.: Heavy rain may bring flooding and mudslides to parts of metro Denver and the Front Range on Wednesday, according to a flood threat bulletin issued by the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Parts of Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Weld, El Paso, Elbert, Teller, Park, Lincoln, Fremont, Pueblo, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero and Washington counties are under a high flood threat because they may get over 2 inches of rain per hour, state officials said.
“High rainfall rates may cause debris slides and mud flows over the steep terrain as well as excessive runoff,” forecasters said in the bulletin. “Other threats include ponding in low-lying areas, road flooding and rises on local creeks and stream.”
Most of the flooding risk will occur before 10 p.m.
Other communities are facing a moderate flood risk, including Jefferson, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Custer, Huerfano and Las Animas counties. Folks in those counties could see over an inch of rain per hour.
Original story: Rain showers and thunderstorms across Colorado on Wednesday could cause flash flooding, especially south of Denver, according to the National Weather Service.
The storms will start in Colorado’s mountains in the morning and spread across the Front Range and Eastern Plains through the afternoon, forecasters said.
Flooding is possible along the Palmer Divide and across the Eastern Plains, according to a hazardous weather outlook from the weather service.
Parts of Douglas, Lincoln, Elbert, El Paso, Las Animas, Pueblo and Teller counties will be under a flood watch, forecasters said Wednesday morning.
That flood watch, which starts at 1 p.m. Wednesday and has no listed end time, also includes Pikes Peak and multiple mountain ranges.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” forecasters state in the alert. “Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
Severe storms threaten to bring large hail more than 1 inch in diameter and damaging wind gusts of at least 50 mph, forecasters said in the hazardous weather outlook.
Rain in Denver is most likely after 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to the weather service.
Update 5:35 p.m.: Flash flooding is expected in the city of Pueblo and other parts of Pueblo County through Tuesday evening, forecasters said in a severe weather alert.Flash flooding is expected in creeks, streams, streets, highways and urban areas in Pueblo, weather officials said. Emergency officials have already reported ongoing flooding.Flash flooding is also expected near Boone, the Pueblo Depot and Avondale.Original story: Thunderstorms moving across Colorado’s Front Range an...
Update 5:35 p.m.: Flash flooding is expected in the city of Pueblo and other parts of Pueblo County through Tuesday evening, forecasters said in a severe weather alert.
Flash flooding is expected in creeks, streams, streets, highways and urban areas in Pueblo, weather officials said. Emergency officials have already reported ongoing flooding.
Flash flooding is also expected near Boone, the Pueblo Depot and Avondale.
Original story: Thunderstorms moving across Colorado’s Front Range and Eastern Plains could cause life-threatening flash flooding near the Oak Ridge fire burn scar, National Weather Service forecasters said Tuesday.
Heavy rain in east-central Custer County and western Pueblo County will cause flooding and mudslides, including severe debris flows across roads in and near Beulah, officials said.
“Life-threatening flooding of creeks, roads and normally dry arroyos is likely,” National Weather Service officials said. “The heavy rains will likely trigger rockslides, mudslides and debris flows in steep terrain, especially in and around these areas.”
No one should try to cross flooded roads and should climb to safety if encountering flooding, according to the alert. The flash flood warning is active until 8 p.m.
A second flash flood warning is also active for parts of Huerfano and Las Animas counties.
There is also an elevated flood risk across southwest metro Denver communities and beyond through Tuesday night, state officials said.
Sections of Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Teller and Lincoln counties are under a moderate flood threat through 10 p.m. Tuesday, with storms capable of dropping more than 2 inches of rain in an hour, according to the Colorado Flood Threat Bulletin.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Fire crews are still working to contain two wildfires that broke out near Durango on Saturday.The Elkhorn fire, northeast of Durango, grew in size, but the Rim Road fire, on the Southern Ute Reservation, did not grow and reached enough containment for officials to lift evacuation orders for that fire.Elkhorn fireThe Elkhorn fire burning grew more than 100 acres overnight, but is moving away from homes, fire officials sa...
Fire crews are still working to contain two wildfires that broke out near Durango on Saturday.
The Elkhorn fire, northeast of Durango, grew in size, but the Rim Road fire, on the Southern Ute Reservation, did not grow and reached enough containment for officials to lift evacuation orders for that fire.
The Elkhorn fire burning grew more than 100 acres overnight, but is moving away from homes, fire officials said Monday.
The fire, approximately 13 miles outside of Durango, grew to 314 acres since Sunday, when it was roughly 204 acres. The fire remains uncontained, but crews were working Sunday to establish containment lines to keep the blaze from moving west toward homes.
Fire officials have ordered no additional evacuations since Sunday afternoon. The mandatory evacuation area is bordered to the south by Stevens Creek and to the west by County Road 253, County Road 250 and the Animas River, according to the county’s evacuation map. The north and east sides of the evacuation zone extended into the San Juan National Forest.
At least 181 firefighters and four helicopters were set to work the fire on Monday. Firefighters on Sunday night identified some new spot fires in the Bear Creek drainage sparked by the blaze and worked to contain them.
The fire ignited Saturday afternoon and is burning in dense scrub oak, primarily in the San Juan National Forest east of U.S. 550. The vegetation in the area is extremely dry, making it more flammable, fire officials said Monday.
Residents can call 970-385-8700 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for updated evacuation information or view the current map online at readylaplata.org.
An evacuation shelter is open at Escalante Middle School in Durango.
Another fire burning in southwestern Colorado did not grow overnight and officials lifted evacuation notices.
The Rim Road fire on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation remained at 114 acres on Monday. Fire crews had established 25% containment of the blaze.
Officials at 1 p.m. Monday lifted evacuation notices for homes in the vicinity.
“Fire behavior has remained moderate, but crews remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any changes,” according to a news release Monday afternoon.
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