We are committed

At Juniper we are committed to nurturing the spirit of life in each individual we serve so that they may live fully throughout all seasons of life. To us this means understanding an individual, not only their needs but their desires and responding with programs and services which provide for the highest quality of life possible. Our Alive in All Seasons program of activities is designed to foster healthy bodies, enriched minds and fulfilled spirits. These pictures and stories are living proof that we at Juniper are dedicated to walking our talk!



Tuesday, January 26, 2016

The Juniper Spirit Award


Latasha “Tasha” Alexander 

Soars above all others.

Tasha embodies the values of compassion, attentiveness, and responsiveness, that we hold dear. Each and every day she demonstrates her competence and caring for everyone at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center. She embodies our mission by nurturing the spirit of life in each individual whose life she touches.

About Latasha Alexander

Tasha has been employed at The Spearly Center for six years! She initially began her career at The Spearly Center as a CNA, and was promoted to Social Worker and now serves as lead Social Worker for our community.

We admire Tasha’s intuitive and compassionate approach to all situations. She consistently demonstrates a willingness to provide assistance where needed and has the tenacity to resolve even the most complex issues that arise. Tasha makes everyone feel welcome with her friendly demeanor, amazing smile and quick wit. She possesses an innate ability to provide psychosocial services to all in need.

Tasha was born in Peoria, Illinois and was raised in Miami, Florida. When she is not at work, Tasha enjoys her five children, ages 16, 15, 9, 7 and 3 years of age. She has been married for 11 years and owns a mixed breed dog. She loves chicken and fried fish and used to be a track star. Tasha’s original inspiration for working in long term care came from caring for her grandmother who had Alzheimer’s disease. She also helped the elders at her church and knew from a young age that it was her calling to care for others. Tasha is advancing her education through current coursework in criminal justice.

Juniper Village- The Spearly Center is honored and proud to have Latasha Alexander as an integral team member.  

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

The Year 2015 Home Improvement Updates


We have had a busy year at The Spearly Center! Our team has been working hard all year to improve our resident community. These are just a few of our accomplishments.
2015 Improvements and Achievements...
  • New stylish dining room chairs throughout all dining areas in the facility.
  • Full implementation of the program Music & Memory program designed to bring personalized music into the lives of the physically & mentally handicapped through digital music technology, vastly improving quality of life.
  • New resident mobile banking program which promotes resident autonomy & financial independence.
  • New durable & attractive dressers & nightstands in resident rooms.
  • New uniform facility signage throughout facility including, but not limited to residents rooms, offices, common areas & units.
  • Current Administrator awarded “NHA of the Year” for the State of Colorado.
  • Creation of a gero-psych unit on the Pinon which serves the elderly behavioral residents offering a quiet, more secluded, less stimulating environment safe for residents experiencing memory loss & behavioral issues.
  • New comfortable relaxation chairs for the front lobby & foyer areas.
  • Acquisition of a new facility minivan to increase resident appointments & outings, improving the resident’s quality of life.
  • Facility award for “Best Nursing Home in Denver for 2015 ” by the Denver Business Journal.
  • Implementation of Connect 4 Life, Juniper Communities program which is long term care living’s first truly integrated model of care & service, emphasizing a richly active & engaged approach to health living & aging.
  • New “Rehabilitative Rhythms” music program to teach residents living with traumatic brain injury to play musical instruments of their choosing.
  • Implementation of “Skype” or “Face Time” communication programs for pre-admission screening  for potential new residents.
  • First time Spearly wedding! The happy couple were married at Spearly, enjoying a beautiful ceremony & reception.
  • Creation of designated space for new employee training & on-going education.
  • New stone walkway in front of the facility as well as other landscaping improvements.
  • Increased resident choice driven menu options including but not limited to hamburgers, fruit plates, raviolis, deli sandwiches, hot dogs & breakfast breads.
  • New installation of a stationary bicycle on the Spruce unit in the gentleman’s corner area.
  • Acquisition of upgraded medical & environmental equipment, including, but not limited to hot water heaters, mechanical lifts & specialty beds.
Coming in 2016….
  • Remodel of  main kitchen & dishwashing areas.
  • Remodel of outdoor area on Juniper & Pinon units.
  • Remodel of shower room & spa on Pinon unit.
  • New state of the art electronic door alarm system to promote community safety.
  • Remodel & implementation of a resident skills area with emphasis on resident cooking & return to community programs.
  • New cushioned chairs for common areas.