Tena is Making the Most of her New Residential Home

Life has thrown Tena Messinger some big curves in the last few years. Tena loved living in Cortez, Colorado, near the Four Corners. She enjoyed the beautiful landscapes and easy-to-reach vistas of the San Juan National Forest and Mesa Verde. Her mother lived close by, and she also had a close friendship with Lori Lanen. Life began to change almost imperceptibly for Tena as it became harder for her to get around. She began using a walker and eventually moved to a wheel chair. Doctors diagnosed a degenerative muscle condition, and Tena made steady incremental adjustments in her daily routines.

As her condition worsened, her mother’s health also declined. Tena’s mother, Virginia, died in 2003, leaving Tena with no other relatives in Cortez. Tena lived in residential care, but concerns about her health mounted after her mom’s death. Doctors wanted her to have better access to diagnostic equipment and therapies. Finally, Tena and her caregivers decided to make the move to Denver and to Colorado Solutions’ residential program.

“We wanted Tena to feel comfortable during such a big transition,” said Senior Placement Specialist Betty De Boer, “so we invited her friend Lori to come with her for the first week. The two women took in the sights of the city and shared adventures.” Tena settled into her new home with Lina, a host home provider who has a special ability to communicate with people who use few words. She and Tena connected easily. “Tena loves getting outside, and I often take her to a nearby park,” Lina said. “She loves going to Denver Botanic Gardens, so we make that a regular stop in good weather.”

Tena is comfortable in her new home and relishes the new experiences Denver has to offer. Rich Slacum, Tena’s residential specialist, has been pleased with how well Tena has handled the transition. “We thought she might have a harder time making the move, but she has enjoyed each phase,” Rich shared. “Now that Tena has had time to settle in, I’m pulling together information on day programs that might interest her.” With the big move behind her and new opportunities in her future, Tena has shown everyone that she is able to adjust to the changes life brings.

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Learn more about Colorado Solutions’ residential services.

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