Living History & Heartfelt Care

Nestled among the gentle slopes of Douglas County with panoramic views of the Colorado Rockies, Parker, CO is more than a scenic town — it’s a place where heritage meets heart. Known for its small-town charm and rich Western roots, Parker’s story mirrors the values that define BeeHive Homes of Parker: personal attention, strong community, and compassionate care.

From its days as a stagecoach stop to its current status as a family-focused town near the Rueter-Hess Reservoir, Parker is an ideal setting for those seeking meaningful connection and high-quality assisted living in Parker, CO.

A Look Back: The Founding of Parker

The foundation of Parker began in the 1860s when gold rush travelers followed the Cherokee Trail across Colorado. In 1864, Alfred Butters built a simple cabin and general store to serve them, known as the Pine Grove Way Station. This early hub gave rise to the town we now call Parker.

With the extension of the Denver and New Orleans Railroad in 1882, Parker flourished into a growing agricultural and commercial community. The town was renamed after James S. Parker, who helped bring the railroad to the area and became its postmaster.

Today, the town’s historic downtown district and landmarks like the 17 Mile House Farm Park stand as tributes to its pioneer spirit—a spirit that continues at places like BeeHive Homes, where each resident’s story is honored with dignity and care.

Parker’s Natural Beauty & Community Spirit

Surrounded by open space, trails, and scenic views, Parker boasts a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Local favorites like Rueter-Hess Reservoir offer outdoor recreation while maintaining a peaceful environment perfect for senior living.

This balance makes Parker an ideal place for seniors seeking a calm, yet connected lifestyle. Whether you’re watching the sunset over the mountains or enjoying a walk with visiting family, life at BeeHive Homes of Parker reflects the town’s deep sense of place.

BeeHive Homes: Where Elderly Care Feels Like Home

Our beautiful BeeHive Home in Parker Colorado at sunset

Located at 11765 Newlin Gulch Blvd, BeeHive Homes of Parker isn’t just another senior living option, it’s a warm, family-style residence built on the values that define Parker itself: community, trust, and care.

With only 16 private rooms, BeeHive offers a cozy environment where residents receive personalized support for activities of daily living (ADLs): including bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and mobility assistance.

Each room is thoughtfully designed for comfort and accessibility, and residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture, photos, and mementos to make it feel truly like home.

️ Dining, Activities & Daily Life That Feels Meaningful

Mealtimes at BeeHive are more than just nourishment... they’re gathering times, filled with conversation, warmth, and fresh, home-cooked meals. Whether it’s breakfast with mountain views or celebrating a birthday with loved ones, we create moments that matter.

Residents enjoy a wide range of senior living activities from games and crafts to music and fitness. This not only supports physical well-being but fosters social connection and emotional health, vital for aging with joy and purpose.

Serving More Than Just Parker

While located in Parker, BeeHive Homes proudly serves surrounding neighborhoods such as Auburn Hills, Stonegate, Meridian Village, Antelope Heights, and nearby communities like Castle Rock and Centennial. Whether you're looking for respite care Parker families trust or full-time elderly care Parker CO, our doors are open.

And thanks to our proximity to Children’s Lighthouse daycare and Lutheran High School, families of all ages feel right at home when visiting their loved ones.

️ Peace of Mind for Every Stage of Life

Our care model is flexible; residents can often remain with us through end-of-life, avoiding stressful transitions and giving families peace of mind. Our high staff-to-resident ratio ensures that each individual receives the attention, care, and respect they deserve.

We also offer respite care for family caregivers needing temporary support, including furnished rooms, full access to services, and short-term flexibility.

Discover the BeeHive Difference in Parker

BeeHive Homes of Parker stands as a modern extension of the town’s values: neighborliness, independence, and heartfelt care. We invite you to come and experience our community firsthand, where history lives on and every resident is treated like family.

Schedule a tour today at 11765 Newlin Gulch Blvd, Parker, CO
Call us at (303) 752-8700
Visit our website to learn more

Honoring Heroes: A Memorial Day Reflection

Memorial Day holds a sacred place in the hearts of our BeeHive Homes families across New Mexico. It's a time to pause in reflection and honor the brave souls who gave everything for the freedoms we cherish.

A Legacy That Lives On

Originally known as "Decoration Day," Memorial Day began after the Civil War as a time to honor Union soldiers by decorating their graves. Over time, its scope expanded to commemorate all American military personnel who died in service. The name "Memorial Day" became more common after World War II and was declared the official name by federal law in 1967 .

Sharing Stories from the Heart

Throughout Memorial Day week, our residents and staff come together to share powerful memories. A daughter remembers her father's quiet strength. A husband speaks of the brother he lost. These stories don’t just echo history—they bring it home. Around the table and in quiet corners, voices fill our homes with remembrance and pride.

Honoring Through Tradition

We celebrate Memorial Day through meaningful activities that bring residents and staff together. Patriotic crafts brighten our spaces. Special meals echo picnic-style favorites from years past. Residents help decorate with American flags, placing each one with intention and care. These simple traditions carry profound meaning.

A Moment of Unity

At 3 PM on Memorial Day, all BeeHive Homes observe the National Moment of Remembrance. We stand together in silence—honoring every life lost, every family forever changed. It's a moment of stillness, but also one of deep connection across generations and communities.

Gratitude in Every Detail

At BeeHive Homes, “home” means more than comfort. It’s where we preserve legacies, cherish stories, and hold gratitude at our core. On Memorial Day—and every day—we remember not just with words, but with the way we live, care, and love.

As we reflect this Memorial Day, may we carry forward not just the memory of our heroes, but the responsibility to live with gratitude, to care deeply, and to honor legacies in all we do.

Spring into Comfort

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Explore Assisted Living

As nature blooms with color and warmth, spring reminds us that every season brings new beginnings. For many families, this season of renewal is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and take those important next steps toward a brighter future—especially when it comes to caring for aging loved ones.

At BeeHive Homes, we believe that spring is the ideal time to explore assisted living in New Mexico. Here's why.


A Season of New Beginnings

Spring symbolizes hope, fresh starts, and positive change. If your family has been considering assisted living, this time of year offers a gentle transition—longer days, sunshine, and blossoming surroundings that naturally lift the spirit.

Moving into a senior care community during spring gives your loved one the chance to:


A Cozy, Homelike Setting

BeeHive Homes isn’t just another assisted living facility—it’s truly the next best place to home. With intimate, residential-style homes and compassionate caregivers available 24/7, our residents receive personalized care with dignity and respect.

Whether your loved one needs help with daily tasks, medication management, or just a little extra support, we provide it all in a warm, loving environment.


Personalized Care, Every Day

No two residents are the same, and we celebrate those differences. That’s why our care is tailored to the individual—fostering independence while offering the support they need to thrive. From homemade meals to engaging daily activities, BeeHive Homes makes each day meaningful.


Peace of Mind for Families ️

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. But at BeeHive Homes, we make everything else easy—clear pricing, a seamless admissions process, and a welcoming transition for your loved one. And for families, that means real peace of mind.


Spring is Calling—Will You Answer? ☀️

If you’ve been wondering when the right time is, this is it. Let this season of renewal be the fresh start your loved one deserves.

Schedule a spring tour at your nearest BeeHive location today and see why families across New Mexico trust us to care for the ones they love most.

Find Your Location & Schedule a Visit »

Compassion and Comfort Come Together

At BeeHive Homes, we believe that assisted living is more than just care—it’s about connection, community, and comfort. Every day, we witness the magic that happens when compassionate caregivers and vibrant residents come together in a homelike environment. From the joy of sharing stories around the dinner table to the reassurance of knowing someone is always there to help, BeeHive Homes is a place where life continues to be full of purpose and warmth.

A Place Where You Belong

Making the move to assisted living can feel overwhelming, but at BeeHive Homes, we make the transition easy. Our small, intimate communities ensure that every resident receives the personalized attention and care they deserve. Whether it’s a gentle reminder to take medication, a helping hand with daily activities, or just a friendly conversation over morning coffee, our team is here to make every day feel safe, comfortable, and fulfilling.

The Power of Compassionate Care

Our caregivers aren’t just staff—they’re family. They go beyond providing assistance; they build relationships, share laughter, and create meaningful moments with residents every single day. We know that kindness and empathy make all the difference in senior care, and it’s these qualities that have helped many of our BeeHive Homes locations earn awards for excellence in care.

A Life Well-Lived, Every Day

A fulfilling life doesn’t stop with age—it evolves. Our residents continue to find joy in friendships, take part in fun activities, and enjoy the simple comforts of home-cooked meals. From bingo nights and community gatherings to relaxing afternoons in cozy common spaces, we make sure that life at BeeHive Homes is always engaging, enriching, and full of heart.

See the Difference for Yourself

If you or a loved one is considering assisted living, memory care, or respite care, we invite you to experience the warmth of BeeHive Homes firsthand. Schedule a tour today and see why so many families trust us as the next best place to home.

Because at BeeHive Homes, care isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

Hydration for the Elderly

The summer months are upon us!  And staying cool and well hydrated become top of mind especially for those in the Southwest.  In recent years fitness gurus have been touting how important hydration is for our health.  Water bottles are now common place.  You’ve probably even seen water bottles for sale in stores or on the internet that have times of the day listed on the side so that you’re sure to drink a certain amount of water throughout the day.  This helps to maintain proper fluid levels in your body for optimum health.  Few people, however, realize that it is even more important for elderly people to remain well hydrated.

Why is it more important for the aging population? There are many factors that contribute to dehydration in the elderly, and we’ll just cover a few of the major ones.  First, water levels in the human body decrease as we age.  There is naturally less water in us as we grow older, and we need to be replenished with water more often.  Secondly, certain medications may cause dehydration.  While medications can help with a number of ailments, many of them also have dehydration as a side effect.  Check with your doctor if this is something that you should be aware of so that you can be proactive in combatting a potential problem of dehydration.  Finally, as we age, our kidneys are often not able to function as well as they did when we were younger.  This is just a natural part of growing older, but it does contribute to dehydration.  Staying well hydrated will help our kidneys function.

What can we do to stay hydrated sufficiently?

  1. Find ways to increase water intake. Set goals for yourself to drink a bit more water several times a day.  The average person needs between seven to thirteen cups of water a day.  That is a lot of water to drink for many people.  Large quantities on an empty stomach can cause nausea, but try taking it in smaller doses several times a day and you might find it easier on your body.   If you do not like tap water, try filtered water.  If you need to, add some fruit into it for flavoring.  Lemon or lime sliced and steeped in water with a few mint leaves can make a refreshingly nice infusion.  If you prefer hot drinks, try hot lemon water.
  2. Herbal teas. If you prefer even more flavor, you can increase your water intake without the side effects of caffeine by making herbal teas.  There are so many options to choose from you will for sure be able to find something that you enjoy.  Replacing soda (pop) or other sugary drinks with an herbal tea or fruit infused water will help you stay hydrated and lower your sugar consumption.
  3. Eat fruit and vegetables. Both fresh fruit and fresh veggies have good amounts of water in them that will help contribute to your hydration.  They also have the added benefit of adding fiber to your diet.  Pay attention, of course, if you are a diabetic as some fruits (due to high sugar content) may cause issues with your blood sugars.
  4. Stay out of intense heat. Because it is so easy for an older individual to become dehydrated without noticing, it’s best to stay out of very hot environments whenever possible.  If you do need to be outside in the heat, make sure that you wear hats that block the sun, stay in the shade and bring along a water bottle to drink.  Force yourself to drink water even if you do not feel thirsty.
  5. Eat soups and stews.  Soups can be eaten hot or cold, depending on preference.  Broths can be sipped throughout the hour in the same way that you would sip tea, and if can increase mineral intake if prepared properly.  Soups and stews are a tasty way to increase our hydration levels - just be careful of adding too much salt!

You may be surprised as you maintain healthy hydration levels at how many ailments are alleviated!  There can be corrections in blood pressure, headaches may go away, dizziness may cease, infections may be flushed out of your system and energy levels may improve.  It is certainly not a “cure-all” remedy, but sometimes the small and overlooked simple things in life can have long reaching implications.  So, start now!  Go and drink a glass of water (or eight) for your health!

Fitness For Our Golden Years

Are you staying active as you age?  Being physically fit is emphasized as important all throughout our formative years. Schools generally have Physical Education (PE) courses, colleges have gyms and sports teams, women and men of child-bearing age are encouraged to be active and have gym memberships. Much is said about how exercise will make one feel healthier, happier and improve the quality of life. But what about in later years of life? Not much is said about physical fitness in the golden years. Physical fitness has a positive impact on people both physically and mentally. Let's discuss the physical impact first. (more…)

Security Issues for Seniors

This day and age, the news is ripe with all types of frightening scenarios.  Assaults, breaking and entering, & identity theft are among the top concerns of people living throughout our nation today.  As we age, it can become even more frightening.  Generally speaking, we have less ability to fight back physically & may have less of an understanding of all the rapidly changing technology.  Below, I’ll give you a few things to begin thinking about with regards to security in & away from home & online.

Inside your home.  Prioritize this area of security first since it is closest to your person.  Begin with household security.  Check locks on doors & windows.  Consider installing an extra chain or deadbolt on doors.  Be sure that you check your basement & attic windows to be sure that their secure.  Install lights around the perimeter of your yard & outbuildings.  Well-lit areas deter people with ill intent.  Inside of your house, be sure you have emergency numbers on speed dial on both your landline and your cell phone.  If you are able to install a security system, it may give you peace of mind, but oftentimes in smaller towns, a friendly relationship with your neighbors is a much simpler & better solution to security.  You watch out for them, & they’ll watch out for you.  If you plan to leave for a while, alert a trusted neighbor so they can keep an eye on your place.  Also invest in a couple of light timers.  Put them on different lamps in your home or on a radio in a room you use often so that they’ll go on in the evening & deter thieves.

Away from home.  If you are travelling to heavily populated areas, there are a few things that you can do to keep yourself safe.  First off, remember to keep your car doors locked unless you feel secure in your surroundings.  Survey the area before you get out of the vehicle & only then should you get out.  When you come back to your vehicle survey the area again.  You needn’t be afraid, just use your good sense.  If something doesn’t seem right, be aware.  Women traveling with purses be cautious in larger crowds.  Keep your purse close to your person, & try wrapping the strap around your wrist.  Inside of your purse, you may consider taking pepper spray with you, although if you are robbed, chances are that you’ll never have a chance to use it.  In the event of a mugging, it’s a much safer option to just hand over you purse or wallet and get to a phone to call 911 as quickly as you can.

Online security begins with setting up your accounts.  Any new account that you set up should begin with a strong password. It should include symbols, numbers & letters. Do not use the same password for every account.  You can keep a notebook to track passwords online.  You should also change the password periodically.  Next, look into the settings for the account that you’re setting up.  You can often choose who can see the things that you post on your account, who cannot see it, & what you’d like to be notified of.  If you have all of those areas covered you should have very little trouble with your online accounts.  If you do banking & bill paying online, the settings & notifications are very important.  The bank will notify you based upon the options that you choose.  If there is anything fishy, they will call the number that you put into the account for emergencies & questions.

The purpose of this article is not to scare or coerce, but simply to point out a few areas that require little effort that could have a big impact on your security.  The most important skill to hone is simply awareness.  If you are aware of what is going on around you, you can often prevent anything harmful. 

 

Children & Aging

Have you ever noticed how the light begins to come back into the eyes of an elderly person when a child enters the room?  Actually the light tends to come back into the eyes of a person of almost any age when a child enters (unless, of course, the child is behaving disrespectfully).  There is an unidentifiable quality about children that can bring life, freshness and joy to the coldest of hearts, or those hearts that have nearly given up.  In America, it is quite common to segregate different age groups.  We tend to make sure that the elderly are shut away from the noise & annoyance of “normal life”. Those in their working years are closed into offices or various jobs.  In school, each age group is educated alongside their peers with age being the primary consideration.  But what if we discover that there are other ways of doing things that can greatly benefit all involved?

There is a new movement in some countries to combine nursing or aging homes with day care facilities or pre-school classroom areas.  Science is beginning to recognize that the complete & total separation of the ages is not always as beneficial as was once thought.  These arrangements do not only benefit the elderly, but let's look at some of the benefits to them to start the conversation.  Some of the noted benefits are a new interest & involvement in daily life activities when seniors are involved with children throughout the day. They are encouraged, by the children & in a non-intrusive way, to engage with their surroundings & enter conversations.  There is also an increase in physical action. Whether it's throwing a soft ball back & forth, or holding the handle of a jump rope, they can still be a part of the physical activities going on around them without being in danger of being hurt.  Their interactions with children also offer them unconditional love, since children are naturally accepting of others who are different from them, unless they've been taught otherwise.

Benefits to the children include learning how to behave with people who have physical limitations that might cause them to get hurt, learning of respect & also learning about how life used to be.  These things also, inadvertently, benefit the elderly, too.  If they feel as if they can benefit the children & society through character building lessons, life stories & care that they show to the children, it can give them a tremendous sense of purpose.

It may not be possible to incorporate an official facility that involves children in the lives of those in elder care, but there are things that can benefit them greatly that we can all do.

 

It doesn't take much to involve children in the lives of the aging people we love, but it does require intentionality.  Quality of life often happens when we're in situations that are out of the ordinary for us, but can bring about genuine growth.  When all ages can benefit from interactions like this, why would we rob anyone of the growth that can occur?  Be a facilitator for that kind of growth in your community & see all of the good that will come from it!    

 

Nature and Dementia

All of us have probably experienced the benefits of nature at one time in our lives or another.  The calming sound of waves on the beach, the gentle rain on a roof or the canopy of the forest, or even the calm breeze through the pines can knock our anxiety levels down a few notches.  What few people realize, however, is that there is genuine scientific evidence that reveals that which we’ve all experienced…nature is good for us!  It’s even better for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

It is so good for us, in fact, that in Finland regular doses of nature incorporated in their governmental health policy.  They may prescribe a walk in a natural area as treatment for anxiety, alcoholism, attention problems or depression.   But Finland is not alone as a country finding ways to combat the ailments of our century.  South Korea, Canada & the US are all studying nature’s effects on the human psyche.  Many questions are being answered as scientists delve into these areas of study, but it is mostly confirming what we all seem to know intuitively.  Nature is good for us.  It calms us down & helps us become more thoughtful.

Because Dementia & Alzheimer’s can be diseases that have some social stigmas attached to them, the diseases themselves are often accompanied with extreme depression or anxiety.  Regular outings into nature are incredibly helpful for those suffering from any of these diagnoses.  When you’re in nature, none of those things matter so much.  You can find a beautiful caterpillar, for instance, and be allowed time to pay attention to the exquisite detail of something that is currently in front of you without needing to remember its relationship to everything else in your world.  You can watch it for a long period of time without needing to rush.  You can remain calm & it will not judge your actions.  You are given time to think, to wonder & to be amazed.  You are given the freedom to be you. 

Of course, it is prudent to have someone along with you on your trips into nature.  We are not advocating that patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s wander in the woods alone as treatment.  But, as often as possible help those you care about to experience nature in meaningful ways.  Perhaps they’d like to bring along drawing supplies, or a camera for the outings.  Meaningful occupations that will bring attention & mindfulness are never amiss with patients & loved ones that struggle with these diseases.  It will likely improve their (and your) quality of life for years to come!

 

 

Combating Loneliness In The Golden Years

Loneliness is a very real problem for people of all ages, but it seems to prey greatly on those of advancing years.  It can cause all kinds of issues, from undue stress, to depression & feelings of worthlessness.  While all of us naturally will have times in our lives that are more lonely than others, we need not just go with the flow if the time period is becoming extended.  There are things we can do to fight it off & lighten the heaviness created by it.

First, evaluate the changes that have occurred in your life to make you feel this way.  Has there been a death of a loved one?  Have several friends moved to other places like nursing homes or #assisted living facilities?  Are there family and friends that are struggling with their health & are no longer able to go out and about like they used to?  Are you struggling with your health?  It's important to think through all of the many changes so that you understand why you are justifiably struggling during this time.  Every major change in life brings about stress, & big changes such as these will take time to heal & require thought to develop a plan for how life will continue best after having fought through them.

Second, find your strengths.  Are you naturally a gathering person?  What I mean by this is do you like to gather people together for functions or even just to have them come to your kitchen for a cup of coffee and conversation?  If you are, start small, but make a couple of calls to people you feel may be likely to accept your invitation.

Third, consider starting new traditions. I know of someone who gathers her aunt & cousin together on the same date every year to celebrate their birthdays which all fall in the same month. They look forward to the conversation & time with people that they otherwise do not see on a regular basis, even though they live within 1 hour of each other.  If you have cousins, nephews & nieces, friends, children or grandchildren that you don't see often, consider organizing an occasion to visit together. It does not have to be a large gathering, though it could be, if you desire to put in a lot of effort.

Consider getting a pet if your living situation allows for it.  Something about a dog or cat, or even a bird, makes humans feel less alone.  It's nice to have someone to talk to as we bustle about our day.  Someone that shows affection to us on the days when we see nary a soul.  Someone to care for & that cares that we've gotten up to greet the day with them.

Observe nature.  Watching the birds that come to your feeders & having a book on hand can help to combat loneliness.  Knowing that there is a world of quiet solitude that is also full of life can help us as we enter this stage of life.  Taking walks & identifying the trees we see along the paths, or the flowers & plants will make you feel as though your are coming to meet new friends & watch how they progress throughout the year.  Even indoor plants can have this affect as we wait for the blossoming times & take cuttings to form new plants to offer to family and friends.  Field guides are incredibly helpful in all these areas to become truly familiar with the things that you find.  You may be surprised at what you locate that you've never noticed before.

Join clubs, guilds or community organizations.  There are as many clubs, guilds and organizations out there as there are hobbies & interests.  If you cannot find them in person, you may be able to find them online & be able to chat with people with similar interests in forums.  If you are fortunate to find a quilting guild, for instance, near you, make it a point to attend meetings & offer any help that you're able to give.  Several communities have senior centers to get involved in.  Other communities have home economics groups that meet.  Nearly every community has community education courses that one could take if they were interested in any of the courses offered.  These are several ways in which to reach out to the broader community and meet people with whom you do not otherwise interact.  Maybe you'll make a steadfast friend, or at the very least, you'll pass the time in a productive manner & learn new skills.  Either way, the time was not wasted!

Consider music.  Whether it's playing an instrument, singing or simply listening to & learning music, this can be a very worthwhile aid in combating loneliness.  Music has the ability to change emotion.  It can lighten our darker moods or dampen our light moods.  If you have a talent with an instrument, consider passing that on to a student or two.  I knew an older woman of 92 who was still giving lessons to a couple of children a week, even though she had early stages of #dementia.  She may not have had the lessons laid out consecutively each week, but the students were still learning & growing, not just from the piano that she taught, but also greater lessons about what it means to care for someone going through the frightening changes of old age.  If you do not know how to play an instrument, simply play music.  It does not matter the genre.  Try to listen to a number of works by a certain composer.  See if you can identify their songs by only hearing them, even if you do not see who wrote it.  Try listening to music from different generations & get a feel for the music that stirred them.  Then bring it up in conversation when you meet someone from that generation.  They may be very surprised that you know the groups that were popular, and it may be an opening into more meaningful conversations.

Lastly, do not feel alone in your loneliness.  This may sound ridiculous, but sometimes simply knowing that this is a common thing for all of us to face helps a great deal.  We're all learning and growing through this process, just as we have through all the other challenges we've faced in life.  Let's face it with strength and a little ingenuity.  We'll get through it just fine!