The Denver Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging provides a variety of services, resources and referrals for older adults, adults with disabilities, and their families and caregivers. The Area Agency on Aging provides useful information, referral and assistance services, options counseling, case management and ombudsman services to residents of assisted living facilities and skilled nursing homes, and long-term care participants in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Its services are provided at no cost through Older Americans Act funding.
All are encouraged to use Area Agency on Aging services, but its staff put extra effort into reaching those who live in rural areas, are socially isolated or have low incomes. The agency also contracts with over 40 organizations and businesses to meet the diverse needs of older adults.
With the right resources and support, most older adults can age independently in the Denver region. The Denver Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging helps older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and families in eight Colorado counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin and Jefferson, the City and County of Broomfield, and the City and County of Denver.
Dedicated to making sure older adults have the resources they need to age independently; the Area Agency on Aging provides comprehensive resources and assistance for people living in the Denver metro area. The Area Agency on Aging helps aging adults remain in their homes or maintain their quality of life in long-term care facilities.
Area Agency on Agency Services include:
Information and Assistance: Community resource specialists provide information and assistance by phone and email to older adults, people with disabilities and their families. Assistance includes referrals to local service providers, guidance and tips for accessing services. Consistent with the priorities outlined in its Area Plan on Aging, the Denver Regional Council of Governments also funds community services for residents age 60 and older.
Call 303-480-6700 or email AreaAgencyonAging@drcog.org.
Options Counseling: Available for older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers, options counseling begins with an in-person interview and a strengths assessment. Counselors explore individualized options and resources for long-term services; provide decision-making support; establish an action plan; and ensure access to relevant services.
Call 303-480-6700.
Case Management: The Area Agency on Aging provides intensive short-term case management services for people aged 60 and older, including a comprehensive needs assessment to help develop a care plan. Case managers can also coordinate and monitor services.
Call 303-480-6704.
Elder Refugee Program: In partnership with the Colorado Refugee Service Program, the Area Agency on Aging Elder Refugee Program helps older adult refugees in the Denver region decrease their social isolation, increase integration experiences, and build community connections. Participation in the Elder Refugee Program improves participants’ health, nutrition, and wellness. The Elder Refugee Program partners with the Aurora Center for Active Adults and other recreation centers.
Call 303-480-6786.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Protecting the rights of nursing home and assisted living residents, long-term care ombudsmen investigate complaints and help facility staff solve or mediate problems. Ombudsmen provide information on long-term care communities and resident rights, helping older adults select care communities appropriate for their needs.
Call 303-480-6734.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Ombudsman Program: As advocates for older adults in programs beyond long-term care facilities, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly ombudsmen help resolve care, health or safety issues and ensure older adults’ rights. Ombudsmen can resolve complaints related to quality-of-care issues (such as an older adult’s preferred time to receive care), abuse and neglect.
Call 303-480-6734.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program: Providing Medicare beneficiaries in Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson counties with information, counseling and enrollment assistance, counselors provide free in-depth, one-on-one assistance with Medicare (and supplemental insurance policies) to beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselors also help eligible people obtain financial assistance.
Call 303-480-6835.
Community Options Program: Options counselors help eligible long-term residents of skilled nursing facilities discover their community living opportunities, provide information and support decision-making toward moving back into the community if it is the right option.
Call 303-480-6838.
Senior Medicare Patrol: The Area Agency on Aging Senior Medicare Patrol provides education and counseling for Medicare recipients on how to protect against, detect and report suspected Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Certified counselors advise beneficiaries on protecting their Medicare benefits and detecting irregularities on Medicare Summary Notices. Counselors conduct Medicare fraud prevention classes for groups and providers. Counselors can also help individuals with Medicare billing errors or charges for services they did not receive, or who want to report suspected Medicare fraud.
Call 303-480-6835.
Veteran-Directed Care: Veterans of all ages can live independently in their homes and communities — Veteran-Directed Care helps make it easier. Area Agency on Aging case managers serve as the veteran’s primary source of support and provide help for veterans who are isolated or whose caregiver is overburdened. Case managers help veterans obtain services that allow them to live safely at home, including bathing, getting dressed, preparing meals and managing medications. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines eligibility for care.
Call 303-480-6755.
Denver Regional Accountable Health Community: Collaborating with five clinical partners, Denver Regional Accountable Health Community staff assess clients’ health-related social needs regarding living situation, transportation, food, utilities, and safety. Older adults are eligible for navigation services through the Denver Regional Accountable Health Community if they have at least one of these social needs and have had at least two emergency room visits in the past 12 months. If they have needs in four or more areas, older adults are eligible for referral to Denver Regional Council of Governments community resource navigators for more extensive assistance. Resource navigators connect older adults with the community-based services that will best address their needs.
Email ACH@drcog.org.
Network of Care: A comprehensive web directory with easy-to-use community service listings, Network of Care covers more than 40,000 health topics.
