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Who we are

Area Agencies on Aging are national organizations funded through federal and state dollars and authorized under the Older Americans Act. We serve people 60+ and their caregivers in the six Colorado counties of Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel. All services are provided on a donation basis.

What we do

We provide services and connect the communities we serve with support and resources that promote aging with independence and dignity. Services are provided by contracted agencies and through vendor agreements with organizations that are vetted by Region 10’s Area Agency on Aging. These services can include, transportation, nutrition programs like congregate meals or home delivered meals, in home services, caregiver support, health promotion, legal services, material aid and volunteer opportunities.

Aging and Disability Resources of Colorado (ADRC)

The Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) helps consumers make educated decisions about available resources and assists with planning that promotes independence and quality of life. ADRC is an area partnership of over 40 organizations designed to provide easy access to supports and services for disabled adults 60 years and older. Counselors are available throughout Region 10’s six-county service area.

VIEW THE RESOURCE GUIDE
MORE ABOUT ADRC

Services include:

Information, application, and referral assistance

Benefits counseling

Long term planning and follow up

Long-Term Care Advocates | Ombudsman

Region 10’s Long Term Care Ombudsman (Senior Advocates) work to resolve problems individual residents of care centers face. They are trained advocates who protect and promote the rights and quality of live for people who reside in nursing homes, assisted living residences, and similar licenses long-term care facilities. These advocates effect change at the local, state, and national levels to improve the quality of care.

MORE ABOUT LONG TERM CARE ADVOCATES

In addition to investigating and resolving complaints, their responsibilities include:

Educating about resident rights, good care practices, and about long-term services and supports. Ensuring resident have regular and timely access to Ombudsman services.

Providing technical support for the development of resident and family councils.

Advocating for changes to improve residents’ quality of life and care.

Providing information to the public regarding facilities and services, residents’ rights and legislative and policy issues.

Represent resident interests before governmental agencies.

Seek legal, administrative and other remedies to protect residents.

In-Home Services | Options Counseling

Through the Options Counseling and Case Management programs, Area Agency on Aging case managers provide intensive, short-term, services for eligible people 60 and older, or 18 and older with a disability and their caregivers. They work with individuals to determine their wishes and needs, create a plan for the future, then help them access resources, information and services to stay as safe and independent as possible.

Options counselors can explain the various things to consider as clients age and provide advocacy, guidance and direction to support decision-making processes in long-term care planning. Each county has a designated Options Counselor, and you will be referred to the options counselor for your county of residence. We have found that clients a more in-depth, in-person or phone explanations of the available service options and how to access these services.

A comprehensive needs assessment will be performed by the Options Counselor upon the referral of need of services. We will reassess client’s needs at six months (or earlier if their needs have changed). Due to availability of funding a waitlist for services may exist.

COUNTY OPTIONS COUNSELORS

Services include:

Homemaker

Assistance for older adults who are having difficulty with two or more Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as meal preparation, shopping, light housework, money management, or using the telephone.

Personal Care

Assistance for individuals who need help with bathing, dressing, walking, eating, and other personal care activities.

Homecare Agencies Unskilled Care

Non-Medical homemaking, personal care, respite, caregiver support, do not need a physician’s order, does not need to be homebound, not covered by Medicare – ever.

RSVP – Retired Senior Volunteer Program

Are you interested in serving your community in a way that suits your schedule, skills, and interests? Serve as an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer in our RSVP program. The AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program pairs thousands of Americans aged 55 and older with organizations making change in communities across the country. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who serve in our RSVP program choose how where and when they want to serve with commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week.

MORE ABOUT RSVP

Volunteer qualifications and benefits:

Volunteers are 55 years and older

Commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week

Forge new relationships with people in your community

Receive additional insurance while you are volunteering

Experience better physical and mental health

Senior Companion Program

Senior Companions assist adults 60 and older who may be homebound, frail, socially isolated, or in need of some friendly support. Our Senior Companions are active adults, 55 and over, who are paired with clients in need of support. Companions also provide respite for caregivers. Companions serve on a scheduled basis of 3-30 hours per week and may qualify for an hourly stipend, mileage reimbursement, paid time off, and accident and liability insurance.  

MORE ABOUT SENIOR COMPANIONS

Companion qualifications:

Companions are 55 years or older

Companions serve 3-30 hours/week

Caregivers

Region 10’s Caregiver Support Program provides caregiver education, respite care, and connections to area support groups. Family members 55+, with primary custody of children under age 18, may qualify for grandparent support programs.

COLORADO RESPITE COALITION

Support for Caregivers includes:

Respite & Support Groups

Financial Assistance

Sponsored Trainings

Resources & Information

State Health Insurance Assistance Program | Medicare Counseling

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers local, personalized counseling, and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Region 10’s SHIP counselors can also help answer your Medicare questions, including benefits, coverage, premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance, as well as joining or leaving a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), any other Medicare health plan, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).

SHIP State Health Insurance and Assistance Program Logo

Certified Medicare Counselors provide:

Medicare benefits education and counseling

Medicare fraud assistance

Unbiased, free assistance to help Medicare consumers save money and have appropriate healthcare insurance

One-on-one assistance reviewing health or prescription drug plan options during Medicare's Annual Election Period (Open Enrollment)

Contact our Certified Medicare Counselors directly at (970)765-3129

Legal Aid

Civil legal assistance and referrals to senior (60+) residents

Simple wills, advance directives, landlord disputes, and non-criminal issues.

Colorado Legal Services

Grand Junction (Delta, Garfield, Montrose)
422 White Avenue, Suite 300, Grand Junction 81501
970-243-7940

 

Durango (Hinsdale, Ouray, San Miguel)
835 East 2nd Avenue, #300, Durango 81301
970-247-0266 or 1-888-298-8483
Office hours: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Exceptions: closed temporarily when all staff are in court or meetings.

Visit CO Legal Services

Elder Abuse Resources

We assist with elder abuse prevention through educational events, community outreach, and help for individuals. Legal aid is also a service provided to assist older adults. Please contact us for referrals.

Services Include:

Community Education

Long Term Care Ombudsman

Advocacy

Fraud assistance

Vision, Dental, Hearing & Home Modifications

We don’t pay for exams but we may be able to help you with the cost of devices like hearing aids or glasses. We have some amazing resources.

Material aid can include:

Possible discounts on medical devices

Grab Bars, Railings, Wheelchair Ramps