AAA Internal Services

Adult Protective Services (APS) receives reports of mistreatment committed against at-risk adults, conducts investigations into the allegations, and implements services to reduce and prevent further mistreatment.

Who Are At-Risk Adults?

At-risk adults are defined as persons age 18 or older who are susceptible to mistreatment or self-neglect because the adult is unable to perform or obtain services necessary for his or her health, safety or welfare or because they lack sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning their person or affairs.

Report Abuse:

The Screening Department is responsible for taking reports of alleged at-risk adult abuse and neglect, as well as allegations of child abuse and neglect. 

All reports made to the Department are confidential including the name of the party who reports the alleged abuse or neglect. Colorado Law protects people from liability if they make a report in good faith.

IF YOU FEEL THAT SOMEONE IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER
PLEASE CALL 911

TO FILE A REPORT OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT:
Weld County Adult Protection Hotline (970) 400–6700
or online

Weld County Adult Protection Referral Form

Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado provides a coordinated access point to long-term services and supports. ADRC empowers and assists older adults, adults with a disability and their caregivers to navigate health and long-term care options by providing options counseling in a person-centered manner. ADRC serves adults 60 years of age and older, adults 18+ with a need for long-term services and supports (LTSS), their caregivers and veterans of any age. ADRC provides streamlined access to available LTSS and counseling to help the older adults and adults with a disability in Colorado receive the services they need to remain independent in the community.

Eligibility: 

Weld County adults 60 years of age and older, adults 18+ with a need for long term services and supports (LTSS), their caregivers and veterans of any age.

Areas of Service

Information, Referral and Awareness
Provides information and referrals to help empower individuals to navigate area resources, including:

• Caregiver support
• Employment
• Housing assistance
• Legal assistance
• Long-term care facilities
• Medicaid/Medicare
• Senior centers
• Social Security
• Transportation
• Veterans Services
• And many others

Options Counseling and Assistance

A person-centered approach to help individuals understand the benefits and limitations of long-term services and support options, to provide information to access these resources, and to empower choices that reflect unique needs, values and circumstances.

The ADRC counselor will:

• Conduct an interview and assessment of needs
• Explore individualized options and resources
• Assist in decision support
• Assist in accessing services
• Assist in action planning
• Follow up to assure service delivery and quality of care

Person-Centered Transition Support

We meet with individuals who qualify for Medicaid and are considering moving out of a nursing home to return living in the community. We conduct an interview with the individual and explain the process of working with the Transition Coordination Agency (TCA) to find housing and support options to successfully be independent and, if interested, make referrals to the TCAs.

Partnerships

ADRC has an advisory council that includes consumers, stakeholders and community partnerships.

History of ADRC

The Aging and Disability Resource Center program is a collaborative effort of the Administration on Aging (AoA), the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Veterans Administration (VA). In 2005, the CO Department of Human Services obtained a federal grant to design and start the implementation process of Aging and Disability Resource Centers, creating Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado.

If you or a loved one would like information on long-term care support and resource options, please contact us. (970) 400-6952 or email AAAinfo@weld.gov. 

The Chore Service Program provides funds to seniors for chore services which they are unable to do themselves. The program is designed to help maintain independence by increasing the safety of individuals living at home.

Eligibility

• Must be 60 years old or older.
• Must be a Weld County resident.
• Must complete an assessment to demonstrate inability to perform chore services.

How it Works

After approval into the program, participants must hire their own provider (who cannot be a family member) to complete chore services. Participants pay the provider for services rendered and are reimbursed by the program up to the approved voucher amount.

Services

Services may include but are not limited to the following:

• Cleaning appliances, including defrosting and cleaning refrigerators, deep cleaning ovens, etc.
• Cleaning and securing carpet and rugs • Cleaning and waxing wood or walls
• Washing windows or walls
• Moving or rearranging furniture to provide safe entry and mobility
• Cleaning attics, basements, porches and outbuildings to remove fire and health hazards
• Grass cutting or leaf raking
• Clearing walkways of ice, snow and leaves
• Trimming overhanging tree branches
• Other services may be approved as needed

Benefits of Aging in Place

Research shows that most older adults want to live in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Aging at home brings with it many benefits, both to older adults and the communities in which they live, and can contribute to a higher quality of life. A longtime home is a place of comfort and memories and can be a source of connections to family members, neighbors, friends, places of worship, community groups, familiar shops and health providers.

Why Chore Service Matters

By helping with minor tasks around the home to meet the needs of the older adults who live in them, it helps support independent living, caregiving and the prevention of falls. It is cost-effective to help someone in their home and reduces the potential need of additional support services.

For more information, please call (970) 400-6133.

By the Numbers

• According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, 87 percent of adults age 65 years old and older want to stay in their current home and community as they age.
• By 2030, one out of every five people in the U.S. will be 65 years old or older.
• Older adults who stay in their own homes are likely to need help at some point with household chores.
• According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, as much as 77 percent of emergency room visits can be associated with falls involving consumer products such as ladders and yard and garden equipment.
• The injury rate associated with chore services in people age 65 years old and older is consistently higher than any other age group.

The Dental, Vision, and Hearing Program provides financial assistance for the eligible 60+ population of Weld County who is in need of dental, vision and/or hearing services, or has a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses. Due to funding limitations, the financial assistance received may not cover the full cost of the requested services. Any amount expended over the award is the responsibility of the recipient. Funding sources may include both state and grant monies. Any dental, vision or hearing costs already incurred or paid for will not be covered by the program.

Eligibility

• Must be 60 years of age or older
• Must be a Weld County resident

Covered Services

• Exams
• Extractions
• Dentures
• Eyeglass frames
• Eyeglass lenses
• Hearing aids
• Other items may be covered on a case-by-case basis

Providers

Prior approval must be obtained before services are performed. Approved applicants may obtain services by the provider of their choice. An established list of providers is available to recipients upon request.

Visually Impaired Program

The Visually Impaired program provides financial assistance and support to access assistive devices such as, but not limited to, personal magnifiers, talking watches or clocks, and other devices.

Eligibility for the Visually Impaired Program

• Must be 60 years old or older
• Must be a Weld County resident
• Visual impairment that is not correctable with glasses

Why is Dental, Vision and Hearing Health Important?

As we age, parts of the body—teeth, eyes and ears, for example—need more preventative and routine care. Visiting a doctor on a routine basis may help identify potential problems with your dental, vision or hearing.

Oral health problems can cause pain and suffering as well as difficulty in speaking, chewing and swallowing. These problems can also be a complication from certain medications used to treat systemic diseases; in turn, treatment of these diseases can be complicated by oral bacterial infections.

In addition to normal changes in vision, older adults may experience eye disorders, health problems or injuries that can permanently affect eyesight, resulting in blurred or distorted images, or the loss of central or side vision. A number of conditions may potentially impair vision, the most common of which are macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Visual aids and adaptive technology enhance the lives of people with visual impairments.

Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. One in three people older than 60, and half of those older than 85, have hearing loss. Hearing problems can make it hard to understand and follow a doctor’s advice, to respond to warnings, and to enjoy talking with friends and family, thereby increasing isolation.

For more information, please call (970) 400-6629. 

The Family Caregiver Support Program offers support, resources and information to assist family caregivers in finding relief and assistance through a variety of respite and support programs.

The goal of the Family Caregiver Support program is to lessen the strain experienced by caregivers by providing information and referrals, respite assistance, connection to support groups and caregiver education classes.

Caregiver respite vouchers may be available for caregivers in an ongoing caregiver relationship with a frail (unable to perform at least two activities of daily living without substantial human assistance) individual over the age of 60, or individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders with neurological and organic brain dysfunction.

Support

Support for your family member can be provided in their home, your home, a facility or in a supportive group setting in the community.

• Adult Day Programs
• In-Home Respite Care
• Out-Home Respite Care

Eligibility:

• Caregivers and care recipients must live in Weld County.
• Care recipients must be "frail" and over the age of 60, or individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders with neurological and organic brand dysfunction.
• An in-home assessment must be completed to determine need for respite assistance.
• Respite services may be provided in the home, at an adult day program or in a long-term care setting.
• Respite services can be provided by a family member (one not living in the same home), by a friend or by a licensed service provider.

Care recipients approved for or receiving services through the Veterans Services program or HCBS Medicaid program are not eligible to apply.

Caregiver Education Classes

Classes are offered on an ongoing basis throughout Weld County with the intent of lessening caregiver stress and gaining tools to empower caregivers. Call today for more information and to register for an upcoming class.

You Are Not Alone

According to the Colorado Division of Aging and Adult Services, as many as 30 million family caregivers are caring for an older adult, and an estimated 16 million care for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders with neurological and brain dysfunction. Caregivers do everything from running errands, cooking meals and driving to doctor’s appointments to assisting a loved one with personal care tasks such as bathing and dressing. Caregiving demands a lot of time and energy.

According to a 2018 study by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services:

• 1 in 5 adults are caregivers
• 58% of caregivers are women
• 20% of caregivers are 65 years old or older
• 37% of caregivers are caring for a parent or parent-in-law
• Nearly 10% of caregivers are providing care to someone with dementia
• Half of all caregivers have provided care for at least two years
• 30% of caregivers have provided care for at least 20 hours per week
• 4 in 5 caregivers manage household tasks
• Over half of all caregivers assist with personal care
• 1 in 2 non-caregivers expect to become caregivers within two years

For more information, please call (970) 400-6130. 

The Senior Nutrition program, also known as the Friendly Fork, provides nutritious and delicious lunches for older adults served at 23 sites throughout Weld County. Each meal meets 33 1/3 percent of the daily recommended dietary allowance. Social and educational opportunities are also available before and after meals. Come join us for lunch!

Eligibility and Menu Information

Reservations Reservations and cancellations are required and must be made in advance by 11:00 a.m. the previous business day. See the next panel for site listings and phone numbers for each designated site.

Reservations may also be made by calling the Friendly Fork voicemail at (970) 400-6955 or emailing friendlyfork@weld.gov.

Grandparents may be raising their grandchildren as the children’s parents struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence, other challenges and even death. These caregivers provide a vital safety net to children inside and outside of the foster care system. Support services are offered to provide the tools needed in raising grandchildren and to improve quality of life. 

Eligibility

A grandparent raising grandchildren aged 55 years or older.

Support Groups

Support groups allow grandparents and kin to share the difficulties and rewards in raising children and give encouragement to one another. Speakers are often scheduled to share information about their agencies and available programs.

Coffee Group

Grandparents are invited to attend the informational group from 9:00–10:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. For location and more information, please call (970) 400-6130.

Kinship Group

Grandparents/Kin and children are invited to attend the group meetings from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Guadalupe Apartments, 1520 North 11th Avenue in Greeley. Potluck dinner and children’s activities are provided. For more information, please call (970) 616-8601 or (970) 616-8611.

Legal Information

Area resources and clinics are available for grandparents who need legal assistance on issues such as child custody, visitation issues, temporary power of attorney and adoption. Services are offered through Weld County Legal Services at (970) 310-8367 and Weld County Combined Courts at (970) 475-2410.

Education and Resources

Educational presentations, information and referral can be provided to assist with navigating parenting as a grandparent. Annual events, monthly groups, and resources are offered to provide the following:

• Opportunities to meet and socialize with other grandparents
• Information about community agency resources
• Presentations on a variety of topics surrounding parenting as a grandparent

Tips for Grandparents

Take care of yourself.

When you’re preoccupied with the daily demands of raising grandkids, it’s easy to let your own needs fall by the wayside. But taking care of yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. You can’t be a good caretaker when you’re overwhelmed, exhausted and emotionally depleted.

Encourage open and honest communication.

Communicating openly and honestly with your grandchildren is one of the best things you can do to help them cope with their new situation. In this difficult time, they need an adult they can go to with their questions, concerns and feelings.

Focus on creating a stable environment.

It will take your grandkids time to adjust to their new living arrangement, so try to make the transition as easy as possible. Above all, your grandchildren need to feel secure. Children thrive in an environment that is stable and predictable.

By the Numbers

• 1 in 10 children are being raised by their grandparents*
• Approximately 81,255 grandchildren in Colorado live with their grandparents†
• Approximately 6,538 grandchildren in Weld County live with their grandparents†
• Grandparent-headed families represent all socioeconomic levels and ethnic groups†

*Pew Research Center, †2009 Census Bureau

For more information about the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program, please call (970) 400-6130. 

The In-Home Services Program provides grant funding to those that are 60 and older and require assistance with personal care and homemaking services in the home.

Eligibility:

• Must be 60 years of age or older
• Must be a Weld County Resident
• Must have deficits in activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living

The coordinator of the program will assess eligibility. Once approved for the program, participants will choose from a home care agency that is contracted with the program to provide the personal care and/or homemaking service hours for which participants have been approved.

Services

Personal care services include, but are not limited to:

Personal care service examples:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Mobility
• Hygiene assistance

Homemaking service examples:

• Laundry assistance
• Dusting
• Vacuuming
• Bathroom cleaning
• Shopping
• Meal preparation

Benefits of Receiving Care at Home

In-home care is a safe solution that allows participants to stay in the comfort of their own homes and communities. In-home care provides:

• One-on-one focus and support
• Personalized care
• Companionship
• Help with day-to-day chores
• Assistance with personal hygiene
• Dietary and nutrition support
• Medication management
• Support with the older adult's ability to stay in their home
• Promotion of independence
• Access to care from qualified professionals
• A reduction in unnecessary facility or hospital care

Rising Need for Care

According to the CDC, 7% of adults age 65 or older need help with personal care such as eating, bathing, dressing and walking. And for the 65-to-74 age group, women are more likely than men to need help. Research shows that the cost of health care and in-home care depends on the number of hours a care worker spends with an older adult. Another factor is the service type and supplies needed to ensure the older adult continues enjoying their life with dignity and independence. Therefore, the need for in-home care is vital to older adults to promote independence and help them stay in their homes as long as possible. The In-Home Services program is here to provide this service at no cost to older adults who qualify.

For more information, please call (970) 400-6305. 

What Does an Ombudsman Do?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a federally mandated advocacy service that is free for nursing home and assisted living facility residents. Ombudsmen protect the Residents’ Rights of people residing in long-term care facilities. They act as advocate, mediator, educator, problem-solver, link to community resources and objective investigator of complaints. Ombudsmen can help long-term care residents obtain appropriate legal, social, recreational, physical and emotional services necessary for quality of life. Ombudsmen regularly visit long-term care facilities, monitor conditions and care, and provide a voice for those unable to speak for themselves. Residents, friends, relatives of residents, facility staff members and the community at large can all utilize the Ombudsmen.

Residents' Rights

When moving into long-term care facilities, people retain their human and civil rights, also known as Residents’ Rights. People living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are a vulnerable population and need support, protection and advocacy. To help ensure residents in these facilities receive quality care that will result in their achieving or maintaining their highest possible physical, mental and psychological well-being, Residents’ Rights are guaranteed by the federal Nursing Home Reform Law. The law requires nursing homes to “promote and protect the rights of each resident” and to care for its residents in a manner that enhances their quality of life, respecting their dignity, choice and self-determination, as well as their individuality. State regulations also require Colorado assisted living facilities to uphold Residents' Rights.

What Are My Rights?

Here are just a few of your guaranteed Residents' Rights:

The right of citizenship. Residents do not lose any of their rights of citizenship, including the right to vote, to religious freedom and to associate with whom they choose.

• The right to dignity. Residents have the right to be treated with consideration, respect and dignity.
• The right to privacy. Residents have the right to privacy whenever possible, including the right to privacy with their spouse, the right to have their medical and personal records treated in confidence, and the right to uncensored communication.
• The right to personal property. Residents have the right to possess and use personal property and to manage their financial affairs.
• The right to information. Residents have the right to information, including the regulations of the facility and the costs for services rendered. They also have the right to participate in decisions about any treatment, including the right to refuse treatment.
• The right of freedom. Residents have the right to be free from mental or physical abuse and from physical or chemical restraint unless ordered by their physician.
• The right to care. Residents have the right to equal care, treatment and services provided by the facility without discrimination.
• The right of residence. Residents have the right to live at the facility unless they violate publicized regulations. They may not be discharged without timely and proper notification to both the resident and the family or guardian.
• The right of expression. Residents have the right to exercise their rights, including the right to file complaints and grievances without fear of reprisal.

For more information about Residents’ Rights, or for questions or concerns, contact the Weld County Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (970) 400-6128. 

The Weld Aging Well Program provides innovative workshops and classes that support the health and independence of older adults and their caregivers by giving them tools to better manage their health.

The below evidence-based programs empower older adults and their caregivers to take control of their health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle through increased self-efficacy and self-management.

• AARP
• Benefits Check Up
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Medicare
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)
• PEAK- Do I Qualify?
• Senior Veteran Benefit Options
• Social Security Administration
• Veterans Employment Services

2022 Statewide CASOA

2022 Weld County CASOA