General Resources for Aging Adults

Featured Resource

DRCOG Network of Care (Denver Regional Council of Governments):
DRCOG’s Area Agency on Aging serves adults 60 and older, people with disabilities over 18, and their caregivers throughout Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties, and the cities and counties of Denver and Broomfield. DRCOG is currently teleworking. Call and leave a voicemail and they will return it as soon as possible. To talk to an Aging and Disability Resource Specialist:
Phone: 303.480.6700 | Email

COVID-19 Scam Advisory: There are reports that scammers are setting up websites to sell fake products, and they are using fake emails, texts, and social media posts to lure consumers into giving money and personal information. They also may be asking consumers to donate to victims, marketing fake treatments, or sending malicious email attachments.

Policy Updates

Long-Term and Residential Care Facilities Public Health Order

General Resources

AARP Colorado: AARP is a U.S.-based interest group whose stated mission is "To empower people to choose how they live as they age." AARP has more than 38 million members as of 2018. AARP is providing daily updates from its national office regarding COVID-19 and is hosting weekly telephone town halls every Thursday at 11 a.m. (MT).
Administration for Community Living: The Administration for Community Living provides guidance and information for Aging and Disability Networks and Federal Government resources, both in Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL). The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.
Anythink Anywhere: Discover resources for learning, entertainment, and more.
Benefits Check Up: Get relevant program information about benefits that are available in your state. You must select a state AND the program category you are interested in.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Healthcare Supply of Personal Protective Equipment: A guide for who should use personal protection equipment, and who does not need it at this time. There is also additional information on how to obtain these masks, but ONLY if you are in need of it, according to this guide.
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (CDHCPF): The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (CDHCPF) is responsible for administering the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) programs as well as a variety of other programs for Colorado's low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) for Older Adults: Many of CDHS's programs for older adults, including Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, are managed through the State Unit on Aging (SUA). Vist the website for more information.
Colorado Department of Revenue: Seniors over the age of 65 are now able to renew their driver’s licenses online. The age restriction has been suspended until April 12, 2020.
Colorado Gerontological Society: Services such as hearing, vision, and dental services; advance care planning; and in-person counseling are currently on-hold for in person services but available by phone. If you have questions or need help, please call. They may be able to help. Phone: 303.333.3482 or 1.855.293.6911
Colorado Senior Guide: The Colorado Senior Guide contains key statistics and information about how senior citizens in Colorado live. Use their tools to compare healthcare quality, senior housing options, demographic and financial statistics, and other important data for Colorado, compared to the rest of the country. This guide also contains helpful contact information for local government agencies that offer assistance to senior citizens.
Consumer Advisory: Division of Insurance Directs Insurers (DOI) on COVID-19 Coverage: The DOI is directing insurance companies to cover an additional one-time early refill of any necessary prescriptions to ensure people have their necessary medications should they want to limit their close contact with others.
COVID-19 Data Resources
COVID-19 Tips for Dementia Caregivers: The Alzheimer’s Association has put together tips for anyone caring for a dementia patient during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association can also be reached at their hotline. 24-Hour Hotline: 1.800.272.3900.
Eldercare Locator: Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families. Phone: 1.800.677.1116.
Evitar el faude - Scams Targeting Seniors En Español: Recursos para hispanohablantes que quieren evitar el fraude. En el bajo de la pagina hay recursos en español.
Guide for Seniors: Home-Proofing for COVID-19 and the Flu: Both COVID-19 and the seasonal flu pose dangers to seniors’ health. Fortunately, home-proofing measures such as disinfecting frequently touched surfaces help keep them safe.
Health First Colorado - Colorado's Medicaid Program: Your Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) coverage and coronavirus (COVID-19) information.
Help with Odd Jobs: There are multiple apps and websites to assist in finding someone to help with odd jobs around the house. Below are several options. Click on each name to be connected to the app or website. Fancy Hands Task Rabbit Upwork
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering: The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. This article explains best practices of wearing masks and also provides examples of how to make your own.
Medicare Update: Governor Polis issued guidance for individuals who are receiving Medicaid for home care and long-term care services that the time for getting all of the paperwork completed has been extended to avoid any disruptions in-home care workers and nursing home services. You will be able to continue to receive help even if the paperwork is not finalized. Testing: Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19. You pay no out-of-pocket costs. Treatment: Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. At this time, there's no vaccine for COVID-19. However, if one becomes available, it will be covered by all Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have access to these same benefits. Medicare allows these plans to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests. Many plans offer additional telehealth benefits beyond the ones described below. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs. Telehealth: You may be able to communicate with your doctors or certain other practitioners without necessarily going to the doctor's office in person for a full visit. Medicare pays for "virtual check-ins"—brief, virtual services with your established physician or certain practitioners where the communication isn't related to a medical visit within the previous seven days and doesn't lead to a medical visit within the next 24 hours (or soonest appointment available). You need to consent verbally to using virtual check-ins, and your doctor must document that consent in your medical record before you use this service. You pay your usual Medicare coinsurance and deductible for these services. Medicare also pays for you to communicate with your doctors using online patient portals without going to the doctor's office. Like the virtual check-ins, you must initiate these individual communications.
National Council on Aging Weekly Newsletter
National Institute of Senior Centers: On this page, NCOA and NISC share the latest best practice information that senior centers are using to prevent the spread of the virus and keep their participants safe. NISC is committed to supporting senior centers through best practices, professional development, advocacy, research, and national standards and accreditation.
Older Adults and Those with Health Needs: All older Coloradans seeking assistance getting nutritious food can call the Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado Office. Phone: 1.844.COL.ADRC (1.844.265.2372)
State of Colorado Stay-At-Home Mandate: There have been a number of executive orders and public health orders released by Governor Jared Polis this month and the legal language used can be hard to understand. The State has provided this information to better understand the orders. Review the actual order here.
State Unit on Aging: Learn more about programs managed through the Colorado Department of Human Services State Unit on Aging: Aging and Disability Resources, Caregiver Support, Legal Assistance, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Nutrition Services, Senior Community Services Employment, Support Services, and Colorado Commission on Aging.
Testing Sites: Includes data on positive cases around Adams County.
Tri-County Health Department COVID-19 Hotline: Tri-County has a call center answering the public’s COVID-19 questions. They can direct questions to county-specific resources or Mile High United Way (if needed) but are available to answer COVID-19 questions. Call Center Phone: 720.200.1505 \| Email Main Phone Line: 303.220.9200
Tri-County Health Department Dashboard & Resources: Stay up-to-date with the number of COVID-19 cases for Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties, and how we can mitigate the spread of the virus.