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Larimer County Caregiver

An older adult and caregiver laugh together. Photo is overlaid with orange and green graphics.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Registration is open now for 2024 Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes. Family caregivers will learn 35 tools to: avoid burnout, lessen stress, stop negative self-talk, strengthen communication, convey needs, and deal with difficult emotions.

Register Now

   Larimer County Caregiver: We support you, so you can care for them.

"The Larimer County Office on Aging recognizes that the family caregiver journey requires much courage and is one many of us will walk someday. However, a large number of caregivers do not self identify as one. We want Larimer County caregivers to recognize their strength, know they belong to this community, and reach out when they need support."

-Family Caregiver Support Program Staff with the Larimer County Office on Aging

Respite Vouchers

Respite vouchers can help caregivers pay for activities, classes, and other care providers to watch over their loved one for a period of time. Respite vouchers are available to any caregiver who meets the qualifications, including grandparents caring for grandkids!

Classes

The Office on Aging has a variety of classes throughout the year to help caregivers. Our most popular, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, is offered several times a year.

Consultations

Not sure where to begin? We can help you talk through the variety of programs, resources, and support available to you. Call us for a consultation any time.

Resource Referrals

While we have many programs available to help you, we can supply you with additional support by referring you to our partners.

The goal of the Family Caregiver Support Program is to lessen the strain of a caregiver’s experience by providing connection to community resources, support groups, counseling, and classes through individual consultations and personalized support.

The first step is to complete a Family Caregiver Support Assessment. If needed, a case manager can assist in completing the form at the initial consultation. You can request an assessment form by email or mail request.

Our team will coordinate with you to schedule a care consultation for a convenient time via phone, in-person home visit, or video conferencing. 
 

In this 9-week class, caregivers will: learn about stress and its effects, practice stress management techniques, and develop problem solving skills. The course is shown to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and help them manage stress and cope better with their lives.

No additional Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers classes are scheduled for 2024. Check back for 2025 classes.

In this 6-week, evidence-based class, family caregivers will learn 35 tools to: avoid burnout, lessen stress, stop negative self-talk, strengthen communication, convey needs, and deal with difficult emotions. Registration is required!

Sessions for 2025 will be announced soon!

Respite services allow caregivers a much-needed break from the demands associated with caring for a relative or friend while maintaining household duties. Services can be provided in the home or in a community setting.

Respite vouchers may be available for Larimer County residents caring for an individual over 60 years of age or are caring for an individual under the age of 60 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, as well as need assistance to complete activities of daily living or supervision.

Caregiver Respite Voucher Program Overview

Eligibility and amount allocated for the respite voucher is determined through consultation and assessment process. These guidelines include:

  • Care receiver must be at least 60 years of age -or- have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related neurocognitive disorders. 
  • Assistance from another person to complete a minimum of two (2) Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking in their home, or transferring in and out of chairs and bed -or- the need of significant 24/7 supervision due to memory or behavioral concerns.

In home respite care services can be provided by a family member (not living in the same home as the care receiver), a friend or a service provider such as a home care agency. Community respite services include adult day programs, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities  or memory care where short term respite stays are available. 

Respite services are to be paid for in advance by the caregiver. The respite voucher allocation amount will vary for a six-month period based on respite needs. 

A Request for Payment form is completed by the caregiver for reimbursement. This form must be signed by the caregiver and returned by mail, email, or to the Office on Aging to request a reimbursement. A check will then be sent to the caregiver as reimbursement for the respite services provided.

Respite vouchers are not automatically renewed or awarded for ongoing voucher periods. The voucher periods are:

  • July 1 – December 31, submission of request for payment are encouraged by December 15. 
  • January 1 – June 30, submission of request for payment are encouraged by June 15.  

Each caregiver is required to track their own respite expenses. Any expenses over the voucher funds allocated will not be reimbursed. Requested service dates to be covered by the respite voucher must be after the date the voucher is issued.

Care receivers currently participating in the Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCSB) through Long Term Care Medicaid are not eligible for respite services with the Family Caregiver Respite Voucher Program.  

Thank you to Easter Seals Colorado, https://www.easterseals.com/co/, for their grant to help support this respite voucher program! 

Grand Family Respite Voucher Program Overview

The Grand Family Respite Vouchers provide financial assistance for a brief period of rest for caregivers. LCOA recognizes that the needs of Grand Family Caregivers may be different from other caregiving situations.

Grand Family Respite services may include the following activities:

  • In-home respite services
  • In-home house cleaning
  • Day care programs
  • After school programming

In-home respite care services can be provided by:

  • Family member who is not living in the same home as the child(s)
  • Friend
  • Neighbor
  • Service Provider

Eligibility:

  • Caregivers must be residing in Larimer County 
  • Caregivers must be fifty-five (55) years of age or older 
  • Caregivers must be providing full time informal in-home care to a child seventeen (17) years of age or younger
  • Qualifying caregivers include: 
    • Grandparent(s)
    • Step-grandparent(s)
    • Older adult(s) who are relative caregivers of a child by blood, marriage, or adoption

Important Additional Information:

Eligibility and amount allocated for the respite voucher is determined through the consultation and assessment process. 

Respite services are to be paid for in advance by the caregiver. The amount of the voucher will depend on the level of funding, when in the voucher period the request is made, and the respite services needed.

A Request for Payment form is completed by the caregiver for reimbursement. This form must be signed by the caregiver and returned by mail, email, or to the Office on Aging to request a reimbursement. A check will then be sent to the caregiver as reimbursement for the respite services provided.

Grand Family Respite vouchers are not automatically renewed or awarded for ongoing voucher periods. The voucher periods are:

  • July 1 – December 31, submission of request for payment are encouraged by December 15. 
  • January 1 – June 30, submission of request for payment are encouraged by June 15.  

Each caregiver is required to track their own respite expenses. Any expenses over the voucher funds allocated will not be reimbursed. Requested service dates to be covered by the respite voucher must be after the date the voucher is issued.

Priority for caregiving services shall be given to those individuals in greatest economic need, greatest social need, low-income minority adults, those residing in rural areas and those who are providing care for children with severe disabilities.

 A Grand Family caregiver who is providing in-home care to more than one child may only be approved for one voucher per household per six-month voucher period.

Thank you to Easter Seals Colorado, https://www.easterseals.com/co/, for their grant to help support this respite voucher program! 


Office on Aging

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Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Larimer County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with a disability who need assistance. Services can be arranged with at least seven business days notice. Please email hs-info@co.larimer.co.us. Walk-in requests for auxiliary aids and services will be honored to the extent possible but may be unavailable if advance notice is not provided.


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