Area Agencies on Aging in Colorado

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Colorado (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• Colorado ADRC Hotline: 1-844-265-2372 (1-844-COL-ADRC) – Statewide aging and disability resource center
• Adult Protective Services: 1-844-264-5437 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255 – Mental health crisis support, 24/7
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support

For immediate food assistance:

• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for emergency food programs
• 2-1-1 Colorado – Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency resources

Key Takeaways

• Colorado has 16 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serving all 64 counties across the state
• All services are free or donation-based for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• Call 1-844-COL-ADRC to connect with your local AAA – this single number works statewide
• Each AAA operates as an Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) – your gateway to comprehensive services
• No income requirements for information and assistance services
• Most AAAs provide home-delivered meals, transportation, legal help, and Medicare counseling
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers can help you stay at home instead of moving to a nursing facility
• Colorado’s high altitude and mountain geography create unique challenges that AAAs address through specialized programs

What Are Area Agencies on Aging?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are regional organizations that plan, coordinate, and deliver essential services for older adults and people with disabilities throughout Colorado. Established under the federal Older Americans Act, these agencies serve as the cornerstone of Colorado’s aging services network.

Your local AAA functions as a comprehensive resource hub. Beyond providing direct services, they coordinate with mountain rescue teams, address high-altitude health concerns, and partner with ski resorts, mining communities, and agricultural operations to ensure services reach Colorado’s diverse geography and economy.

In Colorado, all 16 AAAs operate as Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) through the statewide “Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado” initiative. This means you can contact any AAA for help with aging, disability, or caregiving questions, regardless of your age or financial situation.

The Colorado Department of Human Services’ State Unit on Aging oversees all AAAs and provides funding through federal, state, and local sources. Each AAA develops comprehensive area plans that address unique regional needs, from urban Denver’s diverse population to the isolated mountain communities of the Western Slope.

Colorado’s 16 Area Agencies on Aging: Complete Directory

Note: Director names and some contact information may change. Always verify current details by calling 1-844-COL-ADRC.

Core Services Provided by Colorado AAAs

Information and Assistance

Every Colorado AAA provides comprehensive information and assistance to help you navigate available options and connect with appropriate services. Staff members are specially trained to address Colorado-specific issues including:

• High-altitude health considerations and oxygen therapy resources
• Seasonal service modifications for harsh winter conditions
• Mining-related health benefits and black lung disease resources
• Agricultural worker support and migrant seasonal programs
• Ski industry worker benefits and seasonal employment issues
• Wildfire evacuation planning and emergency services

You don’t need to qualify for any specific criteria to receive information and assistance – this service is available to anyone who contacts an AAA.

Nutrition Programs

Colorado AAAs operate comprehensive nutrition programs that address unique challenges including food transportation across mountain passes, seasonal accessibility issues, and high-altitude nutritional needs.

Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and mountain lodges. These programs provide social interaction opportunities crucial in Colorado’s isolated communities. Meals typically cost $3-7 with suggested donations, though no one is refused service for inability to contribute. Many sites offer warming centers during extreme weather.

Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels): For seniors unable to shop or prepare meals, Colorado AAAs coordinate home delivery programs that operate year-round, including during snowstorms and wildfires. Volunteers often use 4-wheel drive vehicles and may deliver multi-day supplies during severe weather. Priority goes to homebound seniors, those without family support, and individuals at nutritional risk.

Mountain Community Mobile Meals: Specialized programs using snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles to reach remote mountain communities during winter months.

Transportation Services

Transportation remains the greatest challenge for Colorado seniors, particularly in mountain and rural areas. AAAs address this through innovative programs adapted to Colorado’s geography:

Medical Transportation: Priority service for healthcare appointments, dialysis, cancer treatments, and emergency medical trips. Many programs operate 4WD vehicles for mountain roads and coordinate with flight services for isolated areas during emergencies.

Seasonal Transportation: Summer shuttle services to mountain communities, winter transportation with snow-capable vehicles, and coordination with ski resort shuttles for year-round residents in resort communities.

Inter-County Medical Transport: Specialized long-distance transportation for specialists in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Grand Junction, often requiring overnight stays.

Reality Check: Transportation in Colorado faces unique challenges. Winter weather can delay or cancel services, and distances between communities mean trips often take entire days. Same-day transportation is rarely available except for emergencies.

Legal Assistance

Colorado AAAs provide free legal help for seniors 60+ in civil matters, with special emphasis on issues common in Colorado:

• Water rights and irrigation ditch associations
• Mining claims and mineral rights
• Agricultural land use and conservation easements
• Seasonal employment and migrant worker rights
• Ski resort community association disputes
• Mobile home park regulations in resort communities
• Medical marijuana caregiver agreements
• Public land access and grazing permits

Legal services are provided by staff attorneys or volunteer lawyers familiar with Colorado law. Services include consultations, document preparation, and representation in appropriate cases.

Medicare and Insurance Counseling

Trained counselors help seniors navigate Medicare options while addressing Colorado-specific insurance challenges:

• High-altitude medical equipment coverage (oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines)
• Seasonal residence coverage for “snowbirds”
• Prescription drug coverage for high-altitude medications
• Travel insurance for Denver medical trips
• Workers’ compensation for mining and agricultural injuries
• Coordination with Veterans Affairs for mountain region veterans

Counseling is completely unbiased – counselors don’t sell insurance and provide objective comparisons of all available options.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For seniors with complex needs, Colorado AAAs provide case management services that coordinate multiple services across vast distances. Case managers work to:

• Develop comprehensive care plans considering geography and weather
• Coordinate with Denver specialists and local providers
• Arrange emergency backup plans for severe weather
• Connect families across multiple states
• Navigate complex mountain community regulations
• Coordinate with seasonal employment patterns

Family Caregiver Support

Colorado AAAs operate robust Family Caregiver Support Programs recognizing the unique challenges of caregiving in rural and mountain areas:

Information and Education: Training on high-altitude caregiving, emergency preparedness for mountain communities, seasonal affective disorder management, and coordinating care across distances.

Counseling and Support Groups: Individual counseling and peer support groups, including virtual options for isolated caregivers and seasonal support during harsh winters.

Respite Care: Temporary care services including in-home companions, adult day programs, and emergency respite during family travel to medical appointments in distant cities.

Emergency Caregiver Support: Backup caregiving during blizzards, wildfire evacuations, or medical emergencies when family members cannot reach care recipients.

Colorado Medicaid Waiver Programs Through AAAs

Colorado offers several Medicaid waiver programs designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities receive care at home instead of institutional settings, with special considerations for the state’s unique geography and climate.

Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) Waiver

The EBD Waiver is Colorado’s primary home and community-based services program, serving people who would otherwise need nursing home care.

Services Include:

• Personal care assistance adapted for high-altitude conditions
• Homemaker services including snow removal and winter home maintenance
• Home-delivered meals with emergency food storage
• Adult day health programs with transportation backup during storms
• Respite care including emergency overnight services
• Home modifications for accessibility and winter safety
• Personal emergency response systems with backup power
• Wellness education including altitude adjustment and seasonal depression

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program)
• Must need nursing facility level of care
• Must choose home-based services over institutional care
• Financial limits: $2,000 in countable assets, income under $2,901/month (2025)

Colorado Reality: EBD Waiver services may be limited during severe weather conditions. Service plans include emergency protocols for blizzards, wildfires, and power outages common in mountain communities.

Community First Choice (CFC) Program

Launched July 1, 2025, CFC provides personal care and homemaker services outside the waiver system, with expanded access for Colorado residents.

How It Works:

• Provides personal care services including health maintenance activities
• Allows family members to be hired as paid caregivers
• Includes emergency backup services during severe weather
• Covers specialized equipment for high-altitude living
• Provides flexible scheduling for seasonal employment patterns

Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Waiver

This waiver serves adults with specific conditions including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injuries.

Colorado-Specific Services:

• Adaptive equipment for mountain recreation
• Vehicle modifications for 4WD accessibility
• Alternative therapies including massage and acupuncture
• Peer mentorship with others familiar with mountain living
• Home modifications for extreme weather conditions

Special Population Services

Mountain Community Seniors

Colorado’s mountain communities face unique challenges that AAAs address through specialized programs:

High-Altitude Adaptations:

• Oxygen therapy coordination and equipment maintenance
• Seasonal affective disorder support and light therapy
• Emergency evacuation planning for medical emergencies
• Year-round road maintenance coordination for service delivery
• Backup generator programs for medical equipment

Winter Isolation Services:

• Emergency check-in programs during blizzards
• Multi-day meal and medication delivery before storms
• Emergency shelter coordination with ski resorts
• Snowmobile emergency response teams
• Satellite communication backup when phones fail

Agricultural and Rural Seniors

Colorado’s agricultural communities receive specialized support recognizing the challenges of farm and ranch life:

Agricultural-Specific Services:

• Seasonal worker transportation and housing assistance
• Farm safety assessments and equipment modifications
• Water rights counseling and irrigation assistance
• Estate planning for family farms and ranches
• Pesticide exposure health monitoring
• Emergency services during calving and harvest seasons

Mining Community Support:

• Black lung disease benefits counseling
• Occupational health screening and treatment
• Workers’ compensation navigation
• Family support for mining accidents and injuries
• Environmental health assessment and remediation resources

Ski Resort Community Seniors

Year-round residents in ski resort communities face unique housing and service challenges:

Resort Community Adaptations:

• Affordable housing assistance and mobile home park advocacy
• Seasonal employment benefit coordination
• Tourist season service modification
• Workforce housing priority placement
• Local employee discount program navigation
• Multi-generational housing support in expensive resort markets

Veteran Seniors

Colorado has approximately 400,000 veterans, many living in rural and mountain areas far from VA facilities.

Veteran-Specific Services:

• Transportation to VA facilities in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction
• Coordination with mountain rescue teams for veteran emergencies
• VA pension applications with emphasis on special monthly compensation
• Adaptive equipment for mountain recreation and accessibility
• Honor guard coordination for mountain community burials
• PTSD support groups adapted for rural living

Key Resources:

• Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: 303-343-1268
• Regional Veterans Service Officers in all 64 counties
• VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System: 303-399-8020
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

LGBTQ+ Seniors

Colorado AAAs work to ensure LGBTQ+ seniors feel welcome and safe, with recognition of unique challenges in conservative rural areas.

What to Expect:

• All AAA staff receive cultural competency training
• Nondiscrimination policies strictly enforced
• Referrals to LGBTQ+-friendly providers when available
• Support for chosen family relationships
• Assistance with legal documents recognizing partnerships

Resources:

• The Center on Colfax (Denver): 303-733-7743
• PFLAG Colorado Springs: 719-360-4528
• OutBoulder County: 303-499-5777
• SAGE Rocky Mountain: Connect through local AAAs

Native American Seniors

Colorado is home to two federally recognized tribes and several historic tribal communities:

Southern Ute Indian Tribe:

• Operates their own elder services through the Elders Program
• Provides culturally appropriate nutrition and transportation
• Contact: 970-563-2805

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe:

• Tribal social services coordinate with AAAs for comprehensive care
• Cultural and traditional healing program integration
• Contact: 970-564-5274

Denver Urban Native Community:

• Denver Indian Health and Family Services: 303-436-4848
• Native-specific programming and cultural activities
• Inter-tribal elder gathering coordination

How to Access Services

Step 1: Call the Statewide Number

Dial 1-844-COL-ADRC (1-844-265-2372) from anywhere in Colorado. This toll-free number connects you to aging and disability resources based on your county of residence. The line operates during business hours with voicemail available 24/7.

Step 2: Initial Screening

ADRC staff will ask basic questions about:

• Your location and county of residence
• Type of assistance you’re seeking
• Current living situation and accessibility needs
• Urgent needs including weather-related emergencies
• Transportation and mobility challenges
• Insurance coverage and financial resources

This conversation typically takes 15-20 minutes and helps staff understand how to best assist you within Colorado’s unique service environment.

Step 3: Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services, you may need a detailed assessment considering Colorado-specific factors:

• Over the phone for simple information requests
• In person at AAA offices with accessible parking
• In your home with 4WD vehicles available for mountain access
• Via video conference for remote mountain locations

Assessments evaluate your:

• Physical abilities considering high-altitude effects
• Winter emergency preparedness
• Transportation needs and seasonal access
• Social support including seasonal resident status
• Financial resources and benefit coordination
• Service preferences and cultural considerations

Step 4: Service Planning

Based on your assessment, Colorado AAA staff will:

• Explain available services with seasonal considerations
• Help apply for relevant benefits including state programs
• Develop service plans including emergency protocols
• Make referrals considering travel distances and weather
• Schedule ongoing services with backup plans

Step 5: Follow-Up

Colorado AAAs provide ongoing support through:

• Regular check-ins with case managers
• Seasonal service plan adjustments
• Annual reassessments for waiver programs
• Emergency response coordination during severe weather
• Advocacy when service problems arise

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance including ADRC services
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security
• Legal consultations and document preparation
• Case management and care coordination
• Family caregiver support and emergency respite

Donation-Based Services

These services operate on suggested donations with no one denied for inability to pay:

• Congregate meals ($4-7 suggested donation)
• Transportation ($3-8 suggested donation per trip, higher for long distances)
• Home-delivered meals ($4-8 suggested donation per meal)

Income-Based Services

Some services use sliding fee scales based on income:

• In-home care services through waiver programs
• Adult day programs with transportation
• Extended respite care services
• Home modifications and safety equipment

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered by:

• Health First Colorado (Medicaid) including waiver programs
• Medicare for medically necessary services
• Veterans benefits through Colorado Department of Military Affairs
• Private insurance including high-altitude medical equipment
• State programs including Colorado Indigent Care Program

Financial Reality: Even free services have limited funding in Colorado’s vast geography. This means:

• Service areas may be reduced during severe weather
• Wait times increase during tourist seasons when volunteers are scarce
• Transportation costs are higher due to distances and fuel costs
• Donations help programs serve more people across greater distances

Quality and Accountability

Program Standards

All Colorado AAAs must meet federal and state standards including:

• Staff training on high-altitude health issues
• Emergency preparedness for natural disasters
• Cultural competency for diverse mountain communities
• Vehicle safety standards for mountain driving
• Service delivery during severe weather conditions

Oversight and Monitoring

Colorado AAAs are monitored by:

• The Colorado Department of Human Services State Unit on Aging
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent financial auditors
• Consumer advisory councils including rural representation
• Local governing boards with community representation

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about services in Colorado:

1. Contact your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved quickly, considering geographic and weather challenges
2. Call the AAA director – Each AAA has complaint procedures adapted to rural service delivery
3. Contact the State Unit on Aging – Colorado Department of Human Services for state-level review
4. Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – 1-844-265-2372 for nursing home and assisted living concerns

Your Rights

As a service recipient in Colorado, you have the right to:

• Receive services regardless of geographic location
• Have cultural and language preferences respected
• Receive emergency services during natural disasters
• Participate in decisions about your care and service timing
• File complaints without fear of service reduction
• Receive services that meet professional standards adapted to Colorado conditions

Resources by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do services work during Colorado’s severe winter weather?

Colorado AAAs maintain emergency protocols for blizzards and extreme cold. Most programs deliver extra meals and medications before storms, have 4WD vehicles for essential services, and coordinate with emergency services. Some mountain communities may have service delays during severe weather, but emergency services remain available through county emergency management.

Can I get services if I’m only a seasonal resident in Colorado?

Yes, seasonal residents can access AAA services while in Colorado. However, ongoing case management and waiver services typically require permanent Colorado residency. Information, assistance, emergency services, and short-term support are available to anyone physically present in Colorado who needs help.

What if I live in a remote mountain area with no cell phone coverage?

Colorado AAAs work with mountain communities to ensure service access. This may include satellite phones for emergencies, coordination with local post offices for communication, scheduled check-ins during supply runs, and partnerships with local businesses or neighbors. Many remote areas have emergency communication systems through county sheriff departments.

How do AAAs handle the high cost of living in ski resort communities?

AAAs work with resort communities to address housing affordability, coordinate with local employee housing authorities, provide vouchers for essential services, and advocate for local employee support programs. Some areas have special programs for year-round residents in resort communities, including priority access to certain services.

Do services accommodate Colorado’s cannabis laws for medical marijuana patients?

Colorado AAAs can provide information about medical marijuana caregiver programs, help with legal documentation for medical cannabis use, and coordinate with healthcare providers who prescribe medical marijuana. However, AAAs cannot provide cannabis products or assist with recreational marijuana access.

What about services for people with altitude sickness or other high-altitude health issues?

Colorado AAAs are specially trained to address high-altitude health concerns. Services include oxygen therapy coordination, transportation to lower elevations for medical care, connection with altitude medicine specialists, and education about altitude adaptation. Emergency services are available for severe altitude sickness.

How do AAAs coordinate with Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry for injured workers?

AAAs work with workers’ compensation programs, coordinate with outdoor recreation employers, provide rehabilitation support services, and help with benefit applications for ski industry, rafting, climbing guide, and other outdoor recreation workers. Special programs exist for seasonal workers who may be injured far from their home states.

Can services help with wildfire evacuation planning and recovery?

Yes, Colorado AAAs maintain wildfire emergency protocols including evacuation planning for seniors, coordination with Red Cross shelters, emergency housing assistance, and recovery support services. Many AAAs participate in community wildfire protection plans and maintain emergency supply programs for at-risk seniors.

What if my family lives out of state and I need help coordinating care from a distance?

Colorado AAAs regularly work with out-of-state families to coordinate care. Services include family communication assistance, regular update calls to distant family members, coordination with medical specialists for family conference calls, and assistance with long-distance emergency planning. Many AAAs have experience with families scattered across multiple states.

How do services work for former military personnel living in remote areas far from VA facilities?

Colorado AAAs coordinate closely with the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide transportation to VA facilities, help with telehealth VA appointments, assist with benefit applications, and coordinate with county veterans service officers. Special transportation programs exist for veterans traveling long distances to Denver or Colorado Springs VA facilities.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice due to weather conditions, funding changes, and seasonal variations. While this guide uses the most current available information as of August 2025, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the relevant Area Agency on Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation, particularly regarding high-altitude health concerns and Colorado-specific regulations.

For the most current information, contact:

• Colorado ADRC: 1-844-265-2372
• Colorado Department of Human Services State Unit on Aging: 303-866-2800
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking grant opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, USDA, SSA, CMS), Colorado state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Information Currency: • Last Updated: August 2025 • Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice, particularly during severe weather conditions or seasonal funding adjustments. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying, and consider Colorado’s unique geographic and climate challenges when planning service access.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available financial assistance programs across Colorado’s diverse communities and challenging geography.