HomeMy WebLinkAbout20110293.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE FOUR-YEAR PLANNING AND SERVICE AREA AGING PLAN (TITLE III
AND VII) FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEARS 2012-2015 AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO
SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with a Four-Year Planning and Service Area
Aging Plan (Title III and VII) for Federal Fiscal Years 2012-2015 from the County of Weld, State
of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of
the Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging, to the Colorado Department of
Human Services, Aging Services Unit, commencing July 1, 2011, and ending June 30, 2015,
with further terms and conditions being as stated in said plan, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said plan, a copy of
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, Colorado, that the Four-Year Planning and Service Area Aging Plan (Title Ill and
VII) for Federal Fiscal Years 2012-2015 from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and
through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of
Human Services, Area Agency on Aging, to the Colorado Department of Human Services,
Aging Services Unit, be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized
to sign said plan.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 26th day of January, A.D., 2011.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WEL COUNTY, COLO DO
ATTEST: y � �5 ,
�. -� ara Kirk yer, air
Weld County Clerk t�.tbe oard-'i --�
; " f Sean-P. Co ay, Pro-Tem
Deputy Clerk to the o*Ndit;"4`\ �►
m F. G rcia
APPROVEfyAS TO F EXCUSED
David E. Long
ou y torney EXCUSED
Douglas Rademacher
5Z
Date of signature: "1/4--,
) orh3 to SusaktC,C./1 1-I5 b 2011-0293
/— (.e —/l 9- !U --// HR0082
MEMORANDUM
1861 - 2011
DATE. January 24, 2011
TO: Barbara Kirkmeyer, Chair, Board of County Commissioners
WELD C 0T Y cHo
JFR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Human S ices a
RE: Area Agency on Aging Four Year Plan Planning and
Service Area Agency on Aging Plan Title III and Title
VII Older Americans Act Fiscal Year 2012-2015
Enclosed for Board approval is the AAA Four Year Planning and Service Area Plan Title III and
Title VII Older Americans Act Fiscal Year 2012-2015. This Plan was reviewed at the Board's
January 24, 2011, Work Session.
This Plan includes: an overview of the demography of Weld County, the primary target
population for services, community trends, community input, key strategies and programs that
will be funded over the upcoming planning period.
The Older Americans Act funding level for Federal Fiscal Year 2011 is $770,130 (includes all
carryover). FY 2012 funding is not yet known. The Fiscal Year is July 1, 2011 through June 30,
2012.
If you have any questions, please give me a call at extension 6510.
2011-0293
Weld County Area Agency on Aging 2B
315 C North 11th Avenue,P.O. Box 1805 Greeley,CO 80632
(970)346-6950, Ext 6101
(970)346-6951 (fax)
STATE OF COLORADO
FOUR-YEAR
PLANNING & SERVICE
AREA AGING PLAN (PSAAP)
TITLE III and TITLE VII
OLDER AMERICANS ACT
Federal Fiscal Year 2012-2015
(State Fiscal Years 7-1-11 to 6-30-15)
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
AGING SERVICES UNIT
1575 SHERMAN STREET -- GROUND FLOOR
DENVER, COLORADO 80203
303.866.2800
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I: Executive Summary 2
SECTION II: Demography, Community Trends and Public Input 4
SECTION III: Targeting, Preference and Priority 26
SECTION IV Forms 28
Attachment A: Direct Service Waiver Request
Attachment B: Meal Sites
Attachment C: Community Focal Points and Senior Centers
Attachment D: Regional Advisory Council Membership
Attachment E: Statement of Intent
Section I: Executive Summary
The overall purpose of the State Fiscal Years 2012-2015 (July 1, 2011- June 30, 2015) Weld
County Area Agency on Aging Four Year Plan is to help the Weld Area Agency on Aging and
the Advisory Board implement the Older Americans Act in the best possible manner, while
meeting the regulatory requirements of the Act and the identified service needs in a rapidly
growing senior community all within the restrictions of a limited federal budget. This plan
includes: an overview of the demography of Weld County, the primary target population for
services, community trends, community input, key strategies, and programs that will be funded
over the upcoming planning period.
The first step in the four year planning process was to obtain a clear understanding of the needs
of the senior community as well as the strengths that exist in the senior population and within
their communities. The Weld County Area Agency on Aging contracted with the National
Research Center in Boulder Colorado to implement the Community Assessment Survey for
Older Adults (CASOA) in Weld County. The other 15 Area Agencies on Aging in Colorado area
also have contracted with the National Research Center to complete the CASOA in their region.
That will make it possible to compare like data throughout the state. The full State report is
scheduled to be available in early 2011. This survey and other local surveys, informal meetings,
one on one contact with seniors and provider agencies and staff and board member input helped
us craft the nine (9) key initiatives that will be used to guide the Weld County Area Agency on
Aging over the next planning period. In addition, this process identified what services under the
Older Americans Act would be funded if funding remains stable.
The nine initiatives that were identified are:
• Emphasize the leadership, coordination, advocacy and resource development role of
the Weld County Area Agency on Aging
• Reduce the incidence of reported loneliness and depression by seniors
• Improve transportation resources for at risk seniors
• Increase dental,vision and hearing resources for low-income seniors
• Improve access to information and assistance for caregivers
• Reduce hunger and malnutrition of seniors
• Improve community awareness of senior services
• Implementation of fall and disease management programs
• Increase chore and homemaker services
These nine initiatives and the action steps outlined in the plan are designed to address a
significant number of needs and issues that were identified in the planning process. It is
important to note that several of the strategies listed are currently in the 2008-2011 Four Year
Plan; however in most cases the action steps have been revised or enhanced.
The service programs that will be funded during this planning period (unless senior needs change
or funding cuts occur) will focus on helping seniors remain independent and healthy in the
community. The programs are also designed to empower and inform seniors and their
family/friends of service choices within the community.
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Below are examples of a few of the programs that will be funded during this planning period:
• The Senior Peer Counseling Program (North Range Behavioral Health) helps address the
need for senior mental health services in a creative community based manner. Peer
counselors provide services directly in the senior's home and help address issues such as
depression and isolation.
• The Hispanic Senior Outreach Program (Catholic Charities Northern) is designed to
locate a very high risk population and provide them with information and services that
will increase the possibility of remaining safe and independent in the community.
• The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (in-house program) advocates for seniors
who are no longer living in their homes but have moved to a nursing home or assisted
living. One of the roles of the Ombudsman is to help facilitate culture change within the
nursing home environment. Once culture change truly occurs in facilities the residents
are provided an environment which facilitates choice and independence.
• The Adult Day Services Program (Eldergarden) not only provides respite to caregivers
but also facilitates helping seniors remain in their homes or in the homes of
family/friends and avoiding or delaying institutionalization.
• The National Family Caregiver Support Program (in-house program)provides
information and assistance to caregivers of older adults. This program also provides
consumer directed respite services and evidence based caregiver training.
Throughout the plan it was noted that if the Older Americans Act or local funds that support the
OAA program are reduced or eliminated the AAA program priorities and funding levels will
need to be reevaluated. The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board expressed great concern that
as the aging population continues to grow, and funding fails to keep up with need, the most frail
and isolated in our communities will be negatively impacted. It is also important to note, the
programs provided under the Older Americans Act not only provide critical services to seniors
and their family members but the Federal dollars that come to the AAA communities help
stimulate the local economy through job creation.
The Area Agency on Aging will continue to explore opportunities to partner with traditional
senior serving agencies such as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program but also to investigate the
possibility of partnering with entities that have not been seen as a traditional partner. The Agency
will also continue to educate policy makers and the general public about the needs and concerns
of Weld seniors and help Weld County communities to mobilize locally and address senior
related concerns.
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Section II: Demography, Community Trends and Public Input
Senior Population Profile
The total population of Weld County, according to the 2008 population estimates from the
Colorado Department of Local Affairs Demography Section is 251,220. Table 1 highlights the
distribution of the 60+ Weld senior population by age, poverty, minority/poverty and rural. Table
2 provides a population forecast for 2012-2015. These numbers show an anticipated nine (9)
percent increase of the overall Weld County population and an even faster growth rate of
seventeen (17) for the 60+ category.
Table 1
2008 Senior Population Estimates for Weld County
Colorado Department of Local Affairs Demography Section
60+ 75+ 60+ 60+ 60+ 60+ Total
Poverty Minority Poverty Rural Population
(Primarily and
30,179 9,656 2,716 Hispanic) Minority 9,032 251,220
4,272 611
12% of the 32% of the 9% of the 14% of the 2% of the 30% of the
total senior senior senior senior senior
population population population population Population population
Table 2
Weld County Senior Population Projections 2012-2015
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Total Total % POP POP % POP POP
Population Population Change 60+ 60+ Change 75+ 75+ Change
2012 2015 2012 2015 2012 2015
Weld 277,100 302,254 9% 38,061 44,449 17% 11,494 12,869 12%
Weld County consists of 31 incorporated municipalities. Five (5) municipalities have annexed
portions of Weld County over the last 10+years, such as the City of Longmont and services are
primarily provided by their principal counties. Weld County also has several unincorporated
small communities such the community of Can. Weld County's communities vary in size from
99 for the town of New Raymer to 19,009 for the town of Evans; Greeley's estimated population
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is 93,129 according to the 2009 population estimates from the State Demographer's Office. It
will be interesting to see how accurate these numbers are once the 2010 Census data is available
for comparison.
Geographic Profile
Weld County is located on the eastern plains of Colorado, north and east of Denver and is 3999
square miles in size. Greeley, the county seat and major city, is located in the east central portion
of the county, approximately 60 miles northeast of Denver and 50 miles south of Cheyenne,
Wyoming. Greeley serves as a regional hub for medical, educational, employment and retail
needs for most of its residents. However, residents of south Weld County tend to conduct
business in Brighton, Longmont, Boulder, and the Denver suburbs.
The twenty five (25) small towns (not including Greeley) and villages (unincorporated areas)
ranging in population from 99 to 19,009 are situated primarily in the west, central, and southern
portions of the county. There are no major geographical barriers between these communities
other than distance. Often services are difficult to deliver to these communities because of the
cost of transportation or the cost of stationing human services workers in all of the rural
communities.
The most isolated communities are located in the far northeastern sectors of the county. Here
residents often transact business in towns across the border in Wyoming and Nebraska. Also,
winter storms bring ground blizzards which are hazardous for residents living in small towns and
ranches in northeast Weld County.
Weld County Demography and the Impact on Service Prioritization and Provision
The Area Agency on Aging is currently unable to serve all seniors in need due to funding
limitations. Even if Federal and State funding patterns remain the same over the next four years
we will be unable to increase the number of clients we serve due to the limitations of funding.
Given these funding limitations we must continue to focus on seniors in greatest need through
our outreach, targeting efforts and partnerships in the community, all the while maintaining the
spirit of the Older Americans Act.
The type of services that the Weld County Area Agency on Aging will fund during this four year
planning cycle is dictated largely by the Older Americans Act requirements; however, the
delivery system design is determined by the local agency staff and boards since they have the
greatest understanding of local strengths and needs.
For example, to reach the greatest number of both rural and urban seniors in the Senior Nutrition
Program there are 21 meal sites located throughout the county (six sites located in Greeley and
fifteen located outside of the Greeley city limits). We also have programs that focus on specific
regions of the county where we believe our target population resides (Hispanic Senior Outreach
Program in South County). We are also targeting caregivers throughout the county with our
Respite Voucher Program. Based on our client satisfaction surveys, we know our services give
caregivers much needed support and time away from their caregiver tasks. In the Chore Voucher
5
Program we are targeting seniors who live alone and who are unable to do tasks such as mowing
their lawn, snow removal, etc. The goal of the Chore Voucher Program is to help seniors stay in
their own home as long as possible.
Community Trends
According to the current surveys completed, seniors overall find Weld County a good place to
live. Weld County, even with the current growth, remains primarily rural and seniors have
indicated that they enjoy living in the smaller communities in the county. Seniors wanting or
needing more variety of services access the larger cities such as Greeley, where additional
service options exist. Below are a few of the trends currently occurring in Weld County that
affect the lives of seniors:
• Over the last 10 years one of the most significant regional trends impacting Weld County
is growth. Most small rural Weld communities whose population has remained fairly
stable for many years are continuing to experience growth such as Firestone, Frederick,
Dacono, Windsor, Mead, Erie and many others. Growth as an issue was noted by seniors
in needs assessments as far back as the 1998 Needs Assessment of Weld County Older
Adults. At that time 28.6% of respondents cited growth as the most pressing problem
facing Weld County. Many of the respondents were concerned that unbridled growth
would cause living expenses to rise and force fixed-income persons into poverty. Many
others were concerned about the loss of farm land to housing and industrial expansion.
Now twelve years after the 1998 needs assessment was completed we continue to see
growth in parts of Weld County and seniors continue to express concerns that the growth
is impacting the community in many ways. Water issues and loss of farm land are two of
the ongoing concerns. However, there continues to be positive aspects of growth. With
growth comes an increased diversity of services within a community. Weld has seen a
steady increase in the number of businesses from large grocery stores and restaurants to
multiple home health care agencies and other health related businesses. More options
translate into more choices for seniors and their family and friends.
• Colorado, like the rest of the nation has felt the impact of the economic downturn. Weld
County has been faced with a high rate of home foreclosures and an increased
unemployment rate. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment reported that in
October 2010 Weld County had the third highest unemployment rate in the state's seven
metropolitan statistical areas. The state and the county remain optimistic that the
economy will improve in the near future. In the meantime, events such as the 50+Health
and Job Fair play a role in helping seniors stay healthy in stressful times as well as
helping them identify job opportunities in the community.
Public Input Meetings and Survey Findings
The public hearing was held in the Weld County Department of Human Services during the
Weld County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board meeting on January 13, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
The hearing was made public through a press release to the Greeley Tribune, the leading
newspaper in Weld County. A total of twelve(12) individuals attended the meeting. The nine (9)
key community strategies were presented and approved by the Weld County Area Agency on
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Aging Advisory Board. The strategies were developed from information that the Area Agency on
Aging obtained from the CASOA survey, an in-formal senior survey, community provider
feedback, the rural senior coordinators, input from the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board
and from the Area Agency on Aging staff. The presentation was followed by a question and
answer period. It should be noted that the Area Agency on Aging did receive a telephone call on
January 12, 2011 from a transit provider in the community that could not attend the public
hearing. She requested and received an electronic copy of the draft Four Year Plan. During the
phone call she shared that she felt that transportation for seniors continues to be a great need and
hoped that plan reflected this need fully.
As was noted above, information used to establish the strategies and service priorities was
obtained in a variety of ways. The Weld County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board
members and the Area Agency on Aging staff members played a significant role in gathering
information by visiting nine (9) senior centers/nutrition sites and two (2) senior centers that were
not senior nutrition sites located throughout the county. Each of the visited seniors received a
questionnaire and was provided with an opportunity to share ideas and needs with the Area
Agency on Aging. Over seven hundred (700) seniors were seen during these visits. In addition,
the remaining twelve (12) senior nutrition program sites received the same questionnaire that
was distributed at the other 11 sites in order to elicit their thoughts concerning not only senior
service needs but also strengths that exist in their communities.
The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board asked to review all programs (in-house and outside
providers)that were being funded by Older Americans Act and other local dollars. On August
12, 2010 in-house staff presented detailed overviews of their programs and discussed gaps and/or
needs that exist either in their program or in the community. During the September 9, 2010 board
meeting all key providers gave a formal report on the status of their programs and shared
information concerning program needs and gaps in the community.
On November 3, 2010, a meeting was held with the WELDCOs, an association of Weld County
rural senior center directors. They provided feedback during the meeting regarding their thoughts
and observations concerning senior needs. On September 9, 2010, the Older Americans Act
providers met with the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board. They provided feedback and
shared information concerning funding priorities and service needs.
Overall, the participants of the variety of meetings and onsite visits expressed positive comments
concerning the availability of services in Weld County and of their own overall quality of life.
The following is a brief highlight of the service needs that were identified by both the formal
surveys and the multiple meetings and outreach efforts:
• Accessible and affordable transportation
• Chore and homemaker services
• Caregiving assistance in the form of respite and information and assistance
• Services to address loneliness and depression
• Dental, vision, and hearing assistance
• Affordable senior housing countywide
• Affordable in-home services
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A number of methods have been used over the last year to determine not only the service or
resource gaps in our community but also the strengths that lie within the community. The real
question for the Area Agency on Aging is how the existing community strengths can be used to
facilitate the improvement or development of needed senior services. Below is a more detailed
overview of the strengths and needs that were identified by seniors who participated either in a
formal survey process (Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults), attended a variety of
group meetings, or were asked one on one what they thought were the strengths and needs found
in their community.
Community Assessment Survey
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging contracted with National Research Center, in Boulder,
Colorado to conduct an assessment that would help determine the strengths and needs of Weld
County seniors. The Research Center completed a similar assessment for Weld County and the
State of Colorado in 2004.
In 2010, the assessment tool known as the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults
(CASOA) was used throughout the state and has been used in other major cities in the United
States. The objectives of the CASOA were to:
• Identify community strengths in serving older adults
• Articulate the specific needs of older adults in the community
• Estimate contributions made by older adults in the community
• Determine the connections of older adults in the community
A total of 1,500 surveys including 350 in the Carbon Valley area were mailed to Weld County
seniors, 60 years or older. A total of 555 surveys were completed providing a response rate of
thirty eight(38) percent. According to the Research Center, this was a very good response rate.
Older adults tend to have a higher participation rate in surveys than younger individuals. Since
the south county area, known as Carbon Valley, has been experiencing significant growth over
the last several years the Carbon Valley area was more heavily sampled in order to be able to
have a stand-alone brief report for this geographic region. Three hundred and fifty surveys were
mailed to the Carbon Valley area(Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick and Mead) and 134 were
completed. The response rate was forty (40) percent.
Below is a very brief overview of the findings. To see the full Weld County and a Carbon Valley
report see the Department of Human Services website at www.co.weld.co.us.
Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA) Summary:
Weld County 2010
1,500 surveys were mailed to older adults (60+) in Weld County 555 were returned, a 38 %
return rate:
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I. Who completed the survey?
How many years have you Percent of Which best describes the Percent of
lived in your community? respondents building you live in? respondents
Less than 1 year 2% Single family home 80%
1-5 years 13% Townhouse, condo, duplex 14%
or apartment
6-10 years 19% Mobile home 5%
11-20 years 17% Assisted living 0%
More than 20 years 49% Nursing home 0%
Other 1%
Do you currently rent or own Percent of About how much is your Percent of
your home? respondents monthly housing cost? respondents
Rent 16% Less than $300 23%
Own (with a mortgage 43% $300 to $599 per month 24%
payment)
Own (free and clear; no 42% $600 to $999 per month 18%
mortgage)
$1,000 to $1,499 per month 17%
How many people, including Percent of $1,500 to $2,499 per month 13%
yourself, live in your respondents
household?
1 person (live alone) 31% $2,500 or more per month 7%
2 people 55%
3 people 10% In which category is your Percent of
age? respondents
4 or more people 4% 60-64 years 14%
65-69 years 25%
How much is the household's Percent of 70-74 years 33%
total gross or pre-tax income respondents 75-79 years 28%
for the year?
Less than $15,000 13% 80-84 years 11%
$15,000 to $24,999 25%
$25,000 to $49,999 26% Are you Spanish/Hispanic/ Percent of
Latino? respondents
$50,000 to $74,999 20% Yes 9%
_ No 91%
What is your race? Percent of
respondents _
American Indian or Alaskan 1% What is your sex? Percent of
native respondents
Asian or Pacific Islander 1% Female 58%
White/Caucasian 95% Male 42%
Black, African American 1%
Other 2%
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What is your employment Percent of
status? respondents
Fully retired 70%
Working full time for pay 16%
Working part time for pay 12%
Unemployed, looking for paid 2%
work
II. Older Adult Needs in Weld County
Thinking back over the past 12 months, how much of a Percent at least a Number affected
problem, if at all, has each of the following been for "minor"problem in 2000
you? (n=34,323)
Your physical health 61% 20,872
Staying physically fit
Feeling like your voice is heard in the community 56% 19,421
Doing heavy or intense housework 52% 16,500
Not knowing what services are available to older adults 49% 15,768
in your community
Finding work in retirement 45% 15,333
Having interesting recreational or cultural activities to 43% 14,853
attend
Having interesting social events or activities to attend 43% 14,853
Feeling bored 41% 13,928
Maintaining a healthy diet 40% 13,825
Having tooth or mouth problems 39% 13,505
Having adequate information or dealing with public 38% 13,020
programs such as Social Security, Medicare and
Medicaid
Finding affordable health insurance 37% 12,731
Having enough money to meet daily expenses 37% 12,542
Building skills for paid or unpaid work 37% 12,642
Dealing with financial planning issues 37% 12,837
Maintaining your yard 36% 12,437
Experiencing confusion or forgetfulness 35% 11,944
Maintaining your home 35% 12,030
Affording medication you need 35% 11,862
Getting oral health care you need 34% 11,649
Dealing with the loss of a close family member or 34% 11,565
friend
Performing regular activities, including walking, 33% 11,218
eating, preparing meals
Feeling depressed 32% 10,990
Finding productive or meaningful activities to do 32% 10,980
Having enough money to pay your property taxes 32% 11,027
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Finding meaningful volunteer work 30% 10,302
Dealing with legal issues 30% 10,174
Feeling lonely or isolated 30% 10,296
Providing care for another person 29% 9,880
Having safe and affordable transportation available 25% 8,694
Falling or injuring yourself in your home 24% 8,269
Getting the health care you need 24% 8,405
Having friends or family you can rely on 18% 6,065
Having housing to suit your needs 16% 5,485
Being a victim of fraud or a scam 15% 5,139
No longer being able to drive 13% 4,592
Being a victim of crime 12% 4,047
Having enough food to eat 10% 3,544
Being physically or emotionally abused 4% 1,255
Local Questionnaires
The Area Agency on Aging developed a brief questionnaire that encompassed both strengths
based and needs based questions. These questionnaires were given to the twenty five(25) senior
center and/or senior nutrition site participants. The senior center/senior nutrition site coordinators
and the Area Agency on Aging Board and staff members facilitated the discussion and
distribution of the questionnaire. The same general sets of questions were also used with key
provider agencies. The following is a summary of the strengths and needs that were identified:
1. Positive comments from seniors regarding their community (Note: seniors
comments most frequently referred to their town or city verses Weld County):
• Great senior centers
• Senior nutrition meals
• Available senior housing
• Community parks
• Access to the county transportation system
• Community churches
• Weld County Area Agency on Aging
• Recreational trips through the senior center
• Responsive fire department and paramedics
• Community food bank
• Available home health care
• The local recreation center
• Meals on Wheels
• Exercise classes at the senior center
• Good doctors and medical services
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2. Strengths seniors offer the community:
• Neighbors helping neighbors
• Community volunteering
• Committees organized and run by seniors
3. Why seniors like living in their communities:
• Small town
• Low crime rate
• Peaceful and quiet
• Strong sense of community
• People willing to help each other in times of need
• Affordable
• Assortment of churches
• Located nearby larger communities
• Friendly people
• Location
• Dynamic community
• Great recreation center
• Golf course
• Good volunteers
• Mild climate
• Close to family
• Good neighbors
• Volunteer opportunities
4. How seniors find out about senior services:
• Newspaper (Tribune, 50+ Marketplace News, smaller local papers, etc)
• Chamber of Commerce
• Senior events
• Mailing from senior centers
• Senior centers
• By word of mouth
• Senior publications
• Recreation center
• Area Agency on Aging
• Senior coordinator
• Town hall
• At the senior nutrition meal
• Housing manager
• Flyers and bulletins
• The internet
• Friends and family
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5. What services would you like to see provided or enhanced in your community:
• Transit services for seniors who can no longer drive
• More affordable senior housing
• Increase number of senior meal days
• More exercise opportunities
• More chore and homemaker services
When comparing the informal findings from 2006 and the current responses we found few
differences. Most seniors appear to be comfortable in their communities and are living active and
very productive lives. The strengths Weld County seniors have outlined include strong family
and friendship support systems, strong connection to their faith based community, easy access to
many services including grocery stores, physicians and hospitals These strengths and others are
very important if and when a senior experiences a change in their health or financial situation
that threatens their independence. We know that seniors who have positive influences in their
lives deal more successfully in times of difficulty than those who have few informal support
systems.
The needs or gaps in services varied somewhat between sites. It is also important to note that not
all of the seniors attending the sites completed the questionnaire. Some seniors indicated that
they thought everything was fine and they had no issues or none they cared to share with us. We
also know that the seniors who attend senior centers and meal programs are already engaged to
some degree in their community and the senior network. This type of informal information
seeking does not address the seniors who are not active in these types of formal systems. We
have to rely on formal assessment processes like the CASOA to reach seniors who are not
already known to the aging network.
Services and Priorities
Services and priority planning for the Weld County Area Agency was based on the information
obtained from the 2010 CASOA, the senior serving network, senior groups, AAA staff and the
Area Agency on Advisory Board. Priority was also placed on core Older American Act programs
and those programs required under the OAA. Overall, the programs that we anticipate funding
over this planning period will not be significantly different from the current Four Year Plan
program areas due to little change in overall identified senior needs, service gaps or funding
levels.
Every four years the Weld County Area Agency on Aging releases a Request for Proposal (RFP)
for all major program areas that are not provided directly by in-house staff. The RFP process is
outlined in the Area Agency on Aging policies and procedures and the RFP packet clearly
outlines the expectations of the potential provider agency and the goals and the objectives of the
specific programs that the Area Agency on Aging and the Area Agency on Aging Advisory are
interested in funding. The Weld County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board committee plays
a significant role in the evaluation of the RFPs and the allocation of designated funds. The RFP
process will take place in the spring of 2011. If vendors change or services are significantly
different than what the Four Year Plan has outlined, then a revision of the plan will be submitted
to the State.
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Below is a detailed outline of the service areas that will be funded during this four year planning
period, if funding remains stable and continues to be a needed service. Programs that are
available through the Weld County Area Agency on Aging but not funded by the Older
Americans Act are also included in the plan but they are clearly identified as programs funded
through other funding streams.
Information and Assistance (I &A)
The Area Agency on Aging will ensure that all older persons within Weld County have
reasonable and convenient access to information and assistance about services through the
following means:
• In order to meet the growing demands for comprehensive information and assistance
services an in-house I & A position was created in 2008. This position is currently being
funded primarily with non-federal funds. In addition to this position, all in-house staff
and contracted providers are required to stay current with community resources so that
they too will be able to provide I & A services to the community. The staff will continue
to work closely with United Way 211 to insure that the 211 system has the most current
AAA program information.
• The AAA staff will continue to provide training and assistance to the rural senior
coordinators (WELDCOs) who are located in sixteen (16) rural senior aide stations
throughout Weld County. The rural senior coordinators are well known to seniors in their
communities and are in a position to provide information and assistance to seniors in a
cost effective and timely manner. The rural coordinators are either employees of the
towns/cities they represent or are dedicated volunteers.
• Based on the information obtained from the surveys completed in 2010, 2004 and the
2002 the community remains in need of general and specific types of information related
to older adults. Special attention will be paid to the needs of caregivers (including
grandparents raising grandchildren) and the emerging baby boomer population over the
next 4 years.
• We will continue to disseminate information to the community at large through multiple
forms of media including the 50+ Marketplace News, the Greeley Tribune, local rural
weekly publications, local radio stations, agency service directories, agency program
brochures, the Department of Human Services' website, other potential social media, etc.
In addition, the AAA will support or form partnerships with other agencies to make
workshops and trainings available to the general public on topics that address current
senior issues or needs.
• We are currently discussing the strengths and weaknesses of becoming a designated
Aging and Disability Resource Center, known as ARCH in Colorado. We hope to make a
decision by early 2011. The overall goal of the ARCH program is to empower individuals
to effectively navigate their health and other long-term support options. Long-term
support refers to a wide range of in-home, community-based, and institutional services
and programs designed to help individuals' access services.
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Outreach Services
The Area Agency on Aging will ensure that outreach efforts are conducted throughout Weld
County to identify older persons and to inform them of the availability of services by:
• Designate a minimum of one trained, bilingual Area Agency on Aging staff person for
one on one outreach and for Spanish interpretation services as needed and appropriate.
• Maintain the Hispanic Elderly Outreach Program: a contracted service with Catholic
Charities of Northern Colorado. The contractors responsibility will continue to be to
identify isolated and at risk Hispanic seniors (and other minority seniors) and provide
information and assistance regarding community services to enable the seniors to remain
independent in the community.
• Training rural senior coordinators on outreach techniques and provide incentives for local
communities under the leadership of their rural senior programs to identify and maintain
continuous contact with all seniors with particular emphasis on the oldest, most frail,
minority and homebound.
• Providing technical assistance upon request to a wide range of community leaders
including church leaders, service clubs, elected officials, and other volunteer
organizations on the implications for health and well being of seniors who feel lonely and
isolated.
Transportation Services
The 2010 CASOA survey indicated that 8,694 (25%) seniors have experienced at least a minor
problem accessing safe and affordable transportation. This compares with the 2004 Strengths and
Needs survey that identified 1,532 (6%) seniors that stated they had difficulty (frequently or
sometimes) arranging transportation for medical trips in the past year and five (5) percent
reported difficulty arranging transportation for recreational or social trips. We anticipate as the
senior population continues to increase (specifically the 85+) service needs will rise and there
will be a need to increase transportation services.
Currently the Weld County community receives transit services from a variety of entities. The
Weld County Transportation program provides services to the rural communities through a
sundry of funding streams and they provide limited services within the Greeley area (limited by
funding source). The City of Greeley/Evans provides transportation services (fixed route and
paratransit services) within the cities of Greeley and Evans. Individual senior centers/recreation
centers provide limited transit services either through their own vans or volunteer drivers. Also,
agencies like Envision and the community service board, provide transit services to their clients.
In the last three years, a non-profit agency called Senior Resources, Inc. has provided rides to
seniors using volunteer drivers. The service has primarily been in the Greeley area but they hope
to expand to other locations in the county.
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging will:
• Increase awareness (through outreach efforts) of specific transit options available to
seniors and how to access the existing services.
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• Encourage seniors in rural communities to actively address the current and future transit
needs of the seniors with their city councils and boards.
In-Home Services
The Area Agency on Aging will provide in-home services (through provider contracts)to seniors
in the community to help them remain in their own homes with a maximum degree of
independence and choice by:
• Maintaining funding for homemaker and personal care to frail seniors who have no other
source of third party reimbursement for such services and who cannot financially afford
the full cost of the service. The amount of Area Agency on Aging funds allocated to this
program continues to fall short of the true needs in the community. However the current
AAA contract provider continues to explore additional funding partners in order to serve
additional seniors.
• Maintaining funding for in-home one-on-one peer counseling (seniors helping seniors)
services to at risk seniors. Providing counseling in a home setting, versus office or mental
health center, has been very successful with the senior population who often hesitate to
access mental health services. This service addresses issues related to loneliness, isolation
and loss, and other life changes that impact many seniors. This creative partnership with
North Range Behavioral Health has been in place for over 25 years and continues to
remain dynamic and relevant to seniors today.
Colorado Options for Long Term Care Program or SEP (Single Entry Point) gives community
based long term care options to persons qualifying for Medicaid and meets functional
requirements. Maintaining the Options for Long Term Care Program within the Area Agency on
Aging increases the likelihood that clients (many who are the most disabled, frail and low
income in the community) are referred appropriately and quickly to the appropriate AAA
program or service.
Legal Assistance Services
The AAA will continue to maintain a paralegal on staff under the supervision (by contract) of a
qualified attorney to provide advice and consultation to older adults with economic and social
needs. All seniors requesting legal assistance are screened directly by the paralegal. The
paralegal consults with the supervising attorney on a regular and as needed basis.
The priorities of the Legal Program are reviewed annually by internal staff, by state staff during
the program audit process and every four years during the four year planning process. The
following are the priorities that guide the Legal Program:
• The applicant is in a life threatening or harmful situation, imminent physical danger or in
a situation which suggests financial exploitation. Including but not limited to: elder abuse
not handled by Adult Protection; any denial, reduction and/or termination of public
assistance benefits; tenant evictions; utilities shut-offs; and emergency wills, living wills
and power of attorney documents for seniors who are hospitalized, institutionalized or
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homebound in the greatest social and economic need who otherwise could not access
such services.
• Provide education and information to seniors regarding such topics as: the importance of
wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and the small claims court process.
• Assistance and advice in applying for public assistance benefits. Including but not limited
to: Medicaid, Medicare, Old Age Pension and Social Security Administration programs.
• Personal rights issues that include but are not limited to: collections, garnishments,
consumer matters, subsidized housing and state identification cards/birth certificates.
Seniors and key informants continue to express a need for legal services. Due to the cost of these
services in the community, many seniors would be forced to go without this type of assistance if
these services were reduced or eliminated.
Ombudsman Services
The Area Agency on Aging will maintain the Ombudsman Program in-house. The Lead
Ombudsman will report to the Area Agency on Aging Director (who is also a certified
ombudsman) and will have all the authority vested by the federal Older Americans Act and State
of Colorado Statutes to carry out the activities of a long term care ombudsman. Oversight will
include eight (8) Weld County nursing homes and twenty one (21) assisted living facilities. The
Lead Ombudsman will continue to supervise one full time ombudsman and a team of volunteers
(3-4). Current level of staffing allows the ombudsman team to meet all the current requirements
of the Ombudsman Program.
In an effort to protect the rights of seniors in long term care facilities and stretch limited
resources, the Ombudsman Program works closely with the Department of Social Services'
Adult Protection team and other community groups by:
• Maintain membership on the Weld County Adult Protection Networking Team
• Coordinate and provide elder abuse education activities for the community
• Train staff, the aging network and the general public on the referral procedures to adult
protection. Also educate nurse aides in training prior to beginning employment as a
C.N.A. staff in long term care facilities
• Participate in community victim advocacy groups
• Maintain funding from V.A.L.E
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services and
Evidence Based Programs
Health and Job Fair
The Area Agency on Aging and its community partners successfully provided a fall health fair
for nine years. The primary goal of the Senior Health Fair is to expose seniors not only to a
variety of senior service resources but also to free health screenings including such items as:
blood pressure screenings, vision and hearing checks, depression and anxiety screenings,
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diabetes awareness, glucose level screenings, etc. The Senior Health Fair also provided, at a
nominal fee, a wide variety of blood work that will provide key information about a senior's
health status. In addition, flu, pneumonia and tetanus vaccinations were made available at no cost
for seniors who have Medicare Part B and at market price for who did not have health insurance
coverage for vaccinations. The Senior Health Fair committee, in recent years has focused on
reaching younger seniors in hopes of encouraging healthy lifestyles changes and disease
prevention.
In November 2007, at the urging of an Area Agency on Aging board member, the AAA and its
partners offered a job fair for seniors. The event was successful, but due to the cost of the event it
was decided to combine the health and job fair into one event. The event, now known as the 50+
Health and Job Fair Expo has been held in early October since 2008. Over 650 individuals attend
the event annually and have consistently evaluated the event positively. This unusual
combination of services is marketed to the public as a means to gain both physical and financial
wellbeing in one event. This event is possible only because of the outstanding partnerships with a
wide variety of businesses, governmental agencies, volunteers and service provider agencies.
The dual event will continue until we find that it no longer appears to meet the need of the public
or funding is eliminated.
Evidence Based Programs
The Health Care Committee, a standing committee of the Weld County Area Agency on Aging
Advisory Board meets regularly to outline new and existing Part D programs that meet the
objectives of health care related initiatives identified in the Four Year Plan. During the last three
years the committee has supported the concept of evidence based programs such as the Chronic
Disease Self-Management Program, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Strong Women/Strong
Bones, A Matter of Balance and the Diabetes Self-Management Program. These programs are
being implemented by both in-house trained staff and trained volunteers and supported by
community partners. Funding for these programs has come from federal grants, Part D, Part E
and local dollars. These programs are being marketed to the community as Weld Aging Well: To
Age Well is to Live Well. The goal of these programs is to keep seniors active, fit and in control
of their health care needs. We plan to continue to increase the evidence based programs
throughout the community by increasing our community partnerships, exploring funding options
and taking advantage of federal grant opportunities.
Nutrition Services
Congregate Meal Program
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging, as mandated by the Older Americans Act, will assure
the provision of the congregate and home delivered meal programs in Weld County.
In order to meet both urban and rural senior needs, twenty one congregate sites have been
developed throughout Weld County (as far north as Nunn and as far south as Erie). These sites
are located in a variety of settings including low income housing, senior centers, recreation
centers, town halls, churches and community buildings. The congregate meal program (Senior
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Nutrition Program) is internally managed by one full time staff member, an hourly registered
dietitian, and administrative support staff. The day to day activities at each site is managed by a
vast number of volunteers. In partnership with the local communities all site locations are
provided at no cost. The Area Agency on Aging decided many years ago not to directly run a
senior nutrition kitchen but rather contract with a local vendor to provide all meals to the
program. In the early years of the program several food venders were used but ultimately it was
determined that using one vendor was the most cost effective due to economy of scale. The
actual delivery of the food has always been provided by a professional transportation entity
rather than by volunteers.
In the last five years we, along with many nutrition programs across the country, have seen an
overall decline in the numbers of seniors attending the congregate meal program. The decline is
due in part to the increased frailty of the clients we serve. In Weld County the majority of the
seniors who attend the program are within the ages of 70-89 years and currently over 70 clients
are between the ages of 90-99. The program is not seeing a large number of young seniors
entering the program. This may be because younger seniors are still in the workforce due to the
economy or the younger senior may not see themselves in need of the meal program. It will be
interesting to see if this younger cohort will seek out congregate services when they enter their
later years.
The program is serving approximately 1,300 seniors throughout the county and providing over
55,000 meals throughout the year. Client satisfaction surveys indicate that the seniors who attend
the program find it to be a positive experience and they believe it helps meet their nutritional and
socialization needs.
In order to maintain the program as it is currently structured the following items must occur:
• Maintain a financial contract with the University of Northern Colorado or like vender to
prepare hot meals for the congregate meal program
• Maintain a financial contract with a transit provider to deliver food from the meal vendor
to the designated meal sites
• Maintain and support the Area Agency on Aging staff who will continue to provide the
required oversight needed to ensure that the program meets federal, state and local
regulations and guidelines
• Market the nutrition program across the county to attract new customers to the program
Home-Delivered Meals Program
Nationally and locally the aging network is anticipating an increased need for home-delivered
meals due to the growing number of adults 85 years and older. The Area Agency on Aging has
historically provided the home-delivered program through a community provider. This has been
a very cost effective and visible service for Weld County seniors.
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In order to maintain the program as it is currently structured the following items must occur:
• Maintain a financial contract with Meals on Wheels or like vender in order to provide
home-delivered meals to Weld County seniors
• AAA will continue to provide oversight and technical support to Meals on Wheels
Advocacy, Coordination, and Program Development
Emphasis will be placed on these activities with the clear intent of strengthening the Area
Agency on Aging's leadership and technical assistance role to Weld communities. The Area
Agency on Aging believes more time and resources must be directed to enabling and partnering
activities that could result in creative community approaches for helping elders and their
caregivers. Therefore the Area Agency on Aging will:
Redirect resources as available and appropriate to give greater support to advocacy, coordination,
and program development activities.
Other Optional Support Services
• Maintain funding for adult day care services to provide a safe and secure environment for
frail seniors who are trying to remain either in their own homes or in the homes of family
members and avoid inappropriate nursing home or assisted living placement and provide
respite services for caregivers.
• Senior Peer Counseling Program (see in-home section above).
• The Area Agency on Aging will continue to sponsor the Options for Long Term Care
Program serving approximately 1000 frail, low-income, at-risk seniors and disabled
individuals.
• The Area Agency on Aging will continue to support a .50 FTE rural senior center
technical advisor using Community Service Block Grant funds (CSBG). This position
plays a key role in providing education and technical assistance to all rural senior site
coordinators.
• Other programs funded through federal and non-federal funds:
1. Dental, Vision, and Hearing Program
2. Chore Voucher Program
3. Telephone Reassurance Program
4. Evidenced based health promotion programs
5. Information and Assistance Program
National Family Caregiver Support Program
The Area Agency on Aging will continue to support the in-house .60 FTE Family Caregiver
position. The goal of the program will be to continue to provide information and assistance to
caregivers, provide appropriate and needed caregiver training/workshops, and maintain the
respite voucher program. In the 2002 Caregiver Needs Assessment, caregivers expressed a need
for a central source of information for caregivers at all stages of access and in 2010 the CASOA
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found that twenty nine (29) percent of the seniors surveyed found that providing care for another
person to be at least a minor problem. Over the next four years the AAA will continue to work
diligently to provide information and assistance for caregivers and the community at large by
working closely with the aging network and our internal staff.
In an effort to help caregivers deal effectively with the challenges of caregiving a program
known as Powerful Tools for Caregivers has been made available by the AAA. Powerful Tools
for Caregivers is an educational program that provides family caregivers with tools to increase
their self-care and confidence. The program was developed by Legacy Health System's
Caregiver Services Department and modeled after Stanford University's Chronic Disease Self-
Management Program. Three internal staff members and three community volunteers have been
trained and have provided classes to Weld caregivers. The classes have been held in a variety of
settings in order to attract caregivers from around the county. The goal is to provide the classes at
least one time per quarter.
Due to the increased number of grandparents raising grandchildren in Weld County the Area
Agency on Aging staff will continue to work with other key agencies in the community to
provide educational opportunities such as legal clinics, resource fairs, support groups,
newsletters, legal handbooks etc.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
See Information and Assistance
Title VII Vulnerable Elder Rights Activities Program
Title VII funding has been used to help maintain the current in-house Ombudsman Program. The
Ombudsman Program is active in providing community education relating to elder abuse and
exploitation. The Ombudsman team will continue to participate in the Adult Protection
Networking Team, the Long Term Care Bio-Ethics Committee and the Senior Service Network
group and other appropriate committees.
The Ombudsman team works closely with the in-house paralegal and the contract attorney
regarding appropriate legal issues involving long term care residents. The Ombudsman also
works closely with the Options for Long Term Care case managers in order to help long term
care residents explore the opportunity of returning to independent living in the community.
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Initiatives
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging has identified nine(9) community initiatives to focus
on during the next four(4) years: These initiatives are intended to address several significant
needs or service gaps as identified by staff, advisory board members, providers, and the general
public.
(1) Emphasize the leadership, coordination, advocacy and resource
development role of the Weld County Area Agency on Aging.
Issue: Area Agencies on Aging do not have the financial resources to address all of the
unmet needs of older adults in our planning and service areas. Area Agencies on Aging
do, however, have over twenty five (25) years of experience in planning and
organizational activities to help organizations and communities improve the quality of
life of older adults and respond to the most serious unmet needs of the most frail and
isolated elder.
How issue will be addressed:
• Increasing community-wide education/training, opportunities to the public on a wide
variety of aging issues (i.e. caregiving issues, elder abuse, nutrition education, evidence
based health promotion and disease prevention programs, senior empowerment, etc)
• Partner with community organizations such as RSVP, RVNA, Eldergarden, North Range
Behavioral Health, and other agencies to help address gaps in the long term care system
• Seek out best practice models from other Area Agencies on Aging in the nation to
determine if core OAA programs can be provided more effectively
• Explore grant writing opportunities with both local and national funding sources
• Increase the visibility of the AAA by developing a marketing plan that will effectively
reach the senior community and is financially feasible
• Improve the AAA's infra-structure in order to more adequately meet the administrative
needs of the agency and improve the agency's ability to serve the Weld County
community by allocating a reasonable percentage of new dollars on infra-structure
development over the next 4 years
• Develop a partnership with emergency response entities and other appropriate agencies
(such as: American Red Cross, Weld County Public Health, Weld County Office of
Emergency Planning, United Way of Weld County, etc.) to address senior needs and
clarify the role of second level responder agencies
• Continue to effectively advocate for senior needs with local, state and federal elected
officials
(2) Reduce the incidence of reported loneliness and depression by seniors.
Issue: In 2004 the Strength and Needs survey revealed that twenty two (22) percent of
older adults reported loneliness was a problem and 27 (twenty seven) percent stated that
depression was a problem for them. In 2010 the CASOA found that twenty two (22)
22
percent reported that they found depression to be at least a minor problem. Pervasive
loneliness can be the root cause for depression and many physical health problems.
How issue will be addressed:
• Maintain funding to the Senior Peer Counseling Program through North Range
Behavioral Health
• Maintain a strong working relationship with Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
and encourage seniors to participate in meaningful volunteer activities
(3) Improve transportation resources for at risk seniors.
Issue: In 2004 ten (10) percent of adults 60+ stated having inadequate transportation
during the past year. In 2010 twenty five (25) percent of adults 60+ stated they were
having at least a minor problem with access to safe and affordable transportation and
seven (7) percent stated that they were no longer able to drive.
How issue will be addressed:
• Inform seniors what transportation options currently exist in the community and
encourage them to work closely with their governing boards to find viable transit options
in their community
• Work closely with rural senior centers and assist them in developing local community
options, such as volunteer driving programs
(4) Increase dental, vision and hearing resources for low-income seniors.
Issue: Over the last twelve years surveys have indicated that seniors are in need of
assistance with dental, vision and hearing resources. In 1998, Weld seniors (7.2%)
reported that the most common health service they had difficulty procuring was dental
care. The most common barrier to dental care is cost. Unresolved dental problems
decrease the quality of life of an older adult by decreasing food choices and overall
nutritional intake, decreasing socialization particularly when associated with eating
activities and by increasing exposure to discomfort and pain. In addition, in the 2004
Strengths and Needs Assessment four (4) percent of the respondents indicated a need for
eye glass assistance and two (2) percent needed assistance with hearing aids. In 2010,
thirty four (34)percent indicated having difficulty getting the oral health care that they
needed.
How issue will be addressed:
• The Area Agency on Aging will look for non-federal funding to provide funding sources
for seniors who are unable to pay for their dental needs
• Will maintain current Dental, Vision, and Hearing Program (if funding remains available)
• Refer clients to programs such as the Old Age Pension Program and other available
resources, when appropriate
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(5) Improve access to information and assistance for caregivers providing
care to older adults and grandchildren.
Issue: According to the 2002 Caregiver Needs Assessment, caregivers are in need of a
central source of information where they can easily obtain guidance and information
about medical conditions, mental health concerns, senior programs and services. In 2004,
the Weld Strengths and Needs Assessment showed that over one-half of the caregivers
indicated that they felt burdened by their caregiving duties over the past two months. In
2010, the CASOA found that twenty nine (29) percent of the caregivers expressed at least
minor challenges due to their caregiving role.
How issue will be addressed:
• Enhance current marketing plan that will be cost effective and reach a broad base of
caregivers
• Maintain training workshops such as Powerful Tools for Caregivers, that will address the
need for caregiving skill enhancements
• Maintain the Family Caregiver Respite Voucher Program to address the need of respite
services
• Maintain community based educational efforts that address the growing issues and needs
of grandparents raising grandchildren
(6) Reduce hunger and malnutrition of seniors.
Issue: In 2004 eighteen (18) percent of older adults 60+ with incomes less than $15,000
annually reported not getting enough or the right kinds of food to eat and six (6) percent
of all older adults reported not having enough food to eat. In 2010 the CASOA found that
five(5) percent of all older adults reported not having enough food to eat.
How issue will be addressed:
• Develop a strong partnership with the Weld County Food Bank and local community
Kitchen Pantries
• Increase community awareness about the Senior Nutrition Program and the Meals on
Wheels Program
• Increase older adults' awareness of the food stamp program and other food assistance
programs in the community
(7) Increase Community Awareness of Senior Services.
Issue: According to the CASOA findings thirty two (32) percent of the seniors
surveyed indicate that they were somewhat to very uninformed about services and
activities available to older adults in their community.
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How issue will be addressed:
• Move towards the possible development of an Aging and Disability Resource Center
• Continue to enhance the Weld County AAA website
• Maintain the AAA's quarterly newsletter
• Participate in committee groups such as the Carbon Valley Network to increase
awareness of communitywide services and increase partnership opportunities with local
communities
• Develop educational and marketing strategies with the WELDCO's and the AAA
provider network to improve the aging network's information outreach efforts
• Work more closely with United Way 211
• Continue to provide community events such as the +50 Health and Job Fair that are
designed to provide services and educational opportunities for the community
(8) Increase fall prevention and disease management evidence based
programs.
Issue: Based on the CASOA findings sixty one (61) percent of the seniors surveyed
experienced a least a minor issue with their physical health and thirty one (31) percent
have fallen at least once in the last 12 months. Poor or compromised health issues can
lead to such outcomes as depression, increased hospitalization and medication use.
How issue will be addressed:
• Continue to provide evidence based programs such as A Matter of Balance, Chronic
Disease Self-Management Program, Diabetes Self-Management Program, Strong
Women/Strong Bones
• Continue training volunteers and developing partnerships in order to expand the evidence
based programs throughout the county
• Encourage exercise and good nutrition through the agency newsletter and educational
presentations at all senior centers
• Use community events such as the 50+ Health and Job Fair as an opportunity to market
all evidence based programs
(9) Increase chore and homemaker services.
Issue: Seventeen (17) percent of seniors surveyed in 2010 indicated they had moderate
difficulty doing heavy or intense housework and twenty six (26) percent stated that they
had at least minor issues with maintaining the house and twenty (20) percent had at least
minor issues with yard maintenance.
How issue will be addressed:
• Continue to fund homemaker services under Title III B and explore other funding options
• Continue to fund the Chore Voucher Program and explore other funding options
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• Continue partnering with such entities as AmeriCorps to provide assistance to frail
elderly for yard and snow removal
• Encourage local communities to provide snow removal services to seniors in their
community
Section III: Targeting, Preference and Priority
The Older Americans Act states that all adults aged 60 and older shall be eligible for services. If
resources are not available to serve all eligible older adults who request the services, preference
and priority in the delivery of services shall be given to older adults as defined below:
• Older individuals residing in rural areas
• Older individuals with greatest economic need (with particular attention to low-income
minority individuals and older individuals residing in rural areas)
• Older individuals with greatest social need (with particular attention to low-income
minority individuals and older individuals residing in rural areas)
• Older individuals with severe disabilities
• Older individuals with limited English proficiency
• Older individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders with neurological and
organic brain dysfunction(and the caretakers of such individuals)
• Older individuals at risk for institutional placement
Based on the 2008 Weld County Population Estimates approximately 2,716 seniors are in
greatest economic need, 611 seniors are low income minority, and 9,032 seniors live in rural
Weld County. The number of seniors in greatest social need remains difficult to estimate since
the U.S. census does not capture this data as a stand alone category. Social isolation can take
many forms. For example, a senior in greatest social need may be a grandmother raising several
grandchildren who is now feeling social isolation due to her new parenting responsibilities and is
experiencing a sense of disconnection from friends and other social support networks. Or, it
could be a 60 year old who is providing care for her disabled spouse and is no longer able to
maintain her relationships with friends, church, or community due to his care needs. The
challenge of the Area Agency on Aging is to successfully reach all of these populations in a fair,
cost effective, and meaningful manner.
In order to reach all target populations, programs that have the greatest flexibility such as the
Senior Nutrition Program are located in a variety of sites in the county. For example, nutrition
programs are set up in low income senior housing throughout the county. The clients who reside
in these housing units clearly meet the targeting goal of the Area Agency on Aging. Other
programs such as the Hispanic Senior Outreach Program and the Senior Peer Counseling
Program are designed to provide service to our targeted population. Each service provider is also
required by contract to focus on outreach efforts that address our target populations. No client
will be refused services unless they do not meet the requirements under the Older Americans Act
or funds are not available to provide the requested services. When refusal of service does occur,
the person will be placed on a wait list according to the agency's or provider's wait list policy
and procedure.
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Wait lists have had to be developed since the AAA network is unable to meet all of the needs of
seniors in the Weld community. Each provider has policies and procedures that outline how
waiting lists will be managed. Currently the in-house programs that have active waiting lists are
the Dental, Vision, and Hearing Program and the Family Caregiver Respite Voucher Program.
These programs are funded by the Older Americans Act and local cash.
The following targeting efforts will be maintained or initiated during this planning period unless
they are found to be ineffective:
• Maintain the funding of the Hispanic Elderly Outreach Program. The goal of this
program is to identify and assist the growing number of isolated and at risk Hispanic
seniors in rural Weld County by providing information and assistance.
• Maintain the funding of the Senior Peer Counseling Program with North Range Behavior
Health. The goal of this program is to provide mental health support to seniors who are
dealing with issues such as stresses of isolation, loneliness, loss and/or health issues.
• Maintain the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, staffed in-house but
coordinated with the assistance of a community task force of grandparents and a sundry
of community agencies such as the Weld County School District, Catholic Charities
Northern, c.a.r.e., Kinship Program, University of Northern Colorado Gerontology
Department and many more.
• Maintain requirements in provider contracts that address the need to maintain outreach
efforts and to serve identified target populations. All contracts include specific targeting
goals and numbers that are adjusted annually to reflect current population estimates.
• Maintain senior nutrition programs within Section 8 senior housing in Greeley and
surrounding communities in Weld County. Currently we are providing senior meals in
five (5) senior housing units.
• Distribution of posters and flyers in English and Spanish informing the public of the
existence of the Weld County Area Agency on Aging and available services.
• Maintain minority participation on the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board.
• Maintain the Options for Long Term Care Program (otherwise known as Single Entry
Point) within the umbrella of the Weld County Area Agency on Aging in order to provide
a seamless process for provision of services to frail and at risk seniors.
• Maintain the technical support that is provided by the Weld Area Agency on Aging staff
to the rural senior coordinators (the WELDCO's Senior Coordinators)through monthly
meetings and a variety of training opportunities. The Senior Coordinators play a key role
in the provision of information and assistance to seniors community wide.
• Develop stronger relationships with the faith based community through educational
outreach efforts.
27
Section IV: Forms
Attachment A: Direct Service Waiver
Attachment B: Meal Sites
Attachment C: Community Focal Points and Senior Centers
Attachment D: Regional Advisory Council Membership
Attachment E: Statement of Intent
28
Waiver Attachment:
Direct Service Provision Waivers
The Weld County Area Agency on Agency is currently administering four (4) programs that
require waiver approval, the Part E Family Caregiver Respite Voucher Program, Part B Chore
Voucher Program, Part B Legal Program, and Part D Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Program. All of the waiver programs are run in a cost effective manner and are successful in
reaching the targeted senior population.
• The Family Caregiver Respite Voucher Program, since conception, has been
administered by the Area Agency on Aging. The part-time Family Caregiver Coordinator
provides information and assistance and training (including Powerful Tools for
Caregivers) to the general public and is coordinating the Family Caregiver Respite
Voucher Program. In addition, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program is
coordinated by the internal Information and Assistance Coordinator.
• The Chore Voucher Program is currently being administered by the Family Caregiver
Coordinator. The Chore Voucher Program has always been handled internally but the
funding source is not always federal.
• The Legal Program has been administered out of the Area Agency on Aging for over
twenty (20) years. In order to meet the legal requirements of a supervising attorney the
Area Agency on Aging contracts with a local elder law attorney. The program is highly
successful and cost effective.
• The Area Agency also manages the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program.
The majority of the funding has been designated to evidence based training and the 50+
Senior Health Fair. The program is coordinated by the Special Program Coordinator and
other key internal staff.
Attachment A REGION: 2B
DIRECT SERVICE WAIVER REQUEST
We hereby request approval of a Waiver to provide the direct services listed below.
1. Family Caregiver Program Part E
2. Chore Program Title III B
3. Legal Program Title III B
4. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Part D
5.
6.
Please attach documents describing the direct service to be provided including organizational
structure and planned methods of program services delivery.
PLEASE NOTE: If the Waiver Request is incomplete, this may result in a delay of the
approval of the Area Plan.
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Attachment C REGION: 2B
COMMUNITY FOCAL POINTS AND SENIOR CENTERS
LIST ALL FOCAL POINTS AND SENIOR CENTERS INCLUDING NUTRITION SITES IF IT IS A FOCAL POINT
CHECK IF FACILITY IS: CHECK IF LOCATION SERVES:
CENTER NAME A A FUNDED PREDOMINANTLY PREDOMINANTLY
ADDRESS,CITY,ZIP CODE FOCAL SENIOR THROUGH LOW INCOME LOW-INCOME
PHONE NUMBER POINT CENTER TITLE III-B ELDERLY MINORITY
CONTACT ELDERLY
EMAIL
1. Ault Senior Center x
PO Box 1338
Ault CO 80610
970-834-1325
Pat Farmer
2. Erie Community Center x
4450 Powers Street
Erie CO 80516
303-926-2795
devans@erieco.gov
Diane Evans
3. Evans Community Center x
1100 37th St
Evans,CO 80620
970-339-5344x132
bhrauberger@ci.evans.co.us
Dorothy Hoff
4. Ft. Lupton Community Center x x
203 S Harrison Ave
Ft. Lupton CO 80621
303-857-4200x112
emetro@ fortlupton.org
Elana Metro
5. Greeley Senior Activity Center x x
1010 6th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
970-350-9440
Sheri.Lobmeyer@Greelevgov.com
Sheri.Lobmeyer
6. Hill NPark x
4205 Yosemite Place
Greeley CO 80634
970-330-8619
Nancy Smith
no email
7. Johnstown community center x
101 W Charolette
Johnsontown, CO 80534
970-587-5251
jzamez@mywdo.com
Shirley Gamez
I8. Kersey Senior Center x
Attachment C REGION: 2B
COMMUNITY FOCAL POINTS AND SENIOR CENTERS
LIST ALL FOCAL POINTS AND SENIOR CENTERS INCLUDING NUTRITION SITES IF IT IS A FOCAL POINT
CHECK IF FACILITY IS: CHECK IF LOCATION SERVES:
CENTER NAME A A FUNDED PREDOMINANTLY PREDOMINANTLY
ADDRESS,CITY,ZIP CODE FOCAL SENIOR THROUGH LOW INCOME LOW-INCOME
PHONE NUMBER POINT CENTER TITLE III-B ELDERLY MINORITY
CONTACT ELDERLY
EMAIL
415 1st Street
Kersey Co 80644
_ 970-352-8394
recreation@ci.kersev.co.us
Jana Settman
9. Lochbuie Senior Center x
501 Willow Drive
Lochbuie CO
303-659-8262
afterglows501 @skybeam.com
Nancy Kaufroath
110. Milliken Community Center x
1101 Broad Street
Milliken CO 80543
970-587-0671
tkline@town.milliken.co.us
Trish Kline
i. Nunn Senior Center x
775 3rd Street
Nunn CO 80648
970-897-2459
tvella@hotmail.com
Tony Villa
112. Pierce Senior Center
221 Main Ave
Pierce, CO 80651
970-834-2655
email none
Denise Miller
113. Platteville Community Center x
508 Reynolds
Platteville CO 80651
jndefoe96@msn.com
Judy Defoe
114. Mead Community Center
441 34d Street
Mead CO 80542
970-535-4477
dmcornell(a peonlepc.com
Maggie Cornell
115. Windsor Community Center x x
250 N 11th Street
Attachment C REGION: 2B
COMMUNITY FOCAL POINTS AND SENIOR CENTERS
LIST ALL FOCAL POINTS AND SENIOR CENTERS INCLUDING NUTRITION SITES IF IT IS A FOCAL POINT
CHECK IF FACILITY IS: CHECK IF LOCATION SERVES:
CENTER NAME A A FUNDED PREDOMINANTLY PREDOMINANTLY
ADDRESS,CITY,ZIP CODE FOCAL SENIOR THROUGH LOW INCOME LOW-INCOME
PHONE NUMBER POINT CENTER TITLE III-B ELDERLY MINORITY
CONTACT ELDERLY
EMAIL
Windsor CO 80550
970-674-3515
ickhardt@windsorgov.com
•
Jay Eckhardt
Attachment D REGION: 2B
REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
List all persons presently serving as members of your Regional Advisory Council.
NAME ORGANIZATION AFFILIATION
Love Banghart community
Susan Collins University of Northern Colorado
Geroge Conger commujity
MaryPat Eastwood Insurance
Dona Mason Appraiser and Legal
MaryEtta Moore community
Marcia Osborn community
William Pike community
Josie Sanchez University of Northern Colorado
Roy Wardell Rancher and Pychologist
Ken Whitney Anderson and Whitney Accounting Firm
Alex Zauder community
David Long Weld County Commissioner
Please indicate on the chart below how many members are low income, minority, or over 60
LOW-INCOME MINORITY 60+
0 1 12
STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Area Plan
Is hereby submitted for
WELD COUNTY AREA AGENCY ON AGING
2B
REGION
For the period July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2015
This Area Plan includes all assurances plans under provisions of the Older Americans Act during the period
identified. The Area Agency on Aging identified above shall assume full responsibility to develop and administer
the Area Plan in accordance with the requirements of the Older Americans Act and related State regulations and
policy. In accepting this authority, the Area Agency on Aging assumes responsibility to promote the development
of a comprehensive and coordinated system of community services and to serve as the advocate and focal point for
older persons in the planning and service area.
The four-year plan has been developed in accordance with the rules and regulations specified under the Older American's Act and Staff
Manual Volume 10, and is hereby submitted to the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services for
review and approval.
SIGNATURES
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
W D COUNTY, C LORADO
ATTEST: I,I4 7.4 JAN 2 6 2011
/yam � R• •
•
kukezu
arbara Kirkmey r, Chair Date
Weld County Clerk to the Boar. 101 "!` 1/44
kqs
BY:
Deputy Cler.to the Board
WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT i,,l '�a I/clgo (il
OF HUMAN SERVIC Chairperson Date
Area Agency on Aging
02 �a/ Q11 Advisory Council
Ju A. Grie o, Director Date
Eva Jewell Date
Area Agency on Aging
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