Support services provides the following services to allow older adults to maintain independence in the community:
- Transportation: This is one of the most common needs expressed by older Coloradans. Senior transportation programs make it possible for individuals who do not drive, or whose physical condition prohibits them from using public transportation, to obtain rides for essential trips. Door-to-door transportation is available in some areas.
- Outreach: Outreach programs use door-to-door canvassing and extensive public announcements to familiarize people with available services. Outreach also identifies homebound or isolated people in need of services.
- Information and assistance: Area Agencies on Aging connect older adults, families and community agencies to available services. Anyone, regardless of age, may contact their local Area Agency on Aging for information on services and resources available in the community for individuals 60 and over.
- Care coordination: These services are aimed at providing a single access point in the community to receive services. Drawing upon a variety of resources, the care coordinator meets with the individual, assesses his or her needs, and develops a service plan to meet those needs.
- In-home services: Services such as homemaking, chore services and personal care are available to individuals who are homebound due to illness, have functional limitations in activities of daily living or have a disability.
- Home health care: Home health care provides a variety of services in the patient's home, under the direction of a physician.
- Friendly visitors and telephone reassurance: Personal or telephone contact is provided for older adults who are home-bound or live alone. Besides developing friendships, volunteer visitors have the ability to identify needs of the individual as they occur and notify those who can help them.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to take advantage of support services in Colorado.