Home Care in Colorado: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask
Colorado has a population of about 885,000 aging adults 65 years or older. That is nearly 15% of the state’s overall population. There are excellent tax exemptions which increase Colorado’s appeal, and that is not to the mention the beautiful outdoors offering activities of all kinds for everyone. Colorado promotes a healthy lifestyle for residents, with easy access to things like hikes, stunning waterfalls, exotic bluffs and rock arrangements, and a cuisine that leans toward the healthy. These features bring aging adults into Colorado. With the passage of time, challenges of aging may cause living at home to become increasingly difficult. Typically, senior citizens prefer to age in place as long as possible, rather than move into a senior living community. People typically think of a retirement home or a nursing home when the time comes for seniors to retire or can no longer manage all day to day tasks. There are other options besides nursing homes. Colorado Home Care (or In home Care) is designed specifically for aging adults who only require some basic assistance at home.
There are several well-known cities in Colorado where your loved one may receive excellent healthcare: Denver, Boulder, Aspen, Fort Collins, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, and many others.
- Home Care in Colorado: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask
- Home Care is also called In Home Care in Colorado
- How do you know it may be time for Home Care?
- What Assistance do In-Home Care Aides Provide?
- What are the different Home care options?
- Laws and Regulations
- How much does home care cost in Colorado?
- Questions and inquiries about home care
- Local Resources and Links – Colorado
- Search other areas for Home Care
Home Care is also called In Home Care in Colorado
Home Care (or In home Care) is suited for seniors who may only require some basic assistance at home. Care plans can be customized for each individual. The home aides may support with activities of daily living (ADLs), which include medication reminders, assistance with bathing and eating. Home Care may be an excellent care option for family members if they must leave town or just need a break from caring for their loved one. The Home Care aides bring a sense of personalization, providing companionship and socialization, and a sense of connection.
Home care and aging in place
In home care services include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These in-home aides may assist with personal care and monitoring like they would receive in a long-term care community. All while they remain in the comfort of their own home.
How do you know it may be time for Home Care?
What are the signs to look for?
Have you noticed your loved one is spending less and less time managing their hygiene or personal appearance. They may stop brushing their teeth or let their facial hair grow in an unkempt fashion when they didn’t before. Are they going longer periods of time in the same clothing, or neglecting relatively scheduled eating habits? Grooming and hygiene live under the umbrella of ADLs, and as such a Personal Care Assistant may help with these tasks.
Is your loved one forgetting things more frequently? Typically, people forget things sometimes, but if you notice they are forgetting simple tasks they normally perform regularly, this may be a a sign that assistance is necessary.
It is not uncommon for elderly adults to experience trouble walking, getting up from a seated position or need help getting in and out of bed. Signs like this can be dangerous. The risk of a fall increases as mobility declines. The aide of a home care caregiver may assist with moving around the house safely.
Did you notice your loved one’s home is in disarray? Have they usually shown signs of tidiness or regular cleanliness, and now the home is disheveled and dirty. In Home Aides may assist in normal household maintenance like dusting and sweeping, cleaning the kitchen or doing laundry.
What Assistance do In-Home Care Aides Provide?
Home Care Aides provide a variety of services and assistance. Depending on the individuals condition, elderly adults may require different types of care.
Services included in home care:
Often times, people think of nursing homes or retirement homes as the only places for senior care. As we’ve discussed earlier, there are multiple care options. And even within home care, there are levels of care suited for an individuals needs. The specific services offered in home care will vary state by state.
What are the different Home care options?
The various care services and options
Personal Care Assistant
- Companionship as well as assistance with activities of daily living, (non-medical personal care) toileting, dressing, grooming, and bathing.
- They can help with grocery shopping and meal preparation.
- A personal care assistant can help with family difficulties. If a family caregiver must leave town or be away from the home overnight the caretaker can stay with the individual and monitor and assist as needed.
- If a spouse is too heavy, a personal assistant can be a great asset in helping the individual move without risk of injury.
- These care assistants cannot perform any medical care.
Companion Care
- These companions spend time with older adults. Providing companionship is especially relevant for people who live alone, or do not leave the house due to cognitive impairments or frailty.
- These companions are there to look after the person, keep a watchful eye, act as an extension of the person to help with mobility and general physic functions.
- They may drive the person to appointments, prepare light meals and snacks. They may even play games or read and listen to music together.
- Companion care is a great way to bring social interaction and assistance to a person who may otherwise spend long periods of time alone.
Laws and Regulations
Licensing
Licensing and regulations are all overseen by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.
Grievances:
- The agency should have a plan in place for families to voice any grievances or complaints.
- The person receiving care has extensive rights pertaining to the provided services.
The individual under care has the right to file a complaint with the agency:
- Regarding their treatment and care provided.
- The failure of the agency to provide certain care.
- The lack of respect for property and/or person.
- Individuals have the right to participate in and be informed about, and consent to or refuse care in advance of and during treatment.
How much does home care cost in Colorado?
The cost of home care (in home care) in Colorado is well above the national average. In home care in Colorado, on average costs $6,400 per month. That is is much more than the national average ($4,900 per month). The neighboring states are all less expensive as well.
Average costs per month, Colorado and surrounding states:
- Colorado: $6,400
- New Mexico: $4,625
- Arizona: $5,450
- Utah: $5,650
The cost for in home care varies within the state of Colorado as well.
- Denver: $6,800
- Boulder: $6,800
- Pueblo: $5,300
- Grand Junction: $5,450
- Colorado Springs: $5,775
Questions and inquiries about home care
Agency Information
- Is the agency RN operated?
- Is the agency a franchise or locally owned and operated?
- Is the agency licensed by WA State Department of Health?
- Is the agency licensed for both home care and home health?
- Does the agency have liability insurance?
- Can the agency respond to you 24/7?
Caregiver Information
- Are employees licensed, bonded & insured? Or are they independent contractors?
- Does the agency test skills, conduct behavioral interviews and verify caregiver credentials?
- Are caregivers required to have current certifications for First Aid, CPR, and TB?
- Are caregivers provided continuing education/training?
- Can authorized individuals monitor care and make requests online in real time?
- Does the agency offer caregiver replacement when the “fit” may not be right?
Documentation and Supervision
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager conduct a free home care assessment?
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager create a home care plan?
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager supervise the caregivers?
- Do caregivers receive client orientation before arriving at a client’s home?
Policies and Cost
- Can services be cancelled with a 4-hour notification?
- Does the agency offer flexible scheduling, custom care plans, and a continuum of care?
- Does the agency have weekly or monthly minimums?
- What is the hourly minimum per shift?
- Does the agency offer home care discounts?
- What is the required deposit?
- Will the agency accept long-term care insurance?
Local Resources and Links – Colorado
Area Agency on Aging Boulder County offers services to adults 60 and over and their adult caregivers. They also provide assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and residents of any age who live in a long-term care facility. Provides information, referral, and options counseling to anyone 18 or older with a disability as well as to older adults through the Aging and Disability Resource for Colorado program. Legal assistance is offered via one of our contractors, not directly.
Denver Regional Council of Governments Provides information and assistance for people 60 and older or 18-plus with a disability, their families, and service providers. Referrals to local resources and services.
Larimer County Office on Aging The Larimer County Office on Aging LCOA provides Information and Referral through the ADRC, Title III services including In Home Services Voucher, Chore Voucher, Respite Voucher, application assistance and options counseling. Additional services include grant management and long term care ombudsman program community education and key member of the Partnership for Age Friendly Communities in Larimer County.
Park County Department of Human Services Adult Protection Services (APS) are provided to at-risk adults age 18 and older who, due to age or disability, are unable to protect themselves and have no one to advocate on their behalf. The Adult Protection program responds to reports of Abuse (physical or sexual), Neglect (caregiver or self), and Financial Exploitation.
Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments PPACG serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Colorado Springs and provides programs and services for older adults and their caregivers. A person must be 60 years of age or older to be eligible for a service provided by the Older Americans Act (OAA).
Disability Law Colorado offers legal representation, information and referrals to people with disabilities, older people, and their families.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
Search other areas for Home Care
Not finding what you’re looking for? Take a look below.
