In-Home Care in Boulder, CO

Colorado Home Care: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask

Boulder is a city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in northern Colorado. To the west, the trail-lined Flatirons are craggy rock formations overlooking the city. Downtown’s pedestrian Pearl Street Mall includes art galleries, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. With 300 miles of biking and hiking trails and 45,000 acres of beautiful open space and vast mountain landscape, it’s easy to see why it’s internationally known for outdoor recreation and sports. Widely considered to be one of the best places to live in the US, Boulder real estate seems to always be in high demand. Locals enjoy world-famous outdoor activities, a booming economy, and short commutes to the city of Denver. Colorado Springs and Boulder are among American cities people might want to look into for their retirement living plans.

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.

About In-Home Care in Boulder

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 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.

Home Care Aides provide a variety of services and assistance. Depending on the individual’s condition, elderly adults may require different types of care. These services include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). 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.

Considerations when looking for care in Boulder

With a city of 104,175, there are endless opportunities. Colorado has 250 in-home care agencies throughout the major cities.It is also important to consider the weather in Boulder. January is the coldest month with an average daytime high of 45 degrees. Boulder’s annual snowfall average is 89 inches. The warmest month is July with an average daytime temperature of 87 degrees.

Cities near Boulder

• Gunbarrel – 8 miles north of Boulder
• Louisville – 9 miles east of Boulder
• Gold Hill – 11 miles west of Boulder
• Eldorado Springs – 8  miles south of Boulder

Pricing and How to Pay for Home Care

The cost of in home care in Colorado is well above the national average. In-home care in Colorado, on average costs $6,400 / month. That is much more than the national average ($4,900 / month). The cost for in home care varies within the state of Colorado as well, in Boulder it is $6,800 / month

How to pay for Home Care

Private Funds- YES:

• Many families pay for care with private funds. 
• Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments. 
• Family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care. 

Medicare – NO:

• Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
• People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
• Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.

Medicaid- MAYBE

Medicaid MAY cover home care for seniors who are eligible. Each state has its own Medicaid programs in place. As a result, eligibility and services fluctuate state to state.  Funding may also be offered under the Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waivers. 

In-home personal care services (dressing, bathing, eating, etc.) are not federally mandated, and some states do not even regulate these agencies.

Long-term care insurance- MAYBE:

• The purpose of long-term care insurance is to cover senior care, which includes home care. Though, be aware that coverage varies depending on the insurance provider, the specific policy, and other factors. 
• It is common that long-term care insurance will only start to cover care when the person with the policy requires assistance with two or more ADLs. 
• As a result of the above, individuals who only need companion care may not be covered by their long-term care insurance.  
• Typically, purchasing long-term care insurance is not an option if you are at the point where you already need care. 

Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:

This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.

• There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
• A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
• If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Private Pay

• Many families pay for care with private funds.
• Family members may contribute funds toward the care of a loved one.
• Private pay may be a combination of personal savings, retirement funds, or pension payments.

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?

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. 

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Boulder

UCHealth Boulder Health Center

5495 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303

Foothills Hospitals

4747 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303

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.

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