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The Caregiver Initiative
Thousands of persons in Boulder County provide part-time or full-time assistance for an older loved one: a family member, partner, friend, or neighbor. These "family caregivers" help with tasks such as transportation, bill paying, shopping, meal preparation, emotional support, and/or hands-on care. The "care recipients" may live in their own homes, in the caregiver's home, in a long-term care facility, or at a distance. Whatever the situation, family caregivers give a lot- and they deserve recognition and support in return.
The Caregiver Initiative provides a variety of services for family caregivers, from special events to information and referral. Funded by the National Family Caregiver Support Program of the Older Americans Act, the Caregiver Initiative serves caregivers of any age who assist a person age 60 or older.
Current Caregiver Initiative Services
- Care Connections
This bi-monthly newsletter provides "information and inspiration" for family caregivers of older adults. Each issue contains articles about the practical and emotional aspects of caregiving, as well as information on local resources, classes, and events. Free to Boulder County residents; one-time donation of $10 for non-residents. Also available online: See Useful Resources.
- Caregiver Library
This lending library contains a wide selection of books, videos, DVDs, and other written resources about caregiving. Items may be checked out by Boulder County residents for one month or more. The library is at the Aging Services' Longmont office (529 Coffman, Suite 140); assistance with delivery and pickup of items is available if needed.
- Grandparents-Raising-Grandkids Support Groups
Support groups for grandparents-raising-grandchildren (and other kinship care providers) are co-hosted by the Caregiver Initiative, Boulder County Department of Social Services, and Longmont Senior Services. Groups meet monthly in Longmont and Louisville. Free child care is provided.
- Caregiver Website
This website, sponsored by the Aging Services Foundation of Boulder County, leads family caregivers through the steps of caregiving and provides comprehensive information about local resources (Coming soon; watch for more details).
- Caregiving Symposium
This major event, held each spring or early summer, features a large resource fair of service providers, multiple workshops on caregiving issues, education materials, and individual staff consultations. On-site respite care is available.
- Caregiver Appreciation Events
Each November, in celebration of National Family Caregivers Month, county-wide Caregiver Wellness Days are held in two Boulder County communities. The events feature a keynote presentation, hands-on wellness therapies, group wellness classes, lunch, gifts and door prizes, and resource information. Each summer, a Caregiver Appreciation Luncheon, with similar activities, is held in a mountain community for "high-altitude" caregivers. On-site respite care is available at each event.
- Information and Referral
Caregiver Initiative staff provide a friendly ear and information about local resources to family caregivers in Boulder County (and to non-residents caring for an older loved one in Boulder County). In addition, caregivers are advised to contact the Resource Specialist with their City Senior Services or the Community Care Coordinator with their rural Boulder County Aging Services Division office for support and information.See Where To Turn.
- Respite Services
Respite Services of Boulder County Aging Services Division provide options for substitute care of older loved ones- and needed time off for caregivers.See Respite Care to learn more about these services.
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