Caregiving in Boulder County
General Information: 303-678-6116
ecooper@bouldercounty.org
Thousands of people in Boulder County provide part-time or full-time assistance for an older loved one. 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 of Boulder County Area Agency on Aging offers a variety of services for family caregivers. Funded by the National Family Caregiver Support Program of the Older Americans Act, the Caregiver Initiative serves Boulder County residents who provide unpaid care for a relative, partner, or friend who is 60 or over (or any age if the person has dementia).
Current Caregiver Initiative Services
This event is a countywide educational event for families and friends of elders or for anyone interested in caregiving issues.
Tuesday, May 21st
Noon to 5:00 pm
Calvary Bible Church
3245 Kalmia Avenue, Boulder
This major event, held each spring, features a large resource fair of service providers, nine workshops on caregiving issues, assistive technology demonstration, caregiving films, education materials, and lunch. On-site respite care is available by reservation.
Registration begins March 15th. Online registration can be found at the link above, or here. For more information please contact Emily Cooper, Information and Assistance Specialist - Caregiver Programs at 303-678-6116 or InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org.
Information and Referral
Caregiver Initiative staff provide information, assistance, and support to family caregivers regarding local resources and services. Caregivers can also contact the Resource Specialist with their City Senior Services or the Aging Resource Consultant in their rural Boulder County Area Agency on Aging office for support and information For more information, see Where to Turn.
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.
Caregiver Library
This lending library contains a wide selection of books and other resources about caregiving. Items may be checked out by Boulder County residents for one month or more. The library is at the Area Agency on Aging office in Longmont (529 Coffman, Suite 140); assistance with delivery and pickup of items is available if needed.
Caregiver Training
The National Caregiver Training Program, a 21-hour course held four times yearly, helps family caregivers acquire the skills needed to provide safe, confident home care for frail older loved ones. Taught by a registered nurse, the course covers topics such as caring for someone on bedrest, providing personal care, medication management, taking vital signs, and more.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
This 15-hour course is held three or four times yearly, and provides family caregivers with "tools" to help ensure they take care of themselves while caring for others. Caregivers learn to reduce personal stress, clearly express their needs, communicate effectively in challenging situations, and more.
Respite Services
Respite Services of Boulder County Area Agency on Aging provide options for substitute care of older loved ones, and needed time off for caregivers. See Respite Care to learn more about these services.