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Aging in place is the idea that a person can remain in the residence of their choosing as they age. This requires elements of universal design, in-home services, financial planning, and preparation. In a 2018 survey conducted by Elevated Insights, 94% of older residents (60+) said they are likely or very likely to remain in El Paso County throughout retirement. In fact, a recent study by AARP found that nine of 10 older Americans preferred to live in their homes as long as possible. This blog explores the resources available in Colorado Springs that will help older adults age in place.

Home Modifications 

In order to age in place, home modifications are often necessary. This is also known as retrofitting which is defined as to add a component or accessory to something that did not have it when manufactured. Another word often associated with home modifications and aging in place is Universal Design. Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability or other factors. Home modification resources in Colorado Springs are listed below.

Brothers Redevelopment Incorporated

Brothers’ Senior Services Coordination ties everything together for older Coloradans. Helpful information is at hand for anyone with a question by calling the statewide helpline,
Colorado Housing Connects, 1-844-926-6632.

• Coordinators assist clients with applying for benefitsand other services, such as Social Security, Veterans and other federal and state benefits.
• Brothers’ Counseling and Educationpros inform on reverse mortgages and all housing-related financial topics. They also can help with other topics, such as living wills, identity-theft protection, powers of attorney, financial planning and budgeting.
• Coordinators can facilitate food assistance, house-cleaning services, yard work, health care, transportation and more.

Learn more here: https://brothersredevelopment.org/senior-services/

Energy Resource Center 

The Energy Resource Center is a non-profit construction company assisting income-qualified families through energy efficiency improvements. Work completed includes insulation, HVAC, hot water heaters, lighting, appliances, air sealing and more. These efforts save money on energy bills, reduce demand on natural resources by cutting energy waste, assist with the affordable housing crisis, and create a safe environment in which Colorado residents can thrive. Learn more here:  https://www.erc-co.org/

Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repair Program 

Pikes Peak Habitat’s Home Repair Program focuses on exterior work such as painting, patching, minor repair, landscaping and replacement of exterior building materials for maintaining good or sound condition. If your home needs repairs, review the eligibility criteria here: https://pikespeakhabitat.org/our-programs/home-repair/

The Independence Center 

The Independence Center is a local nonprofit organization that provides traditional and self-directed home health care, independent living, veteran services, and advocacy services for people with disabilities.

Check out the Independence Center’s Stay in your home as you age checklist here: https://rismedia.com/2019/09/19/stay-home-age-checklist/

Colorado Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver

The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for persons who are Elderly, Blind, or Disabled (EBD) aids people ages 65 and older who have a functional impairment or are blind, and to people ages 18-64 who are physically disabled or have a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS, and require long-term supports and services in order to remain in a community setting.

If you are enrolled in the EBD waiver, you will receive regular Health First Colorado benefits. Additionally, you will also receive the following services specific to the EBD waiver:

• Adult Day Services
• Alternative Care Facilities
• Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services
• Home Delivered Meals
• Homemaker Services
• Home Modifications
• In-Home Support Services
• Life Skills Training
• Medication Reminder
• Non-Medical Transportation
• Peer Mentorship
• Personal Care Services
• Personal Emergency Response System
• Respite Care Services
• Transition Set Up

Learn more here: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/elderly-blind-disabled-waiver-ebd

Next Day Access

Next Day Access is a national and local provider for creating accessibility within your home.

Next Day Access in Colorado Springs, CO Offers:

• Wheelchair Ramp Installations
• Stair Lift Installations
• Grab Bars
• Patient Lift Installations
• Pool Lift Installations
• Porch Lift Installations
• Residential Elevator Installations
• Vehicle Lift Installations

Learn more here: https://www.nextdayaccess.com/colorado-springs-co/our-services/installation/

Mobility 

Many older adults cannot drive due to financial or physical reasons. Nearly 40 percent of people age 65 and older had at least one disability, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report that covered the period 2008 to 2012. Older adults with disabilities often need driving services to be able to get out of their house to stay social, get groceries, and go to doctor appointments. Here are a few resources in Colorado Springs.

Envida

Whether you are an older adult, have a disability, or face financial challenges, you can depend on Envida drivers to be with you every step of the way. Riders must qualify as older adults through Medicaid, be eligible for reimbursable rides through Medicaid or be certified disabled through Metro Mobility. Learn more here: https://envidacares.org/

Health Promotion Partners

Health Promotion Partners is a Colorado Springs non-profit whose goal is to help individuals and families have the information they need to make safe mobility decisions that balance personal freedom, independence, and safety. Health Promotion Partners provide comprehensive driver evaluations, driver rehabilitation services, and adaptive driving equipment. Learn more here: https://www.healthpromotionpartners.com/

Silver Key Senior Services

Silver Key’s transportation service provides door-through-door ADA accessible transportation for medical appointments, shopping, group meals, social activities, recreation trips, and more. Recurring daily, weekly, or monthly rides can be scheduled upon request. Transportation accommodates wheelchairs, walkers, those needing a lift device, oxygen, and other special needs.

https://www.silverkey.org/services/reserve-ride/

Mountain Metro Transit

Mountain Metro is proud to offer the community a Senior Ambassador Program to help seniors get acquainted with the city bus system and establish themselves as regular riders.

Senior Ambassadors are currently available to offer one-on-one training to any new rider who is a senior. New riders interested in personalized training in the form of an actual outing on the city bus, can contact Mountain Metro to get connected with an Ambassador. Learn more here: https://coloradosprings.gov/mountain-metro/page/senior-riders

Mountain Metro offers Metro Mobility which is an ADA paratransit service provided for individuals who, because of their disability, are unable to use fixed-route bus services. Learn more here: https://coloradosprings.gov/mountain-metro/page/mountain-metro-mobility

Coach Transportation

Coach Transportation provides wheelchair transportation, non-medical transportation, and non-emergency medical transportation. Learn more here: https://mycoachtransportation.com/

Beo Mobility

Beo Mobility is a transportation service that accommodates ambulatory clients or those that are confined to a wheelchair. Learn more here: http://www.beopersonalcare.com/mobility/

Fountain Valley Senior Center Transportation

The Fountain Valley Senior Center provides transportation for medical/dental appointments, grocery shopping, nutrition sites, employment/education, recreation and socialization. Any person age 60 and older or those who are non-elderly disabled (confined to a wheelchair) who live in Southern and Eastern El Paso County may be eligible. For more information, please call (719) 520-6472. Learn more here: https://humanservices.elpasoco.com/fountain-valley-senior-center/

Home Sharing

Silver Nest

Silvernest is a one-stop-shop online home sharing platform that pairs boomers, retirees, empty nesters and other older adults with compatible housemates for long-term rent arrangements. Through these creative living situations, homeowners earn extra income, remain in their homes longer, and keep isolation at bay, while renters pay far less than market rent. Learn more here: https://www.silvernest.com/house-share/co/southernfrontrange/coloradosprings

Sunshine Home Sharing

Sunshine Home Share Colorado staff support the matching process to ensure matches are made in a safe and thoughtful manner increasing the likelihood of a successful match. Learn more here: https://www.sunshinehomeshare.org/

In-Home Care/Health

Colorado Springs Senior Blue Book

The Senior Blue Book is Colorado Springs’ most comprehensive and reliable source to find and compare Health at Home options like Home Health Care, Non-Medical Home Care and Hospice and Senior Resources. Learn more here: https://www.seniorsbluebook.com/senior-resources/coloradosprings

Colorado Springs Fire Department CAREs Program

This mobile integrated health program involves direct CSFD interaction with members of the Colorado Springs community before they need to call 9-1-1. The program identifies high utilizers of the emergency health system and redirects them to more appropriate care that leads to better patient outcomes. This is achieved by providing injury and illness prevention, chronic disease management education, low acuity medical response, proper medical facility navigation, and follow-up with hospital and emergency department discharge plans. The teams find what is best for the patient and our community by Looking, Listening and Connecting.

Learn more here: https://coloradosprings.gov/fire-department/page/community-and-public-health-cares#cares

Silver Key SOS

Anyone can contact Silver Key if there is a concern about a senior who may need help. Once Silver Key has been contacted, a Silver Key SOS case manager will talk with the senior to determine the need and willingness for help. If the older adult agrees, Silver Key SOS will help connect them with appropriate services. Services include counseling, case management referrals, community resources, depression screening and treatment,  and identification and early intervention of prescription drug misuse or abuse. Learn more here: https://www.silverkey.org/services/senior-assistance/silver-key-sos/

Dispatch health

Dispatch Health is a mobile urgent care. Clients request care through either the mobile app, website or by telephone at 720-647-5329. The medical providers will review your symptoms and send medical personnel to your location to get you the care you need. Learn more here: https://www.dispatchhealth.com/how-it-works/

Area Agency on Aging Senior Insurance Resources

The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) Senior Insurance Assistance is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office which serves El Paso, Park and Teller counties. The trained staff and volunteers provide educational classes and presentations around the Pikes Peak region, in order to help you better understand Medicare and your health insurance benefits. Learn more here: http://www.ppacg.org/aging/senior-insurance/

Silver Key Home Delivered Meals

Anyone age 60+ can benefit from having a freshly prepared meal arranged and brought to your door by a friendly, trained volunteer. You register by phone and choose a 3-, 5-, or 7-day weekly meal plan. Call 719-884-2300 or visit https://www.silverkey.org/services/home-delivered-meals/ for more information