For more information about the author, click to view their website: Pueblo Area Agency on Aging - PAAA
A Guide to Support, Independence, and Community
As the population of older adults continues to grow in Colorado Springs, so does the need for reliable, accessible support systems that help seniors live safely, independently, and with dignity. For many individuals and families, navigating available services can feel overwhelming—especially when needs change quickly.
That’s where the Pueblo Area Agency on Aging (PAAA), led by Jennifer Novak, plays a critical role. As a trusted hub for senior services, PAAA connects older adults, caregivers, and families to the resources they need to thrive.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are designed to serve as a central point of access for services that support older adults. Rather than searching for help across multiple organizations, families can turn to one trusted source for guidance.
PAAA helps coordinate access to:
Their mission is simple but powerful: to empower seniors to remain independent for as long as possible.
Colorado Springs offers a vibrant environment for seniors, with access to parks, healthcare facilities, and community activities. However, aging can bring new challenges—mobility issues, health concerns, and the need for additional support.
Many seniors want to remain in their homes, but may need help with:
PAAA ensures that these needs don’t become barriers to independence.
Jennifer Novak shares:
"Our goal is to meet seniors where they are and connect them to services that truly make a difference in their daily lives."
Family caregivers are often the backbone of senior care, but they can also experience stress, burnout, and uncertainty.
PAAA provides valuable support for caregivers, including:
By supporting caregivers, PAAA strengthens the entire care network around each senior.
Good nutrition is essential for maintaining health and independence, yet many seniors face challenges in accessing regular, balanced meals.
PAAA offers programs such as:
These services not only support physical health but also provide opportunities for social interaction—an important factor in overall well-being.
One of the biggest barriers seniors face is transportation. Without reliable options, it becomes difficult to attend medical appointments, run errands, or stay socially active.
PAAA helps connect seniors with transportation services that allow them to:
In a city like Colorado Springs, where distances can be significant, this support is essential.
Understanding and accessing benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other assistance programs can be confusing.
PAAA offers guidance to help seniors:
This support ensures that seniors receive the resources they are entitled to without unnecessary stress.
At its core, PAAA is about more than services—it’s about helping seniors maintain independence, dignity, and a strong connection to their community.
Their programs are designed to:
By connecting seniors to the right resources, PAAA helps them continue living life on their own terms.
With so many options available, knowing where to turn can be difficult. PAAA serves as a trusted guide, helping families navigate the complex world of senior care with confidence.
Their team understands the unique needs of Colorado Springs residents and works to ensure services are accessible, effective, and personalized.
If you or a loved one are looking for support services in Colorado Springs, the Pueblo Area Agency on Aging is an excellent place to start. Whether you need help with meals, transportation, caregiving, or benefits, their team is ready to assist.
Visit Pueblo Area Agency on Aging’s listing on Seniors Blue Book to explore available services and connect with a trusted local resource dedicated to helping seniors live independently and with dignity.
What services does an Area Agency on Aging provide?
They offer access to a wide range of services including meals, caregiver support, transportation, and benefits assistance.
Who qualifies for PAAA services?
Most programs are available to adults aged 60 and older, though eligibility may vary by service.
Are services free or low-cost?
Many services are free or offered on a sliding scale based on income.
Can caregivers receive support through PAAA?
Yes, caregiver support is a key part of their services.
How do I get started?
Contact PAAA directly or visit their Seniors Blue Book listing to learn more and begin the process.
When an older adult needs help at home and sees several clinicians, a coverage decision can affect everything from prescription refills to rides. If youre considering TRU PACE in Lafayette, start by asking how enrollment would change the care and coverage you already use. How Medicare and Medicaid Fit Into PACEPACE is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It coordinates healthcare and support for eligible adults who meet a state standard for nursing home-level care and can live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Applicants must also be 55 or older and live in the programs service area. TRU PACE and Your Current CoveragePhone: 303-665-0115Medicare says people with Medicaid pay no monthly PACE premium. Medicare beneficiaries without Medicaid pay premiums for the long-term care portion and Medicare Part D drugs. Medicare also says participants owe no deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for drugs, services, or care approved by their PACE team. Ask TRU PACE for an estimate based on your individual coverage before enrolling. Doctors, Prescriptions, and Existing ServicesTRU PACE says it becomes the participants insurance provider at enrollment. Participants generally receive care through the programs provider network. Bring a list of your doctors, medications, and scheduled services. Ask which providers are in the network and how the team would coordinate any changes. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf you regularly see a clinician near home or have a specialist visit scheduled outside Lafayette, give the enrollment team the names and dates. Ask which appointments can continue and what to do about any refill due around the enrollment date. How to Get Started1. Gather Your Coverage InformationHave your Medicare and Medicaid information, if applicable, along with details of any current plan. List the appointments and prescriptions you rely on most.2. Ask for an Enrollment and Cost ReviewCall TRU PACE and ask for your expected monthly cost, when any coverage change would take effect, and who would help coordinate the transition. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesPACE Adult Day Services Care Management
After a death, families may have to make several decisions in a short time. Others prefer to talk through their wishes ahead of time. In either situation, it helps to separate the practical arrangements from the decisions about how to gather, remember, and say goodbye. What Funeral and Mortuary Services CoverA funeral home can help arrange transportation and care of the person who died, assist with paperwork, and coordinate burial or cremation. A family may also arrange a viewing, funeral, memorial, or private gathering. Ask which decisions need to be made immediately and which can wait. The Natural Funeral in LafayettePhone: 720-515-2344The Natural Funeral lists natural burial, flame cremation, water cremation, and terramation, also called natural organic reduction. Water cremation uses an alkaline water process, and terramation transforms remains into soil. If one of these options interests you, ask what the process involves, how long it typically takes, and what the family receives afterward. Planning a Gathering and Reviewing CostsThe Lafayette funeral home is at 102 W Chester Street in Old Town. Ask what can take place at the Lafayette location and which parts would involve another venue or a cemetery. Request a General Price List and a written breakdown of your choices so you can see which fees cover the funeral homes work and which come from outside providers. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf relatives are coming from out of town or some guests have limited mobility, ask about parking, step-free access, and how many people the gathering space can accommodate. If you plan to hold a service and burial at different locations, check how much time guests will need between them. How to Get Started1. Write Down the Persons WishesLook for written instructions and note any cultural or religious preferences. If youre planning ahead, tell a trusted person where you keep your instructions and whom to call.2. Ask for a Written PlanCall 720-515-2344 and ask what is needed on the first call. Once youve discussed options, request the expected timeline and itemized costs before approving arrangements. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCounseling Hospice Advance Care Planning
When an older adult spends most weekdays alone, families may need more than a place for them to go. They may also be juggling transportation, appointments, and help at home. TRU PACE in Lafayette offers a day center as part of a program that coordinates those needs for eligible older adults. What Are Adult Day Services?Adult day services offer daytime support outside the home. Depending on the program, participants may spend time with peers, eat a meal, take part in activities, or receive help with daily needs. Some centers accept people directly. The Lafayette TRU PACE center serves people enrolled in its broader Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. TRU PACE in LafayettePhone: 303-665-0115TRU PACEs Lafayette center is at 2593 Park Lane. The program coordinates medical and social services and arranges transportation to the day center and medical visits as needed. Ask the enrollment team what a typical center day includes, how often a participant might attend, and how the team decides what support to arrange at home. Who May QualifyPACE applicants must be at least 55, live in the programs service area, meet the states standard for nursing home-level care, and be able to live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Ask how enrollment would affect access to current doctors and prescription coverage before making a decision. Why This Matters in LafayetteWhen family members already drive someone to several appointments a week, a coordinated schedule can change who needs to be available and when. Ask how pickup would work at the persons Lafayette address and who to call if a ride or appointment changes. How to Get Started1. Ask for an Eligibility ReviewCall TRU PACE. Have the participants ZIP code, current coverage, and a short list of the help they need. 2. Ask to Visit the CenterFind out what the participant might do on a center day, how transportation works, and what changes to their current care arrangements enrollment would involve. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCare Management Transportation Respite Care
Pueblo Area Agency on Aging (PAAA) provides coordinated, comprehensive services that assists older citizens in maintaining maximum independence, health, and personal well being. PAAA is responsible for administering Older Americans Act (OAA), State and Local funds for the provision of nutrition and supportive services for persons 60 and older in Pueblo County and is operated through the Pueblo County Department of Housing and Human Services (HHS), Aging Services Division.Programs funded through OAA and State of Colorado do not charge fees. Preference is given to elderly persons in the greatest economic and social needs, particularly those who are low income, minority, frail, homebound, disabled, and isolated.