Advanced Care Planning for Seniors in Colorado Springs, CO

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Seniors Blue Book

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Jun 19, 2026

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Most families don't talk about end-of-life wishes until a medical crisis makes the conversation unavoidable. By then, the window for calm, thoughtful planning has already closed. Decisions get made under pressure, sometimes by the wrong people, sometimes without the right information — and that can leave lasting regret on everyone involved.

This guide explains what advanced care planning is, who it's for, what local resources are available, and how to get started. If you're ready to take that first step, help is closer than you think.

 

What Is Advanced Care Planning?

Advanced care planning (ACP) is the process of making decisions about the healthcare you would want to receive if you became unable to speak for yourself. It typically includes:

  • Reflecting on your personal values and what quality of life means to you
  • Discussing your wishes with family members, close friends, and your medical team
  • Completing legal documents that formally record your decisions
  • Naming a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf

The result is a set of clear, legally documented instructions that give your medical providers and family the guidance they need — no matter what happens.

Key Documents in Advanced Care Planning

Several legal documents are typically involved in a complete advanced care plan:

Living Will — Outlines your specific medical treatment preferences, such as whether you wish to receive life-sustaining treatment if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Healthcare Proxy) — Names a trusted person who is legally authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot.

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) — A medical order, signed by a physician, that translates your wishes into specific clinical instructions. Particularly important for seriously ill or frail seniors.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order — A specific directive indicating you do not wish to receive CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing.

Financial Power of Attorney — Names someone to manage financial matters on your behalf. Often completed alongside healthcare directives.

In Colorado, these documents are governed by state law. An elder law attorney or qualified care planning specialist can ensure they are completed correctly and are legally valid.

Who Is Advanced Care Planning For?

Advanced care planning is for every adult — not just those who are elderly or seriously ill. It is especially important for:

  • Seniors aged 60 and older who are navigating chronic illness or multiple health conditions
  • Individuals who have recently received a serious diagnosis
  • Family members and caregivers supporting an aging loved one
  • Anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are honored in a medical emergency

The earlier these conversations happen, the more options you have — and the more peace of mind everyone carries going forward.

 

Advanced Care Planning Provider in Colorado Springs

Seniors Blue Book has identified the following trusted resource offering advanced care planning support in the Colorado Springs and greater Pikes Peak region.

SilverKey Health & Wellness
1625 South Murray Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Phone: (719) 884-2300

Silver Key Senior Services has been one of the most trusted nonprofit organizations serving older adults in Colorado Springs for over 50 years. Through its Health & Wellness division, Silver Key provides advanced care planning support as part of a broader, holistic approach to senior well-being — helping adults age 60 and older navigate some of life's most important decisions with dignity and clarity.

Silver Key annually assists more than 11,000 aging adults in the greater Colorado Springs area. Their reach across El Paso County and the Pikes Peak region makes them uniquely positioned to support seniors who may not have access to private care planning services or legal resources.

What Silver Key Offers

Case Management — Silver Key's care managers work one-on-one with seniors to assess needs, coordinate services, and help navigate complex healthcare and community systems. This includes guidance on advance directive completion and connecting seniors with the right legal and medical resources.

Behavioral Health Services — Silver Key's licensed behavioral health team provides counseling, mental health assessments, and emotional support tailored to older adults. This support is available at no cost to eligible seniors in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. No diagnosis is required.

Resource Navigation — Staff help seniors and caregivers understand their options, access community resources, and make informed decisions about future care — a core component of any advanced care planning process.

Companionship and Community Programs — Silver Key's Connections Cafes, VIP volunteer programs, and community events reduce isolation and keep seniors engaged — factors that directly support emotional well-being during difficult planning conversations.

Meals on Wheels and Home Delivered Meals — For homebound seniors, Silver Key brings more than nutrition to the door. Each delivery includes a wellbeing check and human connection, creating an ongoing safety net.

Reserve & Ride Transportation — Silver Key's transportation program helps seniors get to medical appointments, care planning consultations, and community services — removing a significant barrier for those without reliable transportation.

Silver Key also led the Comprehensive Senior Assistance Program (CSAP), a multi-year demonstration project funded by the NextFifty Initiative and conducted in partnership with NAMI Colorado Springs, the Colorado Springs Fire Department's CARES team, and Innovations in Aging Collaborative. The project tested integrated behavioral health and primary care services for older adults — a model that directly informs how Silver Key approaches holistic care planning today.

Why Silver Key Stands Out

What distinguishes Silver Key from many other senior care resources is the depth of their community integration. They are not simply a referral service — they are an active partner in the lives of the seniors they serve. Their team includes trained social workers, behavioral health professionals, care managers, and volunteers who collectively provide a safety net that few organizations can match.

Silver Key's services are designed to meet seniors where they are — in their homes, in their community, and in whatever stage of planning they have reached. Whether a senior is just beginning to think about advance directives or is actively managing a serious health condition, Silver Key has support available.

All services are available to adults 60 and older in the Colorado Springs and El Paso County area. Many services, including behavioral health counseling, are provided at no cost.

Silver Key at a Glance:

  • Serving Colorado Springs seniors for over 50 years
  • Assists 11,000+ older adults annually in the Pikes Peak region
  • Behavioral health services available at no cost — no diagnosis required
  • Programs include case management, counseling, transportation, nutrition, and companionship
  • Led the CSAP integrated care demonstration project with NAMI Colorado Springs
  • Located at 1625 S. Murray Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
  • Phone: (719) 884-2300 | Web: www.silverkey.org

 

 

Why Advanced Care Planning Matters in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, with a large and expanding population of older adults. El Paso County's senior population continues to grow each year, and with that growth comes an increasing need for thoughtful, community-based care planning resources.

How to Get Started with Advanced Care Planning

Beginning the advanced care planning process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Taking it step by step makes the process manageable — and every step forward is meaningful.

  1. Start with a conversation. Talk with your family or a trusted friend about your values, your fears, and what quality of life means to you. This doesn't have to be a formal discussion — even an honest conversation over a meal is a meaningful start.
  2. Contact Silver Key Health & Wellness. Call (719) 884-2300 to connect with Silver Key's care team. They can help assess your current situation, explain the documents involved, and connect you with the right support — whether that's a case manager, a behavioral health counselor, or a legal referral.
  3. Identify your healthcare proxy. Choose someone you trust — a spouse, adult child, sibling, or close friend — who understands your values and is willing to advocate for your wishes. Have an honest conversation with that person about what you want.
  4. Complete your key documents. Work with an elder law attorney or qualified care planning professional to complete your living will, healthcare power of attorney, and any other relevant documents. Silver Key's case managers can provide referrals to local elder law resources.
  5. Share your documents with the right people. Give copies of your completed documents to your healthcare proxy, your primary care physician, and any specialists involved in your care. If you are admitted to a hospital or care facility, bring copies with you.
  6. Review your plan regularly. Advanced care plans are not static. Review your documents after major life events — a new diagnosis, a change in family circumstances, or a shift in your personal values. Your plan should always reflect where you are today.

 

Related Categories on Seniors Blue Book

If you found this guide helpful, the following related categories may also be valuable as you plan for the future. All are available to browse at seniorsbluebook.com.

 

This article was researched and written by Seniors Blue Book. Seniors Blue Book connects seniors, families, and caregivers with trusted local senior care resources across the country. Browse local listings, read expert articles, and order a free printed guide at seniorsbluebook.com.

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