For more information about the author, click to view their website: Weld County Area Agency on Aging
Aging is a journey filled with new questions, changing needs, and important decisions. For older adults in Greeley and communities across Weld County—including Windsor, Evans, Eaton, Johnstown, and rural agricultural areas—access to clear, trustworthy support makes all the difference. The Weld County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) serves as a central hub for resources, advocacy, and information designed to help seniors remain healthy, safe, and independent for as long as possible.
With a growing senior population and unique challenges faced by both urban and rural residents, the AAA plays a critical role in strengthening the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Their approach blends personalized support, evidence-based programs, and community partnerships that meet seniors exactly where they are.
The Weld County AAA’s mission is to promote healthy aging and empower older adults through advocacy, education, and direct support. They assist individuals aged 60+ as well as caregivers, disabled adults, and those navigating long-term care decisions.
“Our goal is to make sure every older adult feels supported with the resources they need to stay healthy, independent, and connected,” says Meredith Skoglund. “We’re here to help seniors navigate the complexities of aging with confidence.”
Whether someone is aging in place, caring for a loved one, or exploring long-term care options, the AAA offers tools and guidance that make the process clearer and less stressful.
The Weld County AAA offers programs across multiple areas to support aging adults, caregivers, and families.
Navigating aging services can feel overwhelming. AAA specialists help seniors understand:
Local programs and resources
Housing options
Transportation
Food and nutrition support
Legal assistance
Medicare and Medicaid benefits
Long-term care planning
This service acts as a roadmap for older adults who are unsure where to begin.
Caregivers often experience stress, burnout, and emotional strain. AAA provides:
Support groups
Respite care guidance
Classes and workshops
One-on-one consultations
Dementia-specific resources
These supports give caregivers relief, connection, and access to practical tools.
Good nutrition is essential for healthy aging. The AAA oversees senior nutrition programs including:
Congregate dining sites
Home-delivered meals (in partnership with local providers)
Nutrition education
These programs help older adults maintain strength, manage chronic conditions, and stay socially connected.
Ombudsmen are advocates who protect the rights of residents in:
Nursing homes
Assisted living communities
Memory care facilities
They help resolve concerns about care, safety, and resident rights. This program gives families peace of mind and ensures seniors receive dignified, respectful treatment.
Evidence-based programs promote longevity, mobility, and mental well-being:
Fall prevention classes
Chronic disease self-management workshops
Balance and mobility classes
Mental health and stress management sessions
These programs help seniors stay proactive and engaged.
Seniors can receive guidance on:
Power of attorney
Guardianship
Consumer fraud
Housing issues
Public benefits
This support ensures older adults understand their rights and options.
Weld County is geographically large and diverse—stretching from Greeley’s urban center to the agricultural plains surrounding towns like Ault, Pierce, and Keenesburg. The AAA ensures programs are accessible no matter where older adults live.
Senior centers
Rural outreach events
Libraries
Faith-based organizations
Local nonprofits
Online and phone support
This hybrid approach helps bridge the gap for seniors with transportation challenges or those living in remote areas.
Caregivers in Weld County often juggle multiple responsibilities—from working full-time to caring for children to supporting aging parents. The AAA supports these family caregivers with:
Stress reduction techniques
Education on caregiving tasks
Access to respite care
Emotional support groups
Guidance through complex medical or legal systems
Caregivers consistently say they feel more confident and less alone with AAA’s help.
The AAA also advocates for seniors at the local and state level. Their work includes:
Promoting senior-friendly policies
Ensuring access to affordable transportation
Protecting vulnerable adults
Supporting age-friendly community initiatives
This advocacy ensures Weld County remains a welcoming, supportive region for older adults.
The AAA collaborates with a broad network of community partners, including:
Weld County Human Services
Local senior centers
Home health providers
Adult day programs
Hospitals and clinics
Mental health organizations
Transportation services
Food banks
These connections strengthen the safety net for aging adults and create a coordinated system of care.
Many seniors in Weld County want to age in place—remaining in familiar neighborhoods, close to family and friends. AAA programs help make that possible by providing:
Home safety tips
Access to in-home services
Falls prevention education
Financial and legal guidance
Social programs that reduce isolation
Staying at home longer is not just a preference—it’s vital to emotional well-being.
AAA staff understand the unique strengths and challenges of Weld County’s older population—from long-time farmers in rural towns to retired teachers, veterans, and grandparents raising grandchildren.
As Meredith Skoglund shares, “Every senior’s story matters. Our job is to meet people with compassion and connect them with the right support at the right time.”
If you or a loved one is an older adult living in Greeley or Weld County, the Weld County Area Agency on Aging is ready to help you navigate aging with confidence.
Visit their full listing on SeniorsBlueBook.com to learn more about programs, classes, caregiver resources, and senior advocacy.
Many programs are available to all adults aged 60+, regardless of income.
Some services include home assessments or in-home consultations through partner organizations.
Yes—support groups, education, and respite guidance are core components of the program.
Absolutely. Seniors can access legal advice and consumer protection resources.
Many programs are free or donation-based.
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
Offers programs and services to help maintain an individual's independence and dignity in their home and community including:Chore ServicesDental, Vision, and HearingFamily Caregiver SupportFriendly Fork (Senior Nutrition)Grandparents Raising GrandchildrenHome SafetyInformation and Assistance/ Aging and Disability Resource Center(ADRC)In-Home ServicesLong-Term Care OmbudsmanWeld Aging Well