For more information about the author, click to view their website: Weld County Area Agency on Aging
As people age, the questions they face often grow more complex. How do I access services that help me stay at home? Where can I find support for caregiving? What programs are available to help with meals, transportation, or benefits?
For older adults and caregivers in Greeley and throughout Weld County, navigating these questions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The Weld County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) serves as a central, trusted resource—connecting older adults, caregivers, and families to the programs, services, and information they need to age safely, independently, and with dignity.
Rather than providing just one type of service, the agency functions as a guide, advocate, and connector—helping people understand their options and make informed decisions at every stage of aging.
Area Agencies on Aging were established under the Older Americans Act to support older adults at the local level. Each agency is designed to understand the unique needs of its community and coordinate services accordingly.
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older, as well as caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and family members seeking guidance. Its mission centers on promoting independence, preventing unnecessary institutionalization, and improving quality of life.
This support becomes especially valuable as aging intersects with healthcare, housing, transportation, and financial considerations.
One of the greatest challenges seniors and caregivers face is simply knowing where to start. The Weld County Area Agency on Aging acts as a single point of entry—helping individuals understand available resources and how to access them.
Support may include:
Information and referral to local programs
Care options counseling
Assistance navigating benefits and services
Support for family caregivers
Advocacy for older adults’ needs
Instead of navigating multiple agencies alone, individuals can rely on the AAA to help them find the right path forward.
Most older adults want to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Aging in place supports emotional well-being, independence, and connection—but it often requires the right mix of services.
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging helps make aging in place possible by connecting individuals to:
Home-delivered or congregate meal programs
Transportation assistance
In-home support services
Home safety and modification resources
Community-based programs
These services work together to reduce isolation, improve safety, and support daily living—especially for seniors living alone or managing chronic conditions.
Caregivers are often the unsung heroes of aging. Adult children, spouses, and other family members frequently step into caregiving roles without training, support, or a clear roadmap.
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging recognizes caregivers as a vital part of the aging network and provides resources to support them, including:
Caregiver education and counseling
Respite care resources
Support groups and stress management tools
Guidance navigating long-term care decisions
By supporting caregivers, the agency helps ensure that older adults receive consistent, compassionate care—while reducing burnout and stress for families.
Programs related to aging often involve multiple systems—healthcare, housing, benefits, and community services. Understanding eligibility requirements, applications, and timelines can feel daunting.
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging helps individuals:
Understand available benefits and programs
Navigate eligibility and enrollment processes
Explore care options and future planning
Advocate for their needs
As Meredith Skoglund of the Weld County Area Agency on Aging shares, “Our role is to help people understand their options and feel confident in the choices they’re making—whether they’re planning ahead or responding to an immediate need.”
That guidance often makes the difference between confusion and clarity.
Weld County is home to a diverse population of older adults, including longtime residents, rural seniors, and families navigating aging across generations. The Weld County Area Agency on Aging adapts its outreach and services to reflect this diversity—ensuring access regardless of location, income, or background.
Local knowledge allows the agency to:
Coordinate with community partners
Address regional gaps in services
Respond to changing community needs
This flexibility strengthens the local aging network and ensures services remain relevant and accessible.
Beyond individual support, the Weld County Area Agency on Aging plays an important advocacy role—working to ensure older adults’ needs are represented in planning, policy, and community discussions.
Advocacy efforts focus on:
Protecting the rights of older adults
Improving access to services
Promoting age-friendly communities
Supporting policies that enhance quality of life
By amplifying the voices of older adults, the agency helps shape a more supportive future for aging in Northern Colorado.
Many people wait until a crisis occurs before seeking help—but the Weld County Area Agency on Aging encourages earlier outreach. Contacting the agency can be helpful when:
Planning for future care or aging needs
Supporting an aging parent or spouse
Experiencing changes in health or mobility
Seeking caregiver support or respite
Unsure which services are available
Early guidance often provides more options and reduces stress down the road.
Is there a cost to use the Area Agency on Aging?
Many services are offered at low or no cost, depending on the program and eligibility.
Do I have to be a certain age to call?
Services generally support adults age 60 and older, as well as caregivers and family members.
Can the agency help if I’m just looking for information?
Yes. Information and referral services are a core function of the agency.
Does the agency provide direct care?
The AAA typically connects individuals to services rather than providing hands-on care directly.
Can caregivers contact the agency on behalf of a loved one?
Absolutely. Caregivers are encouraged to reach out for guidance and support.
If you or a loved one are navigating aging, caregiving, or long-term planning in Greeley or Weld County, having a trusted guide can make all the difference. The Weld County Area Agency on Aging offers reliable information, compassionate support, and connections to essential local resources.
Visit their Seniors Blue Book listing to learn more, explore available programs, and connect with a knowledgeable team dedicated to helping older adults and caregivers thrive in Northern Colorado.
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