For more information about the author, click to view their website: Seniors Blue Book
Caregiving and aging can bring responsibilities that are
difficult to manage alone. A family caregiver may need practical education and
respite. An older adult may want a meaningful volunteer role. A person living
with memory loss and a care partner may need a comfortable place to socialize.
Jannus Aging Strong brings several Boise-area programs
together, including volunteer opportunities, Powerful Tools for Caregivers,
Respite Companions, Foster Grandparents, and Memory Cafe activities.
What Support Groups and Services Include
Support groups and services include structured programs that
reduce isolation, build caregiving skills, create peer connections, provide
respite, or help people contribute through volunteer service.
Some are traditional discussion groups. Others are classes,
social gatherings, or one-to-one volunteer programs.
A caregiver education course is different from counseling,
and a Memory Cafe is different from clinical dementia treatment. Families
should ask what each program provides, who can participate, and whether
registration is required.
Jannus Aging Strong
General program phone: 208-947-4282
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: 208-947-4283
Respite Companions Program: 208-947-4284
Aging Strong Programs by Jannus
Aging Strong is part of Jannus, an Idaho nonprofit health
and human services organization. The program’s Boise contact information lists
3501 West Elder Street, Suite 104.
Its services use trained volunteers and educational
programming to support older adults, caregivers, veterans and
military-connected families, and children in local schools.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week educational
series designed to help family caregivers care for themselves while supporting
another person.
Topics include:
Aging Strong states that classes are offered free with
support from the Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging. Contact 208-947-4283 for
current registration information.
Respite Companions and Legacy Corps
The Respite Companions Program, formerly known as Legacy
Corps, connects trained volunteers with military-connected older adults and
their family caregivers.
Volunteer companionship can provide a caregiver with a
planned break while offering social connection to the care recipient. This
service is not a substitute for skilled nursing care or emergency supervision.
The published program contact is 208-947-4284.
Foster Grandparents and Volunteer Opportunities
The Foster Grandparent Program engages eligible older
volunteers in supporting children through mentoring, literacy, and classroom
activities.
Aging Strong also promotes volunteer opportunities connected
with caregiver education and Memory Cafe programs. Requirements, training,
schedules, background checks, and possible benefits differ by role.
Memory Cafe
Memory Cafe gatherings provide a supportive social
environment for people experiencing memory loss and their family caregivers.
Activities are designed to encourage connection and participation.
A Memory Cafe does not provide diagnosis, medical treatment,
or substitute care. Families should confirm the current location, meeting date,
accessibility, and RSVP requirements.
Why This Matters Locally in Boise
Boise and the Treasure Valley include many family caregivers
who balance care with work, parenting, appointments, and household
responsibilities. Local education, respite, and social programs can reduce
isolation and help families build a wider support network.
Because schedules and funding can change, contact Aging
Strong before attending or applying.
How to Get Started
Related Seniors Blue Book Categories
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