For more information about the author, click to view their website: Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter - State Office
Across Colorado, thousands of individuals and families are navigating the difficult and emotional journey of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It is a path filled with questions, uncertainties, and challenges—yet it is also one that nobody should have to walk alone. The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter, serving Denver, Northern Colorado, and communities throughout the state, provides comprehensive support, education, and resources to help families understand, cope, and move forward with confidence.
From early detection and diagnosis to late-stage care planning and caregiver support, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a compassionate, evidence-based roadmap for families impacted by dementia. The organization’s mission is deeply rooted in advocacy, research, and community empowerment—ensuring that every person affected by Alzheimer’s has access to information, connection, and hope.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the fastest-growing public health challenges in the U.S., and Colorado is no exception. With a steadily aging population across Denver, Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland, and nearby counties, more families are encountering:
Memory loss
Behavioral and cognitive changes
Increased safety needs
Caregiver stress and burnout
Difficult decisions about home care and senior living
Financial concerns
The overwhelming emotional toll that comes with dementia
The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter responds to this growing need with a wide range of statewide programs, local resources, and personalized support systems.
The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter believes that knowledge, awareness, and community support are powerful tools in navigating dementia.
“Our goal is to ensure that no Coloradan affected by Alzheimer’s walks this journey alone. We are here with guidance, empathy, and resources to support families at every stage,” shares Kelly Osthoff of the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter.
This philosophy shapes every program and service the organization provides—meeting families where they are, emotionally and practically.
The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter offers a robust collection of services that address both the medical and emotional aspects of dementia.
Available anytime, day or night, the helpline offers:
Decision-making support
Behavior strategies
Financial planning guidance
Emotional support
Crisis assistance
Professionals trained in dementia care respond with empathy and expertise.
Families often need help navigating the complexities of dementia. Care consultations provide personalized guidance on:
Care planning
Safety strategies
Communication tips
Respite and long-term care options
Behavioral challenges
Community resources
This tailored support helps families feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
Both in-person and virtual classes cover topics such as:
Understanding Alzheimer’s
Communication and behavior strategies
Caregiver wellness
Legal and financial planning
Early-stage support
Late-stage care
These programs help families make informed decisions and feel empowered.
Support groups, available in Northern Colorado and Denver, offer caregivers and individuals living with dementia a place to share openly with others who understand.
Groups are held in:
Greeley
Fort Collins
Loveland
Windsor
Denver
Virtual formats
Support groups help reduce feelings of isolation and emotional burden.
Programs like MedicAlert® + Safe Return® and community training initiatives help protect individuals who may wander and help communities respond safely.
The Association provides early-stage engagement programs that allow individuals impacted by dementia to:
Connect socially
Participate in wellness activities
Maintain cognitive engagement
Explore creative programs
These services promote independence and well-being.
The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter advocates at state and federal levels for:
Increased research funding
Improved care standards
Financial support for caregivers
Legislation to enhance safety and early diagnosis
Statewide dementia-friendly initiatives
Their advocacy ensures that the voices of Colorado families are heard on issues that matter most.
The Colorado Chapter is active in communities across the state, hosting:
Walk to End Alzheimer’s events
The Longest Day fundraiser
Community forums
Educational conferences
Dementia-friendly community initiatives
Northern Colorado communities—including Greeley, Fort Collins, Windsor, and Loveland—benefit from local teams who understand the area’s resources, culture, and needs.
Caregivers often juggle full-time roles, emotional strain, and unpredictable challenges. The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes their essential role and offers specialized support including:
Caregiver support groups
Stress management resources
Respite care referrals
Educational tools
One-on-one phone support
This comprehensive approach helps prevent caregiver burnout and strengthens family resilience.
As part of the national Alzheimer’s Association, the Colorado Chapter contributes to groundbreaking research focused on:
Prevention
Early detection
Treatment innovations
Brain health
Risk reduction
Families can also participate in clinical trials or receive information on local research opportunities.
Colorado’s diversity is reflected in its dementia care needs. The Association offers support tailored to:
Hispanic/Latino families
Indigenous communities
LGBTQ+ seniors
Rural populations
Multilingual households
This inclusive approach ensures care and understanding for all Coloradans.
The Association offers screenings, education, and resources to help families understand early signs and next steps.
Yes. Support groups, education programs, and outreach events are held throughout the region.
Most services—including support groups and the helpline—are free of charge.
Yes. Care consultations include guidance on senior living, memory care, and home care options.
Absolutely. Community members are encouraged to participate in events, advocacy, and volunteer programming.
To access dementia support, caregiver resources, or educational programs, visit the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter listing on SeniorsBlueBook.com. Their team is ready to help you navigate the Alzheimer’s journey with compassion, strength, and trusted guidance.
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
The Alzheimers Association of Colorado is the premier organization for Coloradans living with dementia and their families and caregivers. Our statewide network of offices provide a broad range of free programs and services, funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research, and advocacy efforts on behalf of Coloradans. Programs include education classes, support groups for caregivers, social, cultural, and arts engagement for those living in the early stages and their care partners, local care consultations, and around-the-clock support through our 24/7 Helpline.
The Alzheimer's Association of Colorado is the premier source of information and support for Coloradans living with dementia and their families and caregivers. We provide a broad range of free programs and services, funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research, and advocacy efforts on behalf of Coloradans. he Alzheimer's Association advocates for those living with Alzheimer's and their families on related legislative issues, and with health and long-term care providers. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
The Alzheimers Association of Colorado is the premier source of information and support for Coloradans living with dementia and their families and caregivers. We provide a broad range of free programs, funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research, and advocacy efforts on behalf of Coloradans. The Alzheimers Association advocates for those living with Alzheimers and their families on related legislative issues, and with health and long-term care providers. Coloradans have access to services across the state delivered by volunteers and staff, which include one-on-one consultation through our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), education programs, and support groups. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.