DRCOG Area Agency on Aging - Ombudsman

Veteran Directed Care supports Veterans of all ages to remain in their homes and communities by providing Veterans with a flexible budget to hire, train, and manage in-home caregivers of their choice including family and friends. Caregivers provide non-medical in-home help with daily activities (like bathing, dressing) and instrumental activities (like preparing meals, managing medications). Veteran Directed Care provides relief for Veterans who are isolated or whose primary caregiver is overburdened. The video below shows how the program benefits Veterans and those who care for them. Eligibility is determined by the VA, and Veterans must be enrolled with the Veterans Health Administration to participate. DRCOGs Area Agency on Aging case managers provide personalized, ongoing support for Veterans participating in the program. To enroll, contact your VA primary care physician or VA social worker and ask for a referral to Veteran Directed Care; or call 303-399-8020 to connect with the VA Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center.The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is an organization of local officials working together to address the region~s challenges by fostering cooperation among county and municipal governments in the Denver metropolitan area. In its sixth decade of service, DRCOG is proud of its focus on quality-of-life issues. The DRCOG Aging and Disability Resources Center for Colorado (ADRC) is the place where older adults (60+) and people with disabilities (18+) can get help accessing long-term services and supports to remain independent in the community. ADRC services are provided at no cost. DRCOG~s ADRC serves Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin and Jefferson counties, the City and County of Broomfield, and the City and County of Denver.

The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is an organization of local officials working together to address the region~s challenges by fostering cooperation among county and municipal governments in the Denver metropolitan area. In its sixth decade of service, DRCOG is proud of its focus on quality-of-life issues. The DRCOG Aging and Disability Resources Center for Colorado (ADRC) is the place where older adults (60+) and people with disabilities (18+) can get help accessing long-term services and supports to remain independent in the community. ADRC services are provided at no cost. DRCOG~s ADRC serves Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin and Jefferson counties, the City and County of Broomfield, and the City and County of Denver.Need information for an aging relative or yourself? DRCOG~s Aging and Disability Resource Center has experts in the field of aging and disability. We can provide information, assistance and advocacy over the phone, by email and in person. Medicare assistance is provided through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) serving Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson counties and Senior Medicare Patrol, a healthcare fraud reporting program. Colorado Choice Transitions (CCT) is a program of the Area Agency on Aging that provides two types of services, Options Counseling and Community Transition Services/Extended Transition Services. DRCOG offers the Elder Refugee Program. It is funded through the Older Americans Act (OAA) and a grant from the Colorado Refugee Service Program. AAA case managers provide intensive, short-term, case management services for people 60 and older who need help identifying and making life transitions. Spanish-speaking case managers are on staff: reach them by calling the case management line and choosing the Spanish-language option.Comprehensive Support and GuidanceNavigating the complex landscape of aging and disability services can be overwhelming. DRCOGs ADRC provides expert information, assistance, and advocacy to empower individuals in making informed decisions. Services are accessible by phone, email, or in person, ensuring that every resident receives the help they need. Key Services Offered by the ADRCOptions CounselingFor individuals exploring long-term care options, DRCOGs ADRC offers personalized options counseling. This service helps older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers understand available resources, assess needs, and develop customized care plans. Options counseling ensures that individuals remain as independent as possible within their communities.Medicare Assistance and Fraud PreventionThe ADRC offers Medicare assistance through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for residents of Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. Trained counselors provide unbiased guidance on Medicare plans, benefits, and enrollment, ensuring that beneficiaries make informed decisions. Additionally, the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program educates individuals about healthcare fraud, scams, and abuse, helping protect their benefits and personal information.Colorado Choice Transitions (CCT)A key initiative of DRCOGs Area Agency on Aging, Colorado Choice Transitions (CCT) assists individuals transitioning from nursing homes and institutional settings back into the community. This program offers two crucial services:Options Counseling: Helps individuals explore community-based services and supports.Community Transition Services/Extended Transition Services: Provides hands-on support in coordinating housing, healthcare, and social services to ensure a smooth transition to independent living.Elder Refugee ProgramThe Elder Refugee Program, funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA) and the Colorado Refugee Service Program, provides specialized support for older refugees adjusting to life in the United States. DRCOG case managers offer intensive, short-term assistance to help elder refugees navigate essential services, including healthcare, housing, and social integration.Case Management ServicesDRCOGs case management services are designed to support individuals aged 60 and older who need short-term, intensive assistance with major life transitions. Case managers help clients assess their needs, develop care plans, and access necessary services, ensuring they remain safe and independent in their communities. For Spanish-speaking residents, bilingual case managers are availablesimply call the case management line and select the Spanish-language option.Why Choose DRCOGs ADRC?Expert Guidance: With a team of knowledgeable professionals, the ADRC provides up-to-date and comprehensive information on aging and disability resources.Personalized Support: Every individual has unique needs; DRCOGs ADRC ensures that each client receives customized assistance tailored to their situation.No-Cost Services: All services offered by the ADRC are provided at no charge, making them accessible to all who need them.Trusted Community Resource: With decades of experience in aging and disability services, DRCOG is a trusted name in the Denver metropolitan area.If you or a loved one needs assistance navigating long-term care options, Medicare guidance, case management, or other aging and disability resources, DRCOGs ADRC is here to help. Contact the ADRC today via phone, email, or in person to access expert services designed to enhance independence and quality of life.For more information, visit www.drcog.networkofcare.org or call the ADRC directly to speak with a knowledgeable professional.