ADRC Support Services

What is Options Counseling?

Options Counseling is having a conversation with a trained professional in the field of aging and disability who helps you identify your needs and goals in order to explore long term service and support options.  Options Counselors explain the different things to consider as you age and then support you in the decision-making process.  They can help you make a plan and support you in accessing the programs and services that are available to help you meet your goals.  The goal of Options Counseling is for you to feel supported through the process.  Options Counselors will provide education and referrals to resources that promote dignity and independence as you age.

If you are considering any of the following, Options Counseling could be an option for you:

• My loved one (or myself) is getting older and I want to know what is available in terms of financial assistance and care.
• My loved one (or myself) is living with a disability and I need to know what my options are in terms of financial assistance and care.
• I want to plan for myself or my loved one, so I know the programs and services that are available in my community for older adults.
• I would like to learn what is available to support me as I age that will help me remain in my home and live as independently as possible.

If you or a loved one are 60 years of age or older, or 18 and over living with a disability and you answered “yes” to any of the above, you might benefit from Options Counseling.

What to expect from Options Counseling:

• The Options Counselor will meet with you – or you and your family or friend, if you desire – and ask a series of questions about your situation  - what you feel are your challenges and what you think you need and want as you get older.  
• The Options Counselor will help you create an action plan prioritizing your needs and the steps to help you meet your goals and support you in making these choices. They will give you information about services available in your community, referrals and resources to meet your needs, and ways to talk with others about your plans.
• We are here for you, even after your situation has stabilized. Your Options Counselor will be available should you have questions in the future. 

Before your meeting with an Options Counselor, consider the following questions:

• How are you doing right now?  
• What is working, what is not working?
• What has worked in the past?
• What would you like to change?
• What do you think would work for you?
• What is important to you and what is important for you?

Contact us today at (970) 498-7750 or email aging@larimer.org to set up an appointment by phone or in person!

What is Application Assistance?

If you are 60 or beyond or 18+ living with a disability, we offer assistance to help you complete and submit Long-Term Care Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs applications. If you are not already connected to a case management system, lean on us to help you understand the programs and services that may be beneficial for you and for which you may qualify.

The Larimer County Office on Aging and Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) knowledgeable staff CAN:

• Answer questions about Long-Term Care Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, and the documentation to include when applying
• Assist with the application process from beginning to end, including status checks, requests for additional documentation, and through the approval process

The Larimer County Office on Aging and Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) knowledgeable staff CANNOT:

• Assist with financial eligibility status or function eligibility status for applications who submitted applications outside of the Office on Aging or ADRC
• Provide legal advice

Contact us today at (970) 498-7750 or email aging@larimer.org to set up an appointment by phone or in person.

What are Transition Services?

Transition Services Options Counseling provides individuals living in nursing homes with Long Term Care Medicaid benefits a person-centered approach to explore their options to transition from the nursing home to a home in the community. Our Options Counselors help individuals understand their transition options and community resources in order to make informed choices about moving back to a home in the community.

Referrals to the Transition Services Options Counseling can be made by:

• Nursing home residents
• Nursing home staff
• Family members
• Community members
• Long Term Care Ombudsman
• Other professionals

In order to qualify for Transition Services Options Counseling, an individual must:

• Be a current resident of a nursing home 
• If an application for Long Term Care Medicaid has been submitted, the referral cannot be made until approval is received.
• Be currently receiving Long Term Care Medicaid benefits
• If receiving rehabilitation services under Medicare A or Medicaid benefits, a referral cannot be made until all rehabilitation therapy services are completed.

What is the process for Transition Services after a referral is made?

• After a referral is made, an Options Counselor will meet with the resident one-on-one at the nursing home or over the phone to discuss transition services and to help that individual explore their options.
• If an individual is interested in further exploration of transitioning back to the community, the Options Counselor will complete a Transition Services Referral Form and make a referral to one of the transition coordination agencies (TCA) contracted with the State of Colorado to provide transition services.
• The transition coordinator (TC) will meet one-on-one with the individual and assist in determining needs and the feasibility of meeting those needs in the community with the available long-term care Medicaid services and community resources.
• The transition coordinator will help determine feasibility of a transition, and continue to work with that individual throughout the transition process.

The Transition Services program is under the Colorado State Plan as a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver program service. The Larimer County Office on Aging and Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) contracts with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing as the local contact agency (LCA) to provide Transition Coordination Services Options Counseling.