Larimer County Caregiver

The goal of the Family Caregiver Support Program is to lessen the strain of a caregiver’s experience by providing connection to community resources, support groups, counseling, and classes through individual consultations and personalized support.

The first step is to complete a Family Caregiver Support Assessment. If needed, a case manager can assist in completing the form at the initial consultation. You can request an assessment form by email or mail request.

Our team will coordinate with you to schedule a care consultation for a convenient time via phone, in-person home visit, or video conferencing. 
 

In this 9-week class, caregivers will: learn about stress and its effects, practice stress management techniques, and develop problem solving skills. The course is shown to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and help them manage stress and cope better with their lives.

No additional Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers classes are scheduled for 2024. Check back for 2025 classes.

In this 6-week, evidence-based class, family caregivers will learn 35 tools to: avoid burnout, lessen stress, stop negative self-talk, strengthen communication, convey needs, and deal with difficult emotions. Registration is open now!

Upcoming Sessions: 

April 18 to May 23, 2024

• Weekly on Thursdays from 9:30am to 11:30am 
• Elderhaus 6813 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525
• Registration is required. Sign up at by calling: (970) 495-8565

June 4 to July 9, 2024

• Weekly on Tuesdays from 3pm to 5pm 
• Loveland Library 300 N Adams Ave, Loveland, CO 80537
• Registration is required. Sign up at bit.ly/Powerful_Tools 

September 2 to October 7, 2024

• Weekly on Mondays from 3pm to 5pm 
• Virtual option - online only
• Registration is required. Sign up at bit.ly/Powerful_Tools 

October 15 to November 19, 2024

• Weekly on Tuesdays from 9am to 11am 
• Windsor Rec Center 250 11th St, Windsor, CO 80550
• Registration is required. Sign up at bit.ly/Powerful_Tools  

Respite services allow caregivers a much-needed break from the demands associated with caring for a relative or friend while maintaining household duties. Services can be provided in the home or in a community setting.

Respite vouchers may be available for Larimer County residents caring for an individual over 60 years of age or are caring for an individual under the age of 60 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, as well as need assistance to complete activities of daily living or supervision.

Caregiver Respite Voucher Program Overview

Eligibility and amount allocated for the respite voucher is determined through consultation and assessment process. These guidelines include:

• Care receiver must be at least 60 years of age -or- have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related neurocognitive disorders. 
• Assistance from another person to complete a minimum of two (2) Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking in their home, or transferring in and out of chairs and bed -or- the need of significant 24/7 supervision due to memory or behavioral concerns.

In home respite care services can be provided by a family member (not living in the same home as the care receiver), a friend or a service provider such as a home care agency. Community respite services include adult day programs, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities  or memory care where short term respite stays are available. 

Respite services are to be paid for in advance by the caregiver. The respite voucher allocation amount will vary for a six-month period based on respite needs. 

A Request for Payment form is completed by the caregiver for reimbursement. This form must be signed by the caregiver and returned by mail, email, or to the Office on Aging to request a reimbursement. A check will then be sent to the caregiver as reimbursement for the respite services provided.

Respite vouchers are not automatically renewed or awarded for ongoing voucher periods. The voucher periods are:

• July 1 – December 31, submission of request for payment are encouraged by December 15. 
• January 1 – June 30, submission of request for payment are encouraged by June 15.  

Each caregiver is required to track their own respite expenses. Any expenses over the voucher funds allocated will not be reimbursed. Requested service dates to be covered by the respite voucher must be after the date the voucher is issued.

Care receivers currently participating in the Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCSB) through Long Term Care Medicaid are not eligible for respite services with the Family Caregiver Respite Voucher Program.  
 

Grand Family Respite Voucher Program Overview

The Grand Family Respite Vouchers provide financial assistance for a brief period of rest for caregivers. LCOA recognizes that the needs of Grand Family Caregivers may be different from other caregiving situations.

Grand Family Respite services may include the following activities:

• In-home respite services
• In-home house cleaning
• Day care programs
• After school programming

In-home respite care services can be provided by:

• Family member who is not living in the same home as the child(s)
• Friend
• Neighbor
• Service Provider

Eligibility:

• Caregivers must be residing in Larimer County 
• Caregivers must be fifty-five (55) years of age or older 
• Caregivers must be providing full time informal in-home care to a child seventeen (17) years of age or younger
• Qualifying caregivers include: 
  • Grandparent(s)
  • Step-grandparent(s)
  • Older adult(s) who are relative caregivers of a child by blood, marriage, or adoption

Important Additional Information:

Eligibility and amount allocated for the respite voucher is determined through the consultation and assessment process. 

Respite services are to be paid for in advance by the caregiver. The amount of the voucher will depend on the level of funding, when in the voucher period the request is made, and the respite services needed.

A Request for Payment form is completed by the caregiver for reimbursement. This form must be signed by the caregiver and returned by mail, email, or to the Office on Aging to request a reimbursement. A check will then be sent to the caregiver as reimbursement for the respite services provided.

Grand Family Respite vouchers are not automatically renewed or awarded for ongoing voucher periods. The voucher periods are:

• July 1 – December 31, submission of request for payment are encouraged by December 15. 
• January 1 – June 30, submission of request for payment are encouraged by June 15.  

Each caregiver is required to track their own respite expenses. Any expenses over the voucher funds allocated will not be reimbursed. Requested service dates to be covered by the respite voucher must be after the date the voucher is issued.

Priority for caregiving services shall be given to those individuals in greatest economic need, greatest social need, low-income minority adults, those residing in rural areas and those who are providing care for children with severe disabilities.

 A Grand Family caregiver who is providing in-home care to more than one child may only be approved for one voucher per household per six-month voucher period.