Understanding the challenges faced by older adults and people with disabilities in the region is crucial for elected officials tasked with creating legislation that governs their lives.
The Area Agency on Aging collaborates with organizations like the Older Americans Coalition, the Senior Lobby, the Alliance of Retired Federal Workers, AARP and the Colorado Association of Area Agencies on Aging to protect and increase state funding for older adults and people with disabilities. By forging partnerships with community service providers, the agency has effectively showcased the detrimental impact of cuts to the Older Coloradans Fund on individuals.
As mandated by the federal Older Americans Act, advocacy is a primary function of the Area Agency on Aging.
The agency is actively expanding its outreach and advocacy efforts to encompass people with disabilities and the organizations that advocate for them. Moreover, the Ombudsman Program offers support to individuals and provides systemic advocacy for residents living in long-term care facilities.
The agency's advocacy endeavors facilitate the aging process with dignity for older adults and empower people with disabilities, their families and caregivers to make well-informed decisions regarding their care. Through the Aging and Disability Resources Center for Colorado, older adults and people with disabilities gain access to valuable tools for making informed choices about their care. Additionally, they receive assistance accessing long-term services to maintain independence within the community.
Caregivers, family members and friends can call 303-480-6700 to make inquiries and referrals.
What does the Ombudsman Program do?
Long-term care ombudsmen are resident-directed advocates providing advocacy on behalf of older adults and adults with disabilities who live in nursing homes and assisted living residences. Long-term care ombudsmen are trained to receive and help resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents.
In addition to identifying, investigating and resolving complaints, Ombudsman Program responsibilities include:
Educating residents, their family and facility staff about residents’ rights.
Ensuring residents have regular and timely access to ombudsman services.
Advocating for changes to improve residents’ quality of life and care.
Providing information to the public regarding long-term care facilities and services.
Provide education on how to self-advocate.
Support resident and family counsel.
Ombudsman Programs do not:
Conduct licensing and regulatory inspections or investigations.
Perform Adult Protective Services investigations.
Provide direct care for residents.
DRCOG also houses the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Ombudsman. The ombudsman's role is to advocate for participants in programs outside of a long-term care facility situation and assist participants in resolving issues related to care, health, safety or the participants' rights. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly ombudsmen strive to resolve complaints that range from simple quality of care issues — such as a participant's preferred time to receive care — to very serious, sometimes life-threatening concerns involving abuse and neglect.
Browse the Ombudsman Program brochure for more information.