PROFILE: Services for Seniors
Founded in 1980, The Colorado Gerontological Society, is a non-profit organization striving to improve the quality of life for older adults in Colorado by providing education, disseminating information, advancing the development of public policy, enhancing communication, and promoting high standards in the field of aging. The Society advocates for older adults by helping increase access to services by working with the legislature, policy makers and decision makers to improve delivery systems.
Project Summary: The Society has a number of projects to help Colorado seniors, including:
- Dental, Vision and Hearing Grants: Providing grants to low-income older adults 60 years old and older who do not have coverage for dental, vision, and hearing.
- Benefits Counseling: Offering benefits counseling and application assistance with federal, state and local programs and services for older adults such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
- Health Insurance Literacy: Conducting workshops and individual counseling to older adults to help understand how health insurance works and terminology to maximize services and care
- Advance Care Planning: Presenting workshops and individual counseling to older adults and their families to have a conversation about their care and preferences in the event the person becomes incapacitated and is unable to communicate their needs.
- Medicare Monday: During open enrollment, the Society provides educational sessions throughout Colorado on Medicare changes for the upcoming year. This provides older adults with the information to make informed decisions about their Medicare plans and their medical needs.
- The Salute: Hosting the largest senior information and entertainment fair in Colorado with resources, live entertainment, games, prizes and more. The event is free for older adults and their families.
- Holiday Baskets: With the support of volunteers, community and corporate partners the Society is able to provide 200 low-income older adults with food baskets in the Denver Metro Area.
Benefit to Colorado: As the population of Colorado ages over the next several years, services like those provided by the Society will become more crucial. Ensuring that this vulnerable population receives care and support will benefit the state for years to come.
