Resources and education for older adults

By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Aging Resources of Douglas County

Age is just a number, but as that number changes, the mental and physical needs of people change too. When older adults seek help to navigate the changing needs in their lives, a newly formed nonprofit, Aging Resources of Douglas County, is here to answer the call.

Douglas County has one of the fastest growing older adult populations in Colorado, and the people who live here will increasingly continue to need services designed to make life easier as they age. In response to community need, Aging Resources recently evolved its volunteer program, education and outreach initiatives into a full nonprofit organization, aimed at providing the services that older adults need most.

“Recent data shows that the number one need for seniors to maintain their independence is transportation, and the number two request is for access to information and navigation of services. The core mission of Aging Resources of Douglas County is to help older people stay independent and in their homes for as long as safely possible. The supportive services we provide make this a reality for many seniors,” said Karie Erickson, executive director of Aging Resources.

Through its volunteer services program, older adults receive rides to doctor appointments, to the grocery store and to run other errands. Volunteers also provide much needed companionship and help with light household chores. Aging Resources also provides an information call center and care guidance, as well as aging education events and outreach.

“We currently have 160 volunteers, of those, about half are drivers. The agency also operates 3 ADA vehicles and is receiving a fourth from a Douglas County grant. With more than 800 requests each month for transportation, we need more volunteers to drive!” Erickson said.

According to the organization, in 2018, volunteers provided more than 7,400 rides; more than 1,000 hours of companionship; and more than 2,000 hours of in-home help, and its staff reached more than 1,400 people through its presentations about resources and information on aging. For families and older adults alike, this growing network of volunteers and skilled professionals makes sure that a caring and capable resource is just a phone call away.
Aging Resources will publish a full color, large print Douglas County Resource Guide this spring. To receive a copy, to volunteer or for more information, call 303-814-4300 or visit agingresourcesdougco.org/home.html.

The belief that nonprofit organizations strengthen our community, combined with faith in our readership and humanity in general that we all have talents to share, The Castle Pines Connection is committed to featuring a different local nonprofit each month. This month we highlight Aging Resources of Douglas County.

We invite readers to send suggestions for nonprofit organizations to feature. Email editor@castlepinesconnection.com.  We look forward to learning more and sharing information about nonprofits in our community throughout the year.