AARP concerned about Older Coloradans Cash Fund

You can’t pick up a newspaper or turn on the television or radio without hearing about the state’s budget crisis.  Libraries are closing in some areas and many services are underfunded.  One fund that AARP is very concerned about is the Older Coloradans Cash Fund.  This fund is stream-lined!  The Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) administer the funds and no more than 10% are allowed to be used for administration.  
Coloradans who are 60 years old or older may receive funding for help affording congregate nutrition, home-delivered meals, transportation services, in-home services, ombudsman services, legal services, elder abuse prevention, outreach, and information and referral services.  This fund has allowed the AAAs to serve approximately 14, 000 older adults and their caregivers with these state funds.

The goal of the funding is to keep older adults independent in the community delaying institutionalization and the potential higher costs to families and to Colorado.  Surveys show that not only does keeping older Coloradans in their home make sense financially, it also is meeting the desire of older individuals who want to age in place.  

The problem is that these current funding levels already meet only 10% of the need and now this meager fund is on the chopping block!  We need your help.  Please call your elected officials today.  If you do not know who your state representative visit the web site vote-smart.org or call your local clerk and recorder.  

Call your State Representative at either (303) 866-2904 or outside Denver toll free at 1-800-811-7647.  

Call your State Senator at (303) 866-2316 or outside Denver toll free at 1-888-473-8136.

Governor Bill Ritter at (303) 866-2471 or outside Denver toll free at 1-800-283-7215.

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