BCAAA Service Change Information

Following Boulder County policy and Public Health guidelines, all Boulder County government buildings are currently closed to the public. Normal in-person volunteer services have also been suspended, including Respite & Companion, and Rainbow Connections volunteer visits.

We are taking precautions, with safety being the utmost priority, especially with the older adult population we serve. The health, safety and well-being of clients, volunteers, and staff is of paramount importance. We acknowledge the inconvenience these changes may cause, but believe it is best to reduce the risk of community spread and exposure.

Our services are available by phone and email only, and service changes have been implemented to continue to serve the community. Our staff is available to answer calls and emails during normal business hours from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Read more about how to connect with our staff during this time.

Updates and information will continue to be shared through our Facebook page.

COVID-19 Resources and Information for Older Coloradans

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has created a webpage specifically for older adults and their families concerned about COVID-19. The webpage provides basic information, information about staying healthy, and information on connection and maintaining routine.

Check out the resource page from CDPHE.

You can also check out the CDC's COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults here.

AAA Volunteers, Both Younger and Older, Help Deliver Services

At the Area Agency on Aging, as we all adapt to a rapidly changing situation, our volunteers continue to help make some of our services possible. Like staff, volunteers have shifted to working remotely. They are calling older adults who are especially vulnerable to isolation during this time of social distancing, writing articles about resources to combat social isolation, and helping to teach classes—including finishing one class for family caregivers via video conference and preparing to teach another potentially online. They are providing  Medicare counseling over the phone, going above and beyond to help people understand their choices during a time of high anxiety. And yet other volunteers are busy completing online training and attending remote meetings, among other tasks.

We are immensely proud and grateful for our volunteers, who not only have nimbly adjusted to changes in service delivery but, in a time when all of us are facing disruption and uncertainty, generously continue to provide public service to help older adults and family caregivers. It’s also worth noting that this volunteer effort includes older adults. Our volunteers range in age from their twenties to their eighties [or beyond]—an illustration of how people of all ages in our community are significantly contributing to making life better as we work together through the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Mental and Emotional Health Supports

To protect the health of clients and staff, Mental Health Partners has changed their services and are providing telehealth appointments, including for new clients. Check out their COVID-19 response here. 

Crisis services are available here. You can call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255.

Infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, as well as other public health events, can cause emotional distress and anxiety. Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak, especially in the face of a virus with which the general public may be unfamiliar. These feelings of distress and anxiety can occur even if you are not at high risk of getting sick.. The Suicide Prevention Hotline has people available to provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8355. 

Age Well Conference Videos

We have several videos from the 2018 and 2019 Age Well Conferences available free of charge online. In 2018, we heard from Dr. Gerstein Pineau of Frameworks Institute on "Reframing Aging" - using communications and outreach to drive a more informed conversation about aging and its implications for our communities. Kathy Greenlee joined us in 2019 to discuss "The Promise and Potentials for Innovation in Aging." Kathy is the former Assistant Secretary for Aging, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Check out even more presentations from our conferences here!

Working from Home, With Our Pets

Our staff are serving the community remotely for the time being. We are very lucky to have great pets to provide a little entertainment and love during these crucial days. Several members of our staff have shared photos of their pets below.

Helen the cat works remotely, providing her own personal DIY wellness program to Kari, the AAA's RCVP Coordinator, by being nearby for petting.

Mr. J (AKA Jamaica, Mr. Pants, Mr. Pajama Pants, Mr. Potato Pants) asks for a little attention during his work from home time with his Mountain Options Counselor parent, Lynette.

Willow Bix Parsons (AKA Roseph Boat Pantalones, Mr. Roe, Hey You) seeks out a new heat source while his mother, Lindsay, writes this newsletter.

Maggie and Fraser take a little snooze after assisting their mom, Jean, make calls to Medicare clients.

Lily Rashida Sinclair and Apollo are providing some filing assistance to Colleen, their Mountain Options Counselor mama.

City-Level Service Connection for Older Adults and Informal/Family Caregivers

City of Boulder Older Adult Services  

Client Services Coordinators assist residents of the City of Boulder 60+ and their caregivers with referrals to community resources, counseling on available options, and financial support for eligible clients.

Phone - English or Spanish: 303-441-4388

Erie Active Adults, Erie Parks & Recreation

Information, Referral and Resources

Email: chickman@erieco.gov

Phone - English: 303-926-2795

Lafayette Senior Services

Information, Referral, and Resources

Email: dinah.pollard@cityoflafayette.com or dana.bellomy@cityoflafayette.com

Phone - English: 303-665-9052

Longmont Senior Services

Email: senior@longmontcolorado.gov

Phone - English: 303-651-8411

Phone - Spanish: 303-774-4452

Louisville Senior Services

Email: dianee@louisvilleco.gov

Phone - English: 303-335-4919

General Information: https://www.louisvilleco.gov/

Mountain Communities

Email: infoADRC@bouldercounty.org

Phone - English: 303-441-1617

Phone - Spanish: 303-441-3867

Website: www.bouldercountyhelp.org

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

Help those affected by volunteering or donating with HelpColoradoNow.org. Boulder County staff are monitoring local volunteer sign-ups through this site. Clinical volunteers are also needed for the Boulder County Medical Reserve Corps - learn more and sign up to volunteer.

Learn more about local donations needs here.

Recommended Resources for Information on Coronavirus

Boulder County Public Health is continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and is in close and regular contact with public health partners. Check out local, updated information on COVID-19.

Boulder County is working with community partners to help those impacted by COVID-19. Check out this webpage for resources on accessing emergency assistance.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is sharing status updates on the outbreak. Click here to learn more about risk, to access fact sheets, and status updates.

Please reference the Administration for Community Living's COVID-19 page to learn more about what older adults and people living with disabilities need to know about the virus.

Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 site for updated information on the outbreak around the world.

Watch Out for Coronavirus Scams

Boulder County's District Attorney, Michael Dougherty, advises Boulder County community members to be aware that scammers are exploiting public concern relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The District Attorney's Office remains committed to serving and protecting the community 24/7 during this time. The Community Protection Division of the office is active and available to assist. Check out English and Spanish versions of the scam flyers here.

Call 303-441-3700 or email daconsumer@bouldercounty.org.

Census 2020: Never a Better Time to Complete the Census Online

Invitations to participate in the 2020 Census were sent mid March. This year, you can respond online, by phone, or mail. If you need assistance completing your Census online this year, or if you have other questions, please contact Stuart Feinhor by email.

The U.S. Census Bureau will never ask you for your social security number, banking information, money/donations, or anything on behalf of a political party. If someone claiming to be from the U.S. Census Bureau knocks at your door, you can verify their legitimacy by making sure they have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.

If you suspect fraud, call the Census Bureau at 800-923-8282 to speak with a representative about your suspicions. If it is determined that the person who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, please file a police report with your local police department.

Check out this link for updated dates and deadlines for completing the 2020 Census. Self-response (online, phone, mail) deadlines have been extended to Aug. 14.

Check out Everyone Counts in Boulder County 2020.

4-7-8 Breathing

Sit comfortably and take a deep, slow breath in through the nose and into the diaphragm for 4 seconds.

Hold for 7 seconds and breathe out slowly through the mouth 8 seconds (place tip of tongue on the ridge on the upper palate of the mouth while exhaling).

Repeat 10 times.

If you are hyperventilating, cup your hands over your mouth and breathe slowly. Keep breathing as you would normally to regain the carbon dioxide levels in your system.

(From Dr. Andrew Weil)

History Will Remember When the World Stopped

History will remember when the world stopped

And the flights stayed on the ground

And the cars parked in the street

And the trains didn't run.

History will remember when the schools closed

And the children stayed indoors

And the medical staff walked towards the fire

And they didn't run.

History will remember when the people sang

On their balconies, in isolation

But so very much together

In courage and song.

History will remember when the people fought

For their old and their weak

Protected the vulnerable

By doing nothing at all.

History will remember when the virus left

And the houses opened

And the people came out

And hugged and kissed

And started again

Kinder than before.

-Donna Ashworth

Find updated information on connection to the BCAAA on our Facebook page!