State Profile: Colorado

Welcome to the Colorado State Profile Page! This page features a sample of survey and research results from a comprehensive review of state and local home modification activities across the country. It has a special focus on the aging population and the efforts of State Units on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and Native American aging service programs that are funded by the Older Americans Act Title VI Grants for Indian Tribal Organizations.

Check back as new updates will be posted periodically! Have any changes or additions? Please contact homemods@usc.edu

Government

SPOTLIGHT ON STATE LEVEL HOME MODIFICATION ACTIVITIES

This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.

Home Modification and Repairs for Older Adults: Challenges and Opportunities for State Units on Aging

This report by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and ADvancing States reports on a national survey

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES/STATE UNIT ON AGING (State Unit on Aging)

State Units on Aging (SUAs) are designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities.
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PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
1

Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado

The Department of Human Services/State Unit on Aging (State Unit on Aging) provide a range of assisted-living services for seniors in the community.
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Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

The benefits of LEAP include repair and replacement of a home’s primary heating system, such as a furnace or wood-burning stove.
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BN

The Home Modification Benefit is a Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) benefit that covers specific home modifications in an eligible client’s existing home setting ($14,000 lifetime maximum). The Home Modification Benefit is available through the state Medicaid Waiver programs.
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Brain Injury Waiver

This waiver is an extra set of Health First Colorado benefits for people with a brain injury who need extra support to live in their communities, including home modifications.
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SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL HOME MODIFICATION EFFORTS

This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.

Building Community Capacity to Serve Older Adults: The Role of Area Agencies on Aging in Home Modifications and Repairs

This Data Brief highlights key findings from the 2019 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging on how Area Agencies on Aging are providing and funding home modification and repair activities. It was developed by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging as part of the Administration for Community Living project, “Promoting Aging in Place by Enhancing Access to Home Modifications.”
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PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
1

Home Chore and Homemaker Services

The San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging provides minor home repair and handyman assistance for older adults.
2

Construction Services

The Construction Services Division of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Tribal Housing Department provides services focused on supporting safe and sanitary housing for members of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. This includes home repairs, maintenance, and new home development on tribally-assigned land. They also provide education to recipients to assist them with maintaining their own homes and employ tribal members to carry out the services when possible. Services include emergency repairs for older adults and people with disabilities.
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Senior Citizens Program

The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Elder Care and Wellness Center, a Title VI grantee in Towaoc, Colorado, administers the Elder Assistant Program, which serves tribal members aged 55 and up. It provides assistance to tribal elders who need home furnishings and minor home repairs. This program works with other departments to coordinate services to meet elders’ needs.