Free & Low‑Cost In‑Home Care on Colorado’s Front Range: Your Step‑by‑Step Guide

1. Why this guide matters

Hiring help at home can feel out of reach when every brochure quotes $35+ an hour. Yet the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and other agencies quietly fund hundreds of no‑cost service hours every year for older adults who qualify.​drcog.orgdrcog.org

Key takeaway: If Mom needs light housekeeping or two hours of personal care a week, there may be vouchers before savings.

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2. What services are covered?

• Personal Care & Hygiene – bathing on unbroken skin, dressing, toileting
• Homemaker Help – laundry, light housekeeping, basic meal prep
• Escort & Errands – limited accompaniment to groceries or appointments

DRCOG’s Choice Services In‑Home Services program offers up to two hours per week at $0 cost for adults 60+ across eight Front‑Range counties.​drcog.org

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3. Who qualifies?

Age ≥ 60 years

Residenc

yDenver, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin

Functional need

Difficulty with ≥ 2 ADLs/IADLs (bathing, cooking, etc.)IncomeNo fixed cap, but low‑to‑moderate income prioritized

Pro tip: Care recipients who already receive Medicaid HCBS are usually ineligible—apply only if you’re outside Medicaid.

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4. How to apply in 15 minutes

1. Call DRCOG Aging & Disability Resource Center → 303‑480‑6700
2. Complete an intake screening (about 15 min).
3. Provide proof of age & address (driver’s license works).
4. Wait for voucher letter (2–4 weeks).
5. Pick an approved agency—Healthy at Home can invoice the voucher directly.

5. Other no‑ or low‑cost options

• Area Agency on Aging Homemaker Vouchers (rural counties often have separate pots).
• Veterans Aid & Attendance pension bump for wartime vets needing in‑home care.
• PACE Colorado (Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly) for those who meet nursing‑home–level need but prefer to stay home.

6. Maximize limited hours

• Group homemaker tasks into one visit.
• Use family/friends for social visits; save voucher hours for personal care.
• Layer private‑pay PCW hours on heavier weeks (holiday meal prep, deep laundry).

7. Next step

Still unsure which program fits? Book a free 20‑minute phone consult and we’ll walk you through the DRCOG paperwork, verify eligibility, and save your voucher slot.

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