One of Purposeful Financial and Legacy Planning's key values is to support the local community. In support of that value, we will highlight a Northern Colorado charity each month. Additionally, we support that charity with a donation.
This month we are highlighting Elderhaus, an independent nonprofit that specializes in providing a quality day program for adults with physical or cognitive disabilities. Elderhaus offers day services to older adults with dementia, traumatic brain injuries, MS, Parkinson's, post-stroke needs, and other conditions. They also offer day services to intellectually and developmentally challenged younger adults, 18 years and older, through a program called Mindset. Elderhaus is the first and only local nonprofit that specializes in a compassionate day program for adults with dementia, and they were the first day program to be approved by the Veterans Administration.
Elderhaus has faithfully served the local community for 42 years at a very affordable rate. Some participants use their services as a lower-cost supplement to in-home care, which provides vital respite for the caregiver. They also generously offer two free support groups to caregivers with no requirement for them to be connected to Elderhaus' other programs. Normal operating hours are M-F from 7:30-4:30 p.m.
Their Mission:
The mission of Elderhaus is to "provide holistic and therapeutic daytime care to seniors and adults living with disabilities, in a safe, engaging environment tailored to their needs."
Their Core Values:
1) Compassion in caring.
2) Dignity and respect for every individual.
3) Safe environment for everyone involved.
4) Honesty and integrity and accountability in all aspects of the program.
5) Services available to all within Elderhaus' ability to serve, without discrimination.
6) Creativity in providing solutions for families and staff.
According to Executive Director Tim McLemore, Elderhaus' focus centers on
4 Pillars of Care:
1) Social Engagement
2) Cognitive Stimulation
3) Safe Physical Activity
4) Good Nutrition
The food at Elderhaus is cooked in-house, with breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack provided. McLemore notes there are very few programs that offer the scope of services Elderhaus provides at such an affordable rate, including toileting, food, medication distribution, and supplies for $16 an hour - about 1/3 of the cost of in-home care. While they have an amazing facility in Ft. Collins that offers live music twice a month, pet therapy, and incredible food, they are primarily activities-based and enjoy taking participants out into the community when it is safe to do so. Participants love engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and other day trips.
While no "a la carte" taxi service is offered, Elderhaus does provide 2 transportation routes - one in Ft. Collins and one in Loveland. Sometimes VA services and Medicaid will cover transportation to and from their facility. If you would like more information on their day program and activities, please go here: http://elderhaus.org/home/services/
"I encourage people to remember adult day programs as the ‘often-overlooked option’ that enables loved ones to continue to reside at home while enjoying social engagement and activities out in the larger community." - Tim McLemore
Elderhaus receives financial donations from groups and private sponsors and also depends on vital grants from the Larimer County Office for Aging. The Rhinestone Cowboy Gala, Elderhaus' primary charity event fundraiser, occurs each fall to help raise much-needed funds. This year's Gala will be held Fri. Oct. 21 and is open to the public. "The fun at the Western-themed Ellis Ranch Event Center near Loveland includes a banquet, cash bar, live music, dancing, and the chance to bid on unique and beautiful gifts in the live and silent auctions." For more information on donating, serving, or attending this special event, please go here: http://elderhaus.org/home/events/2022-rhinestone-cowboy-gala/
Elderhaus also relies heavily on group and individual volunteers to assist their program. Volunteers help with specific aspects of the program like collecting fishing gear to use on fishing trips, cleaning the building, caring for the grounds, and assisting with a variety of special projects. Volunteers are always welcome! For more information on how you can get involved, please visit their website here: http://elderhaus.org/home/get-involved/
On a personal note about the program, McLemore shared, "My favorite part of Elderhaus is knowing that somebody’s life is a little better because our staff showed up to work here today. That is true both for the participants we serve and the caregivers who get vital respite while we care for their loved ones."
Thanks to guest author, Lydia Staggers, for the information in this post.