When caring for a loved one at home, family caregivers often take on a wide range of household and personal responsibilities, from preparing meals and administering medications, to providing transportation and assisting with legal, financial, and medical matters.
While caring for a loved one can be personally rewarding, the day-to-day demands of caregiving can become overwhelming over time, increasing the risk of caregiver burnout.
Luckily, in Boulder, there are many local resources available to help family members looking to take a step back from caregiving without stepping away entirely. Respite care services, caregiver support groups, nonprofits, community-based programs, and home care providers like Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder can all offer some form of relief.
Here, we’ll highlight a selection of local caregiver support options in Boulder that can make it easier for family caregivers to continue caring for their loved one, while also caring for themselves.
Key Takeaways: Caregiver Support in Boulder
- Caregiver burnout can affect family caregivers’ emotional, physical, and mental well-being, especially if they don’t have enough support.
- The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) offers caregiver education, support groups, respite care resources, and home care referral services.
- There are many local organizations and community groups in Boulder County that can provide additional support for family caregivers.
- In-home care services provided by agencies like Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder can provide respite care services to reduce stress for caregivers.
- Professional respite care in Boulder can include companion care, dementia care, meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, 24-hour home care, and more.
Table of Contents
- Why Caregiver Support Matters
- Respite Care Services in Boulder
- Caregiver Resources and Community Programs in Boulder
- Boulder Support Groups for Caregivers
- Mental Health Resources for Families in Boulder
- Homewatch CareGivers: Offering Support for Caregivers in Boulder
Why Caregiver Support Matters
Many family caregivers spend months and even years balancing their caregiving responsibilities with work, family, and personal matters. Without adequate support, built-up stress can lead to caregiver burnout, which can affect sleep, emotional well-being, physical health, and personal relationships.
Relief from caregiver stress can come in many forms: Caregiver support groups provide a space for family caregivers to find reassurance and a listening ear, while respite care services, adult day programs, and caregiver education can offer practical support and guidance. Together, these resources can help make caring for a loved one at home more sustainable long-term.
Respite Care Services in Boulder
Respite care is one of the most effective tools for reducing stress on family caregivers. Respite care services provide temporary, professional support so family caregivers can rest, spend time with friends, travel, work on projects, or just take a moment to breathe.
In Boulder County, the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) serves as a starting point for caregiver resources, referrals, and information on respite options, including respite grants that can help offset costs. The BCAAA’s search tool was designed to help families connect with local providers and resources, including home care agencies that offer respite care. At Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder, our respite care services include:
- Companion care
- Personal care assistance
- Meal preparation
- Transportation
- Veteran care
- Dementia care
- Medication reminders
- Dementia care
- 24-hour home care and overnights
Even a few hours of respite care a week can give family caregivers enough time to rest, recharge, and temporarily step away from caregiving, so caring for a loved one becomes more sustainable over time.
Caregiver Resources and Community Programs in Boulder
Boulder County offers a wide-ranging network of programming and resources designed to support older adults as well as family caregivers. The BCAAA Caregiver Initiative offers caregiver education, caregiver support groups, long-term care planning help, and referrals to local services.
Boulder also offers strong community-based caregiver support through the City of Boulder Older Adult Services, which operates the West Age Well Center and East Age Well Center. These senior centers provide services and programming for older adults and also offer caregiver support groups, case management, and service referrals. Additional community-based resources include:
- TRU PACE, a managed health care plan for older adults that offers primary medical care, in-home care, social work assistance, and transportation to and from their adult day center. Located in Lafayette and serves Boulder County residents.
- Circle of Care Project, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to the arts and social opportunities for seniors. Located in Boulder and serves Boulder County residents.
- A Day Place, an adult day program for older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Located in Longmont.
- Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter, offering personalized care consultations, dementia support groups, and education for caregivers. Office located in Boulder.
Boulder Support Groups for Caregivers
Caregiving can sometimes feel isolating, but caregiver support groups provide a place for caregivers to share their experiences, be emotionally validated, and receive practical guidance, while also reducing isolation and offering reassurance. The BCAAA maintains an extensive list of caregiver support groups throughout Boulder County that can help families feel more connected and less alone as they navigate daily caregiving challenges.
Mental Health Resources for Families in Boulder
The stresses and challenges of caregiving have the potential to lead to caregiver burnout, which affects emotional, mental, and physical health and can cause symptoms of anxiety and depression. The risk of burnout is particularly strong for caregivers who are supporting a loved one with dementia or chronic illness. In Boulder County, a number of resources are available to provide mental health support for caregivers, including:
- Colorado Crisis Services (call 844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255)
- 988 Colorado Mental Health Line
- NAMI Boulder County (offers classes, workshops, and support groups).
Many local faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and senior programs also offer caregiver support groups or referrals to additional supportive services for caregiver mental health.
Homewatch CareGivers: Offering Support for Caregivers in Boulder
Often, families try to manage caregiving responsibilities on their own for as long as possible. However, bringing in support from professional caregivers can help reduce caregiver stress while improving safety and consistency for the person receiving care.
At Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder, our caregivers provide non-medical care services that are tailored to the needs of older adults. We offer respite care, caregiver support, and ongoing home care services, so family caregivers can continue to show up for the people they love.
We’re proud to serve families across Boulder County, north suburban Denver, and eastern Colorado. To learn more about what we do and how we can help, call (303) 444-1133 or contact us online.