> ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.0451388888888888in"
> height="1.1118055555555555in"}

The Colorado delegation strongly supports the Reauthorization of the
Older Americans Act within the first six months following the 2005 White
House Conference on Aging; the strengthening and improvement of the
Medicare program; and the strengthening and improvement of the Medicaid
program.

> Colorado has met with community members, stakeholders and the WHCoA
> delegates to determine the most important resolutions from the top ten
> to focus on within the next few years. These resolutions can be
> categorized into 3 general areas: Coordinated systems and innovative
> models, transportation, and geriatric education for all healthcare
> providers.
>
> In the area of coordinated systems and innovative models, the
> following resolutions can be combined for discussion and performance.

1.  Develop a coordinated, comprehensive long-term care strategy by
    supporting public and private sector initiatives that address
    financing, choice, quality, service deliver, and the paid and unpaid
    workforce.

2.  Promote innovative models of non-institutional long-term care.

3.  Improve State and local based integrated delivery systems to meet
    21^st^ Century needs of seniors.

Colorado supports the development of private/public partnerships to
identify coordinated models of care for replication. We strongly support
the concept of care management programs integrated with primary care,
telemedicine, and education on wellness and prevention.

There are a number of initiatives and programs already in existence in
Colorado working towards achieving the aforementioned goals. The
following is a partial list.

a.  SB173- Long-Term Care Advisory Committee \"to assist in the creation
    of a community long-term care delivery system that will provide an
    opportunity for excellence in management and that fosters a
    continuum of community long-term care services and service
    delivery.\"

b.  PACE, e.g., Total Long Term Care

c.  NORC, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community

d.  Seniors' Resource Centers partnership with Lutheran Medical Center
    Community Fund

e.  Special Needs Programs, e.g., EverCare

f.  Co-housing

g.  Benefits CheckUp

h.  ADRC, Aging and Disability Resource Center Grant Program

i.  Colorado Culture Change Coalition

j.  Kaiser Permanente programs (Senior Resource Line, Chronic Care
    Management, Partnership with Seniors Inc. for Medicaid Eligibility)

> In the area of transportation, Colorado supports the resolution to:
>
> Ensure that older Americans have transportation options to retain
> their mobility and independence.
>
> The following is a partial list of projects and programs already in
> existence in Colorado.

a.  United We Ride

    i.  Colorado Interagency Coordinating Council

b.  State funds (10%) to support better coordination and access

c.  Getting There Collaborative funded by foundations to provide

    i.  Volunteer Driver program

    ii. Travel assessment and travel training

    iii. Analysis of Colorado transportation services

d.  DRMAC -- Denver Regional Mobility Access Council -- looking at
    regional transportation coordination

> Finally, Colorado would like to express its support for the following
> resolutions on geriatric education:

1.  Support Geriatric education and training for all healthcare
    professionals, paraprofessionals, health profession students and
    direct care workers.

2.  Attain adequate numbers of healthcare personnel in all professions
    who are skilled, culturally competent, and specialized Geriatrics.

> Colorado supports the development of prevention and wellness programs
> focusing on improving the function and quality of life of seniors and
> encouraging the need for continuing support for the following
> programs:

a.  Life Quality Institute

b.  Colorado Palliative Care Partnership

c.  University of Colorado Health Sciences Center- Center on Aging

Colorado will be continuing to focus on the above resolutions to enhance
the programs and streamline the long-term care delivery system. In the
next 10 years, Colorado would like to have a specific/dedicated-funding
stream for aging services. Public education on long-term care programs,
prevention/wellness programs, financial planning, and long-term care
insurance.

If you would like further information, you may contact the chairpersons
of the Colorado delegation, Dr. Michael Wasserman 303-306-4315,
<wassdoc@aol.com> or Janice Blanchard, 303-756-7687,
<janicecsa@comcast.net>.