Larimer County Expands Free Caregiver Classes Across County
Larimer County's Office on Aging is rolling out multiple free, evidence-based caregiver education classes across the county in 2026, expanding its support for unpaid family caregivers who manage the stress of caring for aging relatives and loved ones. The free classes, which require registration, aim to help unpaid family caregivers manage burnout and stress.
The flagship "Powerful Tools for Caregivers" is a six-week, evidence-based course in which family caregivers will learn 35 tools to avoid burnout, lessen stress, stop negative self-talk, strengthen communication, convey needs, and deal with difficult emotions. "The classes can help you focus on your well-being while caring for someone else," according to the county Office on Aging.
Only 35 caregivers participated in evidence-based classes in 2023–24, according to the Larimer County Answers on Aging Impact Report—a baseline that underscores the significance of the 2026 expansion.
The expanded offerings respond directly to community feedback. A 2022 Larimer County Community Conversations report found that "caregiving (especially in-home care) is viewed as increasingly important; participants raised concerns about connecting with caregivers, improving caregiver training, and attracting younger people into caregiving roles. Caregivers expressed needs for support groups, respite care, and self-care—with particular emphasis on dementia/Alzheimer's caregiving needs."
Among Larimer County residents 60 and older, a significant portion serves as caregivers: 35% care for people 55 and older, 15% for people 18–54, and 24% for those under 18, according to the Office on Aging Area Plan Community Assessment. This local pattern mirrors statewide trends. Colorado has approximately 600,000 family caregivers providing 560 million hours of care valued at $11.2 billion annually, according to AARP's 2023 "Valuing the Invaluable" state estimates.
Classes are offered across the county:
Fort Collins: Wednesdays, April 1–May 6, 9:30–11:30 a.m., Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St.
Virtual: Mondays, June 1–July 6, 2:30–4:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Estes Park: Fridays, August 28–October 2, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Good Samaritan, 1901 Ptarmigan Trail (register through UCHealth Aspen Club at 970-495-8565)
Windsor: Tuesdays, September 8–October 13, 2:30–4:30 p.m., Windsor Rec Center, 250 11th St.
The Office on Aging specifically serves grandparents raising grandchildren through "Sessions for Grandfamilies," offered in-person Thursdays, April 9–May 14, and virtually October 1–November 5, both 9:30–11:30 a.m., at the Loveland Department of Human Services, 200 Peridot Ave. A nine-week "Stress Busting Program" runs Tuesdays, March 31–May 26, 9:30–11:30 a.m. at the same location.
The Office on Aging also provides respite care to 94 caregivers and 16 grandfamilies, freeing them for temporary breaks.
Register online via the registration form on the Office on Aging website, except for Estes Park, which uses UCHealth Aspen Club (970-495-8565). For Spanish-language support or questions, call the Office on Aging at 970-498-7750.