Family caregivers are holding up our country’s broken long-term health care system. They often dip into their savings or cut back on their own health care — giving beyond their capacity — to provide support for those they love.
It’s time these sacrifices were recognized — and you’re part of a special group that can make a real difference to help.
New lawmakers from Colorado are in office, and Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI), in partnership with AARP, are pushing for them to prioritize much-needed financial relief for family caregivers.
We’re supporting a bipartisan bill that would give working family caregivers a tax credit of up to $5,000. This is important: Family caregivers spend an average of more than $7,000 out of their own pockets while caring for their loved ones. There are so many family caregivers — in fact, more than 48 million people across the country care for an older loved one. That’s more than the population of Texas and New York combined. And the power of family caregivers is undeniable: The value of their unpaid labor is over $600 billion every year.
Family caregivers have long been ignored and overlooked. We will not let that continue. And new lawmakers in Colorado and across the country can make a big difference by moving a caregiver tax credit forward.
We are urging passage of the bipartisan, bicameral Credit for Caring Act (Senate Bill 1670/House Bill 3321) that would provide a new, nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000 to eligible family caregivers to help address the financial challenges of caring for older parents, spouses and other loved ones while remaining in the workforce. The vast majority of individuals 50-plus (92 percent) support a federal tax credit for family caregivers.
Family caregivers are the backbone of the U.S. care system, helping parents, spouses and other loved ones live independently in their homes, providing about $470 billion annually in unpaid care. This care ultimately helps save taxpayer money by delaying or preventing expensive nursing home stays and hospital visits, though often at the cost of caregivers’ own financial security (including out-of-pocket expenses), and physical and emotional health. AARP believes family caregivers have earned support as they take on these costs and responsibilities, which have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than three out of four family caregivers (78 percent) incur out-of-pocket costs due to caregiving. Caregivers spend on average nearly $7,000 annually on care-related expenses. These personal contributions will likely grow in the future. Forty-five percent of family caregivers reported at least one adverse financial impact due to their caregiving responsibilities, including taking on more debt, leaving bills unpaid, and sacrificing current and future savings.
But, if working family caregivers age 50-plus have support, the U.S. gross domestic product could grow by an additional $1.7 trillion in 2030. Too often, employed family caregivers leave the workforce or reduce their hours to fulfill their caregiving duties, which can result in a loss of income, retirement savings, benefits and career mobility. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased these risks with services family caregivers depend on, such as adult day services, being closed, further shifting the responsibilities to family caregivers.
The Credit for Caring Act would help working family caregivers offset the cost of some caregiving expenses such as a home care aide, adult day services, home modifications, assistive technology, respite care, transportation or other supports that help them and their loved ones. The bill, unlike the existing child and dependent care credit, would help family caregivers who care for nondependents or who do not live with the person they are assisting.
Eligible family caregivers assisting loved ones of all ages would receive the credit if the care recipient meets certain functional or cognitive limitations, or other requirements certified by a licensed health care practitioner.
The amount of the credit would be 30 percent of the qualified expenses paid or incurred by the family caregiver above $2,000, up to a maximum credit amount of $5,000. Individuals with higher incomes would be ineligible for the tax credit, and the bill includes provisions to prevent double-dipping with existing tax provisions.
A federal tax credit for family caregivers has strong support across party lines among individuals 50-plus, with 96 percent of Democrats, 95 percent of independents and 87 percent of Republicans supporting it.
Valentine’s Day Soirée
Join us for the first Pagosa Springs Valentine’s Day Soirée: Fine Food and Wine Pairing on Feb. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ross Aragon Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd.
Enjoy a selection of exceptional curated wines, savory appetizers and delicious chocolates, all crafted by local artisans. Live music from the gifted Gus Palma will enhance the evening’s ambiance.
The soirée will also feature a silent auction with unique items and fantastic door prizes. This event invites everyone — singles, couples and groups — to enjoy an unforgettable evening while supporting ASI.
Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out. Purchase tickets at https://givebutter.com/ValentinesWinePairingSoiree, call (970) 264-2167 or visit our office.
Why fundraise?
Poverty rates for individuals aged 65 and older in Archuleta County have risen from 5.2 percent to 9.0 percent, impacting approximately 1,300 individuals.
The soirée is crucial for raising funds to support essential health and social services for vulnerable older adults and family caregivers in our community.
Poverty in rural America presents barriers to vital resources for all age groups, but older adults are especially vulnerable, including experiencing barriers to: health care, healthy food and affordable housing, among other critical supports.
ASI operates independently as a nonprofit, relying on public and private funding, donations and more than 70 community volunteers. Unfortunately, funding sources have been unstable, making your support vital for our efforts to serve the community effectively.
Impact of ASI
Since 2023, more than 1,000 unduplicated older adults and caregivers in Archuleta County have benefited annually from our signature nutrition program, which offers nutritious meals served in a welcoming environment.
In 2024 alone, we provided approximately 35,000 meals, including deliveries to homebound older adults, a convenient grab-n-go service and dine-in/socialize options.
Annually, we also serve more than 600 unduplicated older adults and caregivers via facilitating quality referrals to local organizations/agencies, providing social connection and support through various activities, including community clinics, fun games, educational classes, discussion groups, and creative and empowering community events.
Scrapbooking and
crafters club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Crafters club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ross Aragon Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd., within the dining hall in the Senior Center.
This creative tradition has been happening since 2005, and we invite all creative individuals to come and share ideas, connect with new and old friends, learn/share creative techniques, share supplies and indulge in a potluck lunch together. Bring your scrapbooking projects — or any crafting project that you may want to work on with the group.
Help us create an intergenerational community. Those ages 18 and older are welcome. For those youth age 17 and younger, we kindly request an adult chaperone accompany them.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send your request to copenhavercreative@gmail.com and you will receive notification each month of the upcoming meeting, along with handy tips and tricks for scrapbooking and more.
New time for T’ai Chi Chih
The Senior Center offers T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Meet in the Senior Center dining hall.
T’ai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practice.
All classes will be free for older adults (age 55 and better) and will last approximately one hour.
No special clothing or equipment is required.
For more information, call (970) 264-2167.
Brain fitness and mobility program
Join us Mondays through March 3 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Senior Center for a free six-week new Ageless Grace exercise program, taught by Judy, a trained facilitator who will support and help you learn gentle movements to enhance brain health and mobility.
We will spend 30 minutes in a chair exercising and stimulating five areas of our brain functioning. Yes, it is possible to strengthen our neural connections even as we age.
Anyone age 21 and older is invited and encouraged to participate in this program.
It is a cutting-edge brain fitness program based on neuroplasticity that activates all five functions of the brain — strategic planning, memory/recall, analytical thinking, creativity and imagination, kinesthetic learning — and simultaneously addresses all 21 physical skills needed for lifelong optimal health functioning.
Emotional Freedom Technique sessions
Join us at the Senior Center the second Wednesday of each month, to participate in the popular, ongoing “Tapping” class (also known as EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique) from 10 to 11 a.m. that is free and open to all ages and walks of life.
The next session is Feb. 12.
The first half of the class is learning or reviewing the technique, and the second half of the hour is practicing the technique and answering questions.
This is a supportive, fun and informative class taught by Judith Newman, LPC, who has been in private practice for 23 years.
EFT is an evidence-based, self-regulating technique using acupressure trigger points as well as elements from other therapeutic practices. Extensive research shows EFT to be effective in lowering both psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, stress and more.
This technique is easy to learn and then use any time you want to lower your anxiety, gain clarity about emotional challenges and increase your ability to work with difficult transitions in your life.
Join the class and improve your well-being; meet new people in the community; support yourself and others while learning a powerful, helpful tool; find new ways to deal with insomnia, stress and change.
For more information or questions, please contact Newman at (505) 577-0194 or ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Meals on Wheels volunteers needed
For more than 50 years, the Senior Center (established in 1971)/ASI (established in 2013) has been meeting the social and nutritional needs of older adults (age 60 and better) in our community.
We serve thousands of nutritious meals annually in Archuleta County, and volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels and friendly visits/wellness checks to homebound older adults.
We depend on more than 55 volunteers annually to help us serve and deliver meals and provide other wrap-around services.
The cost of each meal is $10.50, but we only ask for a suggested donation of $6 per meal. Meal recipients are asked to contribute what they can afford, and no one is ever turned down.
Meals are delivered Monday through Friday. Participants must be at home to receive meals. Meals will not be left.
Meals on Wheels volunteers receive background checks and training prior to delivery. Typically a volunteer shift is one day a week from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. depending on the size of the route. Staff works closely with volunteers to allow for periodic breaks.
If you are interested in volunteering, please stop by the ASI office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application. Questions? Please call ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Healthy aging and yoga therapy classes
The Healthy Aging Yoga Series continues to be offered in person at the Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
It is structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments.
Monthly themes for the series include topics such as sustainable strength for healthy aging individuals, brain health, heart and cardiovascular health, mental and emotional well-being, community connections, and stress management, to name a few.
Classes will be educational for participants to utilize practices in daily life and are meant for all levels of experience with yoga.
Mats and chairs will be provided at the Senior Center. Some blocks and Therabands are available, too. The addition of yoga props is always welcomed.
We request that individuals new to the series arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with our instructor, Kimberly Anderson, directly by email at zinkgraf@gmail.com.
Stretching and mobility class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday this fall and winter from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center.
The stretching and mobility classes for older adults (age 55 and up) are designed to help build balance in the body through functional exercises that aim to improve mobility and flexibility.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency.
Though not necessary, a mat is recommended for this class.
The program is instructed by local ballet dance instructor Dee Pitchon, who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.
Bingo
The Senior Center continues to host free community bingo games twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The dates to kick off 2025 are Jan. 31, Feb. 14 and 28, and March 7 and 21.
Bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners, and snacks will also be provided.
No RSVP is required. Help us create an intergenerational community.
All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come, first served.
For more information, contact us at (970) 264-2167.
Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15 p.m. for a series of Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn.
Salmansohn brings to our conversations a variety of topics designed to stimulate discussions within a safe and comfortable environment as we explore our well-being and shared experiences.
This is a unique opportunity to connect with others living within the Archuleta community for friendship and togetherness.
Snacks will be provided.
Afterward, hosted by Robin Williams, is a get-together created for those who wish to continue the conversation. This opportunity is typically from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., following Senior Conversations.
The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Open to all. Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den, aka the Community Cafe, in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Thursdays at the Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is open to all. Pickup is available all week.
Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all with kindness and warmth. We provide hot/cold meals for anyone in the community interested in a nutritious and delicious meal. For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $6, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage.
To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call to (970) 264-2167 by 9 a.m. weekdays.
Community Cafe menu
Thursday, Jan. 30 — Cod and shrimp Veracruz, roasted asparagus, garden salad, vanilla yogurt, fruit and milk.
Friday, Jan. 31 — Chicken and dumplings, roasted cauliflower, garden salad, fruit, cranberry nut muffin and milk.
Monday, Feb. 3 — King Ranch chicken casserole, pinto beans, garden salad, fruit, cherry pie and milk.
Tuesday, Feb. 4 — Pasta primavera with Alfredo sauce, wilted spinach, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit, muffin and milk.
Wednesday, Feb. 5 — Greek chicken pita with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce, lemon orzo, garden salad, fruit, baklava and milk.
Thursday, Feb. 6 — Beef stroganoff over egg noodles, roasted asparagus, garden salad, fruit, carrot cake and milk.
Friday, Feb. 7 — Jerk chicken, Caribbean beans, tropical fruit salad, cottage cheese, garden salad and milk.
Grab-N-Go meals
Dine-in and Grab-N-Go meal reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you want to pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $6 helps to sustain our program. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.50. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. Please call or text us at (970) 264-2167 to make a reservation.
Meals on Wheels
We deliver fresh Meals on Wheels five days a week (and provide frozen Meals on Wheels for weekends) to homebound Archuleta County residents. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167.
Mobile food pantry service
Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry should contact the MET to schedule a ride with its paratransit service. For more information, contact Lavonne at (970) 264-2250.
Text reservations
Don’t forget that we offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. Text us at (970) 264-2167. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are canceling a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel.
Texting services are available for dine-in meal reservations, Grab-n-Go meals and Meals on Wheels recipients.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles with a goal to make matching sets and pairs (like poker). To win, a player must form four sets and one pair.
Come to the Senior Center to learn or play every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m.
Medicare call by appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with parts A, B and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at (970) 264-0501, ext 2.
Mindful drawing
Mindful drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join our friendly instructor, Roberta Strickland.
Classes are every Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. in the Senior Center. This activity is open to all ages. Help us create an intergenerational community. For those under 18 and/or with disabilities, you are welcome to join us, but we kindly ask you to please bring an adult chaperone with you.
Bridge
The longest-played bridge game in Archuleta County takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.
Bridge is a four-player card game with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. It is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. Come alone or bring a partner.
Hand and foot card game
Whether you are new to hand and foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 at the Senior Center.
This card game involves four rounds of playing until the final round is reached — some two to three hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed over the last couple of years.
No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.
Board vacancies
The ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open. The terms are three years with an option to renew for an additional term.
Potential candidates should be at least 21 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services.
Support the Senior Center
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County.
You may mail your donation to P.O. BOX 3444, Pagosa Springs CO 81147, or please visit our website: http://www.psseniors.org/ (donation button).
Donation checks can be written to: Archuleta Seniors Inc.
We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.
