Caring for the Caregivers: How Caregiver Connections Strengthens Our Valley

The Vail Valley has long been known for fun and adventure, and this might conjure images of ripping down ski slopes, climbing sheer rock walls, or rafting raging rivers. However, aging is also Rocky Mountain adventure many local residents are choosing to undertake here. Adults 65+ are now the fastest-growing population in Eagle County, and with that growth comes a rise in family caregiving. Caregiver Connections is the only local nonprofit dedicated to supporting these locals, helping older adults age in place by connecting caregivers to respite, resources and community support.

A Mission Grounded in Dignity

Caregiver Connections serves as a trusted point of contact for families navigating new diagnoses, long-term care needs, or the daily realities of those caring for and living with conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, and other complex health challenges. Their mission is simple and powerful: help people live AND age well in Eagle County, providing programs and services the empower family caregivers.

The need is real—70% of people over 65 require some type of long-term care, and more than one in five caregivers provide care without training, support, or financial help. With local home-health options shrinking in recent years, Caregiver Connections fills a critical gap by helping families build care plans, find resources, and stay connected to community partners.

Programs That Lift Up Caregivers

In 2025, Caregiver Connections offered a comprehensive suite of low- or no-cost services:

• The Senior Spot, Eagle County’s only adult day respite program 
• Care Consultations with an Aging Life Care Specialist
• Support Groups for Parkinson’s and for Dementia & Memory Loss
• Medical Supply Closet for free short- and long-term loans of durable medical equipment
• Aging Well Speaker Series, a free bi-monthly community education on topics focused on Healthy Aging, (in partnership with Eagle County Healthy Aging)
• Caregiver Classifieds, a private Facebook group connecting paid caretakers with local care recipients
• Caregiver Assistance Fund to help family caregivers in financial crisis

These programs create connection on all sides—caregivers, care recipients, volunteers, and local providers. Caregiver Connections’ position as an advocate and confidant helps families navigate the unique challenges of an already complex and burdensome stage of life.

Real Growth. Real Impact.

This past year, Caregiver Connections increased the number of people served by 30%. They delivered 2,000+ hours of respite care, conducted 70+ care consultations, met 225+ medical equipment needs of local community residents, and doubled attendance in their popular bi-monthly Aging Well Speaker Series, which is free and open to the public.  

At the heart of their work is The Senior Spot— warm, engaging afternoons of social time, light exercise, crafts, games, music, lunch, special outings and more. Many older adult participants live with dementia or cognitive impairments, and the program offers meaningful engagement for the participants as well as much needed (and deserved) respite breaks for their family caregivers. One longtime participant recently welcomed a new member with, “Welcome to our family.” That sense of belonging is the magic of Senior Spot.

Thanks to long-standing partners like Vail Health / Vail Valley Behavioral Health and new community support—including a $100,000 matching challenge from local leader Ron Davis—the respite programs are doubling their impact in 2026, adding additional days and a second mid-valley location. That means more access, less travel, and more breathing room for local caregivers.

Caregiver Connections is also relaunching its popular Activity Buddies program, a flexible one-on-one volunteer opportunity that pairs care participants with volunteers for drives, lunches, walks, or simple companionship. Sidelined since Covid, Activity Buddies is a unique program for connection and respite that is beloved by both volunteers and care recipients alike.

How You Can Help

Your support keeps caregivers strong. Here’s how to get involved:

✔️ Donate to the matching gift challenge and double your impact through Dec. 25
✔️ Volunteer with The Senior Spot or as an Activity Buddy
✔️ Share this resource with families navigating new diagnoses, caregiver burnout or care plan needs

Caregiver Connections ensures Eagle County remains a place where people can live, age, and stay connected to community. When we support caregivers, we strengthen the entire valley.

Join the effort. Learn more, volunteer, or give today at getcaregiverconnections.org.