The recent ARPA Quarterly Webinar hosted by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing highlighted the CAPABLE program, an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults. CAPABLE, which stands for Community Aging in Place Advancing Better Living for Elders, is an evidence-based program developed by Johns Hopkins University. It focuses on empowering participants to set personal health and safety goals through a collaborative approach involving an interdisciplinary team of professionals, including occupational therapists, registered nurses, and handy workers.

The CAPABLE pilot program, active from January 2023 to August 2024, aims to increase access to these vital services for Medicaid recipients aged 18 and older. The initiative is particularly significant as it seeks to support individuals in maintaining their independence and remaining in their homes. Two organizations, the Colorado Visiting Nurses Association and Brothers Redevelopment, have been instrumental in expanding CAPABLE services beyond the Denver Metro Area to include counties such as El Paso, Larimer, Weld, Park, and Teller.

During the pilot, 368 Health First Colorado Medicaid members participated, with ages ranging from 18 to 98. The evaluation of the program revealed promising results, showing a 24% decrease in difficulties with activities of daily living, such as grooming and dressing, and a 21% decrease in challenges related to instrumental activities of daily living, like money management and shopping. These outcomes suggest that CAPABLE not only improves individual well-being but also promotes greater efficacy and accountability compared to existing home modification waiver benefits.

The feasibility of statewide implementation was also discussed, with recommendations indicating that CAPABLE could be integrated into a two-tiered home modification benefit system. Furthermore, both grantees have successfully secured additional funding to sustain their CAPABLE programs, indicating a strong commitment to continuing this impactful work.

In summary, the discussions at the webinar underscored the importance of the CAPABLE program in supporting older adults in Colorado. As the initiative moves forward, it holds the potential to reshape how home-based care is delivered, ultimately enhancing the independence and quality of life for many residents across the state.