Larimer County Human Services leaders told the Board of Social Services on Aug. 20 that Adult Protective Services (APS) and Office on Aging programs are operating with flat allocations while the older adult population and case acuity have grown, producing overspend paid from county fund balance.

Why it matters: APS handles investigations and case management for vulnerable older adults. Staff said caseloads have not grown in number but that the severity of cases—especially self‑neglect tied to mental‑health concerns—has increased, requiring more staff time and resources per case.

Heather O’Hare said the APS allocation is comparatively small but its overspend is material: the program’s allocation is about $1.5 million and the county spent roughly $2.0 million in SFY24–25, leaving an overspend of slightly more than $520,000; after closeout adjustments, the county will cover about $350,000 from departmental fund balance. O’Hare said the APS team is roughly 12 staff (two managers and 10 caseworkers) and that the county is pursuing caseload analysis, regulatory review and internal realignment to improve efficiency.

As part of personnel changes to reduce costs, O’Hare said Deputy Division Manager Katie Stieber was reassigned to Jill Mosch’s operations team effective Sept. 4; the move is intended to shift some personnel costs between divisions and free up limited program dollars for direct services. County staff said they are also working with Colorado State University and other partners to expand community supports and explore Medicaid‑linked service opportunities.

Ending note: county leaders asked the board to monitor APS outcome measures and caseload severity monthly, and they said they will return with follow‑up analysis as they implement operational shifts.