DEV | TEST h1 template (view-level fallback) Assisted Living

How to go about paying for assisted living will vary from one person to the next, often involving a combination of personal resources, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. Here, you will find information about all of these payment options.

In the state of Colorado, assisted living communities must be licensed by the Department of Public Health and Environment prior to operation. An assisted living license is valid for one year. Once licensed, communities are then subject to regular inspections and then are eligible to extend their license up to another three years. You can review past inspection reports on the Department of Public Health and Environment website.

Inspections of assisted living communities are a bit more thorough than those conducted for other residential rental properties, as the focus isn’t just on the facility itself — though that, too, is an aspect. Inspectors are making sure all standards are being met for licensure. For example, assisted living communities must meet all staffing requirements, including a full-time administrator, someone qualified to administer medication, and sufficient staff to provide care.

If certified as an alternative care facility (i.e., one with a Medicaid contract), then the community must maintain a 1:10 ratio of staff to residents during the day and 1:16 during the evening. If a secured facility, which would be a community that also provides memory care, the ratio drops to 1:6.

In addition to staffing requirements, licensed assisted living communities must also meet certain training requirements for administrators and personal care staff alike. And if also offering memory care, then that training must include a dementia component, usually through the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association.

Apart from the standards set by the Department of Public Health and Environment to operate as an assisted living community, owners and operators must abide by the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That means no one can discriminate against your loved one or offer less favorable terms and conditions if he or she is part of a protected class. Also, reasonable accommodations must be made for individuals with disabilities. Chances are good that these accommodations have already been made, as the community is offering assisted living. But it’s still important to keep this in mind should a doorway need to be widened to accommodate a wheelchair or grab bars installed for someone with a mobility issue.

Colorado Department of Health contact information

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

4300 Cherry Creek S. Drive

Denver, CO 80246

Phone: 303-692-2000

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Aurora assisted living facilities

Currently, Aurora has no specific COVID-19 regulations for assisted living communities. It’s important to note, however, that a given community may institute its own guidelines, which may include:

Assisted living communities make it possible for seniors to live independently, even when they require some assistance from time to time. Perhaps it’s gotten difficult to get dressed in the morning; someone on staff will be there to lend a helping hand. However, assisted living is more than just personal care. As the Gateway to the Rockies, Aurora and its surrounding communities offer residents a myriad of other services, activities, and amenities that will allow your loved one to live just as rich of a life as they would if they were still living at home.

Always something to do

One of the things you should know about the assisted living communities in Aurora is that your loved one will rarely find themselves bored. Day trips and outings are a common occurrence, so expect to visit the likes of the Aurora History Museum, Vintage Theatre, Colorado Freedom Memorial, or even Heirlooms Antique Mall. The same can be said for live musical performances that are brought in. Seniors can also take part in art classes, trivia games, barbecues, picnics, and holiday parties. And if they’re really looking for an opportunity to socialize, a number of our partner communities schedule regular happy hours for residents.

Whatever ails you

Personal care is the main service offered at assisted living communities. The staff is there to offer assistance. But medical-related services are also provided at many of the communities in our partner network. More than 75% of facilities make available visiting occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Even more communities have a visiting podiatrist that your loved one can see. And while half of the communities staff an on-site nurse, others will bring in visiting nurses and doctors.

When wanting to age in place

Making the move to an assisted living community is often a big decision, and while there are two stand-alone assisted living communities in our partner network, most others are combined with other care types:

• 3 combination independent living and assisted living facilities
• 5 combination independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities
• 5 combination assisted living and memory care
• 7 group homes, which are residential homes providing an even more intimate, personalized experience

Within a 25-mile radius of downtown Aurora, your loved one has even more options:

• 13 stand-alone assisted living facilities
• 5 combination assisted living and independent living facilities
• 15 combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities
• 23 combination assisted living and memory care facilities
• 8 group homes

Health care for seniors in Aurora

Transportation for seniors in Aurora

Being a relatively big city (it’s the third largest in Colorado), Aurora isn’t known for its public transportation. Its transit score is just 35 out of 100. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates one light-rail line and various bus routes throughout the city. If 65 and older, your loved one is eligible for a 50% discount with a Senior Special Discount Card.

Fortunately, the assisted living communities in our partner network make it very easy for your loved one to get around. Nearly three-quarters of them offer complimentary transportation. If not, at-cost transportation might be an option, as half of the communities offer at-cost transportation.

That option will likely come by way of Access-a-Ride, which is a ride-share service established by RTD. You’ll need to apply prior to scheduling a ride, but it’s a fairly easy process and comes with a subsidy of up to $25. The Seniors’ Resource Center also operates a no-cost ride-share service for anyone 60 or older. The only drawback is that trips must be within a 10-mile radius of Aurora and are only available between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Aurora offers two more private non-emergency transportation services: PrimeCare Colorado and A1 Medical Transportation. These companies focus on meeting a wide range of mobility requirements by offering ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher assistance. Their specialized services ensure they can cater to diverse mobility needs effectively.

If your loved one moves to an assisted living community in the neighborhoods of Northwest Aurora, Del Mar Parkway, Dayton Triangle, or Village East, a ride might not be needed at all. Each neighborhood ranks between 74 and 61 for its walkability on a scale of 0 to 100. Then, of course, there’s always the option of using two wheels. The city does have some bike infrastructure, with a bikeability score of 53.

Senior activities in Aurora

As mentioned before, moving your loved one to assisted living is a big decision — even more so when that move entails relocating to an entirely new city. Rest assured, Aurora can truly offer something for everyone. Its tight-knit community, rich history, and diversity make the area a welcoming place to call home. Plus, there’s rarely a dull moment if you take advantage of the many parks, events, and attractions around town.

Cherry Creek State Park, for one, is a must-visit. The views alone are worth the trip, but there are also miles of multi-use trails, horseback riding, fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, and more. But Cherry Creek is only one of over 100 parks in the area. Choose from Aqua Vista, Appaloosa, Aurora Reservoir, Bicentennial, Jewell Wetlands, and Quincy Reservoir, which offer everything from sailing and kayaking to outdoor pools and tennis courts.

History buffs, meanwhile, may be interested in the Plains Conservation Center, which offers guided tours of a homestead village and tipi camp (both of which are replicas) and an education center to learn more about the area. There’s also a host of other historical sites, like the Coal Creek Schoolhouse, Centennial House, Gully Homestead House, and the Delaney Round Barn. Admission is free.

Anyone looking to take in the arts may be interested in Art in Public Places,  a program that has brought more than 300 pieces of art from local and national artists into and all around the city. If your loved one would rather not walk from location to location, consider checking out The People’s Building or Aurora Cultural Arts District. Both hold regular gallery exhibits, with the latter also scheduling live performances and offering opportunities to make a purchase or two.

Shoppers will delight in the options available. The Stanley Marketplace is a must. Not only will you find an array of unique and locally owned shops that stock clothes, gifts, and more, but you can also take an exercise class, get your hair done, and feast on a number of different cuisines at one of the many restaurants and eateries. Southlands is another local retail option. But much like the Stanley Marketplace, there’s much more to offer. Musical performances, a “wine walk,” and a farmers’ market are just a few of the attractions you can expect at this shopping center.

If you’d rather have a low-key day with your loved one, the Aurora Center for Active Adults can certainly oblige. Adults 50 and older can take part in fitness classes, crafts, bingo, day trips, line dancing, and more. The center also offers a number of seminars on a variety of topics. It wouldn’t hurt to check the schedule to see what’s available.