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

Paying for assisted living can be done through a variety of means, but families that begin planning early tend to have the most options. Many families use some combination of both private and public sources to fund assisted living. Below, you’ll find a number of options and resources to help pay for assisted living in Denver. Or, for a high-level overview of payment options, visit our complete guide to paying for long-term care.

Colorado in recent years expanded its assisted living regulations to even better ensure the safety and well-being of residents, including expanding or updating resident rights, fall management, staff training, structure requirements, and more.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) evaluates and regulates assisted living facilities in Denver. Its Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division oversees assisted living and other adult care facilities and performs regular inspections to ensure quality and safety. The public can view all inspection reports for the past five years for any facility licensed by the department.

Regulations are designed to improve the lives of assisted living residents, so it’s important to have an understanding of how Denver and Colorado oversee facilities as you conduct your search.

• Overview of Colorado assisted living laws and regulations
• Colorado’s full list of standards and regulations for assisted living and a guide to those regulations
• Consumer resources for assisted living facilities in Denver

In addition to state regulations, Denver has zoning requirements for assisted living facilities.

• Map of all residential facilities in Denver.

Colorado Department of Health contact information

• 200 W. 14th Ave., #2732
  Denver, CO 80204
  Phone: 720-913-1311

COVID-19 regulations for Denver assisted living facilities

Denver’s assisted living facilities are required to adhere to guidelines to keep residents safe from COVID-19, as the coronavirus poses a risk to the elderly. In keeping with updated federal guidelines, visitors are allowed.

Guidelines for Denver assisted living facilities include:

Read the full Colorado COVID-19 guidelines for adult care facilities.

Colorado has one of the fastest-growing senior populations in the nation. Colorado’s 65+ population grew by 58.2% between 2010 and 2020 to about 900,000, and it’s estimated that it will grow by another 300,000 individuals by 2030.

This growing senior population poses some challenges for Coloradans. From housing and financial support shortages to concern about access to medical care, Colorado seniors may see cause for worry. However, the Colorado government has taken note of this demographic shift and is taking measures to ensure seniors receive the care they need.

Bills are being passed to encourage an increase in geriatric care and expand social services for seniors. Meanwhile, new senior housing developments are being built and old complexes are being restored or transitioned to help expand the options for seniors in need of assisted living. These preventative steps may ease the pressure facing Colorado seniors as they age.

Assisted living in the surrounding Denver suburbs

As you exit the downtown Denver area and step into the sprawling suburbs, your options for senior living only continue to grow.

Broomfield, Colorado, for example, less than 20 miles north of Denver, has a number of facilities that feature modern yet homey interiors, with towering stone fireplaces and warm wooden accents throughout. Most of them offer a range of independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The monthly prices for assisted living in this area start at $2,539. — significantly lower than the average costs in downtown Denver. However they also offer higher-end options that may cost over $5,000 per month.

Types of assisted living in Denver

Of the existing facilities and the ones still under construction, these range from high-end luxury apartments to traditional assisted living communities and subsidized alternative care facilities.

Luxury assisted living

Denver is home to several luxury assisted living communities that feature beautifully designed living spaces, chef-prepared meals, massage therapies, and other resort-style amenities. Many of them are also continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offering a full range of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehab, so regardless of your loved one’s health, they can receive exactly the care they need. These communities may charge a large one-time entrance fee and monthly costs up to $10,000 per month.

Traditional assisted living communities

Assisted living communities make up the bulk of senior living options in Denver. These residences can be found all across the Denver metro, some in high-rise buildings, others in sprawling apartment-like complexes with outdoor grounds. They offer daily food service, help with activities of daily living, and personalized care. A 24-hour, on-site staff is also available in addition to other amenities and activities specific to each facility. These communities range in price according to care level and room size, and some include secure memory care units for seniors with cognitive decline.

Subsidized assisted living

For seniors who are working within a limited budget, Denver has a number of alternative care facilities that take Medicaid and other government assistance. These facilities offer the same levels of care as traditional assisted living, only they are certified by Health First Colorado. Alternative care facilities provide personal care services, assistance with activities of daily living, and 24-hour protective oversight, among other amenities.

Health care for seniors in Denver

Denver is home to a number of health care providers, some of them highly rated and skilled in special care offerings.

Transportation for seniors in Denver

While the downtown area of Denver is certainly walkable, many residents of Denver still own their own vehicles. But other options for getting around town include Denver’s light rail system, taxis, buses, and the 16th Street MallRide, a free hybrid shuttle bus that runs the length of 16th Street. In some neighborhoods you can even hail a pedi-cab or tuk-tuk.

The light rail system, called RTD, consists of 12 rail lines running 113 miles throughout the city, some suburbs, and the airport. Fares are discounted for seniors over 65.