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With a growing senior population, Colorado’s scenery and outdoor activities make it an attractive state in which to retire. Older adults have a wide selection of communities to choose from in the state – there are assisted living facilities in rural farming communities, mountain towns, and major metropolitan areas.

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When searching for an assisted facility for yourself or a loved one, finding and comparing accurate, up-to-date information is a significant challenge. Our database of over 400 assisted living communities in Colorado can help you locate and compare information about amenities, size of the facility, pricing, and more.

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Paying For Assisted Living in Colorado

The Cost of Assisted Living in Colorado

The monthly median cost of assisted living in Colorado is $4,000, which is right at the national average. According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Colorado is average compared to its neighboring states – five nearby states are less expensive and three are more expensive.

 

Average costs vary significantly between the different regions of Colorado, with a difference of over $1,500. The least expensive average in the state is in Grand Junction at $3,350, while Boulder’s average monthly cost is the most expensive in the state at $5,000.

 

The state median cost of assisted living is less expensive than most other types of long-term care except independent living, which doesn’t offer much assistance with activities of daily living. Nursing home care is the most expensive at almost $8,000 a month for a semi-private room, and independent living is the cheapest at $2,570.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Colorado

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Colorado

The Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Waiver

The Medicaid state plan for Colorado is called Health First Colorado (HFC). HFC does not directly cover costs for assisted living facilities. However, it does offer a waiver program that can help cover expenses at state-licensed assisted living communities (called Alternative Care Facilities in Colorado). It’s important to note that the Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) Waiver is not an entitlement program, so even if you qualify you may not be accepted into the program.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for the EBD waiver you must fall under these criteria:

  • Must be 65 +
  • Must require long-term support and a nursing home level of care
  • Income must be less than $2,205
  • Must have countable resources less than $2,000 (single) or less than $3,000 (couple)

Those who don’t meet the financial requirements may become eligible using the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program.

How to Apply

If you or your loved one is currently enrolled in Health First Colorado you can contact your local Single Entry Point (SEP) to start the application process for the Elder, Blind and Disabled waiver. If you or your loved one is not enrolled in Health First Colorado you must first apply and be accepted before applying for the EBD waiver.

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.
  • Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.

Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Colorado

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Colorado has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program that assists with:

  • Visiting each nursing home in their area once per month and residences once per quarter
  • Investigating complaints by the residents, family members, and others
  • Assisting families with locating an assisted living facility
  • Providing guidance to residents and their families

If you have a complaint or concern or would like to get more information, each assisted living facility has a poster with their assigned ombudsman’s name and contact information or you can call (303) 480-6734.

Colorado Old Age Pension Program

The Colorado Old Age Pension (OAP) program helps to financially assist and maintain a minimum monthly income for low-income residents 60 years or older. This program offers to help make up the difference between what the resident brings in and what the state determines to be a minimum income for that year.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the OAP Program an applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be between 60-64 years old
  • Must be a Colorado resident
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
  • Must have countable resources less than $2,000 (single) or less than $3,000 (couple)
  • Must not have a monthly income that exceeds $788
  • Must not qualify for Health First Colorado

How to Apply

To apply or learn more about OAP you can contact your local County Department of Social Services.

Colorado Home Care Allowance Program (HCA)

The Colorado Home Care Allowance Program is set up to financially assist elderly, low-income adults or the disabled. The intention of this program is to avoid placing an individual in a nursing home by helping to pay for home care services.

This program is very flexible, which means that the funds may be used for assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, eating, basic mobility, and chore services. It also means that the applicant can choose any provider including a family member that is over the age of 18.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the Colorado Home Care Allowance Program one must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a Colorado resident
  • Must be eligible for and receive Supplemental Security Income or enrolled in the Colorado Aid to the Needy Disabled program
  • Must have countable resources less than $2,000 (single) or less than $3,000 (couple)
  • Must not receive any assistance from the Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver or the Adult Foster Care Program.

In addition to the above, an assessment will be made to evaluate the frequency and level of assistance that the applicant requires.

How to Apply

To apply and learn more about the HCA program you can contact your local County Department of Social Services Office.

Area Agencies on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) is a network of hundreds of nonprofit organizations across America that provide federally funded services to adults over 60 in their local areas. Colorado has many Area Agencies on Aging that offer information on various kinds of programs and community support for seniors.

Area Agency on Aging Office Address Phone Number
South Central Colorado Seniors, Inc. 1116 3rd St
Alamosa, CO 81101
(719) 589-4511
Boulder County 3482 Broadway St
Boulder, CO 80304
(303) 441-3570
DRCOG ARDC in Denver, CO 1290 Broadway Suite 100
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 478-6700
Colorado Div of Aging Adult 1575 Sherman St 10th Floor
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-2800
Larimer County 2601 Midpoint Drive Suite 112
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 498-6807
Northeastern Colorado Area 231 Main St Suite 211
Fort Morgan, CO 80701
(970) 867-9409
Northwest Colorado Area 510 29 1/2 Rd
Grand Junction, CO 81502
(970) 248-2717
Weld County 315 N 11th Ave C
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 346-6950
Southern Ute Indian Tribe PO Box 800
Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-4561
Lower Arkansas Valley Area 13 West 3rd
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 383-3166
Region 10 Area 300 N Cascade Suite 1
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 249-2436
San Juan Basin Area 451 Hot Springs Blvd
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(970) 264-0501
Pueblo Area 2631 East 4th St
Pueblo, CO 81001
(719) 583-6120
Upper Arkansas Area 139 East 3rd St
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-3341
Alpine Area 249 Warren Ave
Silverthorne, CO 80498
(970) 468-0295
East Central Colorado Area 128 Colorado Ave
Stratton, CO 80836
(719) 348-5562
Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Indians Po Box 189
Towaoc, CO 81334
(970) 564-0630
South Central Council 300 S Bonaventure Ave
Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 845-1133

Veterans Affairs

Colorado has VA centers that can help veterans and their loved ones understand and take advantage of benefits that can help pay for assisted living. Find the closest VA center to you by using the table below.

Veterans’ Affairs Office Address Phone Number
Boulder Vet Center 4999 Pearl East Circle, Suite 106
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 440-7306
Colorado Springs Vet Center 602 South Nevada Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 471-9992
Denver Vet Center 7465 East First Ave, Suite B
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 326-0645
RCS Continental District 4 Office 789 Sherman St, Suite 570
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 577-5207
Fort Collins Vet Center 702 W Drake, Building C
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 221-5176
Grand Junction Vet Center 2472 Patterson Rd, Unit 16
Grand Junction, CO 81505
(970) 345-4156
Pueblo Vet Center 1515 Fortino Blvd, Suite 130
Pueblo, CO 81008
(719) 583-4074

Social Security Offices

Among other services, Social Security offices offer assistance with understanding and applying for social security and other related programs. By contacting or visiting one of the offices listed below, you can get a better understanding of what social security benefits may be available to help pay for assisted living.

Social Security Office Address Phone Number
Alamosa County 602 Del Sol Drive, 1-A
Alamosa, CO 81101
(888) 475-0297
Aurora 14280 E Jewell Ave, Suite 250
Aurora, CO 80012
(800) 772-1213
Boulder 4949 Pearl East Circle, Suite 101
Boulder, CO 80301
(800) 772-1213
Canon City 115 N 10th St
Canon City, CO 81212
(866) 272-5728
Colorado Springs 2306 E Pikes Peak Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(888) 880-0688
Denver 1500 Champa St 2nd Fl, Suite 200
Denver, CO 80202
(800) 772-1213
Durango 103 Sheppard Drive, Suite 120
Durango, CO 81303
(888) 472-6115
Ft Collins 301 S Howes St 4th Fl
Ft Collins, CO 80521
(866) 336-7385
Glenwood 120 Midland Ave, Unit 140
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(866) 220-7898
Grand Junction 825 North Crest Drive
Grand Junction, CO 81506
(970) 256-0957
Greeley 5400 West 11 St, Suite A
Greeley, CO 80634
(877) 405-9195
La Junta 1314 E 3rd St
La Junta, CO 81050
(888) 221-0429
Lakewood 13151 W Alameda Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80228
(866) 964-6484
Littleton 8000 Southpark Ln
Littleton, CO 80120
(800) 772-1213
Montrose 1805 Pavilion Dr.
Montrose, CO 81401
(866) 758-1317
Pueblo 3769 Parker Blvd
Pueblo, CO 81008
(719) 583-1907
Trinidad 111 Waverly Ave
Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-9929

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Colorado

Assisted Living Care Plan

When establishing residency at an assisted living facility, the resident will work with staff and other family members to develop a care plan that will include:

  • A plan for medication assistance indicating whether assistance is needed
  • Any physical or mental limitations
  • Special instructions and needs (such as dietary requirements or restrictions)

The care plan may be modified by the resident at any given time, and they are to be reassessed yearly or if there are any significant changes in their physical, behavioral, or cognitive functions. If the resident is receiving any outside care the facility will document that and help to coordinate the services received with services provided by the facility.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Residents may be admitted into an assisted living facility in the state of Colorado if the facility is able to meet the needs of the resident according to their pre-admission assessment. Residents who cannot be admitted into assisted living facilities in Colorado include those that:

  • Are consistently incontinent
  • Are bedridden
  • Need around-the-clock nursing services
  • Need restraints
  • Have a disease or infection that is transferable
  • Have a substance abuse problem

Assisted Living Scope of Care

Some of the services provided by assisted living facilities in the state of Colorado include:

  • A safe and sanitary environment
  • Protective oversight
  • Help with activities of daily living (such as meals, bathing, and moving around)
  • Social and recreational services within and outside of the facility

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

The State of Colorado doesn’t directly cover the cost of assisted living through its Medicaid program. However, residents may receive financial assistance via the Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) Waiver. Contact Colorado’s Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, for more information.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

In Colorado, apartment-style units are not required. Each bedroom in an assisted living facility must have one window and storage space, and no more than 2 occupants per room are allowed. There must be at least one full bathroom for every six residents.

Medication Management Regulations

Residents may administer their own medications if a licensed medical professional has deemed it appropriate. If needed, a qualified medication administration person (QMAP) may administer prescribed and non-prescribed medications to the resident but cannot administer medications via syringe.

QMAPs must pass an approved medication training course given by a licensed nurse, physician, or physician’s assistant, and they must pass an approved competency test. Additionally, they must complete an evaluation of competency every 5 years. The Department has a list of current persons certified as QMAPs and facilities must keep a copy of that list.

Staffing Requirements

All assisted living facilities (ALFs) require full-time administrators and sufficient staff, as well as a plan to determine how many staff members need to be on-duty and awake 24 hours a day. While there are no minimum staff-to-patient ratios, facilities must have enough staff to provide the services required to provide for all residents’ needs according to their care plans. A qualified medication administrator and at least one staff member with current certification in adult first-aid must be on site at all times.

Staff Training Requirements

Administrators must be 21 years of age or older and complete a 30-hour training program. 15 of those hours must cover:

  • Residents’ rights
  • Environment and fire safety
  • Emergency Procedures and first-aid
  • Assessment skills (identifying and addressing difficult situations and behaviors)
  • Nutrition

The other 15 hours of training must include meeting the personal, social, and emotional needs of the residents. This can include instruction regarding the management of residents’ medication, finances, end of life care, etc.

All staff must be given on-the-job training or have experience in the job field before they can give care to the residents. Within 1 month of hire the facility is to provide training on:

  • Assessment skills
  • Infection control
  • Identifying and dealing with difficult situations and behavior
  • Health emergency response
  • Residents’ rights
  • First aid and injury response
  • The facility’s medication administration program
  • Specific needs of the population served
  • Procedures for providing care to current residents

Background Checks for Assisted Living

A criminal background check is required for all staff, volunteers, and contract staff. The owners and administrators of the ALFs are also to undergo a state fingerprint check that will notify criminal justice agencies of any future arrests.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

If you believe that a facility is not functioning properly or violating Colorado law, you can file a complaint anonymously at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Colorado COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/7/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

COVID-19 Rules in Colorado

Are loved ones allowed to visit residents in their assisted living community?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are residents required to quarantine after their loved ones visit?

No

Are loved ones required to wear masks when visiting residents?

Yes

Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors allowed in assisted living communities?

Yes

Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures before entering the assisted living community?

Yes

Are residents allowed to leave the assisted living community for non-medical reasons?

Yes

Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they get back to the assisted living community?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are assisted living communities required to cancel all group outings?

No

Are assisted living communities allowed to host group activities within the community?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members regularly checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes

Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Yes

Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes


Sources: covid19.colorado.gov www.cdc.gov

*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.

Learn More About the Best Assisted Living Communities in Colorado's Top Cities

We’ve compiled a list of the best assisted living facilities in each the cities featured below using our unique methodology. View images, base pricing, room types, and more information about these communities by clicking on the links below.