Assisted Living In Colorado

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.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Colorado

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.

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Colorado

Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Colorado and 21 additional cities within Colorado.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Colorado

Inflation impacts most areas of life, and the increases from 2022 to 2023 caused assisted living costs in the nation to increase by 10%. In Colorado, 2023 had an average cost of $4,630, which was a smaller increase of 5.5%. All nearby states also saw increases. Kansas increased by 19%, while Utah’s costs grew by 12%. New Mexico also increased, averaging $4,185 in 2023, as did Oklahoma, which increased to $3,789.

Because prices are estimated to continue rising, increasing to $5,063 by 2024 in Colorado and $4,802 nationally, making a plan for senior living costs is wise.

Assisted Living Costs in Colorado's Top Cities

Surveying the larger cities in Colorado shows a range of costs. Some, like Fort Collins at $5,239 a month and Colorado Springs at $5,142 a month, have averages above the state’s average. Aurora is also on the higher end at $5,014. Denver offers a more affordable option, with a monthly cost of $3,620 on average. The fact that prices can vary so widely is another reason why planning is critical.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Another important part of planning for senior living costs is choosing the right level of care. Assisted living, which averages $4,630, provides personal support and a measure of independence. Independent living provides affordability with an average of $2,802, and it gives self-reliant seniors the benefit of living in a community with planned events. In contrast, memory care, which averages $5,958, provides around-the-clock security and specialty training for managing memory loss concerns in a dignified way.

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 and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Colorado

There are many resources in Colorado that assist seniors in their retirement. Assistedliving.org has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in Colorado provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Colorado seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Colorado seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Colorado collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Colorado seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Colorado have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Legal Resources

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Colorado seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Senior Centers

Senior centers in Colorado bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Senior Engagement

Senior engagement resources and programs in Colorado help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in Colorado help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they’re entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Colorado resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Veteran’s Services

Colorado retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they’re eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

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.

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.