To help seniors afford home health care or assisted living costs, Colorado’s Medicaid plan, Health First Colorado, offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. Single income must not exceed $2,349 per month while married couples must not make more than $3216. The HCBS Waivers have caps on the number of individuals who can enroll in the programs, so there may be a wait list for services. There are several waivers available in the plan, but the one that applies to assisted living is the Waiver for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled. Here’s how it works:
- The self-directed waiver program provides care services at home or alternative care facilities (such as assisted living) instead of at a nursing home.
- The chosen assisted living facility must offer 24-hour oversight, medication administration, personal care, and homemaker services.
- The program does not pay for room and board, but some of the services such as personal care and medication management may be covered.
Best Assisted Living Facilities in Colorado
1. Sunrise of Boulder (Boulder, Colorado)
All Sunrise senior living communities aim to keep family involved in the care of their loved ones. They offer social and educational programs for families, scheduled family meetings, and a family engagement app where they can see photos and videos as well as the community’s activities calendar, dining menu, and announcements. Residents of Sunrise of Boulder stay safe and healthy with a certified nurse on staff and an emergency call system in each room. Help with daily living and medication management is always available, and housekeeping and linen services are included. Whether they choose to live in companion suites or individual cottages, residents always feel right at home.
Private suite cost is around $3,780 per month.
2. Melody Living (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
Seniors choose Melody Living for its gorgeous mountain views, open-air gardens, and walking trails that beg them to come out and enjoy nature. The facility has won “Pinnacle Customer Experience Awards,” which are granted to communities who have scored in the top 15% of the nation across a 12-month average. Awards include those in the area of safety and security, food quality and menu choices. Care plans are tailored to each resident’s needs, with a focus on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness: emotional, occupational, environmental, physical, financial, social, intellectual, and spiritual.
Private suite cost is around $5,338 per month.
3. Montage Hills (Denver, Colorado)
There’s a lot to love about the great outdoors in Denver, but at Montage Hills, seniors also love what happens indoors. On-site activities include tai chi, book clubs, yoga, crafts, music, and games, and the food is always delicious. Small pets are welcome to live with residents, and family members are invited to come for a meal or even stay overnight. Residents can choose between a studio and one-bedroom apartments, each of which has an emergency call system and kitchenette, and skilled caregivers are on staff 24/7.
Private room cost is around $6300 per month.
4. Serenity House (Denver, Colorado)
Serenity House has 17 residential style facilities in the Denver area that each serve 7-12 residents at a time. Recently, the Colorado Department of Public Health awarded the program a “Best Practice” award due to its focus on resident safety and dignity. The homes have been fully renovated to be accessible for those using wheelchairs and walkers, and mobility assistance is available. Specialized services such as catheter management are also provided when needed. Each resident receives the care they need while also enjoying a full array of social and recreational activities.
Cost begins around $4,000 per month.
5. Comfort Care Homes (Grand Junction, Colorado)
Located in the Redlands in a quiet neighborhood, Comfort Care Homes provides assisted living, respite and hospice care. Caregivers help residents accomplish activities of daily living as well as meal preparation, housekeeping and medication management. Seniors here enjoy spending time with peers while doing activities that promote physical and intellectual wellness, including board games, arts and crafts, and weekly outings. A big bonus is that pets are always welcome.
Cost begins around $2,900 per month.
6. Brookdale (Littleton, Colorado)
Brookdale focuses on giving quality personalized care while allowing seniors to feel independent. Residents can choose from a variety of excursions and activities, including outings to local parks and museums, and there are plenty of social activities onsite as well. Families can rest assured that 24-hour medical care is available, along with onsite physical and occupational therapists to promote mobility. In 2020, J.D. Power and Associates rated Brookdale facilities number 1 in Customer Satisfaction.
Cost is around $5,000 per month.
7. Victorian House (Parker, Colorado)
With a resident capacity of just 26, Victorian House offers an intimate living arrangement that makes seniors feel right at home. It’s classic Victorian architecture fits right into Parker’s small-town ambiance, with details such as large covered gingerbread porches and multi-paned windows that offer Rocky Mountain views. In the multipurpose room, residents enjoy yoga, crafting or board games, and in the sitting room they can sit and socialize or watch movies. Wellness visits are conducted monthly, and a trained staff provides care 24-hours a day to help with ADLs, medication administration, and specialized care such as oxygen administration if needed.
Cost for a private suite is around $5,000 per month.
8. Oasis (Pueblo West, Colorado)
Pueblo, Colorado, offers desert beauty and outdoor living that seniors love. Caregivers at the intimate Oasis Assisted Living Home provide personalized attention to just 10 residents so they are able to get to know individual interests and needs. Registered nurses are available around the clock, and emergency systems are in place to keep each senior safe. From scheduled outings to in-house recreational activities, residents at Oasis are encouraged to enjoy a fun and active retirement.
Cost begins around $3,400 per month.
9. Northglenn Heights (Northglenn, Colorado)
At Northglenn Heights Assisted Living, seniors can continue doing what they love without having to worry about housekeeping and laundry. Residents receive support with daily grooming and medication as needed, and have fun participating in activities and games that spark their interests. Outdoors, walking trails offer scenic views of surrounding mountains while taking in fresh air. Guests are invited to join residents at mealtimes.
Cost begins around $3,500 per month.
10. Bonaventure (Thornton, Colorado)
Seniors at Bonaventure receive personalized care plans while taking advantage of all the free time that retirement has to offer. The activities staff schedules regular outings to local museums, golf courses, and parks, and residents also enjoy in-house amenities such as a billiards room, movie theatre, salon, and fitness center. With caregivers available 24/7, less stress means more fun for residents of this social community.
Cost begins at $3,940 per month.
