With stunning geography and a culture devoted to healthy aging, Denver is home to a booming senior population. Denver’s assisted living facility options are expanding to meet the demand, with luxury, high-rise, and traditional residential communities featuring mountain views among the 48 assisted living facilities inside a 10-mile radius of downtown Denver.
We can help you choose your senior’s new home with this guide to top-rated Denver assisted living. You’ll find information about local communities and details regarding costs and payment, newly expanded facility regulations, Denver activities for seniors, and more.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Denver, CO
With stunning geography and a culture devoted to healthy aging, Denver is home to a booming senior population. Denver’s assisted living facility options are expanding to meet the demand, with luxury, high-rise, and traditional residential communities featuring mountain views among the 48 assisted living facilities inside a 10-mile radius of downtown Denver.Read more
We can help you choose your senior’s new home with this guide to top-rated Denver assisted living. You’ll find information about local communities and details regarding costs and payment, newly expanded facility regulations, Denver activities for seniors, and more.
Denver Assisted Living Facilities | 1296 Reviews
She needs more people of their staff. They have nice activities, but ny cousin is in her 60ies, but there is nobody less than 70 and they are not easy to let anyone new in. They also don't celebrate all the...
Kavod senior life is a gem to me, it has been my grandparents and my mothers home for over 20 years. Kavod means much more to me than just a senior life apartments. It has provided a good home for my family...
So far mom is doing fine at this community, The staff are nice and helpful. She has made friends. The food is ok and she likes to participate in some of the activities. The community is clean and they have...
My loved one was a resident at Cadence Aurora for a little over a month. Some of the staff was excellent while others not so good. I do not think her room was ever cleaned while she was there. Some of her...
I would rate each category with a 5. My mom is so well cared for and loved by the staff at Modena. She is happy, always dressed well and clean. I can't praise Modena enough for all they do for my mom! My...
Serenity House is giving us the services we need for our loved one. The house is too small for the number of residents they have. I don't see a lot of activities being offered to the residents, it seems...
My parents live in Independent Living here. Beautiful community and amazing care! The restaurants are also great with a chef and friendly staff. Highly recommend!
This is a good, safe environment for your loved one. The staff are very positive to work with. The food looks good, and my loved one doesn't complain about the home cooked meals. There are activities on...
Things are going just great at Serenity House V. They keep me really informed. I really like the whole small home environment. At another Serenity House we looked at the residents were more quiet and non...
Everything is working out very well for my father in law here at this community. We are pleased with all they have done for us. He is very pleased with the meals, the food is good. There are nice activities...
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A great community. And the rooms and grounds are well kept up and the staff is on top of things. The food is great and a variety. My mom loves the many activities she participates in, and a great choice of...
We cannot comment on the meals because we have not seen the prepared meals yet. What we like most about the community is the services versus the costs. We would recommend Chelsea Place Memory Care to other...
I think the staff is the strongest positive at Spring Ridge Park, from Stacie the director on down. The facility is old, but it works well for the all memory care residents, and it is nice for them to be...
Valerie is extremely caring and has really made my mother in law feel very welcome. She takes her swimming with her each morning with her which we really appreciate. It helps my mother in law to have...
I have been very pleased with the care that my mother has been receiving at this community, The staff have been absolutely wonderful and really have made sure my mom has felt comfortable and welcomed in her...
- Costs of assisted living in the Denver area
- How to pay for assisted living in Denver
- Understand Colorado laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Denver
- Denver: A high-growth assisted living market
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Denver? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Denver area
Denver assisted living costs can fluctuate based on location, amenities, floor plan, and your loved one’s required care level. The average monthly cost in 2022 for families who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities was $4,902. The average starting cost in Denver, without care and extras factored in, is about $4,857 per month.[01]
Average cost comparisons near Denver, CO
Average monthly costs
Denver, CO
How to pay for assisted living in Denver
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.
When making a plan to pay for Denver assisted living, private pay options are typically considered first. These include income sources like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns, as well as any of the following:
Note that some medical expenses and assisted living expenses are tax-deductible on federal tax returns, provided they’re greater than 7.5% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.
There are a number of benefits available to those who have served in the armed forces — namely Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits — that can be used to cover assisted living and long-term care costs. These forms of aid are provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA. Learn about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits by visiting our complete guide to VA benefits.
In Denver, the Veteran Services office employs Veteran Services Officers who provide one-on-one case management and assistance in filing for VA benefits. They also help veterans find other resources, including housing, public benefits, and more.
Number of veterans who live in Denver
22% of Denver veterans are 75+
Additional resources for Denver veterans:
Volunteers of America Bill Daniels Veteran Services Center
1247 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 720-944-3500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
155 Van Gordon St.
Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Although Medicaid benefits vary from state to state, most programs do cover costs associated with assisted living. Read more about how Medicaid helps pay for assisted living and other types of care in our guide to Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care.
In Denver, Health First Colorado provides coverage for a variety of medical expenses and services to eligible seniors. Health First Colorado includes an Elderly, Blind, Disabled (EBD) waiver that covers assisted living costs for disabled residents and those over the age of 65.
Denver resident Medicaid resources:
1570 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800-221-3943
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 720-944-4347
2929 W. 10th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
3815 Steele St.
Denver, CO 80205
4685 Peoria St.
Denver, CO 80239
Medicare does not cover room and board fees in assisted living, but it can cover some long-term care costs, such as medical equipment, hospital stays, and some prescription medications.
If you’d like to know what Denver Medicare specifically will cover, dial 2-1-1 or visit the federal Medicare website. You can also find help at your local Social Security Administration offices.
Below are some additional Denver programs that can help cover some of Medicare’s deductibles and fees:
- The Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) helps seniors navigate Medicare enrollment and benefits to make sure they get the right coverage for their needs.
- Colorado Medicare Savings Programs offer assistance to low-income seniors by covering some Medicare coinsurance and deductible costs.
Denver resident Medicare resources:
Contact number: 888-696-7213
1575 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-866-2800
Options counseling: 303-480-6700
Long-term care ombudsman: 303-480-6734
Understand Colorado laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
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:
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged for all residents and staff, and shots must be made available to residents.
Masking. Staff must wear masks at all times in the facility, and when in public, staff and residents wear a mask.
Staff safety. Staff must use appropriate personal protective equipment when called for.
Testing and screening. All staff and visitors must be checked for symptoms before being allowed into the facility and residents may be offered regular testing.
Facility cleanliness. Surfaces must be frequently disinfected to prevent the spread of infection.
Get to know assisted living in Denver
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Denver: A high-growth assisted living market
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.[02]
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.[03] — significantly lower than the average costs in downtown Denver. However they also offer higher-end options that may cost over $5,000 per month.[01]
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.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Denver? Highlights for seniors
86,000
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Denver
$25,000
Median annual salary for Denver seniors 65 and older
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.
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is ranked No. 1 out of all hospitals in Denver, and is nationally ranked in five specialties, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is affiliated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, with many of the doctors serving as faculty for the school.
SCL Health St. Joseph Hospital
SCL Health St. Joseph Hospital is ranked No. 2 in Denver, and No. 3 across the state of Colorado, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is a teaching hospital and is highly rated in two specialties.
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.
61
Walk Score
62
Bike Score
45
Transit Score
Senior activities in Denver
Denver features gorgeous natural views, exciting activities, and unique cultural hubs. There’s always something to do in Denver — from mountainous outdoor parks to museums, concerts, sporting events, and restaurants of all types.
Assisted living communities plan regular outings to these exciting landmarks so residents can experience all that Denver has to offer. For recreation, the Denver Botanic Garden and Denver Mountain Parks provide lovely natural settings where seniors can enjoy the great outdoors.
Seniors with disabilities or physical limitations may prefer to see a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts or consider a ball game at Coors Field. Meanwhile, for academics and art lovers, the Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature and Science are excellent places to expand your mind. And nearby Black Hawk, Colorado, offers over a dozen casinos for seniors who enjoy a day of drinks, food, and gaming.
Frequently asked questions
Brookdale Brighton, Legacy Village of Castle Pines and Belleview Heights Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Denver, CO. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Denver is 4986.58 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2021). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2020). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs. (2022, January). 2020 population summary.
United States Census Bureau. (2021, July 1). Population estimates (V2021): Denver County [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Colorado New Collaborative. (2022, July 28). Poverty gap for Black and Latino senior citizens grew over last decade. CPR News.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Denver.
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