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As elderly parents or grandparents age, some may end up dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s. This can be a terrible time for families to watch their loved one struggle, but when things start to progress, you may also find yourself having to find memory care facilities in your area that can house your family member.
This can be very difficult, but in Colorado, there are many homes that offer dementia care that are great options for you and your family. So, if you have been searching for memory care homes that will give your parent or loved one the care that they need, then we can help. This article will tell you all you need to know about finding a good facility so that your loved one is taken care of.
The average monthly cost of memory care in Colorado is approximately $5,800. This can vary by region and the level of care required. Below is a table detailing the average monthly memory care costs in some of Colorado's largest cities:
City | Average Monthly Cost |
---|---|
Denver | $6,200 |
Colorado Springs | $5,500 |
Aurora | $5,700 |
Fort Collins | $5,600 |
Lakewood | $5,800 |
Thornton | $5,500 |
Arvada | $5,600 |
Westminster | $5,650 |
Pueblo | $5,400 |
Boulder | $6,000 |
Memory care in Colorado tends to range between $5,400 and $6,200 per month depending on the city. The highest costs are typically found in Denver and Boulder, while Pueblo and Colorado Springs offer more affordable options.
Comparing these costs to nearby large cities:
Below is a table showing the 5 most expensive and 5 least expensive zip codes in Colorado for memory care, based on average monthly costs:
Rank | Zip Code | Average Monthly Cost |
---|---|---|
Most Expensive | ||
1 | 80202 | $7,200 |
2 | 80203 | $7,100 |
3 | 80302 | $7,000 |
4 | 80206 | $6,900 |
5 | 80246 | $6,800 |
Least Expensive | ||
1 | 81001 | $4,800 |
2 | 80903 | $5,000 |
3 | 80123 | $5,200 |
4 | 80601 | $5,300 |
5 | 80916 | $5,400 |
The most expensive zip codes for memory care in Colorado are predominantly located in or near the Denver metro area, with rates exceeding $7,000 in some regions. Conversely, the least expensive areas, such as Pueblo (81001), offer memory care services at a significantly lower cost, with rates around $4,800 per month. The price differences reflect variations in demand, local economy, and available facilities in each area.
Memory care is generally more expensive than other types of senior living due to the specialized care and services provided for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Below is a table comparing memory care costs to other types of senior living in Colorado:
Type of Senior Living | Average Monthly Cost in Colorado |
---|---|
Memory Care | $5,800 |
Assisted Living | $4,500 |
Independent Living | $3,300 |
Skilled Nursing (Nursing Home) | $7,200 |
Adult Day Care | $1,200 |
These cost differences can be attributed to variations in the cost of living, demand for care, and the availability of senior living facilities in each state.
Colorado dementia and Alzheimer's care homes are places designed for the unique struggles that those with these diseases will deal with. Dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s is a complicated matter because it involves brain function, which medical professionals still don’t have complete knowledge about. So, people who need this specialized care can get exactly that in a residential facility.
Colorado memory care homes cater to the challenges that come with degenerative brain disorders in the hopes of preventing further progression of symptoms. Residents with a form of dementia may not recognize their family members, or can even forget who they are. So, the medical and residential staff is in place to help patients with these unique challenges and to stave off worsening their symptoms.
In Colorado, memory care facilities are governed by a set of regulations designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and quality of life for individuals living with dementia or other cognitive impairments. These regulations cover various aspects of care, including licensing, staffing, safety standards, and resident rights, to create an environment that promotes the dignity and security of residents.
Memory care facilities in Colorado must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) as part of their commitment to providing specialized care. To obtain a license, the facility must meet the specific requirements for memory care units, which may include distinct physical environments and care practices tailored to those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The facility must also comply with state laws regarding the size and scope of operations, ensuring that they provide appropriate care and services.
Memory care units are typically licensed under two categories:
Staffing in memory care facilities must meet specific criteria to ensure that individuals with dementia receive proper care. This includes a minimum number of trained staff members on-site 24/7, with specific requirements for the ratio of staff to residents. Training is a key component of the regulations; staff must undergo regular education on dementia care, including understanding the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, managing challenging behaviors, and providing compassionate care.
Staff members must also be trained in emergency response protocols, particularly for issues common in memory care, such as wandering and falls. Additionally, memory care staff are required to participate in ongoing education and training related to dementia care and behavioral health management.
The physical environment of memory care units must be designed with the safety and comfort of residents in mind. Colorado regulations require that memory care facilities be equipped with secure areas to prevent residents from wandering, as well as sufficient lighting, handrails, and other safety features. The layout of the facility should minimize confusion and help residents maintain independence while also ensuring they are protected from potential hazards.
Memory care units must also be equipped with appropriate signage to help residents with orientation, and rooms should be designed to be comfortable, with furnishings and spaces that promote cognitive engagement and a sense of familiarity.
The regulations surrounding resident care focus on the individual needs of each person. Memory care facilities must offer a person-centered approach, where care is tailored to the specific needs of each resident. This involves creating individualized care plans that address medical needs, behavioral challenges, and preferences.
Colorado law also emphasizes the rights of residents, ensuring they maintain dignity and respect while receiving care. Residents are entitled to participate in decisions regarding their care and have the right to privacy, confidentiality, and access to their personal medical records. Memory care facilities must also provide a safe environment that minimizes the risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Additionally, Colorado mandates that memory care facilities provide access to activities and therapies designed to enhance residents' cognitive abilities and quality of life. These may include memory-enhancing exercises, physical activity programs, and opportunities for socialization.
Memory care facilities in Colorado are required to follow strict regulations regarding medication management. Staff must be trained in administering medication to individuals with cognitive impairments, and appropriate protocols must be in place to ensure that medications are managed safely and accurately. This includes documentation of medications, tracking dosages, and making sure residents do not receive the wrong medication or experience harmful drug interactions.
Memory care facilities in Colorado are subject to regular inspections by the CDPHE to ensure compliance with state regulations. These inspections focus on areas such as cleanliness, safety, staffing levels, care procedures, and resident rights. If a facility fails to meet the necessary standards, they may face penalties, including fines or a suspension of their license.
Facilities must also comply with federal regulations if they receive Medicaid or Medicare funding. These regulations set specific standards related to care, staffing, safety, and other operational aspects.
Colorado provides financial assistance to qualifying individuals through Medicaid programs, including the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) Medicaid program and the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. These programs may help cover the cost of memory care services for eligible residents.
Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, generally does not cover long-term memory care services in Colorado, especially when it comes to assisted living or memory care facilities. However, it does have limited coverage for certain services that might be relevant for individuals with memory conditions like Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.
Hospital and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care: Medicare may cover short-term stays in a hospital or skilled nursing facility if the individual requires skilled care after an illness or injury. This might apply if a person with dementia is recovering from a medical event (such as surgery or a stroke) and needs specialized care in a skilled nursing facility for a limited period (usually up to 100 days). However, once the person’s condition stabilizes or they no longer need skilled care, Medicare will no longer cover the stay, and they would need to transition to a different payment method.
Home Health Care: Medicare may cover certain home health services if a person with dementia is homebound and requires skilled nursing or therapy services. For example, a nurse could visit to manage medications or provide therapies that help with cognitive decline. However, this care is limited to specific conditions and would not cover 24/7 care, which is typically needed in memory care situations.
Medicare Advantage Plans: Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans in Colorado may offer additional benefits, including coverage for non-medical services or other support for people with memory conditions. These plans, provided by private insurance companies, might cover some aspects of memory care services that Original Medicare does not. Be sure to check specific plan details.
Long-Term Care Facilities: Medicare does not pay for long-term stays in assisted living or memory care facilities in Colorado. These types of care, which are designed for individuals who need ongoing assistance with daily living activities due to dementia, are not covered by Medicare. The cost of these services must typically be paid out-of-pocket or through other insurance options.
Personal Care Services: While Medicare covers skilled nursing care and therapy, it does not cover personal care services like help with dressing, bathing, or meals, which are often needed in memory care settings.
If this is your first time having to find facilities that provide memory care in Colorado, then you may not be aware of what to look for in a good home. Places that offer exceptional care and will prioritize their patients will also offer certain amenities for their residents to make them feel at home. So, when looking for an acceptable facility, you should take a look at what they offer their residents during their stay.
Many Alzheimer's care communities will have amenities like full-service laundry detail, 24/7 medical supervision, and emergency alert systems for patients. Because some who suffer from dementia will not be able to handle their normal daily functions, there are systems in place to take care of those tasks for them.
In Colorado, there are also some great dementia care homes that offer their residents more social interaction to stimulate brain function. Things like social activities, group functions and outdoor excursions are set up so that the people living in these facilities get social interaction and are able to leave the facility with staff supervision. Added perks like these are imperative in keeping patients from worsening and allowing them to feel more at home.
Admission to Colorado's memory care facilities typically involves meeting specific requirements related to medical, legal, and financial considerations. Here is a detailed breakdown of the typical admission process and requirements in Colorado:
Despite what some might think, dementia care facilities in Colorado are not the same thing as assisted living and nursing homes. In fact, there are many differences that set these types of homes apart. Nursing homes and assisted living residences offer day-to-day help with medical and physical needs for those who are advanced in age and will continually need more and more help. So then, what exactly is the difference between these facilities and memory care communities in Colorado?
The biggest way that they differ is that dementia care communities cater specifically to those with degenerative brain diseases and the special challenges that they will face. Along with normal limiting of functions that come with aging, these residents need care that revolves around their disease. These sufferers may find themselves unable to distinguish one room from another, or be unable to remember to take their medication at the right time, even with reminders.
So, Colorado Alzheimer's care homes aim to assist them by designing the living spaces so that they are easier to navigate with their condition and that they can still walk through the facility without feeling lost. The level of care is different as well because the time that must be taken with each patient is greater for proper treatment, so staff care is available at all times of the day.
Choosing a memory care facility for a loved one is a significant decision, particularly in Colorado, where there are a wide range of options. It's important to assess not only the quality of care but also the environment, staff, and services available. Here are some essential questions to ask when considering memory care facilities in Colorado:
Colorado offers a range of free services designed to support seniors in various aspects of life, from healthcare and food assistance to legal help and community activities. Here are some of the key resources available:
Health and Medical Services
Food and Nutrition Support
Transportation Services
Legal Assistance
Caregiver and Aging Resources
Veterans Services
These resources are invaluable for seniors in Colorado, helping them maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and ensure they receive the support they need.
10 Memory Care Facilities in Colorado
Morningstar Of Wheat Ridge excels at providing dementia care services in Jefferson county, Colorado. It can accommodate a maximum of 79 older adults. Morningstar Of Wheat Ridge provides luxury amenities that include tranquil and secure outdoor areas, emergency pendant system and assuring proper meal intake to any older adults with dementia who reside in Lakewood, CO and nearby areas. Morningstar Of Wheat Ridge is located at 10100 W 38th Avenue, 80033 zip code and may allow Medicaid and Medicare to cover some costs associated with its care.
Garden Plaza Of Aurora allows Alzheimer’s patients to receive memory care in Aurora, Colorado. It can provide accommodations to no more than 90 older adults at a time. It offers amenities such as custom meal plans, aided morning and evening dressing and mental games and is located at 14211 East Evans Avenue, in 80014 zip code area inside Arapahoe county.
When searching for Alzheimer’s units in Castle Rock, Colorado, you will come across Bonaventure Of Castle Rock as a wonderful and upscale memory care option that is located at 1855 Low Meadow Blvd in 80109 zip code. It provides a total capacity of 78 Alzheimer’s and memory care units. Bonaventure Of Castle Rock offers amenities such as routine well-being monitoring, a homey design that facilitates friendships and help during meal times. Bonaventure Of Castle Rock provides Alzheimer’s care not just to seniors in Castle Rock, but also to Douglas county older adults.
Lakewood Memory Care is a new memory care center that has capacity of 55 dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers. Lakewood Memory Care includes amenities such as religious services, emergency pendant system and on-site occupational and physical therapy services. It is situated at 8201 West Jewell Avenue, and can offer memory care to Lakewood, CO senior citizens.
For seniors who require help with daily living, Good Samaritan Society -loveland Village can be the perfect choice for memory care assisted living in Loveland, Colorado. Good Samaritan Society -loveland Village contains a maximum capacity of 60 dementia units. It offers amenities like religious services, certified caregivers that specialize in dementia and Alzheimer’s care and mental games.
Situated at 1810 S Columbine St, inside 80210 zip code area in Denver county, John Vallegos House Rtf offers dementia care to Denver, CO dementia sufferers and provides services such as enhanced medical monitoring, help with grooming and getting dressed and puzzles and other memory care activities. John Vallegos House Rtf contains a total of 8 memory care units.
Older adults with dementia looking for Alzheimer’s care in Pueblo, Colorado will find Greenwood Manor, a memory care home located at 421 & 423 W 11th St in 81003 zip code area that offers services such as secure campus to prevent wandering, certified dementia care staff and high caregiver to resident ratio. Greenwood Manor is able to accommodate up to 16 older adults with dementia.
Situated at 5010 S Duquesne Street, Aurora, Colorado, 80016, Haven Of Care Assisted Living At Tollgate Crossing is able to assist any Arapahoe county senior with activities of daily living and offers amenities such as monitoring of all exits to prevent wandering, assistance with choosing and putting on clothes and puzzles and other memory care activities. Haven Of Care Assisted Living At Tollgate Crossing contains a total of 12 memory care units.
Aspen Hills Assisted Living, situated at 1030 Jay Street includes Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care service in Lakewood, Colorado and includes amenities that include customized care plans, daily living help and on-site occupational and physical therapy services. Aspen Hills Assisted Living contains a total of 12 memory and dementia care units for Jefferson county and nearby areas residents. Aspen Hills Assisted Living has a license to offer dementia care in Lakewood, Colorado.
Located at 11965 W Brandt Pl in Jefferson county, Colorado Assisted Living Homes - Brandt has a wonderful reputation for providing memory care services to seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s in Littleton, CO as well as those who reside in surrounding areas. Colorado Assisted Living Homes - Brandt has 8 Alzheimer’s care units and offers multiple care levels.
Finding out that a parent or loved one has dementia is difficult enough, but thinking about having to pay for them to live in dementia care homes can add another level of worry on top of everything else. You shouldn’t be thinking about finances when dealing with a sick family member, and luckily, Colorado offers ways to help lower the out-of-pocket costs of dementia and Alzheimer's care facilities.
Medicaid and Health First Colorado
Medicaid is many people’s first option for cost coverage. In Colorado, it is called Health First Colorado. This program covers the cost of facilities and treatment for those who qualify. Health First Colorado can help pay for the cost of living in a memory care facility and also reduce the price of personal care assistance. The Medicaid eligibility requirements may vary depending on income and assets, so it’s important to assess your loved one’s situation carefully.
Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBW)
There is also a waiver called the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBW), which will help cover costs for individuals who want to remain in their own homes rather than move into a facility. This waiver provides the same level of care that a memory care facility would, but allows patients to live more independently. This is an ideal option for those who are still able to live at home but need professional assistance with daily activities like grooming, cooking, and medication management.
It’s important to note that the HCBW has a cap on the number of people it can enroll at any given time, so there may be a waiting list for those who apply. However, this waiver can be an excellent option for families who want to provide their loved one with the support they need while keeping them in a familiar environment.
Veterans Benefits
Another potential option for paying for dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Colorado is through veterans’ benefits. If your loved one served in the military, they may be eligible for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers a variety of financial assistance programs to veterans, including the Aid and Attendance pension, which can help offset the cost of memory care services. It’s worth exploring these options to see if your loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is another potential resource for paying for memory care. Many people purchase this insurance to cover the costs of long-term care, including care for dementia or Alzheimer’s. If your loved one has long-term care insurance, check with the insurance provider to understand what is covered and ensure that the facility you choose is part of their network.
Private Pay Options
For some families, Medicaid, waivers, and insurance may not cover the full cost of care. In these cases, private pay options may be necessary. Some facilities offer sliding-scale fees based on income, so be sure to inquire about financial assistance programs at the memory care facilities you are considering. Additionally, some families may choose to pay for care using personal savings or by liquidating assets.
Financial Assistance and Support Programs
There are also nonprofit organizations and community resources that may help cover some of the costs associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s care. In Colorado, programs like the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter provide support, education, and resources to families, as well as financial assistance for those in need.
Finding the Right Memory Care Facility
Being able to find a good memory care facility for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be daunting, especially when you don’t know where to start. But with this information, you can now explore options and search for a facility in Colorado that meets your needs. Start by considering the type of care your loved one requires, whether they need a full-time residential facility or can remain at home with support. From there, you can find out if your family member qualifies for state help that will lower their cost for care, and explore private pay or other financial assistance programs.
Next Steps
If you would like to find out more information and look up Colorado memory care facilities near you, use our care homes directory to find a home today. It's important to research and visit facilities, speak with care providers, and understand all available financial resources to make an informed decision about your loved one's care.