Colorado Assisted Living for Couples

Assisted living facilities in Colorado for couples

Senior couples in Colorado have the possibility to choose between different types of retirement living. From all the available options, assisted living seems to offer a number of undeniable benefits, starting with the fact that residents receive around-the-clock assistance with daily living activities. It is also worth mentioning that married couples can move into assisted living facilities together.

Information about assisted living in Colorado

How many assisted living centers are there in Colorado? In the state of Colorado, there are about 400 assisted living communities. These senior living facilities can be found in the following locations: Grand Junction, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Pueblo. These assisted living centers accept senior adults who are over a certain age, usually over the age of 60. Prospective residents must also be able to cover monthly fees, which can be quite substantial.

All residents go through a pre-admission assessment, in which their needs are determined. If the respective facility cannot meet these needs, the application will not be accepted. Incontinent and bedridden senior adults are not accepted. The same goes for those who require 24/7 nursing services, and those who need restraints or may be a danger to themselves/others. Senior adults with transmittable diseases or infections, as well as those who have a substance abuse problem, are not accepted into such facilities.

Upon admittance, senior adults receive an individualized care plan, within 30 days. The plan is developed in accordance with one's assistance needs. It will include information on: medication management, limitations or impairments (physical, cognitive, behavioral), needs and specific instructions (including dietary requirements or any restrictions that might apply). Should the resident present significant changes in his/her physical health, behavior, or cognitive function, the plan will be re-assessed and updated.

Financing and costs of assisted living in Colorado

What is the average cost of assisted living in CO? The average monthly cost for assisted living in Colorado is around $4,000 - this is the same as the national average. From all the neighboring states, Kansas, New Mexico, and Wyoming have higher monthly fees. Nebraska, Arizona, and Oklahoma are less expensive.

Within the state of Colorado, the costs vary significantly. Senior adults can expect to pay around $5,000 per month for assisted living in Boulder, while Grand Junction has the most affordable rates, with $3,350 per month. By comparison, Colorado assisted living is less expensive than other forms of long-term care, such as nursing home care, memory care, or in-home care. Only independently living is more affordable.

Assisted living costs in Colorado

Long-term care communities welcome seniors who require assistance with everyday tasks, adapted housing, and healthcare. Assisted living facilities accept residents who have specific care needs, taking into account their health status and underlying conditions. Senior living centers provide access to various services and amenities as well. In the state of Colorado, there are various assisted living communities that accept seniors. They offer a wide array of care packages, with monthly costs to be covered. Some services are not available in such facilities; for instance, skilled nursing care is often not included. In the paragraphs that follow, you will find useful information on the costs of assisted living, along other details that might interest you. As a result, you might find it easier to locate the best community in Colorado for you or your loved one.

Average costs of assisted living and memory care in Colorado

How much does assisted living cost in CO? The average monthly cost of assisted living in Colorado is $4,750 or $57,000 per year. This is a bit higher than the national median, which is $4,500 per month or $54,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive assisted living communities are located in Boulder, averaging at $6,200 per month or $74,000 per year. On the other hand, the most affordable facilities of this kind are found in Pueblo, averaging at $3,800 per month or $45,000 per year.

How much does memory care cost in CO? When it comes to memory care, the average monthly cost in Colorado is $5,900 or $70,000 per year. This is also a bit higher than the national median, which is $5,600 per month or $67,000 per year. Within the state of Colorado, the most expensive memory care communities are found in Boulder, averaging at $7,800 per month or $93,000 per year. The most affordable facilities of this kind are located in Pueblo, averaging at $4,750 per month or $57,000 per month.

Assisted living is more expensive than adult day health care. Nonetheless, it is more affordable than other long-term care options, such as home care, home health care, and nursing home care. Memory care costs more than adult day health care and assisted living, but less than home care, home health care, and nursing home care. The latter averages at $9,700 per month or $116,000 per year.

What goes into assisted living costs?

Seniors have to pay a deposit fee before moving into the respective assisted living community. This fee is returned when the resident signs the contract and occupies the living unit assigned to him/her. Assisted living facilities have only monthly fees to be covered, which are influenced by the type and size of the living unit, the presence of a companion, and the services offered. Seniors have access to general utilities, as well as meal plans, housekeeping, laundry and linen service, regular maintenance, etc. Additional services might be available, usually at an extra cost.

Care fees are usually included in the overall costs, and their value is influenced by the number of daily living activities residents receive assistance for. Seniors might also benefit from emergency response systems in the living units, a daily schedule with planned activities, physical and occupational therapy, scheduled transportation, and medication management. Spouses who desire to live together in the same facility have to pay an additional occupancy fee. Some assisted living facilities require residents to cover utilities, such as the Internet and cable access. Healthcare is offered on a limited basis and at an additional cost, as it is usually ensured by third-party providers.

What goes into memory care costs?

Dementia seniors can opt for memory care communities, which offer access to adapted housing and specialized healthcare. Aside from these, residents benefit from 24/7 supervision, services, and amenities. These facilities welcome seniors who have been diagnosed with different types of dementia, providing expert care. In suggesting a certain care program, memory care centers are taking into account not only the form of dementia, but also the disease stage. Safety features are chosen with care, so as to minimize the confusion experienced and reduce the risk of wandering. Moreover, seniors receive assistance with ADLs, in accordance with their independence level.

Most memory care communities have dedicated therapists available, which work together with every resident, with the goal of delaying the progression of dementia. Residents also benefit from a wide range of services, such as housekeeping, meal planning, general maintenance, scheduled transportation, laundry and linen service. Other services that might be offered include mobility assistance, wound care, and incontinence care.

Senior living in Colorado - cost comparison with other states

As stated above, the monthly cost of assisted living in Colorado is higher than the national median. Colorado is more expensive than Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, and New Mexico. The overall costs are: Utah - $3,500 per month or $42,000 per year; Wyoming – $4,100 per month or $49,000 per year; Nebraska - $4,000 per month or $48,000 per year; Kansas - $4,500 per month or $54,000 per year; New Mexico - $4,400 per month or $52,000 per year.

As for memory care, the monthly cost in Colorado is also higher than the national median. Colorado is more expensive than Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, and New Mexico. The overall costs are: Utah - $4,300 per month or $51,000 per year; Wyoming - $5,200 per month or $62,000 per year; Nebraska - $5,000 per month or $60,000 per year; Kansas - $5,700 per month or $68,000 per year; New Mexico - $5,600 per month or $67,000 per year.

Finding the best senior living facility for your needs in Colorado

To make sure that you have found the best facility for you or your loved one, we recommend that you take the time to look at the various communities in your state. Whether you are interested in assisted living or memory care facilities, keep in mind that they all have their own care packages, with costs that might vary from one to the other. We are happy to help you in the decision-making process. Just give us a call and we will be more than pleased to offer details about the costs of each senior living facility. We understand how difficult it must be to take a final decision and we hope our assistance will make the entire process more comfortable.

Services provided to married couples by assisted living facilities in Colorado

Married couples in Colorado who move into assisted living facilities have around-the-clock access to an interesting range of services. The staff handles burdensome chores, such as housekeeping and general maintenance, meal preparation, laundry. They will also offer personal assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, getting dressed, oral hygiene, toileting, etc. In some situations, they might also provide specialized services, such as diabetes care.

Assisted living residents, whether they live alone or with their partner, benefit from a safe and sanitary environment. Seniors are constantly monitored by the staff, and living units are equipped with emergency call systems in case of major health events. Depending on their needs, senior adults might also receive assistance with social and recreational services.

Medication management is available for all residents. Under the supervision of registered nurses, senior adults might self-administer medication. Where necessary, the staff can administer both prescribed and non-prescribed treatments, with the exception of those that require syringes. All staff must receive trainings regarding medication management in senior adults.

Some assisted living facilities in Colorado have memory care units, accepting residents who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. These residents benefit from around-the-clock monitoring and supervision, and they might receive partial or complete assistance with activities of daily living. Medication management is also included in the list of available services, especially in those who are in the advanced stages of dementia.

Amenities for couples moving to an assisted living in Colorado

Colorado-based assisted living facilities are not required to have apartment-style units. Nonetheless, residents can find communities where such units are available. If not, the unit usually consists of a bedroom, which can accommodate maximum two residents. As mentioned above, couples can live together, covering the additional fees.

Seniors enjoy continuous access to a wide range of amenities, including: fitness classes, massage therapy, swimming pool, private dining, library, computer room, beauty salon and barber shop. Some of these facilities organize social clubs, outdoor activities, and weekly religious services. They allow residents to live together with their pets, recognizing the obvious benefits for their health. Dementia residents have access to specific amenities, such as arts and crafts studio, relaxation room, guided walks in outdoor spaces (gardens, courtyards).