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Independent Living in Colorado
Colorado is an appealing retirement destination that’s home to more than 840,000 senior citizens who enjoy abundant outdoor activities and generous tax exemptions. Adults aged 65 and older represent about 14.6% of the state’s 5.77 million residents, and this number is expected to grow, which means there’s an increasing demand for community-based senior services. Fortunately, in 2018, Colorado became the third state to join AARP’s Network of Age Friendly Communities, and more than a dozen cities and counties have also expressed their commitment to supporting older adults at all stages of life.
Seniors in Colorado who enjoy an active lifestyle but don’t want the responsibility of maintaining their own home or condo may consider independent living facilities. These communities provide maintenance-free apartments, suites and villas. They also give seniors access to on-site recreational and social opportunities that can improve their health, wellness and quality of life. In Colorado, the average monthly cost of independent living is $2,974.
If you’re interested in learning more about this type of care, information about average prices and possible payment options are in this guide. We’ve also included a directory of helpful agencies that provide free and low-cost services to help with long-term care planning.
The Cost of Independent Living in Colorado
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Colorado and its 18 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Colorado's Top Cities
The $2,802 per month cost of independent living in Colorado is just an average, which hides significant variation among cities in the state. Littleton and Colorado Springs are both close in cost to the state average, at $2,773 and $2,937 a month, respectively. Aurora get somewhat more expensive, at $3,153 a month for independent living. At the other end, Pueblo is $404 cheaper than Colorado's average, at just $2,398.
Colorado
$2,802
Aurora
$3,153
Colorado Springs
$2,937
Littleton
$2,773
Pueblo
$2,398
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Colorado
The cost of independent living care is projected to rise in Colorado, partly as a result of inflation. From 2022 - 2024, trend analysis has independent living expenses rising from $2,769 a month to a projected $2,984 in an 7.5% hike. This is more modest than the anticipated 11.8% rise in national average pricing, and it's also less than California's projected 9.4% rise over the same period. Alaska and Nevada both anticipate modest increases around 5%, while Wyoming's prices are estimated to actually drop, from $2,723 a month for independent living care to $2,200 projected for 2024.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $2,769 | $2,802 | $2,984 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Wyoming | $2,723 | $2,065 | $2,200 |
| California | $3,481 | $3,556 | $3,823 |
| Nevada | $2,476 | $2,463 | $2,593 |
| Alaska | $4,509 | $4,485 | $4,724 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Depending on a senior's care needs and ability to pay, $2,802 for independent living may not be the first choice for care. In Colorado, assisted living costs an average of $4,630 a month, while the more intensive supervision and therapy services of memory care cost $5,958 statewide.
Assisted Living
$4,630
Memory Care
$5,958
Independent Living
$2,802
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Colorado?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Colorado.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Colorado
Independent living is a convenient option for seniors who want the security and comfort of maintenance-free accommodations but don’t need access to 24-hour care. Because these communities provide room, board and activities rather than medically necessary services, most seniors pay for the entire cost out of pocket. Possible funding options include investments or retirement income. Reverse mortgages can provide a monthly income stream or lump-sum payment, and long-term care insurance may help with some ancillary charges for transportation, meal preparation and grocery shopping assistance. For more details about long-term care planning, see our guide to independent living.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Colorado
There are many resources in Colorado that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Area Agencies on Aging | The Area Agencies on Aging in Colorado provide information on local resources and programs for older adults throughout the state. The aim of the agencies is to help seniors remain as independent as possible while receiving the assistance they need to live purposeful lives. Services provided by the AAAs include case management, transportation and health screenings. AAAs offer multiple programs depending on the specific needs of individuals, including adult day programs and congregate and home-delivered meals. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
| Colorado Old Age Pension | The Old Age Pension is a financial assistance program that pays beneficiaries up to $771 per month. You can use these funds to pay for any senior living or senior care services you may need. If you qualify for the Old Age Pension, you may also be eligible for the Health Care Program, which provides medical coverage for some seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Program of All-Inclusive Care For the Elderly (PACE) | The Program of All-Inclusive Care For the Elderly is a managed Medicaid program that provides health care at designated facilities, but it also covers some care services seniors can get at home. These include skilled nursing, personal care, transportation and physical and occupational therapies. A PACE home care coordinator can arrange for the delivery of support services you need. The program pays for all services that are covered under Medicare and Colorado's Medicaid plan. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Meals on Wheels | Colorado Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals to homebound seniors aged 60 and older throughout the state. The organization doesn't charge for the meals but asks seniors to contribute what they can afford when possible. Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals low in cholesterol and fat to promote a healthy lifestyle, and they visit briefly to ensure the individual is safe. The program also offers nutrition education services for interested seniors, helping them learn about a well-balanced diet. | |
| Colorado Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 855-855-4626 | Colorado Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides funds for seniors to use to buy food. SNAP provides electronic benefit transfer cards that receive monthly funds that low-income seniors can use to purchase food. To apply, seniors need proof of their income status and family size. Colorado SNAP serves the entire state. |
| Colorado Volunteers of America Meals on Wheels | 720-501-3367 | Meals on Wheels is a national organization that's delivered thousands of meals to seniors in Colorado who are unable to prepare or obtain their own food. In addition to serving the nutritional needs of countless older adults in the state, volunteers provide a valuable service by checking in on the health and well-being of isolated seniors. |
| Colorado Works (TANF) | 855-855-4626 | Colorado Works operates as the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. It helps low-income seniors with energy bills and heating and cooling repairs. It also includes the Old Age Pension program, which provides financial assistance and help with health care costs. Income and residency requirements apply. Benefits can last up to 60 months. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Hospital Equipment Lending Program | 720-598-6126 | The Assistance League of Denver loans wheelchairs, bath benches, walkers and other medical equipment to those in need at no cost to the borrower. You are expected to return all equipment once you're finished using it. |
| Colorado South Metro Medical Equipment Closet | 720-443-2013 | This equipment closet provides short-term loans of medical equipment to adults recovering from an injury, injury or illness. The max term of a loan is 3 months. |
| Colorado Summit County Senior Services - DME Loan Closet | 970-668-2952 | The program loans out walkers, crutches, wheelchairs commodes and other durable medical equipment on a short-term basis. The loan closet is located within the Community & Senior Center. |
| Colorado Tri-Lakes Care Loan Closet | 719-481-4864 | The Tri-Lakes Care Neighborhood Nurse Center loans out walkers, canes, non-powered wheelchairs, crutches and toilet seat risers at no cost to the borrower. All loaned equipment is donated by members of the community. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Old Age Pension Health and Medical Care Program | 800-221-3943 | The Medical Care Program provides limited health care services for older adults who do not qualify for a Health First Colorado plan. It includes inpatient and outpatient hospital services, home health care, surgical dental services, durable medical equipment and medical transportation. The Old Age Pension also pays for limited pharmaceuticals. This program is known by a few different names: Modified Medical Plan, State Medical Program and the OAP State Only Program. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Brothers Redevelopment | 303-202-6340 | This non-profit organization assists seniors by helping them to apply federal and social benefits. They can also help with financial planning, reverse mortgages and creating living wills. Additionally, members of the group volunteer to help seniors with housework, yard work, home repairs and running errands. All of these services are aimed at helping seniors to successfully age in place. There is no charge for the services. |
| Colorado Weatherization Assistance Program | Your local weatherization provider can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills by providing free energy conservation solutions. Experts will perform an energy audit at your property and then recommend services at no cost, including infiltration sealing, furnace repair, LED light installation, solar energy and air source heat pumps. |
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
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Legal Assistance for Older Adults | Seniors can receive legal services through this department, which protects seniors' rights and ensures they understand those rights. Advocacy and access to representation is also available. | |
| Colorado Legal Services | Colorado Legal Services (CLS) offers free legal assistance to seniors aged 60 and older if they meet certain income, asset and legal problem requirements. CLS may take on cases that align with the firm's priorities regardless of income, if the financial and staffing resources are available. Example cases include family law, consumer debt, tax litigation and problems with SSI disbursement or other government benefits. Online, phone and walk-in applications are welcome. | |
| Colorado Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 719-471-2096 | The Colorado Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program assists seniors living in long-term care communities such as assisted living facilities. They serve as advocates who regularly visit residents and investigate any complaints and claims of abuse, neglect or inadequate care. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2-1-1 | 866-760-6489 | Call 2-1-1 to access many senior services. Long-term care services and information are available through this service, along with many other disability and aging resources. The website can also help direct seniors and caregivers to the right resources for their needs. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter | The Alzheimer's Association advocates for memory care recipients and their families. In addition, this association raises funds for research and raises awareness of Alzheimer's disease. Through the Colorado chapter, seniors can receive local services, resources and referrals. | |
| Colorado Benefits in Action | 888-496-4252 | Benefits in Action is a nonprofit organization designed to provide health insurance navigation. A counselor from the program will spend time with seniors and their caregivers, explaining the various state health care insurance plans and helping seniors to find the best option for their particular situation. Counselors can assist seniors in applying for health care insurance and any benefits they're eligible for. Additionally, the counselors can explain financial assistance options available for seniors needing to make the move to nursing home care. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption | 303-660-7450 | This tax savings program exempts up to $100,000 of your home's value from your exemption will be %50 or property taxes. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado VA Benefits and Health Care | Colorado's VA Benefits and Health Care ensures seniors who've served in the nation's military have access to the essential programs and services they are entitled to. Veterans who qualify receive health care, counseling, education, job opportunities and housing placement. The agency also helps seniors obtain compensation and benefits and offers access to military records. Families of veterans may receive assistance with burial and survivor benefits. |
Independent Living Facilities in Colorado
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