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.
If you are having difficulty finding the best place for Mom choose Brookdale University. The community is caring, supportive, fun, and an exceptional environment for Seniors. Ask for [name removed] she’s...
Staff has been very helpful and worked to accommodate my mom's individual needs. Communication is very good, which I appreciate a lot. The facility is clean and welcoming. We would recommend this community...
They staff is SO accommodating and kind. The facility is extremely clean. Very happy with our choice to put our Father at Brookdale Lowry They have been fantastic!
I have no difficulties. This place issues really a retirement place to living. This place offers independent, assisted and memory care. There is no skilled nursing here. I have a one bedroom apartment. It...
My mother has flourished since coming to Brookdale 3 years ago. She is always happy and smiling. She enjoys the activities and the meals are great. It has been a wonderful experience for everyone. Thank you...
We used Five Star for respite care as we needed 2 weeks to reorganize our house for my husband’s mother to move in. Staff was friendly and respite care apartment was very nice. Dining room was excellent...
The very best thing about ParkPlace is the people who live and work here. I was immediately impressed by the friendliness and warmth of the residents when I first visited before deciding to move here. It is...
Almost everything about Harvard Square is wonderful! Friendly and attentive staff, fun, friendly, and interactive residents, lots of activities, and a clean, homey atmosphere. The only thing that could stand...
Full disclosure on pricing would be helpful when considering the choices Our prices increased by almost 30% almost immediately. I think they should lock in pricing for a set period of time - if they offer...
As time goes by we are more and more happy with Garden Plaza. The majority of the staff is very experienced with the needs of the residents. The complex is laid out with a simple floor plan, wide halls,...
My mother has since passed away but the facility was very accommodating to her needs. Yes, we would recommend Cherry Creek community to other families, they were lovely
I will recommend Sunrise at Pinehurst to every one and anyone that needs their services!!The entire team was unbelievably great! They made us and especially my brother feel welcome and comforted! They're the...
My husband with dementia spent his last month of life at this facility. My husband had private care as well as the facilities staff. There weren't enough staff to service these people. The staff were...
I would recommend the facility. The food quality is good, just not particularly tasty. For the most part, the staff are great but they don't stick around. So there's the problem of trainees all the time. ...
The surrounding and space is nice, everyone there is friendly but like most service industries staff levels of care personnel are less then what they should be. Costs can change easily and there is no...
My loved one is currently a resident at St. Andrew's Village and everything has been very good for for her so far. I would recommend this facility to others.
Our 96 year old mother suffered a mild stroke several months ago that precluded her from returning to her assisted living apartment. Finding Assured/Serenity House was a most fortunate turn of events. The...
The food is great my mom really loves it, she is engaged because of all the activities, and there are numerous services that promote health rather than decline. The staff is friendly, and she has a sense...
I am happy as a lake at MorningStar of Observatory Park. Everything is great and the price is comparable to others in the area. The building is new and very nice. Staff is amazing-friendly, solicitas,...
The decision to place your loved one into a memory care community is fraught with heartache, guilt, fear, sadness and a heavy sense of loss. One comes to this decision most often when, as a primary...
Chelsea Place Memory Care has been a great fit for our Mother who has Alzheimer's. Making the decision to move her into memory care was difficult, but after seeing the improvement in her health and mood in...
We like the people, my mom's apartment, the daily check in requirement. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families.
Modern. Bright. Amazing views from dining room. Sense of community not as strong as others we looked at. I would definitely recommend The Belleview to others.
My loved one has been here for nearly two years. The moment I moved her in, the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. They just do such an amazing job caring for people with memory care issues....
Prior to moving to Serenity House, my mom was very unresponsive and quiet as she was suffering from a head injury. Her repeated urinary tract infections caused more dementia issues. Thanks to Serenity...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Denver community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
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]
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:
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
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.
In addition to state regulations, Denver has zoning requirements for 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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Denver
Median annual salary for Denver seniors 65 and older
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Brookdale Greenwood Village, Brookdale Brighton and Brookdale University Park 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 $5,027 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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.