10 Best Nursing Homes in Aurora, CO
Aurora, Colorado, is a welcoming city where your loved one can relax and embrace the natural beauty of the outdoors. The city’s scenic views are breathtaking, with vast open spaces spanning thousands of acres. As the Gateway to the Rockies, Aurora continues to attract retirees and offers a variety of senior housing options. Plus, the city has plenty to do. It’s home to a thriving arts district, historic sites, unique shopping areas, and roughly 100 developed parks.
“Nursing home” has become a bit of an umbrella term used to describe all senior living communities. However, it actually refers to facilities that provide skilled nursing care by licensed nurses. In many cases, when people search for nursing homes, they’re actually looking for assisted living or memory care facilities.
Assisted living facilities cater to seniors who require assistance with daily activities. Memory care facilities, on the other hand, are designed to offer specialized 24-hour care and long-term housing for seniors with memory loss. If your loved one needs one of these types of care, A Place for Mom partners with 35 assisted living and memory care facilities located within a 10-mile radius of downtown Aurora. Some of these communities even have skilled nursing wings or provide nursing care services on-site.
To make the process of selecting an assisted living or memory care facility a bit easier, A Place for Mom has put together this guide. In it, you’ll find details on assisted living and memory care communities in Aurora as well as information on payment options, applicable laws and regulations, transportation methods, health care options, nearby senior activities, and more.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Aurora, CO
She is not especially happy with vegetables. Not cooked well in her opinion! Having trouble with where to sit. I am a friend who helped a friend find senior housing she could afford. I don't know her...
Overall "The Courtyards" is good. We had some concerns about my father, who was a memory care patient, getting the proper amount of attention to his hygiene needs. The food needs some major improvement as...
Everything was excellent. No complaints. The Administrative Staff, especially [name removed]! She was always genuine and went above and beyond. The ladies at the front desk were so warm, friendly and loving!...
Belleview Heights Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care
14500 E Belleview Ave, Aurora, CO 80015
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...
There are issues in the dining room from time to time. We like that there are three different levels of care. Independent living, assisted-living and skilled nursing. My parents are in assisted living just...
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...
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,...
I like where I live I liked it since I moved in 3 years ago and you know it's like with any place you live or if you're working it's like any place you work it has it has its trying times but you know the...
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....
[name removed] was at assisted-living for about three days. He then wandered off and kind of got lost. So they had me use helping hearts at home or helping hands at home. I don't remember what your name was...
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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!
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...
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...
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...
When it comes to the activities - we are awaiting new Memory Support Director, hoping to see more activities and more varied activities. For the value for cost, expensive, care varies depending on staffing...
My mom is a resident at CuraVistas. The building was bought by a new company and has vastly improved. The Executive Director Jamie Bird is friendly and helpful. They recently hired a new activities person...
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...
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...
Go to this place first, the care was wonderful. The caregivers were great to my dad, he looked looked cozy and his skin always had color. They put mats down to protect him when he was falling out of bed. ...
A great place and a very beautiful place I think my husband will be a lot happier since he is there...They have a great staff and care about the people living there...If you are looking for a place for your...
Both my mother who is almost 98 and my sister who has memory problems are both at Eastern Star. We love the caretakers, the food is good, the facility is lovely and they have many activities and events in...
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...
We like everything. There is not a thing we don't like about Life Care Center of Stonegate. My mom likes it there. She like the food.
Our methodology
How we rank order the Aurora community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Aurora community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of nursing homes in the Aurora area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Aurora
- How people pay for a nursing home in Aurora
- Understand Colorado laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Aurora
- Aurora nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Aurora? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Aurora area
Skilled nursing facilities often cost much more than “traditional” senior housing options, such as assisted living or memory care. A large part of this is due to the care provided. At a skilled nursing facility, trained medical professionals administer medical care around the clock. Semi-private rooms average $8,669 per month in the Aurora area, and a private room is even more, averaging $10,053 per month.[01]
If you’re looking for an assisted living or memory care facility for your loved one, the cost will be about half as much. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, our partner assisted living averages $3,966 per month while our partner memory care runs roughly $4,622 per month.[02]
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Aurora, CO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Aurora, CO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Aurora vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Aurora, CO by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Aurora over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Aurora
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Aurora
Bethesda Gardens Thornton
Golden Orchard III in Wheat Ridge, CO
Lakewood Reserve
How people pay for a nursing home in Aurora
To pay for any type of senior care, you’ll probably have to use a variety of sources. Some of the most common include private payment methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. Read on to learn more about each option.
To cover the monthly costs associated with a senior care facility for your loved one, a combination of personal resources will be needed. Whether it’s assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, you and your loved one may find yourselves relying on a combination of Social Security benefits, pensions, personal savings, inheritances, distributions from retirement accounts, income generated from investments, and any one of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Aurora
About 19% of Aurora veterans are over the age of 75
If your loved one is a veteran, a range of VA benefits may be available to help offset the costs of assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing. The VA Pension is the most common because it can be put toward almost anything, including senior care and housing. Wartime veterans who require daily assistance with bathing, grooming, eating, etc. may also be eligible for the Aid & Attendance benefit. Paid in addition to the VA Pension, this benefit covers a number of personal care services.
VA Disability Compensation may be another option for veterans with a service-connected disability or conditions made worse by military service. It can be put toward care-related services and housing. Other disability benefits may also be available.
If you run into questions about eligibility or experience difficulties with the application process, veterans services officers can offer a helping hand. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans can connect you with an officer to help with the process. There’s also the Arapahoe County Veteran Services Office and the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs.
Resources for Aurora veterans
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs — Lakewood Office
155 Van Gordon St., Suite 201
Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 303-914-5832
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Arapahoe County Veteran Services Office
15400 E. 14th Plaza
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 303-738-8045
Email: VeteranServices@arapahoegov.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Lisa Rogers, veterans services officer
Contact: Josh Medina, veterans services officer
16070 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora, CO 80013
Phone: 303-680-6424
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans — Aurora Office
14401 E. Exposition Ave.
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 720-261-5859
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3631
18545 E. Colfax Ave.
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 303-344-2463
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Health First Colorado, Colorado’s Medicaid program, covers a range of health care services. This includes skilled nursing services provided or supervised by a nurse or other licensed professional. If, for example, someone needed inpatient rehabilitation services after surgery or illness, Health First Colorado would help cover the costs.
With assisted living or memory care, coverage would come through the home and community based services waiver program if a senior is eligible. The Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) waiver, for example, can help offset the cost of personal care services at an “alternative care facility,” such as a stand-alone assisted living or memory care community. However, the waiver only covers personal care services, not room and board.
Eligible seniors who are not currently enrolled in Health First Colorado can apply at any time through one of the following methods:
- Apply online through Colorado PEAK.
- Download the application and mail it to Health First Colorado at P.O. Box 35681, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.
- Apply in person at Arapahoe County Human Services department at 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora, CO 80012.
- Call 800-221-3943 between Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you have questions about eligibility or need assistance in helping your loved one apply for benefits, help is available. The Denver Regional Area Agency on Aging and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program can help you navigate the Health First Colorado benefits system and ensure that your loved one gets the benefits they need.
Aurora resident Medicaid resources
1570 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800-221-3943
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1001 17th St., Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-480-6700
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Any senior that is 65 or older and has Social Security Disability benefits is eligible for the federally run health insurance program Medicare and can apply online.
Medicare can cover skilled nursing on a short-term basis. Seniors qualify for skilled nursing coverage if they have days remaining in their benefit period and are enrolled in Part A, they’ve had a qualifying inpatient stay, or if a physician has deemed skilled nursing necessary.
Medicare doesn’t cover custodial care, so room and board at an assisted living or memory care facility isn’t covered. However, Medicare can cover medical services and supplies, such as inpatient hospital stays, physician fees, prescription medications, and medically necessary supplies and equipment.
You and your loved one will want to look into a number of Medicare-related programs for additional help in offsetting health care costs. Some of these programs include:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program. QMB is a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) in Colorado that can help offset the cost of premiums, copayments, deductibles, and prescription drugs for eligible seniors.
- Qualifying Individual (QI-1) Program. QI-1 is another one of Colorado’s MSPs. It can help in paying Medicare Part B premiums for eligible seniors.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program. Low-income seniors may be eligible for SLMB, another MSP that can help in paying Medicare Part B premiums.
- Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Colorado SHIP offers one-on-one assistance and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and their families.
- InnovAge Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). InnovAge PACE offers care coordination, meals, transportation, and other services to eligible seniors.
If you have questions or experience any issues with the Medicare application process, help is available through the Denver Regional Area Agency on Aging or Colorado’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.
Aurora resident Medicare resources
Aurora Social Security Administration Office
14280 E. Jewell Ave., Suite 250
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program
1560 Broadway, Suite 850
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 888-696-7213
InnovAge Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly
3551 N. Chambers Road
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 720-664-5455
Understand Colorado laws and regulations for nursing homes
Skilled nursing facilities are regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment at the state level and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the federal level.
Assisted living communities, memory care facilities, and all other types of senior care homes must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment prior to operation. The license will be valid for one year, and then the property will be subject to an inspection to determine whether it will be granted an extension. Extensions can span up to three years.
Past inspection reports are available on the Department of Public Health & Environment website. Just enter a community or facility name into the search bar to bring up details on any previous citations.
The regulations for both assisted living communities and memory care facilities are fairly standard. They cover the following topics:
- Staffing. Facilities must employ a full-time administrator, a qualified medication administration person, and sufficient staff to meet resident care needs. If offering memory care services, the facility should also employ dementia care staff.
- Training. All staff must receive proper training to ensure that the facility meets the personal, social, and emotional needs of residents. If offering memory care services, direct care staff must also go through annual dementia-related training.
- Admissions. A preadmission process must occur to determine the exact needs of residents. In particular, residents requiring memory care must take an assessment to gather any history and patterns of wandering.
- Staff-to-resident ratio. Assisted living communities must employ sufficient staff to meet residents’ personal care needs. If certified as an alternative care facility (i.e., one with a Medicaid contract), then the community must maintain a 1:10 ratio during the day and 1:16 during the evening. With memory care, the ratio drops to 1:6.
As with any residential community, all senior housing must comply with the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. No one can discriminate against a potential resident or offer less favorable terms and conditions if they’re part of a protected class. Also, reasonable accommodations must be made for seniors with disabilities.
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek S. Drive
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-2000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Aurora nursing homes
Currently, Aurora has no specific COVID-19 regulations for assisted living communities or memory care facilities. However, a facility may have its own guidelines.
Vaccinations. Getting vaccinated is encouraged but not required.
Masking. It’s encouraged but not required to wear a mask in public spaces.
Facility cleanliness. It’s recommended to regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and common-use items.
Social distancing. Residents to practice behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19.
What to expect from nursing homes in Aurora
Senior living communities offer a full range of services, amenities, and activities to ensure that all residents maintain their quality of life. Because each community is unique, it’s important to look at more than just the care services provided. What types of activities does the community offer? Will there be plenty of opportunities to socialize? What sorts of amenities are close by? Since Aurora is home to more than 100 parks, it may be nice to find a community with close access if your loved one enjoys the outdoors.
Continuum of care
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with nursing homes, but the 35 communities in our partner network offer a continuum of care.
- 2 stand-alone assisted living facilities
- 3 assisted living and independent living facilities
- 4 stand-alone memory care facilities
- 5 assisted living and memory care facilities
- 5 combination assisted living, memory care, and independent living
- 9 memory care and group home facilities
- 7 group homes
Group homes are small assisted living communities that follow the same rules as traditional facilities but cost less and provide a more personal experience. If none of these options suit you, there are 89 additional facilities within a 25-mile radius of downtown Aurora.
No shortage of activities
Aurora is home to numerous community events, festivals, and cultural celebrations, including the Festival of Wreaths, Fall Into Fun, Arapahoe County Fair, Carnival on the Plaza, and Aurora Rhythms. The majority of our partner communities have an activity director so that residents will get a chance to enjoy all that Aurora has to offer.
However, seniors don’t need to go on a day trip to stay busy. Many of the communities regularly schedule art classes, live musical performances, trivia games, and other activities. Active seniors may enjoy yoga, chair yoga, or stretching classes. And if someone wants to socialize, there are plenty of opportunities for that, too. Many of the communities hold barbecues, picnics, holiday parties, and happy hours.[02]
Health and well-being
Assisted living and memory care facilities provide residents with more than personal care. The communities in our partner network take the health and well-being of their residents seriously. Don’t be surprised if a community offers what’s known as Dakim BrainFitness, which is a cognitive exercise program to improve memory and keep the brain sharp. Many of our partner communities make occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and podiatry available to residents through visiting practitioners. They also have doctors and nurses on call, although more than half of our partner communities provide on-site nursing and full medication management.[02]
Aurora nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Aurora nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Aurora nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Aurora nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Aurora nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Aurora nursing homes
Explore senior care with confidence
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Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Aurora? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Aurora
Median annual income for Aurora seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Aurora
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is an academic hospital that’s ranked nationally in diabetes and endocrinology; ear, nose, and throat; gastroenterology; pulmonology; and rheumatology. It’s considered high performing in five specialties and 17 procedures or conditions.
The Medical Center of Aurora
The Medical Center of Aurora is known for its care delivery in a number of areas. This acute care hospital has been ranked as high performing in heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease.
Kindred Hospital Aurora
Kindred Hospital Aurora is an acute long-term care facility that offers a range of services, such as cardiac care, comprehensive rehabilitation, post-trauma, and stroke care.
Transportation for seniors in Aurora
Getting around Aurora and the surrounding area is rarely a problem for seniors living in one of our partner communities. Though the city itself isn’t known for its public transportation, options are made available to residents. Sixty percent of assisted living and memory care facilities provide complimentary transportation. Those that don’t will arrange at-cost transportation should your loved one need to get somewhere.[02]
If you’re visiting with family, know that the city is somewhat car-dependent.[07] This isn’t to say the area is void of public transit. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates one light-rail line and various bus routes throughout the city and offers discount rates to seniors if they have a Senior Special Discount Card. RTD also operates Access-a-Ride, a curb-to-curb ride-share service for people unable to use fixed-route transit. Because seniors living in an assisted living community or memory care facility shouldn’t ride alone, aides who accompany a passenger will ride for free.
There are additional private nonemergency transportation services available for your medical appointments, such as PrimeCare Colorado and A1 Medical Transport. These services provide assistance for ambulatory individuals as well as those using wheelchairs or stretchers.
Senior activities in Aurora
Our partner communities in Aurora offer seniors various in-house activities, such as gardening, arts and crafts, and cooking classes. Seniors can socialize with their peers and loved ones through these recreational opportunities. However, as the third largest city in the state of Colorado, Aurora always has something to see or do. The city is home to a thriving arts district, historic sites, unique shopping areas, and lots of open spaces. Plus, the Rocky Mountains and the Eastern Plains are just a short drive away.
If anyone is in the mood to enjoy some tunes, Aurora hosts a number of live music and concert series throughout the year. Vintage Theatre features live concerts as well as musicals, plays, and other events. The same can be said for the Aurora Fox Arts Center, which has a cabaret series, holiday concert, and New Year’s Eve celebration. And with the Red Rocks Amphitheatre no more than 45 minutes away, you can always plan your visit around your loved one’s favorite artist. New and old bands regularly play in the open-air theater.
If you and your loved one enjoy the outdoors, make a point of visiting Cherry Creek State Park. The park totals 4,000 acres, so the views alone will be worth the trip — the Rocky Mountains serve as a lovely backdrop. The park also has many amenities and activities, such as fishing, boating, biking, walking, and more. If you’re looking for a park on the smaller side, there’s also the Aurora Reservoir, Jewell Wetlands, and Appaloosa Park.
History buffs may be interested in one of the many historical sites around the area. The Plains Conservation Center has guided tours and replicas of a homestead village and tipi camp. You and your loved one can also visit the Coal Creek Schoolhouse, Centennial House, John Gully Homestead House, and the DeLaney Round Barn.
If you and your loved one would rather stick closer to home, Art in Public Places is always a fun excursion. Exhibits are scattered throughout the city. Looking for a little excitement? There’s always Bally’s Arapahoe Park, where live horse races are held from June through September. Want to knock down some pins? Head over to Bowlero, which sports 40 bowling lanes, a billiards lounge, an arcade, and a sports bar with plenty of delicious food and local craft beer.
Is wildlife more of an interest? Then, a visit to The Wild Animal Sanctuary is definitely in order. These 720 acres of grassland are now home to nearly 300 animals, including African lions, tigers, bears, camels, coyotes, foxes, emus, alpacas, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookdale Greenwood Village, Brookdale University Park and Brookdale Brighton are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Aurora, CO. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Aurora is $5,114 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). UCHealth University of Colorado.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Medical Center of Aurora.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Aurora.
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