Assisted Living in Colorado

Reviewed by BoomersHub Senior Living AdvisorsUpdated

Compare communities across 109 cities and 11 counties. Colorado averages $6,584 per month for assisted living, and BoomersHub advisors help you shortlist, confirm pricing, and book tours for free.

Why families choose Colorado

Colorado has a sunny, dry mountain climate and draws retirees for a health-conscious active-adult culture, strong hospital systems along the Front Range, and quick access to the Rockies. Communities cluster across Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Fort Collins, from small residential care homes to full-campus senior-living properties. This guide walks through what assisted living in Colorado costs, how families pay for it, the state's licensing rules, and how to shortlist communities without doing the legwork alone.

Colorado compares to the states around it

The average cost of assisted living in Colorado is $6,584 per month. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care, which is what our advisors confirm for you before you tour.

Average monthly cost of assisted living

  • Colorado$6,584
  • New Mexico$5,950
  • Kansas$5,975
  • Utah$5,475
  • Wyoming$5,325

State averages. Individual community rates vary by city, floor plan, and care level.

How assisted living compares to other senior care

Average monthly cost in Colorado by care type. Tap any card to explore that care type across the state.

Colorado state averages. Bars are scaled to the highest cost shown.

How to pay for assisted living in Colorado

Most Colorado families combine two or three of these. An advisor walks through which apply to your situation.

  • Option 1

    Private pay

    Many families pay for care with private funds: personal savings, pension payments, retirement accounts, or a combination of these and family contributions.

  • Option 2

    Selling your home

    Selling a parent's home can help finance assisted living, especially once the home is no longer occupied. Proceeds often fund several years of care.

  • Option 3

    Reverse mortgage

    Homeowners aged 62+ can convert part of their home equity into cash while retaining ownership, with no loan payments due while living in the home. A spouse may remain in the home while proceeds help pay for a partner's care.

  • Option 4

    Long-term care insurance

    LTC policies typically begin paying out when the policyholder needs help with two or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Check the policy's elimination period and daily benefit before counting on it.

  • Option 5

    Veteran's programs

    Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty (including one day during wartime) may qualify for VA benefits such as Aid & Attendance, which can add a monthly amount on top of a VA pension.

  • State program

    Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) Waiver — Colorado Medicaid

    Colorado Medicaid can help eligible lower-income seniors offset assisted living costs through the Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) Waiver. The program does not pay room and board, and not every Colorado community participates — confirm before you tour.

    Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) Waiver details

Assisted living regulations in Colorado

Every assisted living community in Colorado is licensed and inspected by Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment — Health Facilities Division. Colorado licenses 1 settings — see the cards below for what each covers. Communities must meet standards for staffing, caregiver training, medication administration, and building safety, with managers and staff completing continuing in-service training each year.

Licensed by Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment — Health Facilities DivisionWritten service plan for every resident1 license type
  • 01

    Assisted Living Residence (ALR)

    Colorado's standard licence — covers apartment-style residences that provide meals, personal care, and health monitoring; alternative-care facility (ACF) endorsement covers Medicaid participation.

Free assisted living resources in Colorado

What you should know about Colorado

The Colorado median for assisted living sits above the national average, driven by metro Denver population growth, strong demand, and a workforce that commands above-average wages. Where a state lands depends on labour costs, cost of living, and the mix of urban vs rural communities. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care — an advisor confirms current pricing for any community you're considering, free.

A Colorado expert in your corner, at no cost

Searching Colorado alone is overwhelming. Our advisors know the assisted living communities, the real pricing, and the availability across Colorado, and they do the legwork for you.

  • A shortlist matched to your care needs, budget, and preferred Colorado cities
  • Confirmed pricing and availability before you ever tour
  • Tours scheduled and move-in arrangements handled with your family
(877) 409-0666
  • 120Colorado cities and counties covered on BoomersHub
  • 1,000+Families guided to the right community since 2019
  • $0Cost to you. Our service is completely free for families

FAQs related to assisted living

How can I get my parents into Assisted Living in Colorado?

Start with an honest family conversation and a needs assessment from their physician. Tour two or three Colorado communities together, ask about care levels and pricing, then complete the community's health assessment and residency agreement. A BoomersHub advisor can shortlist communities, confirm pricing, and schedule tours for free.

What is pet-friendly Assisted Living?

Pet-friendly Assisted Living communities welcome residents' cats, small dogs, or other companion animals, usually with size limits, a pet deposit, and the expectation that the resident or family can care for the pet. Ask each Colorado community for its written pet policy before move-in.

What is the total number of Assisted Living facilities in the US?

Over 30,000 licensed Assisted Living communities across the United States, housing more than 800,000 residents (AHCA / NCAL industry data). Ranges from large resort-style campuses to small residential care homes.

Which states have the highest number of Assisted Living facilities?

Large states lead the count: California, Florida, and Texas consistently rank among the top states for the number of licensed Assisted Living communities.

What are the cheapest states to live in as a senior?

Southern and Midwestern states consistently rank among the most affordable for Assisted Living — Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota all sit well below the national median. New England, the West Coast, and Alaska are the expensive end.

What is the average age of a Assisted Living resident?

The average Assisted Living resident is in their mid-80s. A typical resident needs help with 2 or 3 daily activities — bathing, dressing, medication management. Many move in after living alone became difficult rather than after a single medical event.

Can you keep pets in Assisted Living facilities?

Many Colorado communities allow pets — most commonly cats and small dogs, subject to the community's pet policy. Expect size or breed limits, a pet deposit, and a check that the resident or family can handle daily pet care.

Do the total costs of Assisted Living include medical care?

Usually not. The base monthly rate typically covers housing, meals, housekeeping, activities, and help with daily activities. Medical services (doctor visits, therapy, medications) are billed separately, often through Medicare or private insurance. Ask each community exactly where its rate ends and medical billing begins.

Do Assisted Living communities allow visitors?

Yes. Family and friends are welcome at Colorado Assisted Living communities, subject to reasonable visiting hours and sign-in policies. Many communities also host family dinners, holiday events, and overnight guest options.

Does Colorado Medicaid pay for Assisted Living?

Partially. Colorado Medicaid programs (HCBS waivers) can cover personal-care services in participating Assisted Living facilities for eligible lower-income seniors. Waivers do not pay for room and board, and not every community participates, so confirm before touring.

What families say about Colorado

It was wonderful to be a resident at the resort for four weeks. All staff members are professionals and have supportive attitudes. There are many options for food and they can cater to all tastes. The place is clean and well maintained. Daily changes are made to the bedding and towels. The activities are very social and fun. This is the best option for those who need to recover in a calm environment with therapy that is tailored to their needs.

The Healthcare Resort Of Colorado Springs · Colorado Springs

It is a wonderful community! It gives you that feeling of being at home. It is a home away form home, and the residents are very welcoming. They are happy to visit, socialize, and be part of a family. The company has policies and procedures that ensure residents are taken care of every day.

Jose · Cadence Aurora · Aurora

This wonderful senior living facility was home to my mom for over four years. She felt secure and was able to choose from many activities, including trips to the mountains, Rockies games and local restaurants. It is run well and has a friendly staff. It will be a wonderful place for me to call home in my later years.

Greyson · Sunrise At Flatirons · Broomfield

My mother-in law needed help and her doctor recommended Sunrise at Cherry Creek to us. After looking at several communities, we decided to make Sunrise at Cherry Creek our new home. The staff's genuine care was what impressed us the most. My mother-in law became part of their family, and they became part of hers. This was especially important after COVID. We felt secure that we could keep in touch with her via various channels and that she was safe. We were also grateful that she could age in her own home. We were so grateful to have established a relationship before she was put on Hospice. They were just as supportive to us as they were to her. Sunrise at Cherry Creek's culture and staff are exceptional.

Thomas · Sunrise Assisted Living At Cherry Creek · Denver

Staff work so hard to establish a personal connection with residents and their families. The staff are great human beings and each fills many roles at Cinnamon park. They were able to assist me in resolving technical issues that my 85-year old mother had with her phone and computer. They are supportive. This was a lifesaver during Covid, when no one is allowed into the building. Cinnamon Park staff are angels.

Benicio · Cinnamon Park · Longmont

My parents have found The Bridge to be so helpful. They receive all the support they need to live safely and comfortably. They offer meals, laundry, housekeeping, and health checks. Our entire family has benefited from their services and the community they created.

Melvin · The Bridge Assisted Lvg At Life Care Ctr Of Longmont · Longmont

Explore assisted living in nearby states

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