Assisted Living Facilities in Durango, CO

Nestled in the southwestern region of Colorado, Durango is a mountainous community known for its iconic Mesa Verde National Park, a vibrant downtown district and numerous museums that tell the story of the region’s rich history. It’s a prime retirement destination for seniors seeking an active lifestyle with access to health care amenities, reliable public transportation and retiree-friendly state income tax laws. The city also has several assisted living facilities to meet the needs of its seniors, an age group that makes up 15% of its 20,000 residents.  

Assisted living facilities provide long-term care for older adults unable to safely or comfortably live alone. These facilities offer housing, typically in studios or apartment-style units, daily meals and snacks and a variety of activities throughout the week to promote an active lifestyle. They also have trained caregivers who provide care according to individualized service plans. In Durango, assisted living facilities typically charge $3,999 per month for housing and care, which is notably lower than the state norm of $4,750 and the national average of $4,500.

This guide for assisted living in Durango highlights programs that help seniors pay for long-term care and outlines some resources that provide information and guidance.

Assisted living facilities in Durango, officially called assisted living residences, are licensed through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This department provides tools and staff training to promote a high standard of care, and it enforces rules related to care planning, transportation services, medication management and recreation. It also publishes information about resolving concerns related to assisted living.

 

• Colorado’s income tax laws are generous toward retirees, which may enable some seniors to afford assisted living expenses in Durango. Those aged 55 to 64 are eligible for a $20,000 deduction, and those aged 65 and up can claim a $24,000 deduction. This deduction can offset what residents owe on Social Security benefits, withdrawals from retirement accounts and disbursements from public and private pensions.
• Durango offers high access to medical support for seniors through access to two hospitals within its city limits, including Centura Mercy Hospital and Animas Surgical Hospital. Together, these facilities offer a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services.
• Durango has a seasonal climate with average year-round temperatures ranging from 13 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. The warm season lasts from late May until the middle of September, and the cold season falls between late November and late February. To help residents stay comfortable year-round, assisted living facilities often have features such as individual climate controls, along with indoor and outdoor events and activities.
• In a typical year, La Plata County, where Durango is located, has 3 days in which ozone pollution levels are high enough to impact sensitive groups, including seniors. Based on this, the American Lung Association gives the region a C for high ozone days. Fortunately, many assisted living facilities have air purification systems and indoor activities throughout the year, enabling residents to stay indoors when outdoor conditions are unsafe.
• The Durango Senior Services Transportation Program is available to those aged 60 and over and can supplement the transportation services available through residential care facilities. This door-to-door service can help older adults attend medical appointments, take care of errands and enjoy social outings in the community.

 

In Durango, assisted living facilities charge $3,999 per month on average for housing and services.

Seniors in Durango pay $3,999 per month on average for assisted living, which is hundreds of dollars lower than Colorado’s norm of $4,750 and about 11% lower than care costs nationwide. While monthly care costs in Pueblo trend a little lower at $3,800 per month, seniors in Grand Junction pay about 6% more per month than seniors in Durango. Similarly, care costs in Colorado Springs are about 17% higher than in Durango, and in Denver, rates exceed local care costs by 38%.

Assisted living facilities in Durango charge an average monthly rate of $3,999 for care, making this the most economical senior care option surveyed in the city. Seniors who live in their own homes pay about 38% more than assisted living residents for in-home care, which includes basic custodial services, and home health care, which includes skilled nursing. Similarly, nursing home rates are 70% higher than assisted living costs in this city.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

 

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

 

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Colorado page.