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Memory Care in Colorado
Tax benefits for seniors and beautiful scenery make Colorado a popular place to retire. The state is home to around 5.84 million residents, with an estimated 15.1% of the population aged 65 and over. Seniors are at an increased risk for memory loss disorders such as Alzheimer’s, and recent information from the Alzheimer’s Association shows that Alzheimer’s is a growing health crisis in the U.S. Data from the CDC supports this statement, as the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Colorado increased by 27.98% between 2016 and 2020.
The state of Colorado meets the need for dementia care with facilities that offer a secure space for seniors to receive the level of personal care and support they require 24/7. Memory care facilities hire professional staff trained in memory loss disorders in an effort to slow cognitive decline.
This guide connects readers with statewide agencies that can provide support to those affected by dementia and explains the average costs of memory care.
Find Memory Care Options Near You
The Cost of Memory Care in Colorado
When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, 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 memory care in Colorado and its 23 cities.
Colorado residential assisted living communities also often provide memory care in separate secured areas. There is no national authority on memory care costs, so we used assisted living data from Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey with 25% added, as memory care is 20-30% more than assisted living on average.
Memory care costs in Colorado are $5,938, which is close to the national average of $5,625. The costs of memory care in nearby states vary. Utah has an average monthly memory care cost of $4,375, and Nebraska’s is $5,095. Wyoming’s cost is $5,212 per month on average for memory care and New Mexico’s is $5,623. Kansas has an average monthly memory care cost of $5,725, which is close to Colorado’s.
Colorado’s cities also have varying memory care costs depending on location. Boulder is the city with the highest cost for memory care at an estimated $7,844 per month. Denver’s cost is slightly less at $6,875 and Colorado Springs’ is $5,829. Greeley has a memory care cost of $5,500 per month on average, and Grand Junction’s is $5,313. Memory care in Fort Collins’ is less expensive at $5,000. The most affordable city in Colorado for memory care is Pueblo, with an estimated monthly cost of $4,750.
Pueblo
$4750
Colorado Springs
$5829
Denver
$6875
Fort Collins
$5000
Greeley
$5500
Boulder
$7844
Grand Junction
$5312
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Colorado
Inflation consistently shakes up things, especially when it comes to memory care costs in certain regions. Colorado stayed close to the nation's pattern with an 11.86% increase compared to the 10.4% average jump across the U.S. The change in Kansas was minimal at only 1.95%, and a modest 5.48% skip happened in New Mexico. Colorado's neighbor to the west did things differently by going down 3.7% in Utah, but Wyoming takes the prize with a sizeable 27.7% increase. So, planning ahead is key because inflation can have all sorts of surprises in store.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $5,326 | $5,958 | $6,382 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Wyoming | $4,712 | $6,020 | $6,341 |
| Utah | $4,595 | $4,425 | $4,997 |
| Kansas | $5,480 | $5,587 | $5,721 |
| New Mexico | $4,943 | $5,214 | $5,553 |
There are other care types for Colorado seniors besides memory care. Adults who require daytime care can receive adult day health care services for approximately $1,950 per month. Assisted living facilities cost around $4,750 per month, and both home health care and home care are $6,387. The $5,938 estimated cost of memory care in Colorado is lower than nursing home costs. For a semiprivate room, costs are approximately $8,567 per month, and private rooms cost around $9,726 monthly.
Adult Day Health Care
$1950
Assisted Living
$4750
Home Care
$6387
Home Health Care
$6387
Memory Care
$5938
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
$8567
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
$9726
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Colorado?
Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Colorado.
Colorado Medicaid — which is called Health First Colorado — does not directly cover memory care costs at a residential facility. However, seniors who have Medicaid or are eligible may qualify for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD). This waiver can help cover the costs of residential memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Seniors whose income disqualifies them for the Health First Colorado program may qualify for the Old Age Pension Health and Medical Care Program (OAP), which provides limited care and may be helpful in reducing expenses to income that can be used for memory care costs.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Colorado?
Medicaid does not directly cover the costs of memory care in Colorado. The EBD waiver provides the same medical benefits as Health First, along with other services including transition assistance, transportation and various other personal care services that memory care recipients may need. The OAP also covers certain types of senior care, but it’s more limited in scope than the EBD waiver. Both programs can help seniors retain more income that would usually be spent on the medical services these programs cover, so more funds can go towards residential memory care.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Colorado
The Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD)
The Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD) is limited to individuals who require long-term care at a level that’s comparable to a nursing facility. Applicants age 65 and older must be qualified by a doctor as having a significant cognitive and/or physical impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Applicant income must not exceed 300% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limits. Individuals cannot have resources exceeding $2,000. For couples, the resource limit is $3,000.
This waiver covers everything that’s covered by Health First Colorado, which includes but is not limited to doctor visits, dental care, emergency services, behavioral health services, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. In addition, there are senior-specific services that are covered by the EBD waiver, such as electronic monitoring and personal care, among others.
To apply for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD), you must first apply and qualify for the Health First Colorado program. If you are already enrolled in this program, contact the Member Contact Center at (800) 221-3943 or the local Single Entry Point (SEP). If you do not know your SEP location, you can find the location and contact information on the website.
How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Colorado
Colorado’s Health First Medicaid program has eligibility criteria that include age, disability status, citizenship status, age and income. Eligibility requirements for memory care recipients that must be met to qualify include:
- Age: Applicants must be 65 or older.
- Disability Status: Blind and/or disabled individuals may be eligible.
- Income: Applicants must have a gross yearly income that does not exceed $32,904 for singles and $65,808 for couples.
- Resources: Individuals can have no more than $2,000 in resources, and couples cannot exceed $3,000.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be verified as U.S. citizens to be eligible or provide documentation of legal resident status.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Colorado
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two Person | 1 | $32,904* | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two Person | 2 | $65,808 | $4,000 |
*Income limit is for applicant only.
Seniors who don’t meet income eligibility requirements for the Colorado Health First Program may qualify for other financial assistance programs through the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace. The Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) and prescription savings plans may also help reduce overall expenses so that more income can go toward memory care costs.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Colorado
Seniors or their caregivers can apply for Colorado Medicaid online at the Colorado PEAK website. Paper applications can be printed and mailed or dropped off at the correct county Medicaid office or application assistance site. In-person applications with a Medicaid worker can be done at the same locations.
Applications can also be submitted over the phone by calling (800) 221-3943 or State Relay: 711. Telephone service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Information You Will Need
Verifications must be provided when applying for the Colorado Health First Medicaid program. Seniors must provide the following information when applying:
- Identification and Social Security cards
- Immigration documentation if not a verified U.S. citizen
- Verification of income that may include tax documentation or employer information
- Verification of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Insurance policy documentation for all household members
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Seniors can obtain assistance with applying for the Health First Medicaid program by contacting the Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services. Alternatively, assistance can be obtained at a local application assistance site. Help can also be found on the PEAK website, or seniors can contact the Colorado Division of Aging and Adult Services.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services | (720) 737-4909 | Through this state office, seniors or their caregivers can get help with applying for Medicaid over the phone. |
| PEAK | Online | PEAK provides assistance with Medicaid applications. Help can be received through virtual chat on the PEAK website, or seniors can find the contact information for their local county office on the PEAK website and obtain assistance in person or via telephone. |
| Colorado Division of Aging and Adult Services | (303) 866-2800 | The Colorado Division of Aging and Adult Services connects seniors with their local Area Agency on Aging. In addition to Medicaid and waiver application assistance, this organization offers various other services for seniors and caregivers. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Colorado?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Colorado. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Colorado.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Colorado
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Memory Care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Memory Care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Memory Care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Memory Care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
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. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Colorado
Building design, levels of care, dining, medication management and staff training issues are among the rules and regulations enforced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Memory care programs can be incorporated within a secure area of an assisted living facility or dedicated structure. In Colorado, these types of facilities are often called Alternative Care Facilities and less commonly known as Personal Care Homes.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Memory Care | Assisted living facilities are permitted to offer memory care, including some nursing care, but residents with serious or long-term medical needs may be ineligible. Residents must be provided with appropriate and engaging activities and programs relating to their memory disorder. They must also receive the basics such as accommodation, security, meals, medication, assistance and socialization. |
| Admission and Care Plan | Colorado’s long-term care facilities are responsible for creating an admission policy. The state imposes some limits, such as the type and amount of nursing care provided and a prohibition of violent or self-harming residents. Each resident receives a care plan based on an initial assessment and followups, and it must include specifics on memory care if/when diagnosed, such as social and recreational opportunities tailored to cognitive abilities. |
| Medication Management | Medication can only be administered by professionals known as qualified medication administration persons (QMAP) and must be logged and stored in a secure area. Assisted living residents can manage and self-administer unless expressly forbidden. Memory care residents generally require assistance and/or administration. |
| Staff Screening and Training | All staff must receive a clear background and criminal history check upon employment in any role. Staff members must have the required or appropriate education, certification and licenses based on their role and resident needs. This includes training on the proper care and services for cognitive impairments such as dementia. |
| Medicaid Funding | Assisted living facilities that accept funding from Medicaid and are certified by the state to do so are known as Alternative Care Facilities. The facility is reimbursed for most personal care services, but residents must cover room and board. |
| Complaints, Abuse and Neglect | Residents and others concerned can call (303) 691-4045 report suspected violations in memory care and assisted living. Reports can also be submitted online or by mail. Staff members are legally required to report various issues to the state, facility management and/or administrators. |
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