Memory Care Communities in Denver, CO

The estimated monthly price for Memory Care in Denver is $6,875, significantly higher than the national average of $5,625 and the Colorado state average of $5,938. Only the city of Boulder is more expensive at $7,844 a month. The other end of the spectrum is represented by Pueblo at $4,750. Meanwhile, at $5,829, Colorado Springs is close to the state average.

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 more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of memory care in Denver and 22 other cities in Colorado.

Denver seniors have several options for paying for memory care services, including Medicaid, Veterans Administration benefits and their own funds. By developing personalized financial strategies for long-term care expenses, seniors and families can ensure the viability of memory care.

• Medicaid: The Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver expands Medicaid’s benefits to cover residential care, helping many memory care residents afford services. Some benefits of this program include respite care, personal care assistance and specialized medical equipment.
• Medicare: Denver’s memory care residents can use their Medicare coverage to pay for services such as medication administration and skilled nursing. While this health insurance program doesn’t pay for the custodial care that makes up the bulk of memory care services, it helps seniors reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
• VA Benefits: The VA’s Geriatrics and Extended Care program provides direct coverage for memory care services such as help with bathing, dressing and personal grooming. Qualified individuals can also obtain financial assistance through the Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits, which provide an increased monthly pension.
• Private payments: Memory care residents use their monthly income and retirement savings to cover fees left after public payment options. Memory care facilities accept private payments for all expenses, including housing, personal care and meal plans.

Older adults who wish to remain in their homes can employ homemaker services for an average of $6,769 a month. Slightly more intensive home health aide services are available for $6,864. Assisted living falls in a lower price range at $5,500, while adult daycare is the least expensive option at $2,275. The most robust care reaches five digits: a private room in a nursing home costs $10,053 per month, while a semiprivate one can be had for approximately $8,669.

Overseeing community care in Denver is the responsibility of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Representatives of the CDPHE license, certify and conduct inspections on Memory Care facilities, adult day care communities, nursing homes and similar group living locations.

Benefits

• With a 5,280-foot elevation, Denver sits a mile above sea level. However, incoming memory care residents typically adapt quickly to the altitude, with acclimation rarely taking more than 3 days. Living at a high altitude can have some health benefits for older adults, including a higher survival rate from stroke and cardiovascular disease.
• Denver residents experience about 245 sunny days annually compared to the national average of 205 days, supporting memory care residents’ mental health and quality of life. Summer temperatures typically range from 82-89 degrees Fahrenheit, and average winter daytime temperatures generally stay well above freezing.
• Because Denver County serves as a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, memory care residents in Denver benefit from initiatives such as affordable housing, Vision Zero transportation policies and access to outreach programs through 2-1-1, 3-1-1 and 9-1-1.  

Drawbacks

• Denver’s cost of living outpaces the national average by almost 20%. High health care, housing and transportation costs drive this trend and may impact memory care costs, but programs such as the Medicaid EBD Waiver promote access to affordable care.
• Denver sees over 74 illegal incidents per 1,000 people every year, including roughly 11 violent crimes and 64 nonviolent offenses. Fortunately, crime may be less of a concern for people in memory care facilities, which mostly have secure entrances and exits.