Assisted Living in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, nestled at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, is a haven for seniors. With its stunning vistas, pleasant climate, and ample recreational opportunities, it’s no surprise that this vibrant community attracts numerous retirees. In fact, over 13% of the city’s nearly 480,000 residents are seniors.

As seniors age, they may require additional support for daily tasks. This is where assisted living facilities step in, providing personal care services while allowing seniors to maintain their independence. In Colorado Springs, the average cost for these services is around $4,663 per month, nearly $100 less than the statewide average.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to assisted living in Colorado Springs, featuring essential information about local facilities, costs, and resources available to support seniors.

Colorado Springs: A Haven for Seniors

Colorado Springs offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and city comforts, making it an attractive destination for seniors. The city is home to world-class healthcare facilities specializing in geriatric care, including UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, the only comprehensive stroke care center in southern Colorado.

Despite Colorado’s reputation for being expensive, Colorado Springs is surprisingly affordable for retirees. The cost of living here is 14% lower than the statewide average, making it an economical option for seniors looking to maximize their retirement savings.

One of the most appealing aspects of retiring in Colorado Springs is the state’s tax-friendliness towards retirees. If you’re 65 and older, you’re eligible for a deduction of up to $24,000 on all forms of retirement income.

What to Expect from Assisted Living

Assisted living is a long-term care option designed to provide personal care support services such as meals, medication management, bathing, dressing, and transportation. Assisted living communities in Colorado Springs offer a wide range of services and amenities to seniors, including:

24/7 Care: Assisted living facilities provide around-the-clock supervision and support for seniors, ensuring their safety and well-being. They offer help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and more.
Meals: Most facilities provide three meals a day, snacks, and special dietary menus. They also have communal dining areas where residents can socialize during meal times.
Activities: Assisted living communities offer a variety of social, recreational, and educational activities to keep residents engaged and active. These might include fitness classes, movie nights, craft sessions, outings, and more.
Amenities: Many facilities come equipped with amenities such as fitness centers, libraries, gardens, salons, and more. Some even offer luxury features like movie theaters, bistros, and therapeutic pools.
Healthcare Services: In addition to personal care, assisted living facilities often provide access to various healthcare services. These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more.

Cost of Assisted Living in Colorado Springs

The cost of assisted living in Colorado Springs can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the facility, the level of care required, the type of apartment chosen, and the range of amenities provided. Generally, residents can expect to pay between $4,260 and $6,000 per month. In addition, most communities charge a one-time community fee ranging from $2,500 to $4,000.

On average, residents of assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs pay around $4,663 per month. While this is slightly higher than the U.S. national average of $4,500, it’s below the statewide median of $4,750.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living

Paying for assisted living can be a challenge for many seniors and their families. However, there are several options available to help cover these costs, such as:

Veterans Benefits: Veterans may be eligible for Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefits, a monthly stipend that can be used toward the cost of a long-term care or assisted living facility.
Long-term Care Insurance: This type of insurance can help cover the costs associated with assisted living. Benefits vary depending on the policy and policyholder, so it’s essential to review your benefits carefully.
Reverse Mortgage: For homeowners, a reverse mortgage can provide a source of income that can be used to pay for assisted living expenses.
Medicaid: For those who qualify, Medicaid can help cover some costs associated with residing in an assisted living community.

Top Assisted Living Communities in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs boasts several top-tier assisted living communities, each offering a unique blend of services, amenities, and care. Here are a few notable mentions:

The Retreat at Sunny Vista: This facility offers high-quality care and unparalleled resident engagement in a stunning setting with beautiful gardens and exquisite mountain views.
Melody Living: Offering refined senior living options, Melody Living provides opportunities for residents to embrace a Life in Harmony™ in their independent living, assisted living, and memory care community.
Brookdale Monument Valley Park: This community provides nurturing care in a luxurious setting. Residents enjoy spacious private and semi-private apartments and access to a wide range of amenities.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Colorado Springs

Several resources in and around Colorado Springs can help seniors currently living in assisted living residences or those considering making the transition to one of these communities. These resources can help improve seniors’ overall quality of life:

Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging: This agency helps connect seniors aged 60 and older with local resources, services, and information that can assist seniors, including insurance assistance, Medicare advice, free legal counseling, and mobility coordination.
Silver Key Senior Services: A nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that offers assistance to seniors across the Pike Peaks region. Its programs include behavioral health support, companionship, case management, and more.
Colorado Springs Vet Center: This no-cost organization helps seniors who have served understand and access their VA benefits.
Colorado Springs Senior Center: This center hosts a variety of programs, events, and activities for seniors aged 55 and older, including art classes, exercise groups, lifelong learning, movies, and special interest groups.

Conclusion

Assisted living in Colorado Springs can provide seniors with the care, support, and lifestyle they need to thrive in their golden years. Whether you’re a senior looking for a community that fits your needs or a family member researching options for a loved one, understanding what to expect from assisted living can help you make an informed decision.