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Dubbed the Mile High City for its high elevation, Denver is sought out for its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene and comfortable climate. The city is home to nearly 730,000 people and has a senior community that makes up over 11% of residents. While Denver has a relatively high cost of living, seniors can deduct a large portion of their retirement income on state taxes, which may make it an affordable option. Its thriving downtown region features the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian promenade with outdoor cafes, shops and movie theaters. The city’s art districts hold First Friday art walks that are open to the public, and public art exhibits showcase the local culture and talent. Visitors also enjoy exploring the exhibitions at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which offers discounts admission to those aged 65 and over.
Denver has 66 assisted living facilities. On average, seniors pay $4,500 per month for assisted living, though pricing varies widely depending on the facility’s location and amenities.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Assisted living costs $4,500 per month on average in Denver, which is nearly $400 higher than the statewide average of $4,095. Compared to surrounding states, Denver’s costs are relatively high. Seniors may find more affordable care in Wyoming, where assisted living averages $3,780 per month, or in Nebraska, where it’s $3,819. Utah is the most affordable option, with monthly assisted living expenses averaging $3,400, while Kansas is the most expensive at $4,473 per month.
Assisted living costs in other Colorado cities vary depending on factors like population density and cost of living. Denver is among the pricier major cities in the state, surpassed only by Boulder, where seniors pay an average of $4,750 per month, and Grand Junction, where care costs $4,699 monthly. More affordable care may be available in Fort Collins ($3,848), Colorado Springs ($4,000), Greeley ($3988) and Pueblo ($3,800).
Denver seniors have access to Medicaid and non-Medicaid programs to help them cover assisted living expenses. The Old Age Pension Program is available to low-income seniors and provides a monthly cash benefit that can be used toward living expenses at the program participant’s discretion. The state also covers assisted living services through Health First Colorado, its Medicaid program, via the Elderly, Blind and Disabled waiver.
To learn more about paying for assisted living services in Denver, visit our Assisted Living in Colorado page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Denver Regional Council of Government | 303-480-6700 | The Denver Regional Council of Government is the city’s Area Agency on Aging. It is responsible for establishing a comprehensive system of community-based services to meet the needs of local seniors aged 60 and over. Some services include transportation, home-delivered and congregate meals, legal services and overseeing senior centers. This AAA is also an Aging and Disability Resource Center, meaning that it provides information and options counseling for older adults. Through the ADRC, seniors can find out more about local resources they may be eligible for. |
| Denver Vet Center | 303-326-0645 | The Denver Vet Center provides an array of services for local veterans and their family members. Some services veterans can receive here include grief counseling, substance abuse assessments and referrals, and referrals for other VA services. At this location, veterans can also receive assistance with finding a VA health care provider or find out how to apply for the VA pension and Aid and Attendance assistance, which they can use to cover assisted living expenses. |
| Seniors’ Resource Center | 303-238-8151 | Seniors’ Resource Center is a local nonprofit organization that promotes local seniors’ independence and quality of life through a variety of services, informational resources, advocacy and leadership initiatives. It provides transportation services for medical needs and necessary errands, as well as food and housing assistance for at-risk seniors. The Center also operates five senior centers throughout the state, including the Wheat Ridge Senior Center, which is located in Denver. |
| Active Older Adults Program | 720-865-0603 | The Active Older Adults Program is a city-run program that provides wellness, exercise and recreational activities for area residents aged 50 and over. Some classes and activities for residents include SilverSneakers, a free exercise program sponsored by various health care companies, pickleball, gardening and book clubs, games and luncheons. Those aged 60 and over are eligible for membership in AOA’s MY Denver Prime program, which gives access to 30 recreation centers, nearly three dozen indoor and outdoor pools, and fitness clubs and classes. |
| Denver SeniorCorps – RSVP | 303-297-0408 | SeniorCorps – RSVP is a national service program that matches volunteers aged 55 and over with part-time opportunities at nonprofit partnering agencies and hospitals. The Denver Chapter works with over 50 area agencies and focuses on four areas, including healthy futures, education, community needs and veterans’ services. Some volunteer opportunities available to seniors include delivering meals to seniors, providing GED training, maintaining community gardens and green spaces, educating the community on disaster preparedness or becoming a knitting or crocheting instructor. In exchange for volunteer services, participants may be eligible for benefits like supplemental health insurance and travel reimbursements. |
In Denver, assisted living communities, also called assisted living residences, are governed and licensed by the Department of Public Health and Environment. All facilities are required to adhere to the Department’s laws and regulations. For more information about the laws that govern assisted living facilities in Denver, visit our Assisted Living in Colorado page.