If you’re looking for a place for your loved one to slow down and enjoy a more laid-back approach to life, Aurora, Colorado, won’t disappoint. The outdoors is truly something to behold year-round in Aurora, with majestic mountain settings and stunning, wide-open vistas. But it’s really the slower pace that makes the city a desirable location, bringing an influx of senior housing options for retirees.
One of those options is assisted living. In fact, there are currently 22 assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s partner network operating within a 10-mile radius of Aurora’s downtown center — all of which offer residents the opportunity to live independently, just with some assistance when necessary. Many also offer seniors the opportunity to age in place, providing not just assisted living but independent living and/or memory care on the same campus.
So many options can easily lead to analysis paralysis. Which community should you choose? That’s why A Place for Mom has put together this guide. In it, you’ll find details on assisted living communities, all ranked by various categories. You’ll also find information on payment options, local and state laws and regulations, transportation, and health care, as well as facts and details about living in Aurora and its surrounding area.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Aurora, CO
If you’re looking for a place for your loved one to slow down and enjoy a more laid-back approach to life, Aurora, Colorado, won’t disappoint. The outdoors is truly something to behold year-round in Aurora, with majestic mountain settings and stunning, wide-open vistas. But it’s really the slower pace that makes the city a desirable location, bringing an influx of senior housing options for retirees.Read more
One of those options is assisted living. In fact, there are currently 22 assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s partner network operating within a 10-mile radius of Aurora’s downtown center — all of which offer residents the opportunity to live independently, just with some assistance when necessary. Many also offer seniors the opportunity to age in place, providing not just assisted living but independent living and/or memory care on the same campus.
So many options can easily lead to analysis paralysis. Which community should you choose? That’s why A Place for Mom has put together this guide. In it, you’ll find details on assisted living communities, all ranked by various categories. You’ll also find information on payment options, local and state laws and regulations, transportation, and health care, as well as facts and details about living in Aurora and its surrounding area.
Aurora Assisted Living Facilities | 846 Reviews
A great place and a very beautiful place I think my husband will be a lot happier since he is there...They have a great staff and care about the people living there...If you are looking for a place for your...
I have been very pleased with the care that my mother has been receiving at this community, The staff have been absolutely wonderful and really have made sure my mom has felt comfortable and welcomed in her...
Valerie is extremely caring and has really made my mother in law feel very welcome. She takes her swimming with her each morning with her which we really appreciate. It helps my mother in law to have...
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Both my mother who is almost 98 and my sister who has memory problems are both at Eastern Star. We love the caretakers, the food is good, the facility is lovely and they have many activities and events in...
- What families are saying about assisted living in Aurora
- Costs of assisted living in the Aurora area
- How people pay for assisted living in Aurora
- Understand Colorado laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Aurora
- What to expect from assisted living in Aurora
- Explore senior care with confidence
What families are saying about assisted living in Aurora
Recent reviews for assisted living in Aurora
Caley Ridge Assisted Living in Englewood, CO
Poppy's Place in Centennial, CO
Blue Spruce Assisted Living Facility in Castle Rock, CO
Costs of assisted living in the Aurora area
The cost of assisted living depends largely on the size of the apartment, the services and amenities offered, and the location of the community. Here in Aurora, expect to pay an average of $3,966 per month for one of our partner facilities, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure includes rent, associated fees, and service fee add-ons, as well as in-house care, medication management, and other care-related services at our partner communities. You may also find a move-in fee charged in some communities.
The following figures represent the average baseline costs for the immediate area and do not always include additional fees for ancillary services.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Aurora, CO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Aurora, CO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Aurora vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Aurora, CO by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Aurora over time
How people pay for assisted living in Aurora
How to go about paying for assisted living will vary from one person to the next, often involving a combination of personal resources, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. Here, you will find information about all of these payment options.
Most seniors moving to an assisted living community will likely rely at least partly on personal resources to cover the costs, such as Social Security benefits, retirement savings, retirement accounts, pensions, income generated by investments, or any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Aurora
About 19% of Aurora veterans are 75 and older
A number of VA benefits have been made available to eligible veterans thinking of making the move to an assisted living community in the Aurora area. While the VA Pension is the most obvious option, it would be advisable to look into the Aid & Attendance (A&A) pension as well. Paid in addition to the VA Pension, A&A has been earmarked for wartime veterans who require assistance in activities of daily life (i.e., bathing, grooming, eating).
If your loved one has a service-related disability or a condition made worse from service, he or she may also be eligible for VA Disability Compensation. This benefit can help cover the costs of both housing and care-related services. Depending on the level of aid and attendance required, additional monthly benefits may be available.
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start — or whether your loved one is eligible. Veterans services officers are available to answer your questions and help you navigate the VA benefits system. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans can all provide guidance or connect you with a representative. The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs can also offer further assistance.
Resources for Aurora veterans
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
155 Van Gordon St., Suite 201
Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 303-914-5832
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Arapahoe County Veterans Service Office
15400 E. 14th Plaza
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 303-738-8045
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Lisa Rogers, veterans services officer
Contact: Josh Medina, veterans services officer
16070 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 303-680-6424
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans – Denver Regional Office
8720 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80220
Phone: 720-379-3405
Health First Colorado, Colorado’s Medicaid program, can be of assistance in offsetting some costs associated with assisted living. If eligible, seniors can use the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) waiver, one of the state’s home and community based services (HCBS) waiver plans, toward the cost of personal care services at home or an “alternative care” facility, such as an assisted living community. The waiver, however, won’t pay for room and board.
When ready to apply for Health First Colorado benefits, you can do so in one of four ways:
- Apply online through Colorado PEAK.
- Download the application and mail it to Health First Colorado at P.O. Box 35681, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.
- Drop off the application in person at the Arapahoe County Human Services, 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora, CO 80012.
- Call the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing at 1-800-221-3943, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m
If you have questions about eligibility or need any assistance in applying for benefits, help is available. The Denver Regional Area Agency on Aging and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program can both ensure that your loved one gets the benefits he or she needs. An ombudsman is a trained volunteer and a necessary resource when you want all your Medicaid-related questions answered.
Aurora resident Medicaid resources
1570 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800-221-3943
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1575 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-862-3524
Contact: Arapahoe County Ombudsman Shannon Gimbel
Most health insurance programs don’t cover assisted living, Medicare included. The program does help cover the costs associated with short-term in-home health care, inpatient hospital stays, prescription medications, and medical equipment.
The coverage also comes with a number of other services and resources that can be beneficial for seniors who’ve made the move to an assisted living community, including:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program. QMB is Colorado State’s Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help offset the cost of copayments, premiums, deductibles, and prescription drugs for eligible seniors.
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program. QI is another of the state’s MSPs, but it’s only to help in paying Medicare Part B premiums.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program. As the name implies, SLMB is an MSP for low-income individuals to help in paying Medicare Part B premiums.
- Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Colorado SHIP offers one-on-one assistance and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and their families.
- InnovAge Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. InnovAge is the local PACE program that offers care coordination, transportation, meals, and other services to eligible seniors.
Anyone who is 65 or older, as well as individuals with certain disabilities, can apply for health coverage through Medicare. For Aurora residents, you can do so by phone or in person at the Aurora Social Security Administration Office. Find the address and phone number below. If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, contact either the Denver Regional Area Agency on Aging or Denver’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.
Aurora resident Medicare resources
Aurora Social Security Administration Office
14280 E. Jewell Ave., Suite 250
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Colorado Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1575 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-862-3524
Contact: Arapahoe County Ombudsman Shannon Gimbel
Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program
1001 17th St., Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-480-6835
InnovAge Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly
3551 N. Chambers
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 720-664-5455
Understand Colorado laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
In the state of Colorado, assisted living communities must be licensed by the Department of Public Health and Environment prior to operation. An assisted living license is valid for one year. Once licensed, communities are then subject to regular inspections and then are eligible to extend their license up to another three years. You can review past inspection reports on the Department of Public Health and Environment website.
Inspections of assisted living communities are a bit more thorough than those conducted for other residential rental properties, as the focus isn’t just on the facility itself — though that, too, is an aspect. Inspectors are making sure all standards are being met for licensure. For example, assisted living communities must meet all staffing requirements, including a full-time administrator, someone qualified to administer medication, and sufficient staff to provide care.
If certified as an alternative care facility (i.e., one with a Medicaid contract), then the community must maintain a 1:10 ratio of staff to residents during the day and 1:16 during the evening. If a secured facility, which would be a community that also provides memory care, the ratio drops to 1:6.
In addition to staffing requirements, licensed assisted living communities must also meet certain training requirements for administrators and personal care staff alike. And if also offering memory care, then that training must include a dementia component, usually through the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association.
Apart from the standards set by the Department of Public Health and Environment to operate as an assisted living community, owners and operators must abide by the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That means no one can discriminate against your loved one or offer less favorable terms and conditions if he or she is part of a protected class. Also, reasonable accommodations must be made for individuals with disabilities. Chances are good that these accommodations have already been made, as the community is offering assisted living. But it’s still important to keep this in mind should a doorway need to be widened to accommodate a wheelchair or grab bars installed for someone with a mobility issue.
Colorado Department of Health contact information
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek S. Drive
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-2000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Aurora assisted living facilities
Currently, Aurora has no specific COVID-19 regulations for assisted living communities. It’s important to note, however, that a given community may institute its own guidelines, which may include:
Vaccinations. Getting vaccinated is encouraged but not required.
Masking. Wearing a mask is encouraged but not required in public spaces.
Facility cleanliness. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and common-use items are recommended.
Social distancing. Communities should encourage residents to practice behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Get to know assisted living in Aurora
What to expect from assisted living in Aurora
Assisted living communities make it possible for seniors to live independently, even when they require some assistance from time to time. Perhaps it’s gotten difficult to get dressed in the morning; someone on staff will be there to lend a helping hand. However, assisted living is more than just personal care. As the Gateway to the Rockies, Aurora and its surrounding communities offer residents a myriad of other services, activities, and amenities that will allow your loved one to live just as rich of a life as they would if they were still living at home.
Always something to do
One of the things you should know about the assisted living communities in Aurora is that your loved one will rarely find themselves bored. Day trips and outings are a common occurrence, so expect to visit the likes of the Aurora History Museum, Vintage Theatre, Colorado Freedom Memorial, or even Heirlooms Antique Mall. The same can be said for live musical performances that are brought in. Seniors can also take part in art classes, trivia games, barbecues, picnics, and holiday parties. And if they’re really looking for an opportunity to socialize, a number of our partner communities schedule regular happy hours for residents.[01]
Whatever ails you
Personal care is the main service offered at assisted living communities. The staff is there to offer assistance. But medical-related services are also provided at many of the communities in our partner network. More than 75% of facilities make available visiting occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Even more communities have a visiting podiatrist that your loved one can see. And while half of the communities staff an on-site nurse, others will bring in visiting nurses and doctors.[01]
When wanting to age in place
Making the move to an assisted living community is often a big decision, and while there are two stand-alone assisted living communities in our partner network, most others are combined with other care types:
- 3 combination independent living and assisted living facilities
- 5 combination independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities
- 5 combination assisted living and memory care
- 7 group homes, which are residential homes providing an even more intimate, personalized experience
Within a 25-mile radius of downtown Aurora, your loved one has even more options:
- 13 stand-alone assisted living facilities
- 5 combination assisted living and independent living facilities
- 15 combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities
- 23 combination assisted living and memory care facilities
- 8 group homes
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Aurora
Median annual income for Aurora seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Aurora
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is an academic hospital, ranked nationally in diabetes and endocrinology; ear, nose, and throat; gastroenterology; pulmonology; and rheumatology. The facility is considered high performing in five specialties and 17 procedures/conditions.
The Medical Center of Aurora
Though UCHealth receives much praise in the area, The Medical Center of Aurora (TMCA) is known for its care delivery in a number of areas. This acute care hospital has been ranked as high performing in heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Kindred Hospital Aurora
Kindred Hospital Aurora is an acute, long-term care facility that offers a range of services such as cardiac care, comprehensive rehabilitation, post-trauma, and stroke care.
Transportation for seniors in Aurora
Being a relatively big city (it’s the third largest in Colorado), Aurora isn’t known for its public transportation. Its transit score is just 35 out of 100.[06] The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates one light-rail line and various bus routes throughout the city. If 65 and older, your loved one is eligible for a 50% discount with a Senior Special Discount Card.
Fortunately, the assisted living communities in our partner network make it very easy for your loved one to get around. Nearly three-quarters of them offer complimentary transportation. If not, at-cost transportation might be an option, as half of the communities offer at-cost transportation.[01]
That option will likely come by way of Access-a-Ride, which is a ride-share service established by RTD. You’ll need to apply prior to scheduling a ride, but it’s a fairly easy process and comes with a subsidy of up to $25. The Seniors’ Resource Center also operates a no-cost ride-share service for anyone 60 or older. The only drawback is that trips must be within a 10-mile radius of Aurora and are only available between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Aurora offers two more private non-emergency transportation services: PrimeCare Colorado and A1 Medical Transportation. These companies focus on meeting a wide range of mobility requirements by offering ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher assistance. Their specialized services ensure they can cater to diverse mobility needs effectively.
If your loved one moves to an assisted living community in the neighborhoods of Northwest Aurora, Del Mar Parkway, Dayton Triangle, or Village East, a ride might not be needed at all. Each neighborhood ranks between 74 and 61 for its walkability on a scale of 0 to 100. Then, of course, there’s always the option of using two wheels. The city does have some bike infrastructure, with a bikeability score of 53.[06]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Aurora
As mentioned before, moving your loved one to assisted living is a big decision — even more so when that move entails relocating to an entirely new city. Rest assured, Aurora can truly offer something for everyone. Its tight-knit community, rich history, and diversity make the area a welcoming place to call home. Plus, there’s rarely a dull moment if you take advantage of the many parks, events, and attractions around town.
Cherry Creek State Park, for one, is a must-visit. The views alone are worth the trip, but there are also miles of multi-use trails, horseback riding, fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, and more. But Cherry Creek is only one of over 100 parks in the area. Choose from Aqua Vista, Appaloosa, Aurora Reservoir, Bicentennial, Jewell Wetlands, and Quincy Reservoir, which offer everything from sailing and kayaking to outdoor pools and tennis courts.
History buffs, meanwhile, may be interested in the Plains Conservation Center, which offers guided tours of a homestead village and tipi camp (both of which are replicas) and an education center to learn more about the area. There’s also a host of other historical sites, like the Coal Creek Schoolhouse, Centennial House, Gully Homestead House, and the Delaney Round Barn. Admission is free.
Anyone looking to take in the arts may be interested in Art in Public Places, a program that has brought more than 300 pieces of art from local and national artists into and all around the city. If your loved one would rather not walk from location to location, consider checking out The People’s Building or Aurora Cultural Arts District. Both hold regular gallery exhibits, with the latter also scheduling live performances and offering opportunities to make a purchase or two.
Shoppers will delight in the options available. The Stanley Marketplace is a must. Not only will you find an array of unique and locally owned shops that stock clothes, gifts, and more, but you can also take an exercise class, get your hair done, and feast on a number of different cuisines at one of the many restaurants and eateries. Southlands is another local retail option. But much like the Stanley Marketplace, there’s much more to offer. Musical performances, a “wine walk,” and a farmers’ market are just a few of the attractions you can expect at this shopping center.
If you’d rather have a low-key day with your loved one, the Aurora Center for Active Adults can certainly oblige. Adults 50 and older can take part in fitness classes, crafts, bingo, day trips, line dancing, and more. The center also offers a number of seminars on a variety of topics. It wouldn’t hurt to check the schedule to see what’s available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Legacy Village of Castle Pines, Brookdale Greenwood Village and Pine Grove Crossing are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Aurora, CO. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Aurora is $5,028 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). UCHealth University of Colorado.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Medical Center of Aurora.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Aurora.
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