10 Best Nursing Homes in Colorado Springs, CO
Known for combining rugged scenery, a mild year-round climate, a quieter pace of life, and ample senior living options, Colorado Springs is a growing urban community ideal for those in their later years.
As an alpine desert, the dry air moderates temperatures, and despite sitting at almost 6,000 feet, Colorado Springs is not so high to cause problems for those from lower-altitude areas. For the amenities of a city with the quietude of a town — and outstanding views and climate to boot — Colorado Springs is for you or your loved one.
This guide explores nursing homes in Colorado Springs within a 10-mile radius of downtown. People often use nursing home as a catch-all for senior care, but a nursing home is a skilled nursing facility for individuals who require round-the-clock nursing care. Depending on the type of care your loved one needs, this may not be the right fit. Many assisted living or memory care communities may actually meet your needs better. We’ll give you insights into the options available to you for nursing home, assisted living, and memory care in Colorado Springs.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with nursing homes, we do partner with 42 assisted living and memory care facilities in Colorado Springs. Using our proprietary data and reviews from real residents, we’ll explore what you can expect in these communities. You’ll also learn what the costs may be and get ideas for how to pay. We’ll also review the relevant state-specific regulations for these communities. Lastly, we’ll highlight important Colorado Springs senior resources and senior-specific attractions.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Colorado Springs, CO
Our experience has been wonderful from the very first visit. All the staff has been very helpful, polite, courteous and fun. The facility is beautiful to clean. Most of all, my aunt really likes it there and...
The friendliness gets a 5+, but The food is terrible quality. The staff is very attentive, friendly, and caring. They go above and beyond. They're always willing to help in any way! There is so much good...
Our appreciation well goes out to the assistance in reliving possible conflicts in moving into the facility and their assistance in assuring a pleasant stay with assorted activities within a day outside the...
I love living at Palisades! The people( staff included) are so friendly. The staff is also very helpful. They go above & beyond The downside is that the carpet is very poor quality.
5 For all categories they were truly exceptional. Staff interaction with residents were warm, caring, and attentive. Loved the courtyard and view from room was great. Communication was open and responses to...
I looked at several and MSBC ranked the highest and still does. Most places struggle with keeping good employees, probably due to low salaries and long hours. Care for individuals with memory issues is...
The facility and the resident rooms are kept very clean. The nursing staff is really on top of things and very friendly. Care staff have been superior. They always answer the phone, return calls and...
The food servers were wonderful and paid close attention to what Mom could chew and what she loved to eat. The activities were wonderful, I just wish Mom had been able to enjoy more of them. There were...
I am very pleased with this home. They treat my father with dignity and respect. They are kind, helpful and make delicious meals. It is clean, the views are beautiful and they have good activities and a...
I cannot say enough about how wonderful Turner House was. My mom lived there for almost 4 years. Not only did they make her feel like family from the very beginning but they also made me feel like family....
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Everyday staff is amazing. The office personnel and sales personnel, communicated quickly and efficiently with every question and issue we've encountered so far, (3 weeks in). The cafeteria has awesome food...
There are virtually no coordinated activities for the residents, however some of the individualized care was good. Without family members and outside care organizations (hospice, RMSC, etc), I believe that...
The staff really took care of my mom. Concerns were timely addressed. I thought they could have kept the place in better condition.
I picked The Bridge because I liked it better. Most people do that. I didn't have lots of options with the nursing care Mom required. And the Bear Creek location was not desirable for most visitors for...
It's one building with four different sections. The residents are grouped together as far as their care is concerned, and you can go from step 1 all the way to the end with Alzheimers. It's gated so they are...
The staff at New Day at that time were phenomenal. They truly cared for my mom. When she was in hospice there, they held her, and cried with us and truly felt her loss themselves. Some of them still text to...
Overall, this is a very nice facility. I have two family members there: one in Memory Care and the other in an Assisted Living apartment. The staff in MC is lovely--friendly, helpful, reassuring, etc. They...
I'm happy with my decision. Overall, it's a good place. I did not look at other apartments, just the one they offered me - it is 2 bed, 2 bath with outside patio and garage, around 1000 sq ft. I liked the...
Retreat at Sunny Vista. We moved her here from rehab after a fall. Her dementia was worse and she needed Memory Care. Moved here in [date removed]. 1. Overall. 4. It has been a better fit. They have one...
They have an excellent activity director and activities for the residents. [name removed] the director is excellent in working with me about any concerns. I feel she goes above and beyond to help all she...
When we first visited, we were greeted by a very light and airy facility that had happy residents and happy staff. Broadmoor Court feels more like a hotel nice hotel then an assisted living place. My...
I'm rating on my experience while there, however my brother is the client. Yes we would recommend the community to other families. They've been very accommodating to me. Received feedback well. Try to be...
I would give a Mackenzie Place a five on all the above categories. We have been so pleased and would recommend Mackenzie Place to everybody and anyone. I looked at many places and this was the best place and...
Overall, it's a great place! The place always seems bright and clean. The staff is typically very friendly and helpful, just turnover of caregivers seems high (but I believe that would be for any...
If the resident needs assistance with mobility, this is not the best option but for those who need very little help with mobility or daily life activities, it is a great and welcoming environment. We picked...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Colorado Springs community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Colorado Springs community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of nursing homes in the Colorado Springs area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Colorado Springs
- How people pay for a nursing home in Colorado Springs
- Understand Colorado laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from senior care communities in Colorado Springs
- Colorado Springs nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Colorado Springs? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Colorado Springs area
Costs for senior care in Colorado Springs vary depending on what communities offer and what services are added.
The median cost of a semi-private room in a skilled nursing facility is $8,669 per month in the Colorado Springs area, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This price rises to $9,414 for a private room. These costs are just a bit above median national costs, which are $7,908 and $9,034 respectively.[01]
Generally, nursing homes cost more than assisted living or memory care due to the higher level of medical care and the skill of the staff. The cost of a Colorado Springs skilled nursing home typically includes the following:[01]
- Room and board fees
- 24-hour skilled nursing care and medical oversight
- Help with personal care
- Delivery and supervision of rehabilitative therapies
- Medication management and administration
Assisted living costs
You or your loved one may not need the high level of care offered at a typical skilled nursing facility. For seniors who simply need some support getting through daily activities of life, assisted living may be a better fit. Assisted living is more affordable as seniors who choose these communities typically don’t need 24-hour nursing care and medical oversight. Such facilities provide assistance with a senior’s activities of daily living and 24-hour supervision, but not 24-hour medical oversight.
Assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs are substantially cheaper than skilled nursing homes, averaging $4,872 a month in our network communities, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[02] Our proprietary figures tend to be more accurate than base community fees because they include fees for room, board, and care, as well as any add-on fees for extra services or upgraded amenities that the average senior tends to select.
Baseline fees at assisted living communities typically include the following services and amenities:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Personal care, like incontinence care
- Transportation services (may incur an add-on fee)
- Dining services
- Medication management or assistance
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- On-site activity schedules
- Indoor and outdoor common areas, like a fitness center, game room, movie theater, salon, arts and crafts center, pool, etc.
If your loved one needs assistance with their activities of daily living and personal care but does not require 24-hour medical assistance, review our guide to assisted living in Colorado Springs.
Memory care costs
Families may think they need a skilled nursing facility when a loved one’s memory becomes an issue. However, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia may also not need 24-hour skilled nursing care. If this is the case, they may be able to preserve some independence and save money in a memory care facility. These can be stand-alone or part of an assisted living community.
Our partner Colorado Springs memory care communities average $5,272 per month.[02] As with assisted living, the cost of memory care will include room and board plus additional services. One can expect a memory care community in Colorado Springs to provide the following to their senior residents:
- Specialized memory care staff who are available 24/7
- Personal care, such as incontinence care or grooming
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Transportation, which may be complimentary (be sure to check)
- An on-call or on-site doctor and on-site nursing care
- Enclosed courtyards and gardens for safe walking and sunning
- Facilities designed to allow wandering without leaving the grounds and that spur positive memories
- Wander prevention technologies to prevent access to unsupervised areas
If your loved one suffers from a memory loss condition but does not require 24-hour nursing supervision, we have a guide to memory care in Colorado Springs you can explore.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Colorado Springs, CO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Colorado Springs, CO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Colorado Springs vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Colorado Springs, CO by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Colorado Springs over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Colorado Springs
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Colorado Springs
Jackson Creek Senior Living in Monument, CO
Winslow Court in Colorado Springs, CO
Parkmoor Village Care Center in Colorado Springs, CO
How people pay for a nursing home in Colorado Springs
There are several ways to pay for nursing home care in Colorado Springs, and this section covers both private and public methods. Most families fund senior living with a combination of private pay strategies — through the sale of a house or selling other assets — but there are other methods, as well as ways to use public assistance. First, after determining care is needed, you should try to get a view of your loved one’s full financial picture. It’s best to come together as a family on this topic as soon as possible.
The best first step to determining what your loved one can afford is to review their assets and income streams. Assets may include securities held in retirement accounts, a house, land, second homes, etc. Income streams may include pensions, stock dividends, social security, and more. From here, consider the following strategies:
- Selling a house. This is the most common way seniors fund long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living community. The lump-sum obtained from selling a home can help pay for nursing home care and room and board costs while eliminating a mortgage or the cost of maintenance.
- Reverse mortgage. Some families may want to hold onto a house — houses are big investments and useful assets. If this is the case, or if a move to a senior care facility may not be permanent, a reverse mortgage can fund senior living while preserving the option to pay back the loan and keep the house.
- Health savings accounts. An often-overlooked funding source, health savings accounts (HSAs), which are often attached to high deductible health insurance plans, can be used to fund health care-related services associated with senior living.
- Life insurance. Whole life insurance policies can often be surrendered for their accumulated value. Or, they can be sold to a third party for a one-time cash payment. The buyer then assumes the premium payments and receives the death benefit with the original insured party passes away. Either approach can unlock money to pay for a nursing home, assisted living, or memory care.
- Long-term care insurance. Sometimes called nursing home insurance, long-term care insurance is designed to pay for the kind of ongoing care nursing home residents need. These policies often pay by reimbursement, so a senior or their family should be prepared to pay first and receive payment later by check or direct deposit.
For life insurance or long-term care insurance policies, check with your provider. Policies differ, so reach out to see what your options may be with your specific policy.
With 54,363 veterans living in Colorado Springs and the city’s population estimated at 483,956, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the area has a high percentage — 11% — of former service members.[03]
Veterans benefits
Veterans or veterans’ surviving partners in Colorado Springs can use VA pension benefits to cover the costs of assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing care. Additionally, if a veteran is enrolled in VA health care, they may be eligible to apply for benefits on top of the pension through the Aid and Attendance benefit. This generous benefit can be used for anything improving quality of life, such as the cost of an assisted living, memory care, or in-home health care.
How to find veterans benefits assistance in Colorado Springs
Applying for — and even understanding — veterans benefits can be difficult. It can take time to be approved for all earned VA benefits, and senior veterans must meet sometimes detailed service-connected status, income, and disability guidelines.
Your local veterans service office or veterans service organization (VSO) — like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars — is the best first stop. Start by working with these organizations even before you or your loved one begin an application to ensure you get the benefits you qualify for and have the best chance of a successful application.
Additionally, the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs offers help through County Veterans Service Offices. Every Colorado county has one of these offices, and each offers veterans — and their family members — free help with claims, applications, and application appeals.
Number of veterans living in Colorado Springs
About 51% of Colorado Springs veterans are 75+.
Agencies and services organizations for Colorado Springs veterans
Colorado Springs Vet Center
3920 N. Union Blvd., Suite 310
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: 719-471-9992
Hours: Monday through Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Colorado Veterans ProjectP.O. Box 1422
Eastlake, CO 80614
Email: info@coloradoveteransproject.org
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service CenterPhone: 719-772-7000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VFW Post 4051 – The Pikes Peak Post
430 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-632-9874
VFW Post 101 – Marion L Willis Post
702 S. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-632-2776
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
VFW Post 3917 – Cheyenne Mountain Post
4715 Clearview Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Phone: 719-392-8677
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Medicaid is a state-run public health insurance covering low-income individuals up to age 65. Colorado’s Medicaid program, called Health First Colorado, is administered by Colorado Community Health Alliance. Every state has its own Medicaid program, with unique rules and regulations.
Health First Colorado’s coverage is free, and most services can be accessed without a copay. Where copays are required, they are usually as little as $2 to $10. Information on income requirements can be found at Health First Colorado’s Do I qualify? page.
Medicaid for nursing homes in Colorado Springs
For those who qualify, the cost of skilled nursing, including room and board, is covered under Health First Colorado. You do not need a waiver, either.
Medicaid for assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs
Health First Colorado does not directly cover the costs associated with assisted living and memory care. However, there are waivers, discussed below, that can help some specific groups access care in these settings.
Home and Community Based Services waivers
For those who don’t qualify for Health First Colorado but who also have difficulty paying for the care they need, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) may help. HCBS covers medical and nonmedical supportive services and can fund care in the home or in a skilled nursing facility for qualifying low-income seniors.
This program is Health First Colorado’s Medicaid waiver program and can be used in facilities that have contracted with a resident’s managed care provider. This waiver program aims to provide individuals the flexibility to live on their own terms.
In Colorado, HCBS waivers can cover the following types of services:
- Personal care, such as grocery shopping, cleaning, etc.
- Nursing services, such as wound care and medication administration
- Nondurable medical supplies, like bandages and over-the-counter medications
- Durable equipment, such as hearing aids, glasses, orthotics, and more
- Respite care, which is temporary care that allows a primary caregiver to have a break
- Physical, speech, and occupational therapies
Health First Colorado also oversees a waiver program for seniors and individuals with disabilities called the EBD — or Elderly, Blind, and Disabled — waiver. This waiver may also help pay for nursing home care, assisted living, or memory care. Health First Colorado also has specific HCBS waivers for adults with the following health complications:
- Brain injuries
- Mental health needs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Developmental disabilities
It’s a good idea to connect with a Health First Colorado representative to determine your eligibility and, if you qualify, select the right HCBS waiver. Additionally, a long-term care ombudsman can be a great ally and resource. These individuals are advocates for residents of long-term care communities, including individuals living in assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing communities.
Colorado Springs resident Medicaid resources
Health First Colorado
1570 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800-221-3943
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed to support seniors over age 65, so long as they’ve paid Medicare taxes or are married to someone who has. Medicare will typically only cover a nursing home stay after a multi-day hospital stay. It’s not a payment solution for a permanent move to a home. However, Medicare can help with some long-term care costs such as medical equipment, hospital care, and some prescription medications.
To learn what Medicare specifically covers in the Colorado Springs market, dial 2-1-1 or visit the federal Medicare website. Local Social Security Administration offices are also a go-to resource. These other programs can also help seniors navigate the appropriate care benefits:
- Colorado’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is many seniors’ choice when it comes to navigating Medicare enrollment and benefits. Services like SHIP help seniors make sure they get the coverage they need.
- Low-income seniors can access Colorado’s Medicare Savings Programs. These may help offset the cost of premiums.
Colorado Springs resident Medicare resources
Colorado regional SHIP location
Phone: 888-696-7213
Ombudsman program website
Agency on Aging Ombudsman: 719-471-2096
Understand Colorado laws and regulations for nursing homes
Below is a summary of the federal and state regulations for nursing homes in Colorado. We also briefly discuss the state regulations pertaining to assisted living and memory care.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency, regulates Medicare- and/or Medicaid-certified nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. This agency partners with a state surveyor to conduct nursing home reports. The surveyor visits facilities to complete a Life Safety Code and standard survey.
Federal nursing home regulations
The federal government funds many skilled nursing services for seniors through Medicaid and Medicare, meaning this kind of care is more regulated by the federal government than other types. The Code of Federal Regulations for long-term care facilities notes that nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities have to adhere to the following:
- They must make it clear in practice that they respect resident rights.
- They must meet the needs of every resident with person-centered care and care planning.
- They must at least maintain all residents’ quality of life as they care for residents.
If you want to learn more about specific facilities, Medicare.gov maintains report cards for every rehab center and skilled nursing facility in the country. Medicare’s provider search tool is the best place to find and compare these kinds of facilities.
Colorado regulations for nursing homes
In Colorado, state regulations dictate that all nursing home residents can expect to receive the care necessary to meet their highest possible level of independence.[04] While the term nursing home is one used and recognized by the state, these facilities are often referred to by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (the overseeing authority) as skilled nursing facilities in regulations.
To be defined as a nursing home, these facilities must offer the following:
- Room and board that may include private and shared options
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, etc.
- General skilled nursing for residents healing from acute concerns or those who need ongoing, specialized care
- On-site access or referral to short- and long-term rehabilitative services
Additionally, Colorado nursing homes must also always or routinely have licensed staff, such as nurses and social workers, on-site. Lastly, if the facility provides rehabilitation services, it must hire or contract with occupational, speech, and physical therapists.[05]
Colorado regulations for assisted living and memory care
Colorado assisted living and memory care communities are also overseen by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Generally, these kinds of communities must be able to provide the following:
- Clearly stated resident and staff rules and a grievance procedure and resolution process
- A plan for lifting residents, providing first aid, and CPR assistance
- Plans for managing unanticipated illnesses (including infection control) and unforeseen resident health issues
- Protective oversight
- Social care and resident engagement
- Personal services, such as a system for addressing resident concerns
It’s important to note that a key distinction between assisted living/memory care communities and nursing homes is that assisted living and memory care communities can’t offer 24-hour medical care, while that is standard for skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, assisted living and memory care community residents must be mostly self-mobile and able to navigate largely on their own.[06]
Admissions, inspections, and regulating bodies
Licensed Colorado skilled nursing facility staff — nurses — are required to conduct a full assessment of a new resident within 24 hours of admission and to draft and implement a preliminary care plan. They have a week to then draft and implement a permanent care plan, and these plans may be updated every six months or, if there is need, more often.[04]
Inspections and regulating bodies in Colorado Springs
Medicare requires that state regulating authorities inspect nursing homes annually. These authorities are allowed to inspect more often if violations are found or complaints are reported.[07]
Colorado’s Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division is responsible for inspecting long-term care facilities in the state. Any licensed facility’s inspection reports for the past five years are available online.
For more on Colorado long-term care regulations, please review the following links:
- An overview of Colorado assisted living laws and regulations
- All of Colorado’s standards for hospitals and health facilities
- A guide of consumer resources for Colorado nursing homes
Colorado Department of Health contact information
4300 Cherry Creek Drive
South Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-2836
Email: cdphe.healthfacilities@state.co.us
COVID-19 regulations for Colorado Springs senior care facilities
All long-term care facilities in Colorado — assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing — are required to adhere to guidelines to keep residents safe from COVID-19, as the coronavirus poses a risk to seniors.
In keeping with updated federal guidelines, visitors are allowed, but the following guidelines are still in place for Colorado Springs assisted living facilities:
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines must be made available to residents, and vaccination is encouraged for all residents and staff.
Facility cleanliness. Surfaces must be disinfected frequently to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.
Masking. Assisted living staff must be masked at all times in the facility and in public. Residents must wear a mask in public.
Staff safety. Staff must use approved personal protective equipment when necessary.
What to expect from senior care communities in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is very much a senior-friendly community, and while nursing homes are a dominant community type in the area, there are many assisted living and memory care communities to choose from, too. As big a draw as the mountains (and their smaller towns) west of the city are, seniors continue to flock to the city — and many into assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities.
Here are some high-level statistics regarding care in this metro:[02]
- APFM partners with 31 assisted living communities that have memory care services on-site within a 10-mile radius of downtown.
- Within the same area, there are 20 communities that only offer memory care, and 25 are classified as assisted living.
Beyond these big-picture numbers, though, what makes this city’s senior communities special? We investigate below.
Communities that combine assisted living and memory care
When considering communities for your loved one, it’s important to remember that each care type is designed for specific populations. Nursing home residents have chronic or acute care needs that can require 24-hour skilled caregiving. However, assisted living and memory care community residents, per Colorado regulations, should not require round-the-clock care.
If your loved one does not need intensive care support and one of Colorado Springs’ assisted living communities with memory care on-site is a better fit, our data shows these communities can help your loved one settle in with some particularly homey comforts:
- Nearly 87% of our partnered Colorado Springs nursing homes offer cultural and devotional services.
- Other familiar homelike amenities meant to ease the mind may include a TV lounge, library, and garden club.
- About half offer a concierge services and restaurant-style dining, and many maintain a computer or media center, fitness center, and happy hour.
Amenities to note in Colorado Springs assisted living and memory care communities
Every town and city has its special touches, and Colorado Springs is no different. Our experts familiar with this market report that, on the on- and off-site activities front, dances, orchestral bands, and gambling are popular.
Also, as ever, staff at the best communities go the extra mile. Recently, an assisted living resident, fond of her church orchestra, was entertained by that very ensemble thanks to her community’s activity director, who arranged a three-hour concert for the resident and the larger community.
Our data on amenities and services shows that one can expect the following from Colorado Springs assisted living and memory care communities:
- About 36% will grocery shop or run errands on a senior’s behalf.
- Nearly 68% offer complimentary transportation.
- Almost 75% offer low-impact health classes like stretching, yoga, and tai chi classes.
- About 60% offer a gardening club.
- For those wanting a cocktail when they chitchat, 60% host happy hours.
Colorado Springs nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Colorado Springs nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Colorado Springs nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Colorado Springs nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Colorado Springs nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Colorado Springs nursing homes
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Colorado Springs? Highlights for seniors
Elevation in feet of Colorado Springs at its highest point
Percentage of seniors 65 and older living in Colorado Springs
Number of assisted living facilities also offering memory care
Health care for seniors in Colorado Springs
Even though Colorado Springs, at about 6,000 feet, still sits at a relatively high elevation compared to the rest of the country, it’s not common for a healthy individual to experience altitude sickness here. However, if your loved one has heart or lung issues and is moving from a lower elevation, you may want to consult their physician and consider having them tested before moving. Also, many seniors who relocate down from the mountains to Colorado Springs report altitude-related health issues as a contributing factor in their move.[02]
Colorado Springs boasts two highly regarded hospital systems, UCHealth and Penrose-St. Francis. The beauty of the area, ample outdoor opportunities, and the quality of the city’s hospitals attract top talent from around the country.
UCHealth Memorial Hospital
Ranked No. 1 in Colorado Springs, UCHealth Memorial is high-performing in many areas, according to U.S. News and World Report. Of particular importance here: UCHealth provides excellent care for lung and cardiac issues.
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services from Centura Health
Penrose-St. Francis specializes in cardiac conditions, orthopedics, neurology, and nephrology. It also receives high marks from HealthGrades, with 75% noting they would recommend the hospital, which is five percentage points higher than the national average.
Transportation for seniors in Colorado Springs
Given that Colorado Springs is best traveled by car, the majority of A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living and memory care communities offer complimentary transportation services.[02] The city has a few other options that may be helpful for seniors, including the following:
- Envida has served Colorado Springs for 50 years and strives to ensure seniors and people with disabilities maintain as much independence as possible. The Envida website offers information on their area coverage. You can also call 719-633-4677 for live help.
- Mountain Metro Mobility ADA Paratransit Service is the city transportation service for riders with disabilities who are unable to safely use metropolitan bus services. All city transportation vehicles have lifts or ramps to help individuals board. These can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters up to 48 by 30 inches. Drivers also assist with boarding and exiting the bus.
- FindHelp is an outstanding resource hub that offers a wealth of contacts for everything from affordable medical care to transit to food pantries. Their Colorado Springs transportation page lists more than 30 transportation providers serving seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Senior activities in Colorado Springs
Pairing breathtaking natural beauty with some of the best city amenities, Colorado Springs provides many senior-friendly activities. Find out more as you delve into the options below.
Outdoor must-dos
The Springs is sure to inspire even those who don’t consider themselves outdoorsy, as it sits in the shadow of one of America’s most iconic mountains: Pikes Peak. The massive summit can be driven, but a ride up via the Cog railway is an unforgettable option and is best for those with mobility or other health challenges.
If you or your loved one does have these challenges, Visit Colorado Springs hosts an ADA Accessible Attractions page with features on the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a local firefighters museum, and more.
Not feeling like bagging a big peak (whether by rail or foot)? This mountain-view town boasts 135 neighborhood parks containing over 900 acres of greenspace. This means nature is sure to find you if you want it to. Watch the visiting grandkids romp on a playground, gather with friends and loved ones at a covered picnic shelter, get your steps in on a paved path — there are so many activity options for all interests.
Lastly, for active and adventurous visiting family itching to check another iconic outdoor spot off their list, a hike among the natural wonders of the Garden of the Gods is a good option. This park features 21 miles of trails for all skill levels and is popular with cyclists, horseback riders, and many others. For those who use a wheelchair or other assistive device, plenty of trails are paved and wide.
You and your family might also explore these 10 accessible Colorado Springs trails.
Community connections
One of the best parts of senior living is how quickly it can foster community. But, if you or your loved one are eager for more than what a prospective community might offer, the (YMCA-affiliated) Colorado Springs Senior Center is a must. It offers classes on art, technology, general health, and more. And, it makes many services available, such as document shredding, Visiting Nurse Association clinics, and legal counseling.
The Springs also operates four community centers that cater to all ages, including seniors. Like the senior center above, these centers offer programming for adults and seniors, including arts and crafts activities, wellness programs, and nutrition support. The centers also host therapeutic recreation programming.
Event and activity informational resources
If you’re not sure what you’re interested in doing, there are two useful local event, activity, and resource guides: Over 50 Clubs and Activities and the Colorado Springs Senior Bluebook. Both are updated regularly and are full of ideas and guidance relevant to any senior visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookdale Monument Valley Park, Brookdale Vista Grande and Melody Living of Colorado Springs are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Colorado Springs, CO. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Colorado Springs is $5,187 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Standards for Hospitals and Health Facilities – Nursing Care Facilities, 6 CCR § 1011-1-05 (2020).
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. (2023). Nursing homes.
National Center for Assisted Living. (2022). Assisted living state regulatory review (2022 ed.).
Medicare.gov. Health inspections for nursing homes.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Colorado Springs city, Colorado (V2021) [Data set]. QuickFacts.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Colorado.
HealthGrades. Penrose hospital.
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