Cost of Colorado Assisted Living Facilities

The average cost of assisted living in Colorado is $2,300 per month

The range of costs is from $1,300 to $5,500 per month

This data is based on 21 of the larger facilities within the state and may not represent all facilities within the state. Additional fees may apply.

More info on Assisted Living Costs

Colorado Assisted Living Information

Colorado defines Assisted Living Facility as Assisted Living Residence. Assisted living residences are residential facilities that make healthcare and living available to three or more adults who are unrelated to the owner, through an agreement between the provider and the resident, room and board and at least the following services: personal services; protective oversight; social care due to impaired capacity to live independently; and regular supervision available 24-hours per day, though not to the extent that regular 24-hour medical nursing care is required. There must be documentation that the following has been disclosed upon admission, unless otherwise specified, to the resident or the resident's legal representative as appropriate: the facility's policies and procedures; the method of determining staffing requirements based on resident needs and how often certified or licensed health professionals are available onsite; types of daily activities, whether the facility has automatic fire sprinkler systems; if the facility uses restrictive egress alert devices and the types of behaviors exhibited by those needing such devices; availability of first aid certified staff; and the facility policy on CPR and lift assistance.

Colorado Assisted Living Facility Scope of Care

In Colorado, the facility must make available through a resident agreement, the following services: a physically safe and sanitary environment; room and board; personal services; protective supervision, and social care. A facility is permitted to contract with home health agencies for services beyond what it provides. Any resident may enter into a contract with an agency for additional services.

Colorado Assisted Living Admission Requirements

A facility is not allowed to admit or keep any resident requiring a level of care or type of service that the facility is unable to provide; is totally bedridden with limited potential for improving; needs medical or nursing services 24-hours a day; needs restraints; has a communicable disease or infection; or has a substance abuse problem - unless it is no longer acute and a physician determines it to be manageable. A facility may keep a resident that becomes bedridden while residing there if there is documentation of the following: an order from a physician listing services required to meet the health needs; ongoing assessment and monitoring by a licensed or certified home health agency or hospice; and adequate staffing by people trained in caring for bedridden residents.

Colorado Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

There is no standard required assessment form for Colorado. Regulations require a comprehensive pre-admission assessment of the residents' physical, health, social needs, preferences, and ability to care for themselves.

Colorado Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

All medication is the property of the resident and no resident is required to surrender their right to keep or self-administer their personal medication, unless otherwise detailed in the resident’s care plan. Unless licensed to provide services specifically for the mentally ill, or if a physician or authorized medical professional determined that the resident lacks capacity to possess or administer medication safely. For residents unable to self-administer medications, medications must be given by a qualified staff member. A qualified medication aide is permitted to administer oral, inhalant, topical, vaginal, and rectal medications, but not injections.

Colorado Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Private resident units have to be at least 100 square feet, and double occupancy resident units must be at least 60 square feet per resident. Two residents are allowed per resident unit. For those facilities licensed before July 1, 1986, up to four residents are allowed per room, until either a substantial remodeling or change of ownership occurs. Shared bathrooms are allowed with at least one full bathroom for six residents.

Colorado Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

In Colorado, it is required that staffing must be adequate to meet the needs of the residents. In Adult Congregate Living, the staffing ratio is one to six. Facility operators must be at least 21 years old and meet the minimum educational, training, and work experience standards in one of these areas; completing a Department of Public Health approved program or having documented job-related experience or education. The department may require additional training so that all required components of the training curriculum are met. Administrators must have the equivalent of 30 hours of training in 15 required topics, and 15 hours of training relating to the needs of residents served by the facility. Staff will be given on-the-job training, or have work-related experience. Before providing direct care, the facility must provide training on specific needs of the population served; resident rights; first aid and injury response, and procedures for providing lift assistance; care and services for current residents; and the facility's medication administration program. Within one month of hire the facility must provide training on assessment skills; infection control; identifying and dealing with difficult situations and behaviors; and health emergency response. There must be one staff member at all times certified in adult first aid.

Colorado Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

A Medicaid home and community-based services waiver covers health care services in alternative care facilities. Facilities are reimbursed at a rate based on the resident’s level of income.

Colorado Department of Public Health