I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs is home to over 475,000 residents, with nearly 15% aged 65 and older. The city has consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States, and its stunning mountain views and surrounding forests and wildlife reserves make it the perfect mix of nature and city life. You and your family can visit the Cheyenne Mountain State Park to walk along the scenic trails. Shoppers may enjoy exploring Old Colorado City, a historic district with local shops and a farmers market.
The city has a robust military presence and is ranked as the third-best city to live in after military service. It’s home to both the Colorado Springs Vet Center and the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has an Aging Center that focuses on mental health services for seniors aged 55 and older. Colorado Springs is taking active steps to make the city more inclusive and accessible to its elderly residents through an age-friendly initiative. If you choose to age at home in the city, you may be comforted to know that there are many services available should you need them.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Colorado Springs, CO
According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2020, the average cost of home care and home health care in Colorado Springs is $4,862 and $4,957 per month. This price is based on the assumption of 44 hours of care per week. What you end up paying for in-home care can vary from this number depending on how many hours of care you need per week. At an hourly rate, the price breaks down to $25.50 for home care and $26 for home health care. Home health care can cost more than home care because it includes skilled nursing and other medical services.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The average monthly costs for home care in Colorado Springs are $300-$400 less than the state average but higher than the national figures. Colorado Springs has one of the least costly home care averages in the state. Pueblo has the least expensive option, averaging $4,376 for home care and $4,757 for home health care. Denver has the most costly option, where seniors can pay up to $800 more than those in Colorado Springs. Boulder’s home care costs are also over $700 more than Colorado Springs.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care in Colorado Springs can be one of the more affordable options, especially since you pay for only the hours of care you need. Adult day care is also one of the least expensive options, averaging $1,831 per month. You can save between $300-$400 more by opting for in-home care rather than assisted living. A semiprivate room in a nursing home remains the most expensive senior living option at $8,289 per month.
III. How to Find Home Care in Colorado Springs, CO
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Colorado Springs, CO.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Colorado Springs, CO
Silver Key Senior Services
What You Should Know
Silver Key Senior Services serves thousands of seniors in the greater Colorado Springs area and has many resources to help you live independently at home. The organization’s outreach services offer support to older adults in need. It also has a short-term case management team that assesses each senior to identify and solve barriers to their independence. If you need transportation services, the organization provides door-through-door accessible transportation to anywhere within the service area, from medical appointments to recreation trips. The service accommodates wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen and other special needs. Silver Key also offers two meal-delivery services.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for Silver Key’s services, you must be 60 years or older and live in Colorado Springs.
How to Get Started
If you would like to learn more about any of Silver Key’s offerings, you can contact them at (719) 884-2300 or visit their office at 1625 S. Murray Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80916.
Veterans Affairs Choose Home Initiative
What You Should Know
Veterans Affairs teamed up with other governmental agencies and community organizations to provide veterans services through its Choose Home program. This initiative offers free companionship for senior veterans who need extra help to remain independent and in their homes and community. Volunteers, who are 55 and older, are matched with veterans based on compatibility. They provide in-home visits, help with daily tasks, shopping, errands and transportation to medical appointments. Volunteers also offer friendship and socialization to help ease loneliness and isolation.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is available for senior veterans who are living at home and are at risk for institutionalization.
How to Get Started
If you’re a senior veteran and would like to learn more about this program, you can contact (719) 884-2361 or email v[email protected].
Community Assistance, Referral and Education Services
What You Should Know
The Community and Public Health Division of the Colorado Springs Fire Department operate various CARES umbrella programs to help older adults, excessive emergency health services users and those experiencing homelessness. The Aging in Place Program supports elders struggling to maintain their independence in their homes. It offers a way for the fire department to connect elders and their families to much-needed resources and support. Each program member is given a detailed assessment and an intervention plan and works with a navigator to identify and help reach their long-term goals.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is open to seniors living at home in Colorado Springs.
How to Get Started
You can contact the Colorado Springs Fire Department at (719) 385-2273 or email [email protected] to learn more about how this program can help you.
Rocky Mountain Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
What You Should Know
The PACE program helps seniors be as independent as possible by providing needed medical and supportive services while they live at home. It coordinates the care management of seniors based on their individual needs. PACE offers social support, adult day care, home health care, homemaker services, various types of therapies and personal care services. The cost of the program depends on each individual. If you’re eligible for Medicaid or both Medicaid and Medicare, you don’t have to pay for the PACE services. If you are only eligible for Medicare or not eligible for either, PACE works with you to arrange a private pay rate to cover the additional costs.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible individuals must be 55 years or older, qualified for nursing home services by the state and live within the PACE service area.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in applying for PACE, you can contact (719) 466-8777 or send them an email.
Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. Home Services
What You Should Know
Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable and accessible housing repairs for residents who are elderly, living with a disability and low-income. The Home Modification and Repair Department improves home safety and accessibility through three services: home accessibility, exterior and interior repairs. Work is generally completed at no cost or a significantly discounted price. The organization also offers an Aging in Place program where coordinators help seniors access a wide array of resources and programs. It can also help seniors apply for benefits, educate them on house-related financial topics and facilitate house-cleaning and yard work services.
Who Is Eligible?
BRI services are available to low- and fixed-income seniors aged 60 and older. Their homes must need repair or modifications, and individuals with disabilities must require medical and mobility-related alterations to their homes.
How to Get Started
If you’d like to learn more about which BRI services are available to you, call the Colorado Springs office at (719) 666-7181 or email [email protected]. You can also call the statewide helpline, Colorado Housing Connects, at (844) 926-6632 for more information.