I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Denver, CO

In Denver, the largest city in Colorado, where seniors make up 11.5% of the population, dozens of recreation centers offer a wide range of interesting programs, classes and activities for those 50 and older. Membership is free, and seniors can learn something new or keep up with life-long passions, staying mentally and physically fit along the way. With stunning Rocky Mountain views, Denver also provides those seeking outdoor recreational activities a plethora of options. In addition to biking or walking the city’s many trails, residents can spend a day strolling through the Denver Botanical Gardens, exploring Rocky Mountain National Park or visiting with wolves and lions at the Wild Animal Sanctuary.

As the state’s most populated city, it’s no wonder Denver is also within close proximity of the most highly-ranked hospitals in the state, including UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, which is high performing in geriatrics care. And while Denver’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, seniors can save thanks to low property taxes and an income tax break for those 65 and older.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Denver, CO

If your loved ones receive home care in Denver, expect to pay an average of $5,720 each month, a rate of $30 per hour. This assumes a 44-hour week, and care costs go down significantly with shorter weeks. Those who only need two hours a day, seven days a week, can expect to pay $1,820, on average, for both types of in-home care. This can be a much more cost-effective option than an assisted living facility, especially for those who own their own homes.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Denver’s home care, both for homemaker services and home health aides, costs $5,720 per month on average, which is $381 above the state average of $5,339 and roughly $1,239 more than the national average of $4,481. Denver’s home care costs are also higher than in nearby cities. Even though both forms of home care cost the same in Denver and in Colorado as a whole, this is not typically the case: Nationally, home health aides cost $95 more, and this is also true in Boulder, where home care costs $5,625 and home health aides, $5,720. In Greeley, where home care costs run between $191 and $667 less than in Denver, the difference is even greater, with home health aides costing $476 more. Colorado Springs has the lowest home care costs compared to Denver’s, with homemaker services costing $4,862 per month and home health aides, $4,957.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

Home care in Denver, at $5,720 per month, is more than assisted living, which costs $4,850. It is however significantly lower than skilled nursing, which costs on average $9,064 monthly for a semi-private room. Given that home care provides assistance within the familiar surroundings of your home, and that depending on the number of hours needed, costs can be even lower, make it an appealing solution to either assisted living or skilled nursing. While it appears that, at $1,625 a day, adult day care is more affordable, that cost can quickly rise if needed on a regular, ongoing basis.

III. How to Find Home Care in Denver, 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 Denver, CO.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

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 Denver, CO

Colorado Department of Human Services State Unit on Aging

What You Should Know
The State Unit of Aging has a number of programs aimed toward older adults and their caregivers. Although some are provided directly through the local Area Agency on Aging (below), others are accessible through the Unit on Aging. For example, the UOA can connect you with Colorado PEAK, which assists low-income individuals with food and cash assistance, and Hunger Free Colorado, a statewide organization whose mission is to make sure no Coloradan goes hungry. The UOA also has more information about Senior Community Employment, a national program that offers minimum wage for those developing skills that would make them more employable.

Who Is Eligible?
While seniors of any age can access the information the UOA provides, there may be certain financial requirements to qualify for PEAK or Hunger Free Colorado. The Senior Community Employment program is open to anyone 55 and older, though those 65 and older who live in rural areas or meet other specific criteria get priority.

How to Get Started
Begin by visiting the UOA website, where more information about these services and programs can be found. The Colorado Department of Human Services can be reached at (303) 866-5700.

Denver Regional Council on Governments Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know
Facilitated by the Denver Regional Council on Governments, the Area Agency on Aging is the first stop for accessing all senior-relevant programs and services. Their Resource Center provides over-the-phone assistance when you first begin looking for information about services and programs such as meal deliveries, legal assistance, support groups or simply an overview of home care compared with other forms of care. And if you or a loved one are already receiving care at home, the AAA’s Community Transition Services can connect you with resources such as voucher programs, nutrition services and dining centers. Screening and evaluation are provided to help determine what you might be eligible for as well as options counseling to help identify the best care plan for you.

Who Is Eligible?
Seniors 60 and older are considered eligible for receiving assistance or information through their local AAA.

How to Get Started
Call (303) 480-6700 or toll-free at (866) 959-3017 for general information or referrals.

Active Older Adults

What You Should Know
With free membership and access to 200 weekly classes and dozens of pools at 30 recreation centers, My Denver Prime is part of Parks and Recreation’s Active Older Adults division. Exercise programs include SeniorSneakers, which runs classes in yoga and cardio, and pickleball, a tennis/ping pong hybrid played at courts throughout the park system. In addition, seniors can participate in clubs, games such as poker and bingo and regularly scheduled luncheons.

Who Is Eligible?
My Denver Prime is open to anyone 60 and older, but those 50 and older are eligible to participate in any of the Active Older Adult programs or activities.

How to Get Started
The Active Older Adult team can be reached at either (720) 865-0603 or (720) 865-0634.

Meals on Wheels

What You Should Know
Serving seniors in Denver and surrounding counties, Meals on Wheels delivers meals Monday through Saturday. Once you have been approved, meals are provided for a voluntary contribution, and the menu includes a rotating variety of foods, each consisting of an entree, sides and beverage. All meals provide seniors with a minimum of one-third of their daily recommended nutrients. Including in the program is education regarding best nutrition choices as well as assistance accessing other in-home services such as home care, respite care or home repairs.

Who Is Eligible?
Anyone 60 and older who is homebound is eligible to apply.

How to Get Started
To find out if you or a loved one is eligible for Meals on Wheels, call (303) 294-0111, or send an email to [email protected].

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

What You Should Know
Serving senior veterans and their dependents through a wide variety of health care services, the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System provides specialty and a range of additional programs. Minor to complex surgical services can be done here, as can audiology, endoscopies and anesthesiology. Those struggling with sleep can get help at the Sleep/Insomnia Clinic, and those dealing with mental health issues as a result of living alone can receive psychotherapy services. An on-site pharmacy is also available to fill prescriptions. The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System also hosts a National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, giving seniors the chance to use art as a means of boosting mental and emotional well-being.

Who Is Eligible?
Any senior veteran, regardless of age or income, is eligible to receive health care services at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

How to Get Started
To make an appointment or learn more, call (303) 399-8020.