Are you looking for assisted living in Denver, Colorado? Keep reading, and you will find helpful information to help you find the best assisted living, memory care, and Alzheimer’s care homes in the Denver area. We’ll discuss what you should look for in an assisted living provider and other issues that you should consider.
Denver has a lot to offer and is one of the most popular relocation spots in the country. Denver happens to be an excellent place for people who have Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It was ranked the 6th best city for senior living in 2017 by Caregiver List.
U.S. News ranked 150 most populous metro areas to find the best places to live in the U.S. 2021-2022. Boulder, Colorado was 1st, Colorado Springs 4th, and Denver came in 14th. The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area, known as the Denver Metro Area, has received praise over the years as one of the highest-ranking places to live.
Everyone knows there comes a time for some seniors to transition into assisted living. It can be an emotionally tricky precedent to set if your parents live with you. But if they don’t, they must find a community that’s equipped to care for them on a day-to-day basis.
This makes Denver the perfect place to find the best assisted living communities.
Signs to Consider It's Time for Assisted Living
If you are a daughter or son of an elderly parent, then finding the best assisted living services in Denver may be a significant decision in your life. If a parent can no longer live at home on their own, and if their declining physical health makes them more prone to severe injuries from accidental falls, then it’s time for them to live in assisted living services. But where to begin?
Here are some signs that your loved ones may need to consider assisted living:
• Additional Care Required – As you can imagine, it can be overwhelming for a caregiver to take care of their aging parents or grandparents. The elder care provider can feel like they’re doing the job of three or four people, as they provide daily necessities and medical care. If your elder loved one has difficulty going about their daily activities due to declining health, then maybe it’s time for them to move into assisted living.
• Safety Concerns – Safety is a huge concern for any older adult living on their own at home. As we age, bones become progressively weaker, and the risk of falling and getting a hip fracture (among other injuries) becomes more significant.
Who would have thought that the humble toilet could be considered a safety hazard for your loved one? It can be. The lid height, gripping bars, position of handrails, and seat size are just some of the factors that make toileting safe in an assisted living facility.
• Isolation – It can be hard to feel connected for seniors who are stuck at home most of the day. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Knowing this, you might think it’s a good idea for your elderly loved ones to live at home as long as possible. It is, but they might need some assistance like around-the-clock care or help with everyday tasks so they can live comfortably in their home a little longer.
Assisted living facilities in Denver, Colorado, offer 24-hour support, activities and social engagements, and medical care when needed so your family can easily visit whenever they want.
If you notice that your loved one is having memory problems, it could be a sign that they’ve begun to lose their independence. Yet, seniors prefer to continue living alone in many cases, even if it becomes dangerous.
Memory loss can make it challenging to remember things like turning off the stove or locking their doors. This can be especially dangerous if they live alone and have no one else around to remind them of these things. Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem: assisted living facilities.
The Cost of Assisted Living Care in Denver
As the baby boomers are now reaching retirement age, more and more individuals are entering assisted living communities for the first time. Assisted living is an excellent alternative to nursing homes, and it can help your loved one live a happier, healthier, longer life. But this option comes with a price.
How much does assisted living cost? That’s a question that many of us will face at some point. The answer isn’t easy as it depends on many factors and variables. This can include the level of care, the staff’s experience, facility amenities, and location.
According to Genworth, the 2022 monthly cost for a private, one-bedroom in Denver is $5,145. That’s nearly half the average cost of a nursing home. Hopefully, you can make an informed decision on how much you can afford to pay for assisted living in Denver, CO.
Things to Consider on Your Visit to an Assisted Living Home
Ask Questions – When you visit an assisted living home, your goal is to find the best place for your loved one to live. But it’s essential to keep an open mind and be flexible with your parent’s needs. Some homes may meet all of your criteria but not offer an excellent fit for your loved one. Take notes during the tour, and ask lots of questions. Write down any concerns that come up during your visit to discuss them later with the staff.
Look Around – Make sure that the building is clean and well-maintained. There should be no signs of uncleanliness. A good assisted living facility will encourage activity and interaction among the residents, but it should not feel like a hospital or a prison. The staff should be friendly and helpful, and there should be plenty of activities for residents who wish to join in.
If your loved one has any special needs, ensure that the facility is equipped to meet those needs. For instance, does it have an elevator for residents who cannot climb stairs? Does it offer assistance with bathing? Features like these can make a big difference in whether your loved one decides to stay at the facility or not.
Do Research – Do you know what you are looking for? Do you know the characteristics of your ideal assisted living community? The first step in making a good decision is to do some research. As with most significant decisions, it’s essential to be prepared. Know what to expect, have questions ready, and have a good idea of what you’re looking for before beginning your search.
Meet the Staff and Residents – When you visit, the first thing you will do is meet with the staff. The house manager, administrator, or director will be present to show you around, answer your questions and answer any concerns you may have.
It would help if you also got a chance to talk to some of the residents who live there. They can give you insight into what it’s like to live in one of these facilities.
It would be best to observe how the staff interacts with the other residents. Do they seem patient and caring? Does the staff appear happy? Is there a lot of noise from fellow residents in the halls or other common areas?
Consider Your Loved One’s Needs – As you begin your search for the best assisted living home for your loved one, you may realize that this is not going to be an easy task. There are so many options available that it can be downright overwhelming.
One thing you’ll want to do is consider your loved one’s needs. Think about what they would like, including their personality and interests. If they don’t want to be surrounded by other older people who might have dementia and cannot communicate, you’ll want to consider homes where there are other residents around the same age as them.
You’ll also want to think about your loved one’s medical conditions and where they will receive care. If they have dementia, for example, some homes offer memory care options for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Before deciding which assisted living home is best for your situation, make sure you speak with staff at each facility, you’re considering. This way, you’ll learn more about the facilities’ residents and how they provide care for them.
Do Not Rush Your Decision – Ask around your family and friends for recommendations on a good assisted living facility. A recommendation from someone you trust may be able to help you narrow down your list of potential places.
Always check out the assisted living facility before signing a contract or paying any money. The more thoroughly you look, the better idea you’ll have about whether or not it’s a good fit for you. Make sure everything is up-to-date, clean, and well kept before deciding anything.
How to Find the Best Assisted Living Facilities near Denver, CO
When you are looking for assisted living facilities near Denver, there are many things to consider. Living in an assisted living facility is an excellent option for many people. There are many different types of assisted living facilities out there. Some cater to seniors with dementia, while others cater to seniors who require physical assistance. You will want to find a facility that meets your needs.
It is essential to visit several different facilities to compare them before deciding on one. The more information you can gather, the better equipped you will be to decide.
Things to Consider on Your Visit to an Assisted Living Home
With so many assisted living facilities in Denver, choosing the right one can be tricky. However, there are some things you can do to get started. Ask friends and family members for recommendations—many already have experience with at least one facility. Be realistic when setting up your initial search—don’t try to inspect all available facilities in the area during just one trip.
If you need additional help, Applewood Our House is always here. We have five assisted living and memory care homes near Denver. Give us a call at (303) 956-9037 to learn more. Or, Click Here for a Virtual Tour.
