For seniors, Colorado really has everything: abundant sunshine, rugged mountains, low income tax, great healthcare, and a thriving arts and culture scene. It’s easy to see why so many seniors love the Centennial State! There are also tons of great senior living communities in Colorado to choose from–so many, in fact, it can be difficult to find the right one for you or your senior loved one. In this article, we hope to make this difficult decision a little easier. Keep reading to learn more about the best senior living communities in Colorado.
Quick Answer: What are the best senior living communities in Colorado?
Based on their high ratings, great amenities, fun and active lifestyle, and warm, comfortable apartments, the best senior living communities in Colorado are:
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- Acoya Cherry Creek in Denver, CO offering resort-style independent and assisted living.
- The Grand at Broomfield in Broomfield, CO with modern and fun independent living, assisted living, and memory care, for a variety of care options.
- Bear Creek in Colorado Springs has a unique complete continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care.
- Winslow Court, also in Colorado Springs, provides independent and assisted living, with short-term care options.
- Lakewood Reserve in Lakewood, CO offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
Colorado also has some great skilled nursing communities, for seniors who need more advanced medical care. The best skilled nursing communities in Colorado are:
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- Willow Tree in Delta, CO, with memory care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and short-term care.
- Springs Village in Colorado Springs offers rehabilitation, short-term care, and skilled nursing.
- Skyline Ridge in Cañon City, CO offers memory care, rehabilitation, short-term care, and skilled nursing.
- Mantey Heights in Grand Junction, CO provides rehabilitation and skilled nursing care, with additional short-term care options.
- La Villa Grande, also in Grand Junction, offers memory care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and short-term care.
- Cherrelyn, in Littleton, CO, has rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and short-term care.
- Cedars, in Lakewood, CO, also offers rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and short-term care.
What makes Colorado good for seniors and retirees?
Colorado offers a lot of benefits for senior citizens and retirees. Many seniors appreciate Colorado’s sunny climate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. There are many types of landscapes within Colorado’s borders, including high mountains, deep canyons, rolling plains, deserts, and sand dunes. Most of Colorado’s population lives along the edge of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. These Front Range cities, including Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, experience four beautiful seasons, including warm summers and cold, snowy winters. However, with so much sunshine, the snow typically melts quickly, and pleasant weather persists even in the winter months.
Colorado is also popular for its health-conscious, active lifestyle, which helps many seniors live healthier and happier lives. Residents also appreciate the low income tax, as well as tax benefits for retirees and seniors, although property values can still be high. Colorado is a good place to retire if you enjoy mountain views, spending time outdoors, and experiencing all four seasons.
Choosing a Senior Living Community in Colorado
There are hundreds of senior living communities in Colorado, but not all communities are created equal. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to senior living, because everyone’s needs and preferences are so different. Knowing what you’re looking for will help you narrow down which community will suit you best. When choosing a senior living community, you may want to consider:
- Location. Colorado is full of diverse scenery and climates. Which part of Colorado works best for your lifestyle? Do you want to live close to family members? How important is proximity to a major metropolitan area?
- Value for money. While you want a community that fits into your budget, you should also consider the “bang for your buck.” A higher-priced community might still be a better choice in the long term if it offers a higher quality of life.
- Services offered. Does the community provide services like transportation, salon/barbershop, gym and exercise classes, etc?
- Amenities. Extra amenities like a library, outdoor courtyard, community rooms, etc can make your senior living experience more fun and engaging.
- Overall feel and lifestyle. When you walk into the community, does it feel like home? Is this community a place where you want to spend most of your time?
- Care levels. What level of care do you need now, and what level do you expect to need in the future?
Answering these questions will give you a better idea of what type of community you’re looking for. Not sure what level of care you need? Keep reading!
What level of care do I need?
Senior living communities use specific terms to describe the levels of care they offer. Most senior living communities offer one or more of the following levels of care:
- 55+ or independent living. This is a “level 0” level of care, with no daily care available. This level of care is best for active seniors who are completely independent and don’t need any help with daily life activities.
- Assisted living. These communities provide daily help for routine activities, like bathing, grooming, dressing, mobility, eating, drinking, and medication management. This level of care is good for seniors who aren’t experiencing memory loss or significant cognitive impairment, but need some physical help.
- Memory care. This is a specialized type of assisted living community for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, or significant cognitive decline. These communities usually provide 24/7 care and supervision, as well as extra security.
- Skilled nursing. This level of care is for seniors with complex daily medical needs that can only be met by skilled nurses, doctors, or other medical professionals.
Choose a senior living community that offers the right level of care for your current needs, but also consider your future needs. Some communities offer multiple levels of care, which allows you to age in place even if things change over time.
The Best Senior Living Communities in Colorado
The Denver skyline
The best senior living communities in Colorado are in convenient locations, offer a lot of “bang for your buck,” and provide resort-style services and amenities, with lots of activities and a fun, active lifestyle. Top communities are also highly rated by residents and their families, and have a special warm, homey quality that sets them apart.
With this criteria in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best senior living communities in Colorado. We’ve grouped this list by the levels of care each community offers. Not sure what level of care you need? Check out our quick descriptions of what these care terms mean above. Many communities offer multiple levels of care, so they will appear in multiple categories. Read on to learn more about each of these communities, and how to choose the best one for you.
Best Independent & Assisted Living Communities in Colorado
All of these Colorado senior living communities offer both independent living and assisted living, either within the same building or the same apartment. The flexibility of having both levels of care allows senior couples to stay together, even if their care needs differ. It also allows independent seniors to age in place, without needing to move if their care needs change over time.
Acoya Cherry Creek – Denver
Acoya Cherry Creek
Acoya Cherry Creek Assisted & Senior Living is in a great location in Denver, within the high-end Cherry Creek neighborhood. The building itself is stunning, with huge windows, modern art, and interior design worthy of a five-star urban resort. Residents and their families really appreciate the loving, personal care that every member of the staff provides. Restaurant-quality food and dozens of on and off-site activities every week, as well as a rooftop patio, greenhouse, and dog park, are really the cherry on top of this incredible community.
Lakewood Reserve – Lakewood
Lakewood Reserve
Lakewood Reserve Assisted Living & Memory Care is only 15 minutes from the heart of Denver, in quiet Lakewood. Lakewood Reserve offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care, making it a great choice for seniors looking for somewhere to stay long-term. Freshly remodeled, this community is popular for its active social life and the kind, compassionate staff. Activities Director Whitney is full of energy and brings so much joy to residents and their families. Plus, sweet throwbacks to the Lakewood area, like the Tally Ho Bistro and Villa Italia Cinema, are fun and nostalgic for seniors who grew up here.
The Grand at Broomfield – Broomfield
The Grand at Broomfield
Want to stay near Denver, but outside of the noisy hustle and bustle (and traffic) of city life? The Grand at Broomfield Assisted Living and Memory Care (formerly The Gallery at Broomfield) is just 30 minutes north of Denver in a quiet suburban neighborhood in Broomfield. This newly built community also has large windows and a warm, modern design worthy of any fancy hotel. Residents say it feels like “one big party” all the time, with tons of activities, courtyards, and a third-floor patio with sweeping mountain views.
Life at The Grand also includes Milo’s Creamery, an in-house ice cream parlor that allows differently abled people to be meaningfully employed. This community offers not just independent and assisted living, but also memory care, for a full spectrum of care options.
Bear Creek – Colorado Springs
Bear Creek
Award-winning Bear Creek, nestled in the foothills of the Front Range in Colorado Springs, is unique in its ability to offer a complete continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. Community members love the spacious apartments and incredible mountain views, caring staff members, and great food. They also have a full social calendar that ensures all residents get to have fun, regardless of the level of care they need.
Winslow Court – Colorado Springs
Winslow Court
Winslow Court Assisted & Senior Living has also won awards as one of the best senior living communities in Colorado Springs, and with decades of experience and dedicated staff, it’s easy to see why. Apartments are spacious, the food is great, and there are tons of fun activities, but it’s the people that really set this community apart. Everyone, from management to staff and residents, is supported and treated with respect. Tons of fitness classes, multiple large outdoor courtyards, a pavilion, and a leash-free dog park are just added bonuses!
Best Memory Care Communities in Colorado
If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, you know they need special care. Memory Care communities offer specialized support designed for people with memory loss. Here are some of the best memory care communities in Colorado!
The Grand at Broomfield – Broomfield
The Grand at Broomfield
The Grand at Broomfield is not just one big party for independent and assisted living residents. Memory Care at The Grand is also exceptional, with compassionate staff who understand the challenges of dementia and treat residents with grace and respect. A separate, secure outdoor courtyard and thoughtful activities especially for memory care residents ensures that everyone has a good time!
Bear Creek – Colorado Springs
Bear Creek Memory Care
Bear Creek, as we previously mentioned, is one of the few senior living communities in Colorado that offers every level of care, from independent living to skilled nursing. This includes truly exceptional memory care. Many families of residents comment on how the staff know their loved one by name, and care for them like one of their own family members.
Lakewood Reserve – Lakewood
Lakewood Reserve Memory Care
Lakewood Reserve is known for its fun and unique activities, and that includes activities especially for Memory Care residents. Recently, they took a trip to Hammond’s Candy Factory in Denver! The week before, they all attended a Western-style livestock show. At Lakewood, memory care isn’t an afterthought–it’s a unique program designed for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This special care really sets them apart as one of the best memory care communities in Colorado.
La Villa Grande – Grand Junction
La Villa Grande Memory Care
For seniors in the later stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia, La Villa Grande, located in Grand Junction, offers memory care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and short-term care. Since symptoms of dementia typically get worse over time, a memory care community that is equipped to handle acute care means fewer moves and less stress for your senior loved one. La Villa Grande is also beautiful, impeccably clean, and homey.
Best Skilled Nursing Communities in Colorado
Skilled nursing isn’t where anyone hopes to end up, but when you or your loved one needs skilled nursing care, you really need it. Finding a great skilled nursing community can be a challenge, but these incredible skilled nursing communities in Colorado will make your search quick and easy.
Willow Tree – Delta
Willow Tree Skilled Nursing
Willow Tree is a small-town community that offers both skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. Located in Delta, a small city between Grand Junction and Montrose, it’s a good place for seniors who prefer a more rural environment. While this is a skilled nursing community providing advanced medical care, it still feels like a warm, homey environment, not a hospital. On-site occupational, speech, and physical therapists provide rehab from illness or injuries in a huge, sunny gym. Wheelchair-accessible outdoor areas and covered outdoor seating mean acute care doesn’t have to feel clinical.
Springs Village – Colorado Springs
Springs Village Skilled Nursing
Springs Village Care Center, located in a beautiful modern building in the heart of Colorado Springs, provides expert, compassionate care to seniors with advanced medical needs. A large and well-equipped gym helps occupational, speech, and physical therapists create your loved one’s perfect rehab plan. Springs Village also has a Memory Care unit, making it ideal for seniors in the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Care is both comprehensive and personalized, which is why families feel safe trusting Springs Village with their loved ones.
Skyline Ridge – Cañon City
Skyline Ridge Skilled Nursing
Skyline Ridge is located in historic Cañon City, about an hour from Colorado Springs. Cañon City is known for its mild climate, with relatively warm winter weather and far less snow than most of Colorado. As a scenic small town, it’s a great setting for Skyline Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. This quaint redbrick community has a warm, homey atmosphere and dedicated nurses who provide exemplary care.
Mantey Heights – Grand Junction
Mantey Heights Skilled Nursing
Mantey Heights Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in Grand Junction is a welcoming place for both short-term and long-term skilled nursing care. Activities provide fun and life enrichment for residents of all abilities, and staff members work together to create a customized support network for your loved one.
La Villa Grande – Grand Junction
La Villa Grande Skilled Nursing
La Villa Grande Care Center, also in Grand Junction, offers memory care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and short-term care. Families of residents say the staff really go above and beyond to create a loving, supportive environment for their seniors.
Cherrelyn – Littleton
Cherrelyn Skilled Nursing
Cherrelyn Care Center, in Littleton, CO, provides rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and short-term care. Littleton is about 30 minutes from the heart of Denver, but Cherrelyn is tucked away in a quiet residential area on a tree-lined street. Plants and plenty of sunlight make this skilled nursing community feel bright and hopeful. Cherrelyn Healthcare Center offers a restorative setting where residents are treated with respect, compassion, and genuine encouragement.
Cedars – Lakewood
Cedars Skilled Nursing
You’ll find Cedars Healthcare Center in Lakewood, CO, just outside Denver. Cedars offers rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and short-term care. This historic building has been recently renovated to create a warm, clean environment with expert skilled nursing care. They also have on-site occupational, speech, and physical therapy, with an on-site gym.
The Best Senior Living in Colorado: Next Steps
We hope this extensive guide to the best senior living communities in Colorado has helped you choose which community is right for you! You have a lot of great options, regardless of the level of care you or your loved one needs. The best way to find the right community? Take a tour, live and in person! Call a community near you to schedule a tour today. Friendly Family Advisors are waiting to answer any questions you may have.
Why Choose Stellar for Colorado Senior Living?
You may have noticed that some of the best senior living communities in Colorado are managed by Stellar Senior Living. Stellar Living’s management is just one of the reasons these communities are top-rated for their exemplary care and great accommodations. Stellar has specialized in managing senior living communities for over a decade. They are family owned and operated, and committed to treating all of their staff and residents with respect and integrity. Their goal is to provide seniors with a life that isn’t just good–it’s Stellar. Learn more about Stellar Living here.
