Housing Options for Seniors
Because more than one facililty may provide the services desired, take time to
familiarize yourself with what's available. Once you have determined which services
best suit your needs, you may wish to review our Facility
Checklist adapted from the Colorado Gerontological Society's "A Guide For
Visiting". Note: The 2002-03 edition of the Senior Answers and Services Senior
Resource Guidebook contains a complete list of facilities in Colorado and may be
ordered on line or by contacting our offices at
303.333.3482.
Independent Living Facilities for Low Income Persons
Designed to provide low cost housing for the disabled or those over the age of 62,
independent living facilities provide housing only, although some may offer
transportation, recreation, and support services. Residents in subsidized facilities are
normally expected to pay one third of their monthly income in compensation to the
facility.
Retirement Communities
Designed to provide a complete lifestyle for those of retirement age, retirement
communities offer private living facilities with support services ranging from meals,
health care monitoring, transportation to and from appointments; linen service and weekly
housecleaning; and educational and entertainment services. Costs vary.
Personal Care Boarding Homes (Assisted Living Units)
Licensed as personal care boarding homes, residents in assisted living must normally be
ambulatory. They offer private or semi-private living quarters, complemented by a variety
of services that include meals, monitoring of medications, transportation and recreational
activities. Some may provide help with bathing and dressing on a daily basis. These
services may be available for an extra charge.
Individuals not able to pay for services may be eligible for financial assistance through
Medicaid. Not all facilities accept Medicaid. Assisted living units are licensed by the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Annual surveys are available upon
request.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide twenty-four residential skilled nursing care, coupled with personal
hygiene, activities programs and social work. Many now offer specific programs for
Alzheimer's and Hospice patients. In addition, most nursing homes have a rehabilitation
unit (or Medicare unit) where individuals discharged from the hospital but unable to
return home safely, may spend time in therapy, learning to walk or other strengthening
activities. Some facilities also have sub-acute units for individuals who are in need of
specialized care such as recovery after surgery. Sub-acute units specialize in providing
care to individuals who have traditionally been treated in hospitals. Most facilities
accept Medicare and private pay. Some accept Medicaid. All facilities are licensed by the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Copies of the annual survey are
available upon request.
Visiting the Facility of Choice
Because more than one type of program may provide the services desired, personal visits
should always be conducted. A review of our checklist
will assist you in preparing to make this important decision. While there, remember to ask
to see a copy of the last state survey for Nursing Homes and Personal Care Boarding Homes
(see sidebar) and request that the results be explained to you. Independent Living
Facilities and Retirement Communities are not licensed.
Cost, type of facility, specialty care and living arrangements are also of major
importance when choosing a new living arrangement. The current edition of the Senior Resource Guidebook lists nursing homes,
personal care boarding homes (assisted living units), retirement communties and
independent living centers. For a post paid, personal copy send $5 to Senior Answers and
Services, 3006 East Colfax, Denver 80206 or call 303-333-3482.
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