Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Aurora’s senior population continues to grow (20.76% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Aurora, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 37% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 22.65%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (10.64% in Aurora vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of memory care in Aurora and 21 other cities in Colorado.
The rise of memory care costs in Aurora, CO, indicates the effects of inflation on senior living. From 2022 to 2023, costs rose from $6,466 to $7,139. The 10.5% increase is similar to national and local increases. For example, Denver increased 10.5% from $5,011 to $5,532 during this time. Lakewood and Littleton experienced 10.5% increases, too.
Projections for 2024 show an 8% rise to $7,701 for Aurora, while the average in Colorado should increase slightly less by 7.5% to $6,382. The uncertainty of inflation-driven hikes in senior care options makes it necessary to plan early for the financial costs.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Aurora | $6,466 | $7,139 | $7,701 |
U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
Colorado | $5,326 | $5,958 | $6,382 |
Denver | $5,011 | $5,532 | $5,968 |
Lakewood | $5,693 | $6,285 | $6,780 |
Littleton | $5,435 | $6,000 | $6,473 |
Aurora offers several types of senior living options, with memory care costs being higher due to the specialized care needed for seniors with dementia. Memory care runs $7,139, while assisted living for seniors who don't need dementia care averages $5,014 and independent living averages $3,153. With the increased senior living rates in Aurora, it's beneficial to start early and assess budget and care needs when planning financially for seniors needing memory care.
Care Type | Cost |
---|---|
Assisted Living | $5,014 |
Memory Care | $7,139 |
Independent Living | $3,153 |
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Colorado.
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Aurora, CO. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the Colorado state page on memorycare.com.
Seniors in Aurora who wish to age comfortably at home can access financial assistance. Numerous local organizations offer help with costs such as home care, home modifications, and utilities.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Program of All-Inclusive Care For the Elderly (PACE) - Aurora | 844-704-9613 | PACE, a managed Medicaid program, provides comprehensive healthcare at designated facilities and includes home care services like skilled nursing, personal care, transportation, and therapies. A PACE home care coordinator can assist in coordinating the necessary support services. PACE covers all Medicare and Colorado Medicaid plan services. |
Chore Services and Home Repair of Arapahoe County | 303-738-8080 | The Chore Services Program, provided by the Arapahoe County government, offers biweekly homemaker aid to seniors in Aurora. Volunteers help with tasks like changing linens, cleaning ovens, windows, and floors. Applicants must be 60+ and meet income criteria. The program also includes outdoor yard work and major external home cleaning services. |
In Aurora, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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ANSAR Pantry | 303-459-2153 | Ansar Food Pantry is a nonprofit aiding low-income seniors and individuals in Aurora and Denver. We distribute food and essential resources every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Seniors can receive a 3 to 5-day food supply without appointments or registration. Additionally, we provide items such as clothing, deodorant, soap, and toothpaste. |
In Aurora, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Aurora | 303-636-1982 | Receive complimentary energy-saving solutions from your nearby weatherization provider to reduce your heating and cooling expenses. Benefit from a free energy assessment and services like sealing leaks, furnace maintenance, LED lighting upgrades, solar power options, and air source heat pumps. |
In Aurora, elderly individuals find a community hub in senior centers, offering a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources. These centers also provide health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Aurora Center for Active Adults | 303-739-7950 | The Aurora Center for Active Adults caters to individuals aged 50 and above, offering a variety of social, recreational, and entertainment options. Members have access to fitness facilities, including a weight room and cardiovascular exercise area, as well as senior fitness classes. Additionally, the center provides arts and crafts classes, group outings, and opportunities for lifelong learning, creating a vibrant community for active older adults. |
Bison Ridge Recreation Center | 303-286-6800 | The Active Adult Center at Bison Ridge Recreation Center in Commerce City offers a variety of services for older residents, such as Silver Sneakers fitness classes, educational programs, special events, day trips, and drop-in activities like billiards, jigsaw puzzles, and quilting groups. The facility provides ample space for social, health, and learning opportunities for seniors. |
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center | 303-289-3720 | The Active Adult Center at Eagle Point Recreation Center in Commerce City provides a variety of activities and services for residents aged 60 and above. Enjoy fitness classes, educational programs, and day trips. Access foot clinics and consult with a benefits counselor on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
North Jeffco Senior Recreation Center | 303-425-9583 | The North Jeffco Senior Recreation Center in Arvada, CO, provides a variety of recreational activities and educational programs for individuals aged 62 and above. Visitors can participate in fitness classes, games, art projects, and more. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Amenities include a cardiovascular exercise area, weight room, and craft carousel gift shop. |
In Aurora, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center (CUACC) | 303-724-7670 | The University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center comprises 50+ experts from the CU Department of Neurology and CU Anschutz Medical Campus. They provide complimentary caregiver sessions, online seminars, and dementia support groups. Patients with Alzheimer's and related conditions can engage in research projects and clinical trials. |
Colorado Benefits in Action - Lakewood | 888-496-4252 | Benefits in Action is a nonprofit organization specializing in health insurance navigation services for seniors and caregivers. Our counselors offer detailed information on state health care insurance plans, assist in finding suitable coverage, and provide guidance on financial assistance options for nursing home care transitions. |
In the city of Aurora, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Aurora Social Security Office 80012 | 800-772-1213 | Social Security offers financial support to retirees and those with disabilities who cannot work. It is funded by payroll taxes from employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Monthly payments upon retirement are based on past earnings. |
For Aurora seniors facing challenges with private transport, assistance is readily available. Community resources are on hand to support the elderly and disabled with their in-city mobility, making tasks and city appointments more manageable.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Seniors' Resource Center - Wheat Ridge | 303-235-6972 | The Senior Resources Center partners with the City of Aurora to offer door-to-door transportation services for seniors aged 60 and above without transportation access. This service provides complimentary rides to medical appointments, banks, grocery stores, and senior community centers. Advanced booking is necessary to utilize this service. |
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Aurora, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Just 15 minutes from downtown Denver, Balfour at Central Park offers easy access to shopping, cultural functions and major attractions, including the Denver Zoo. The facilitys Life Enrichment Program for assisted living residents features a robust daily activities program with nearly 200 events every month. In addition to a medically skilled, progressive-care assisted living program, Balfour provides individualized memory care from staff who are specifically trained in validation approaches. Memory care residents enjoy a broad range of activities, including gardening in secure inner courtyards, SingFit music therapy, pet therapy and sensory therapy. Residents live in comfortably elegant studio apartments with private baths and are protected by a WanderGuard departure alert system. Culinary-trained chefs create farm-to-table, seasonal menus to keep residents palates craving more.
Residents and loved ones are impressed by the size and feel of the rooms, describing them as "nice and spacious, and the feeling is that of a five-star hotel." Loved ones are also impressed with the demeanor of staff members, describing them as "professional, caring and most of all CALM while it seemed the rest of the world was crazy."
Belleview Heights Assisted Living & Memory Care is one of Sunshine Retirement Communities memory care facilities in Aurora, Colorado. Sunshine has created a unique approach to memory care, called the Wellness Garden, which incorporates all aspects of well being into each residents daily routine through physical engagement, spiritual support, sensory stimulation, social connections, intellectual discovery and emotional expression. Belleview Heights strives to integrate each persons life experiences into their daily routine to help create a comfortable, safe environment. Belleview Heights also gives residents the choice of a private studio or companion suite, and the facility is equipped with an electronically monitored security system for safety. Numerous activities are available to strengthen seniors spiritually, emotionally, physically and socially. Residents can also participate in field trips to nearby points of interest.
Reviewers are impressed with the level of knowledge the staff exhibit as well as the immaculate facilities. One family member with two loved ones in this community notes, "I can attest that the staff does an amazing job trying to keep the residents well cared for and engaged. The genuine compassion and commitment can be witnessed on a daily basis The facility is not only beautiful and well maintained, but was designed with the needs of the residents in mind."
Belleview Suites at DTC is located in the Cherry Creek section of Denver, minutes away from Cherry Creek State Park. It focuses on helping residents maintain as much independence as they desire while providing proper care when necessary. The community's assisted living services emphasize taking the stress out of daily life while providing seniors with enough space to engage in the activities they desire, and its memory care services focus on crafting an environment that's as familiar as possible. An example of this is Belleview's dining experience, which offers residents as many familiar choices as possible from a menu of chef-prepared dishes along with opportunities to socialize with friends and new acquaintances.
Residents and loved ones appreciate the care shown by Belleview's staff members. One reviewer states, "Compassion and kindness was shown to us and my dad at all times." Loved ones also say staff members go out of their way to treat residents with respect and describe the property as "small enough to embrace the feel of a true community but large enough to provide the privacy and space family and residents want."
Chateau Des Mons is a bright and airy assisted living facility in Englewood that has been providing enriching experiences for residents for more than 30 years. In addition to the friendly staff and highly personalized services, there are a wide range of activities designed to engage the mind, body and spirit. Each day is enhanced by five-star dining, a full-service beauty salon and expertly manicured landscaping features. Chateau Des Mons knows that many residents want to get out to local shopping, restaurants and attractions, so they provide a courtesy luxury van that regularly goes to the most popular spots in town.
I am really pleased with the care that my mother gets at the Chateau. The staff is absolutely super. They really care about the people. I looked at a lot of places and could not find one that was as good as the Chateau. I wanted my mother in a homelike setting so she would feel more like she was in a home, not a hospital. The staff is absolutely fantastic with my mother, says the daughter of one of the residents.
Chelsea Place Memory Care seeks to provide a safe, active and friendly environment for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. A number of diverse amenities are offered that focus on wellness, health and safety, including around-the-clock medical management, pet therapy, custom nutrition plans and a professional hair and nail salon. An emphasis is placed social interaction and engagement with the greater community through regular visits to the local elementary school, the facility's Grandfriend Project and supervised walks to Cherry Creek Park and Reservoir. The It's Never 2 Late (iN2L) interactive, computer-based programs also give residents an opportunity to utilize technology to learn, play and communicate with loved ones. Chelsea Place provides seniors with a purpose-filled environment, offering a full calendar of social events and daily activities designed to suit individual interests, such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, gardening and book clubs.
The community is known for its attentive and caring staff. As the daughter of a resident shares, "The staff treats my mom like she is family, showering her with personalized care, warm interactions and thoughtful modifications to provide her with great comfort. I never knew this level of care and expertise existed for people with Alzheimer's. Chelsea Place sets a high standard for what is possible!"
Situated on 19 acres in southeast Denver, the Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus is connected to Colorados Masonic organizations. Although the community is guided by the Masonic Familys principles and values, it does not limit the acceptance of residents to those affiliated with Masonic organizations. Committed to providing for the social, personal, and spiritual needs of each resident, this community administers personalized wellness programs designed through detailed evaluation and coordination with the residents, family members and care providers. Life enrichment activities are aimed at creating peer interaction, while incorporating everyones interests and skills. Additionally, residents can enjoy the facilitys well-designed physical amenities, including spacious studios, an enclosed courtyard, and an intimate dining room.
Residents and loved ones continually mention that Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus doesn't feel like a retirement living facility � it feels like a home. A daughter of a resident writes, "It is very hard to move from your home and friends of many years to an assisted living facility. The Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus isn't a facility; it is home. The staff is wonderful and made the transition for my mother very easy. She referred to it as a slice of heaven."
Five Star Residences of Dayton Place, a community in the Aurora suburb of Denver, Colorado, emphasizes an enriched, holistic experience for their residents. With their five-point focus on physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, in addition to intellectual and social fulfillment, staff members design personalized care plans to help each resident achieve these goals. Events at the facility feature visiting entertainers, lecture series and a variety of cultural and special interest group meetings. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities individually or with a group during games such as lawn bowling or bocce ball. Non-denominational and interfaith services provide diverse opportunities for residents to find fellowship with other members, including communion, meditation and inspirational reading sessions. Dining at Five Star Residences follows chef-designed menu selections that feature rotating specials alongside in-house favorites available every day.
Staff members receive consistent praise for their attentiveness, as illustrated by this reviewer's comments: "The team members truly care about the residents, and the residents are so sweet and friendly. Everyone is like family to one another and whenever there is an issue, the staff always efficiently come together and resolve it with ease and comfort."
Juniper Village at Aurora sets itself apart from other memory care facilities in the Denver metro area by carefully coordinating care with the help of certified dementia practitioners and licensed nursing professionals. Juniper Village at Auroras staff has been with facility for more than 10 years and Each team member focuses on enhancing the unique abilities of each resident through a variety of activities, such as cooking, music, painting and film. The layout of the community is based on the small-house model of memory care, which is designed to make residents feel like they're right at home. To ensure each person attains a high quality of life every day, physical, speech and occupational therapies are available on-site.
The wife of one of the residents had the following to say: "My husbands happiness is all about the staff and the KINDNESS they show not only him but all of the residents at Juniper Village. Since moving him here, I no longer lay awake at night worrying about how he is being cared for when Im not there This is how it should be at all memory care facilities!"
New Dawn Memory Care is a service-rich community that provides a comfortable, caring environment for those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The facility is organized so individuals with like needs live together, and its 1:4 staff to patient ratio ensures a high level of personalized care. Through its life enrichment program, New Dawn offers a variety of amenities, social programs and a full calendar of activities that stimulate the mind, body and spirit. Residents can get physical with strength and balance classes, participate in discussion groups and game nights or enjoy live entertainment and seasonal events. Everyone receives a GPS watch so they can be easily located if they wander off, and the It's Never 2 Late (IN2L) computer center lets seniors play games, read articles and get creative using touch-screen technology.
According to reviewers, the facility's passionate staff and integration of technology are what set New Dawn Memory Care apart. One reviewer remarks, "The caregivers react to the needs of the residents and are very attentive, always treating them with dignity and respect. New Dawn exemplifies a very calm and peaceful environment." Another says, "The staff goes that extra mile to ensure their residents are well loved and taken care of."
Renew Saddle Rock is a memory care community that specializes in providing individualized attention and care for seniors with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Aurora, Colorado. Staff are trained to approach residents with compassion and dignity and treat them like family. The single-level facility is designed to resemble a cozy, homelike environment, with an open floor plan that's easy to navigate. Seniors can enjoy time outdoors in the two central courtyards or participate in the facility's diverse programming, which caters to the individual needs and interests of each person. The activities offered expose residents to unique experiences, such as private concerts with wine and cheese tasting or jewelry design and woodworking with local artists. For an elevated dining experience, nutritious meals are created by the facility's resident chef. Renew Saddle Rock offers on-site amenities, such as a beauty salon and devotional services, as well as local transportation services.
A unique approach to care and dedicated staff are what set Renew Saddle Rock apart. As a loved one of a current resident shares, "The care takers are excellent. They truly care about the residents. Activities for the residents are mixed to include mental, social and physical challenges; a good balance."
As a locally owned and operated assisted living facility, Rosemark at Mayfair Park strives to give residents a more intimate and compassionate level of care in a family-like setting. Their aim is to fulfill the LEAF Philosophy which emphasizes a fulfilling life, enriching experiences, goal-oriented programs and a warm culture. The property itself has secure walking paths with lush landscaping features, restaurant style dining in a sunny atrium, a fully stocked library loft and a hobby zone with a workshop. A wide range of events take place throughout the year, including game nights, live music and religious gatherings. In order to promote the physical health of all residents, Rosemark maintains excellent caregiver-to-resident ratios and state-of-the-art wellness monitoring.
A family member of one of the residents said, "Rosemark is THE BEST! As soon as you walk through the door, you can feel the warmth of the environment. The staff are awesome and really know each and every resident well." Many reviewers mentioned how the residents were always the top concern of the staff members. Others noted how the decor made the facility feel like a luxurious resort.
Springbrooke Retirement and Assisted Living Community is located in Southeast Denver, putting seniors in close proximity to the Cherry Creek shopping district, cultural centers and first-class medical facilities. The resort-style campus with sweeping mountain views offers independent and assisted living as well as respite and memory care. A beautifully landscaped courtyard features a lovely pond surrounded by paved walking paths that encourage outdoor exercise. Springbrooke's intimate memory care neighborhood features 15 secured private studio and one-bedroom suites, each with a private bath, set in a relaxing, homelike environment that gives seniors experiencing memory loss a comfortable sense of familiarity. Residents enjoy tailored exercise and activity programs and one-on-one attention from the specially trained nursing staff thats available 24/7. Each memory care apartment is equipped with a state-of-the-art emergency response system to ensure resident safety, and newly remodeled apartments are available in every level of care.
Family members appreciate the wide variety of activities and amenities loved ones enjoy at this retirement living community. "I have been most pleased with the level of care my mom has been receiving since moving into Springbrooke's assisted living. The facilities are lovely and clean, the activities well organized and plentiful, and the staff is caring and attentive," wrote one daughter.
Located in a picturesque and conveniently located neighborhood in Central Denver, Sunrise at Cherry Creek is an assisted living facility centered around engaging programs and friendly interactions. The community has a full schedule of exercise classes, games, happy hours, social meals and outside excursions. Family members are also welcome to participate in many social and educational activities. Monthly wellness visits are conducted by a licensed nurse, and trained staff are available 24 hours per day to handle a wide range of issues. Sunrise at Cherry Creek is beside the Graland School, which provides residents with opportunities to participate in mind-engaging activities with the students.
One family member said, "Sunrise at Cherry Creek has been great so far. I think the personal attention that my aunt had been getting has been very impressive. They have been looking at every detail to try to help her function as highly as possible, and they take assessment of even the smallest things. They are very thorough, keeping the residents engaged and never allowing my aunt to sit in her room by herself."
The Carillon at Belleview Station is an upscale assisted living community that's built for an active senior population who enjoy a variety of engaging activities as well as an independent lifestyle. Acres of elegant living quarters and picturesque outdoor spaces help residents feel as though they're part of a vibrant community. The facility maintains a calendar jam-packed with fun events, including fitness classes, cooking courses, live music, guest lectures and special excursions. The Carillon has a prime location right across the street from Denver's Belleview Station so residents have easy RTD access to all the city has to offer. This level of freedom is accompanied by dedicated memory care for those who need it.
When transitioning into the living residence at The Carillon at Belleview Station, I initially thought I would be moving into a stereotypical senior facility, but instead I feel as though I am living at The Four Seasons!! The best part is the entire support staff starting with an incredible GM, said one of the residents, who went on to mention the friendliness and compassion of the facility's caregivers.