Home Care in Colorado
Colorado is best known as the home of the Rocky Mountains. The state boasts a rich and diverse landscape featuring rivers, deserts and multiple national parks. The state was among the first to enroll in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which demonstrates how committed community leaders are when it comes to helping older residents live active, independent lives. According to the most recent Census, 14.6% of the state's 5.7 million residents are senior citizens.
The SeniorScore for Colorado is 73, which puts the state one point above the national average. SeniorScore rates how comfortable a state could be based on an extensive list of criteria, including cost of living, health care services, recreation and weather. The pleasant climate and the above-average life expectancy of 80 years as compared to 78.6 nationwide boost the state's overall score. The cost of living is in line with the national average, and the overall quality of life is generally high.
This guide examines the cost of home care and home health care services in Colorado as well as financial support available to seniors and free resources that can help older adults who wish to live independently in their retirement.
Top Home Care Agencies in Colorado
Located at 729 S Tejon St in Colorado Springs, CO, The Independence Center is a in-home care service provider that offers in-home nursing and personal care services. Since 1993, they have been providing care to seniors throughout the Colorado Springs ...
Located at 2851 S Parker Rd Suite 960 in Aurora, CO, Rga Home Health Services Inc is a senior in-home care service provider that offers home health services and home care. They have been serving customers in Colorado for 9 ...
Located at 2829 North Avenue Suite 102 in Grand Junction, Colorado, Elite Care at Home is a senior home care company offering personal care as well as home health care. They have been operating in Colorado since 2013. They provide ...
Located at 5130 W 80th Ave Ste 100 in Westminster, CO, Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services is an in-home care service provider offering in-home medical care as well as personal care services. They offer multiple personal services including providing social ...
Benefit Home Health Care is a senior home care provider based in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 5540 N Academy Blvd, Ste 200. They offer personal care as well as home health care to senior clients. For nearly 4 years, ...
Interim Healthcare of Fort Collins Inc is a senior home care company located in Fort Collins, CO at 2000 Vermont Drive #100. They offer in-home nursing care and also in-home care for senior clients. For almost 23 years, they ...
Located in Denver, CO at 4380 South Syracuse St, Ste 600, Optimal Home Care Inc is a home care service provider that offers in-home nursing care and also in-home care. Since 2005, they have been providing care to customers in ...
Home Instead Senior Care is a home health care company based in Denver, CO at 4704 Harlan St Ste 325. They offer in-home health care along with personal home care services for senior clientele. They provide different medical services ...
Located in Colorado Springs, CO at 1355 Garden Of The Gods Rd, Suite 130, Mga Home Healthcare Colorado Inc is a senior in-home care provider that offers home care services as well as in-home health services. For nearly 8 years, ...
Located in Denver, Colorado at 495 Unita Way Suite 140, Solace Healthcare Inc is a home healthcare service provider that offers home healthcare and also in-home personal care. They have been serving seniors in Denver for nearly 6 years. ...
Located at 1040 South 8th Street #201 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Professional Home Health Care Inc is a home healthcare company that offers home healthcare as well as in-home personal care services. Since 2001, they have been serving clients throughout ...
Located in Denver, Colorado at 950 Wadsworth Blvd Ste 303, Visiting Angels is a home healthcare company offering in-home health care as well as in-home personal care. They provide different personal services such as basic errands, spiritual care, offering emotional ...
Interim Healthcare is a senior home care company based in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 1901 North Union, #202. They provide in-home nursing services in addition to in-home personal care to senior clients. They have been providing care in Colorado ...
Located in Broomfield, Colorado at 12995 Sheridan Blvd, Alliant Home Health is a home health care company offering home care and also home health care. They have been serving clients in Broomfield for nearly 28 years. They can provide a ...
Located at 2095 S Pontiac Way in Denver, Colorado, Home Instead Senior Care is a home care service provider that offers home care and in-home health care. They offer various medical services like stroke care, licensed nursing, diabetes care, care ...
Located in Denver, Colorado at 6000 E Evans Ave, Bldg 3 Ste 111, Namaste Home Health is an in-home care provider offering in-home medical care in addition to personal home care. They have been serving customers in Denver for 10 ...
Located in Lakewood, CO at 6015 West 16th Ave, Personal Assistance Services of Colorado is a home healthcare service provider offering in-home care in addition to in-home nursing care. For almost 27 years, they have been providing care to seniors ...
Aim Home Health is a home health care company located in Pueblo, CO at 511 W 26th Street Suite B. They offer personal care and also home health care for seniors. For almost 4 years, they have been helping ...
Located in Denver, Colorado at 4155 E Jewell Avenue #405, Stillwater Home Care Agency is a senior in-home care provider that offers home care services in addition to home healthcare. Since 2013, they have been helping customers throughout the Denver ...
Located in Denver, Colorado at 390 Grant St, Colorado Visiting Nurse Association is a senior home care service provider offering in-home medical services in addition to in-home personal care. Since 1966, they have been helping customers in the Denver area. ...
The Cost of Home Care in Colorado
Genworth Financial's Cost of Care Survey 2019 lists the average cost of home care services in Colorado as $4,957 per month. Home care includes light housework, cooking and assistance with the activities of daily living. Home health care services, which are similar to home care but also include some nursing or medical support, typically have similar monthly fees. The national average is $4,290 for home care and $4,385 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care in Colorado Compared to Nearby States
Home care in Colorado costs slightly more than the national average and more than most neighboring states at $4,957 per month compared to $4,290 in New Mexico. Kansas is the least expensive state for home care with monthly fees of $4,004. Home care and home health care costs in Utah are above average at $4,576 per month. Wyoming is the most expensive neighboring state at $5,339 per month for home care and $5,384 for home health care.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Colorado | $4,957 | $4,957 |
United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
New Mexico | $4,290 | $4,290 |
Kansas | $4,004 | $4,195 |
Wyoming | $5,339 | $5,384 |
Utah | $4,576 | $4,576 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Colorado
Colorado residents have a number of other options for senior care, including day care, assisted living and nursing homes. Of these, adult day care centers that provide care in a group setting are the most affordable. Assisted living facilities offer room and board along with assistance with the activities of daily living for a price that is competitive with that of home care. Nursing homes are the most expensive option due to the skilled nursing care that residents receive.
- In-Home Care: $4,957
- Home Health Care: $4,957
- Adult Day Care: $1,625
- Assisted Living Facility: $4,095
- Nursing Home Care: $8,197
The Cost of Home Care in Colorado's Top Cities
The cost of home care in Colorado varies from city to city. Denver is the most expensive metropolitan area with home care costing $600 more than the statewide average and home health care being $668 more. Boulder and Fort Collins also have above-average fees of $5,557 and $5,053 respectively. Rates in Grand Junction are slightly less than the state average at $4,862, and home care and home health care services are more affordable still in Greely at $4,767 per month. The most affordable cities are Colorado Springs with fees of $4,662 for home care and $4,767 for home health care and Pueblo with fees of $4,471 for both types of services.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Colorado | $4,957 | $4,957 |
Fort Collins | $5,053 | $5,053 |
Greely | $4,767 | $4,767 |
Boulder | $5,339 | $5,434 |
Denver | $5,557 | $5,625 |
Colorado Springs | $4,662 | $4,767 |
Pueblo | $4,471 | $4,471 |
Grand Junction | $4,862 | $4,862 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Colorado
Waiver for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled
The Waiver for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled is a Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver offered under Health First Colorado, which is the state's Medicaid program. There are enrollment caps for the waiver, which means that seniors who are eligible may still need to join a waiting list for the service. The Waiver for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled includes an element for Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services. This can be used to hire anyone, including family members, to provide care.
Contact Information
To learn more about HCBS waivers, eligibility requirements and the application process, contact the local Single Entry Point agency.
Home Care Allowance
The Home Care Allowance is a non-Medicaid program aimed at low-income Colorado residents. The program can help with the cost of chore services, assistance with the activities of daily living and other nonmedical care. The program can be used to hire adult family members to provide care services. To be eligible, a person must be assessed as requiring support with the activities of daily living and must also meet income and asset limitations.
Contact Information
To learn more about the Home Care Allowance and how to apply, contact the County Human Services Department.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Colorado Home Care Rules and Regulations
Home care and home health care agencies in Colorado are regulated by the Department of Public Health and Environment. Home health care services are provided by Class A agencies using licensed health care professionals for service delivery. Home care services are provided by Class B agencies, and there's no requirement for the aides delivering services to be licensed.
Scope of Care | Home care aides offer nonmedical services, such as cleaning, cooking and assistance with the activities of daily living, that are delivered in the client's home. Home health care aides are licensed medical professionals who deliver services within the scope of their qualifications, such as nursing or occupational therapies. |
Care Plan Requirements | Home health care services follow a plan established by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. This plan identifies and describes the patient's need for medical, nursing or rehabilitative care and must be periodically reviewed to ensure that the patient's needs are still being met. Home health care providers work with medical professionals to draw up individual care plans, and they must consult the patient's doctor before making any revisions to the care plan. |
Medication Management Requirements | Caregivers should follow any medication guidelines as described in the care plan. There should be written guidelines as to who is responsible for monitoring the supply of medication and arranging for refills. Drugs and influenza vaccines may be administered by home health care professionals in accordance with professional standards of practice. Home care aides can assist with self-medication but may not administer medications. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Agencies must perform criminal background checks on staff members. Home health care workers cannot receive a provisional license until they have passed a criminal background check. |
Staff Training Requirements | Home care aides providing only housekeeping services or assistance with the activities of daily living are not subject to formal training requirements. Home health care aides are required to undergo 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of clinical practice. Aides must also undergo 12 hours of continuing education annually. |
Medicaid Coverage | Colorado seniors who receive Medicaid may access home care or home health care services through the Waiver for the Blind, Elderly and Disabled. |
Reporting Abuse | Concerns about abuse, neglect or exploitation of seniors can be reported to the state's Adult Protective Services department via telephone. Details of the intake hotlines for each county can be found on the Colorado APS website. |
Free Home Care Resources in Colorado
Seniors in Colorado have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Colorado Commission on Aging
The Colorado Commission on Aging is a group of 17 appointed volunteers who work alongside government and private agencies to improve senior services in the state. The commission appoints new members every four years and hosts regular meetings that are open to all. It also runs regular events, including educational sessions on age-related services and awards programs that honor centenarians.
Contact Information
Learn more about the CCA or view their current meeting and events schedule on the Colorado.gov website.
Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado
Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado is a service that connects seniors with the resources they need. It helps with long-term planning and support, helps seniors make informed decisions about their care and living arrangements and supports a person-centered approach to aging. The service is open to all Colorado residents, and information is provided free of charge.
Contact Information
Call (844) 265-2372 for details on the nearest Aging and Disability Resources delivery center.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
The Colorado Retired and Senior Volunteer Program connects seniors with organizations in the local area who are looking for volunteers. Seniors may receive training, insurance and compensation for out-of-pocket expenses in return for giving their time to those in need. Volunteer opportunities include mentoring children, providing GED training, working with veterans or seniors in need, supporting food banks or lending other more specialized skills to voluntary organizations.
Contact Information
To learn more about the RSVP or apply to join the program, call Volunteers of America Colorado at (303) 297-0408.
Seniors' Resource Center
The Seniors' Resource Center is an organization that offers information, support and assistance to seniors and their caregivers. Services include adult day center programs, home help, signposting to third-party resources and respite for caregivers. The organization has several centers spread across the state.
Contact Information
For more information or to request services, seniors can call (303) 238-8151.
Colorado Legal Services
Colorado Legal Services offers free legal advice to low-income residents, including seniors. It assists with civil law issues, such housing, benefits, elder abuse, consumer rights and estate planning. Seniors can apply for legal support online. Demand is high, and the service has limited resources, so clients are considered on a case-by-case basis. Those not eligible for legal help may still benefit from free legal clinics and other informational services the organization provides.
Contact Information
Requests for legal support can be made using the online application form or by calling one of the local law offices.
Other Cities in Colorado