Colorado continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Discover CCRCs In Colorado

Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay. Depending on your location and specific care needs your options for CCRCs may vary.

Recreation and Attractions In Colorado

Colorado is a nature lover’s paradise with its seemingly endless mountain ranges and wide-open spaces. After a long day’s hike or perhaps just a stressful week, visitors and residents can enjoy places like Princeton Springs, which features geothermal hot springs and spa services open year-round. There are also many creative districts throughout Colorado that make for great places to experience a fresh take on art, food, music, and more! No matter your range of interests, a CCRC in Colorado can allow you to explore new things and remain happily independent.

Colorado's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Colorado has an average temperature of 51 degrees with a high temperature of 65 degrees, and a low temperature of 36 degrees. The winters are dry with the occasional blizzard and wind blown snow. Winter temperatures are typically in the 40s. Summers have low humidity and have temperatures in the 80s and 90s while spring and fall temperatures are between the 50s and 70s. The higher the elevation typically means there will be a decrease in temperature and more precipitation. A lot of the weather will depend on where you're located. if you live at a higher elevation, you can expect cooler temperatures and more snow.

Crime and Safety In Colorado

Compared to the national average, Colorado’s crime rates are almost identical. Although there are slightly more crimes per square mile than what is found nationally, however, Colorado is by no means an overly dangerous place to live. Finding the safest environment for your CCRC investment can ensure that your care is as effective as it can be.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Fort Lupton	.51	7.2
Firestone	.52	9.36
Windsor	.24	10.85

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Colorado

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location.

The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a buy-in option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – These contracts guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. They also include monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Similar to extensive contracts, except one’s coverage of care, modified contracts only extended to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit and only pay on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior and Elderly Rights For Continued Care in Colorado

Residents have the right to manage their personal and financial affairs and air grievances. Additionally, all services provided and a description of your rights within each particular CCRC are to be displayed and understood upon entering into your continuing care contract. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar with senior law.

Colorado Continued Care: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Many CCRCs will require applicants to submit health records as well as an up-to-date physical examination. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided. Residents receiving continuing care or any other type of medical attention in Colorado are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment.