Assisted Living Community in Larimer County, Colorado

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,950 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on Assisted Living Community in Larimer County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Larimer County, CO

• Assisted Living: $3,950
• Nursing Home Care: $8,197
• In-home Care: $4,887
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,560

Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study shows that the average monthly cost of assisted living in Larimer County is $3,950, which is $50 below the state and national averages. Prices are lower in neighboring Greeley ($3,670) and higher to the south in Boulder ($5,000), which has the most expensive assisted living in the state. 

To the north, assisted living costs in Cheyenne, WY are $4,610, while prices are significantly lower along Colorado’s western border in Grand Junction ($3,350). 

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Larimer County, so data for Fort Collins, the county seat, was used. 

At $8,197 per month, the average cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home in Larimer County is more than double the cost of assisted living. Although both services include room and board, nursing home facilities also provide skilled nursing care to residents who have complex medical needs.  In-home care from a homemaker or home health aide costs close $1,000 more than assisted living. Seniors who are weighing their care options should also consider that in-home care costs are in addition to regular day-to-day living expenses, which can make the total monthly cost significantly more than assisted living. 

Health First Colorado is the state Medicaid program that provides low-income individuals with free health care coverage for various services, including inpatient and outpatient hospital care, doctor visits, X-rays and lab tests and nursing home care. 

To qualify for long-term Health First Colorado coverage with access to home and community-based waiver services, seniors must earn no more than $2,313 per month and own no more than $2,000 worth of countable assets. Couples applying together can earn up to $4,626 per month and own up to $3,000 in joint assets. 

Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or hold a qualifying immigration status; have a valid Social Security number; live in Colorado full time; and require the level of care normally offered in a nursing home. 

Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver

Seniors aged 65 and older who have a permanent functional impairment or are blind and require a nursing home level of care may be eligible for enrollment in the Elderly, Blind and Disabled waiver. 

This home and community-based Medicaid waiver funds enhanced services that allow frail seniors to remain in a noninstitutional setting, such as assisted living. 

To qualify, seniors must meet the financial criteria for Health First Colorado coverage and be able to safely live in the community with the supports available through the EBD waiver. These supports and services are assigned based on medical need and may include: 

• Adult day health care
• In-home personal care
• Medication reminders
• A medical alert system
• Nonmedical transportation
• Respite care
• Placement in an alternative care facility (participants pay the room and board portion of monthly care costs) 

For more information on Health First Colorado and the Elderly, Blind and Disabled waiver, contact the Larimer County Department of Human Services at (970) 498-6300. 

Colorado Old Age Pension 

Seniors aged 60 and older may qualify for the state-sponsored Old Age Pension, a financial assistance program designed to provide a basic minimum income to those who have few resources and little to no income. 

To qualify, seniors must have an income at or below the federal Supplemental Security Income rate and own no more than $2,000 worth of countable assets. Seniors must also apply for SSI if they’re eligible, and monthly OAP benefits are based on the applicant’s current income. 

For more information, contact Larimer County Human Services at (970) 498-7750 or complete an online application through Colorado PEAK. 

Elderlife Financial Senior Living Bridge Loan

Seniors who have a good credit score and require access to cash to finance a move into assisted living may be eligible for an assisted living bridge loan from Elderlife Financial. 

This 12-month loan is designed for seniors who are selling their home, liquidating investments or waiting for benefits to begin to raise funds for their care. 

The bridge loan is set up as a line of credit, therefore, borrowers only need to pay interest on the portion of the loan they actually use. Money can be sent directly from the lender to the assisted living community, and the loan can be paid off at any time without penalty. 

Applications can be processed over the phone or online, and up to six people can be listed on the loan to disperse assisted living costs among family members. 

For more information, contact Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500. 

The Larimer County Veterans Service Office provides information and advocacy services to veterans, survivors and dependents. Staff can help vets file benefit claims, learn about entitlements and arrange transportation to VA medical appointments. 

Outpatient VA health services, including primary care, physical and occupational therapy, audiology and mental health counseling is provided at the Fort Collins VA Clinic. 

Larimer County Veterans Service Office
200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO 80522-1190
(970) 498-7390

Fort Collins VA Clinic
2509 Research Blvd., Fort Collins, CO 80526-8108
(970) 224-1550

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.