26 Assisted Living Communities in Littleton, Colorado

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,700 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 26 Assisted Living Communities in Littleton and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Littleton, CO

• Assisted Living: $4,700
• Nursing Home Care: $8,365
• In-home Care: $1,625
• Adult Day Health Services: $4,767

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, monthly rates for assisted living in Littleton average $4,700, which is notably higher than the shared state and national averages of $4,000. There are just two cities in Colorado where costs are higher: nearby Colorado Springs ($4,875) and Boulder ($5,000).

Prices drop considerably just a short distance away in Pueblo ($4,000), Fort Collins ($3,950) and Greeley ($3,670). The most distant surveyed city, Grand Junction, has the state’s lowest assisted living cost of $3,350 per month.

Note: Data for senior care costs in Littleton wasn’t available, so data for the nearby city of Denver was used.

When comparing care options in Littleton, seniors need to consider the reasons why rates differ so drastically, such as the setting, level of care provided and whether skilled services are offered. Nursing homes and assisted living communities provide care in a residential setting, but nursing homes cost over $3,600 more per month due to the higher level of skilled care and services they offer. Those comparing assisted living and in-home care should remember to factor in the value of room and board typically included in assisted living fees. Homemaker and home health aide services appear to be only marginally more expensive than assisted living, but these rates are for services only, so seniors still have to pay day-to-day expenses, such as food, upkeep, property taxes and utilities.

 

Medicaid, a jointly funded collaboration between the federal and state governments, provides free or low-cost public health insurance coverage to over 72 million children, pregnant women and disabled, blind and elderly people across the nation.

In Colorado, Medicaid is called Health First Colorado and administered by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. The program covers a number of valuable health care services for eligible state residents, including doctor and specialist visits, emergency room services, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, preventive services, institutional nursing home care and minimal in-home care services.

To be eligible for Medicaid long-term care coverage in Colorado, applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualifying noncitizens and meet the following financial limitations:

• A monthly income of less than $2,313 and up to $2,000 in assets if single
• A maximum of $4,626 in monthly income and up to $4,000 in assets if married and both spouses apply

While income from every source counts, some assets are exempt, such as an applicant’s main home, one automobile, household furnishings and personal effects. If only one spouse of a married couple applies, the non-applicant’s monthly income is exempt. Additionally, up to $3,160.50 of the applicant’s monthly income and $136,420 of the couple’s joint assets also may be excluded as spousal allowances for the non-applicant individual.

Seniors may also be able to reduce their income to the necessary limit through a Qualified Income Trust. The applicant’s excess monthly income gets deposited into an irrevocable trust, and it no longer counts toward the eligibility limit. Deposited funds may only be used for specific medical and long-term care expenses.

Littleton seniors can apply for Health First Colorado coverage online, by calling (800) 221-3943 or in person at the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services office located at 1690 W. Littleton Blvd.

Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver

Health First Colorado doesn’t cover care in an assisted living facility as an entitlement, but it does offer the Elderly, Blind and Disabled waiver to provide seniors with an alternative to nursing home care.

To qualify for the EBD program, Littleton residents must:

• Meet Colorado Medicaid’s income and asset eligibility requirements
• Be aged 65 or older and have a significant functional impairment
• Be aged 18 to 64 and blind or disabled
• Require long-term support services comparable to those provided in a nursing home

Those approved for the waiver must pay the room-and-board portion of their assisted living fees. The program covers the cost of some services and supports provided by the facility, such as assistance with activities of daily living and housekeeping services. Those enrolled in the EBD waiver program also receive Health First Colorado coverage for medical services.

The waiver program is subject to statewide enrollment caps, so qualified seniors may be placed on a waiting list until a slot becomes available.

To learn more about the EBD waiver or begin the application process, Littleton residents should contact Colorado Access at (877) 710-9993.

Colorado Old Age Pension

The state of Colorado offers an Old Age Pension program to aid residents aged 60 and older who have little income and few assets. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified noncitizens who’ve lived in the U.S. for a minimum of five years. Additionally, applicants must have a monthly income of less than $809 and total assets valued at less than $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for married couples.

Those approved for the pension may receive up to $809 per month or a total of $9,709 per year. The amount received may be lower or vary from month to month depending on the recipient’s other sources of income.

To apply for OAP benefits, Littleton seniors can visit the Arapahoe County DHS office at 1690 W. Littleton Blvd. or call (303) 636-1130.

Optional State Supplementation

Littleton seniors and disabled adults who receive or are eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits from the Social Security Administration may also qualify for a monthly top-up payment through the Colorado Optional State Supplementation program.

While the exact amount provided depends on an applicant’s living arrangement, marital status and total monthly income, the Colorado OSS payment may be as high as $551 for single people and up to $1,489 for married couples.

To learn more about the OSS program or apply, seniors should contact the local Arapahoe County DHS office at (303) 636-1130.

Littleton veterans can get help filing applications for VA pensions and benefits at the Arapahoe County Veterans Service office and access primary care, referrals for specialty care, physical therapy, audiology, radiology and lab services at the VA clinic in nearby Golden.

Arapahoe County Veterans Service Office
1690 W. Littleton Blvd., Ste. 110, Littleton, CO 80120 
(303) 738-8045

Golden VA Clinic
1020 Johnson Rd., Golden, CO 80401
(303) 914-2680

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