Independent Senior Living in Denver: Options for an Active Lifestyle

Denver's sunny climate, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains make it an appealing retirement destination for active seniors seeking an independent lifestyle. At Home Sweet Homeshare, we understand the challenges of finding the right living arrangement that balances independence, affordability, and support. Our secure home-sharing marketplace is designed to help independent seniors in Denver stay active, maintain their freedom, and enjoy the companionship of a trusted housemate – all while alleviating the burden of household chores and providing financial stability.

As you navigate the various senior living options, feeling overwhelmed is natural. That's where we come in – to guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences. Our mission is to empower you to live independently in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the city you love.

From the upscale neighborhoods of Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village to the prestigious suburban communities like Littleton and Lone Tree, we serve discerning homeowners throughout the Denver metro area seeking an exceptional independent living experience. Enjoy the vibrant energy of Cherry Creek or the natural beauty of Boulder – our services extend across the region's most desirable locales.

Iconic Denver neighborhoods like Hilltop, Belcaro, and Bonnie Brae offer a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, while the luxurious enclaves of Greenwood Village and Cherry Hills Village provide a secluded, resort-like ambiance. Explore the cultural attractions of downtown Denver or the outdoor adventures of the nearby Rocky Mountains – all within reach of our premier home-sharing services.

Whether you seek the suburban tranquility of Littleton, Lone Tree, or Parker, or the cosmopolitan flair of uptown Denver or Boulder, Home Sweet Homeshare is dedicated to ensuring you experience the finest in independent living, tailored to your unique lifestyle preferences.

‍Why Choose Home Sharing vs Independent Living?

By staying in the home you love, you can continue to enjoy familiar surroundings, engage in activities you're passionate about, and maintain your social connections.

Affordability is a significant advantage of homesharing with Home Sweet Homeshare. While the average cost of independent living in Denver can range from $2,500 to $5,000 per month, our homeowners receive a minimum of $400 per month, plus 40 hours of assistance with household chores – a value of approximately $800 per month. This allows seniors to stretch their retirement savings further while remaining in their cherished homes.

How much homeowners are paid per month when sharing their home with Home Sweet Homeshare.

Get paid to lighten your workload! Homeowners earn substantial income by sharing their homes. On top of receiving 40 hours of monthly help with household chores (cleaning, laundry, yard work, etc.), check out these potential earnings in select areas:

Your Guide to Senior Living Options in Denver

Picture this: no more stressing over yard work, no more battling traffic, no more endless housecleaning. Denver independent living solution and innovative options like homesharing make that dream a reality, letting you focus on the things you love.

Independent living refers to a lifestyle where seniors maintain their autonomy and privacy while receiving some level of support or assistance. In Denver, there are several options available, including homesharing, independent living communities, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).

Homesharing, offered by Home Sweet Homeshare, is a unique arrangement where older homeowners welcome compatible younger housemates into their homes. In exchange for reduced rent, the housemate provides assistance with household chores and companionship. This option is ideal for active seniors who want to age in place while enjoying the benefits of an extra pair of hands and some company.

Independent living communities, on the other hand, are purpose-built residential complexes designed specifically for seniors. These communities offer maintenance-free living, social activities, and various amenities, but residents typically pay a higher monthly fee. Important Note: Independent living does NOT offer medical assistance unless they are part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

CCRCs, or continuing care retirement communities, provide a continuum of care, ranging from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing care. While offering a comprehensive solution, CCRCs can be significantly more expensive than other options.

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Here's your breakdown of the choices:

Home Sharing (Home Sweet Homeshare): Your Home, Your Income, Your Supportive Community

• The Win-Win: Homeowners earn at least $400 a month AND get 40 hours of help around the house. It's the budget-savvy way to age in place.
• Companionship Built-In: Say goodbye to loneliness and hello to a friendly housemate.

Independent Living Communities: Maintenance-Free Living with Endless Possibilities

• Active and Engaged: These communities are designed for active seniors who want the freedom to explore hobbies, meet new friends, and enjoy life on their terms.
• The Perks: Think beautiful apartments, delicious meals, pools, fitness classes, movie nights...the list goes on!
• Important Note: Independent living does NOT offer medical assistance unless they are part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Types of Independent Living to Suit Your Lifestyle

• Luxurious Lifestyle: Dreaming of a resort-like experience with stunning views, gourmet dining, and endless amenities? (Expect to pay around $7,500/month or more.)

• Faith-Based Communities: Find a strong sense of community, fulfilling activities, and shared spiritual values in these welcoming environments. (Typically more affordable, starting around $3,000/month.)

• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): The ideal choice if you want to stay put even as your needs evolve. CCRCs offer everything from independent living to memory care. (These come with hefty upfront fees, $100,000+, plus monthly costs in the $3,500-$10,000 range.)

Best Independent Living Communities in Denver

Here are five highly regarded independent living communities in Denver:

1. Brookdale Highline (11300 E. Yale Ave.): Offering a vibrant lifestyle with spacious apartments, dining options, and a wealth of amenities. Entrance fee: $130,000 - $400,000. Monthly rent: $3,500 - $5,500.‍
2. Covenant Village of Colorado (9153 Yarrow St.): A faith-based community with a focus on wellness, social engagement, and lifelong learning. Entrance fee: $190,000 - $550,000. Monthly rent: $2,800 - $4,500.‍
3. Wind Crest (3035 W. Center Ave.): Boasting a picturesque setting with scenic views, this community offers a variety of living options and amenities. Entrance fee: $150,000 - $600,000. Monthly rent: $3,000 - $5,000.
4. ‍Clermont Parklife (2590 Roslyn St.): A vibrant community with elegant residences, upscale dining, and a full calendar of activities. Entrance fee: $200,000 - $500,000. Monthly rent: $3,200 - $4,800.
5. ‍The Carillon at Belleview Station (4855 S. Niagara St.): Offering modern luxury living with convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Entrance fee: $250,000 - $550,000. Monthly rent: $3,500 - $5,200.

A Quick Note About Assisted Living:

• This is for seniors who need more hands-on help with daily tasks (dressing, medication, etc.) and 24/7 medical support. Costs range from $4,500-$7,000 per month.

Typical Costs of Independent Living in Denver

• Entrance Fees: Can range widely, from $100,000 to $1 million or more. (Often partially refundable.)
• Monthly Rent: Averages around $3,500, but luxury options can easily top $10,000.
• Add-Ons: Meals, personal care, parking, and pet fees are often extra. Always ask what's included in the base price!

Understanding Independent Living Costs in Denver

Finding the perfect independent living community shouldn't be a financial guessing game. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay in the Denver area:

The Average Cost:  Based on recent data, most seniors in Denver pay around $4,000 per month for independent living. This usually covers your housing, meals, and exciting community amenities.

What Impacts Your Costs:  The price of your independent living experience depends on factors like:

• Location: Prime neighborhoods naturally come with a higher price tag.
• Apartment Size: Expect to pay more for a spacious layout.
• Amenities: Think pools, fitness centers, those add to your monthly cost.

What's Typically Included: Most Denver communities cover the essentials within your monthly cost:

• Your Apartment
• Utilities (Some or All)
• Delicious Meals
• Fun Activities and Events
• Beautiful Shared Spaces
• Maintenance and Upkeep

Possible Extras:

• Pet Rent (for your furry friend)
• Transportation

Helpful Comparison: The average baseline cost (excluding extra services) for independent living communities in the Denver area is around $4,000.

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Costs associated with Independent Living Facilities in Denver

Denver offers diverse options for independent living at different price points. Here are the typical costs:

• Entrance Fees - Ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Often 90-80% refundable when you leave the facilities.
• Monthly Rent- Averages $3,500/month plus additional fees. Rent ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 for luxury.
• Meals - Around $500/month for dinner and lunch daily. Breakfast may be included.
• Personal Care - Aides cost $25-$35/hour for help with medications, dressing, bathing if needed.
• Parking - Ranges from $100 to $500/month for covered parking.
• Pet Fee - $250 one-time fee and $25/month. 2 pets maximum typically.

When comparing costs, look closely at what amenities and services are included in the base rent. Many independent living communities offer different tiers of rental packages.

Seek communities that offer flexibility and allow you to select your desired services to match your budget and needs.

Services and Amenities

Independent living communities in Denver offer a wide range of services and amenities to support an active and engaged lifestyle. These may include:

• Dining services: From casual bistros to formal dining rooms, residents can enjoy nutritious and delicious meals prepared by professional chefs.
• Housekeeping and laundry: Staff members handle cleaning, laundry, and light housekeeping tasks, freeing up your time for leisure activities.
• Transportation: Scheduled transportation services provide convenient access to medical appointments, shopping, and local attractions.
• Fitness and wellness programs: On-site fitness centers, exercise classes, and wellness programs promote physical and mental well-being.
• Social and cultural activities: A diverse calendar of events, clubs, and outings fosters social connections and intellectual stimulation.

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Understand Denver laws and regulations for independent living communities

Since independent living communities do not offer personal care or health care services, they are not regulated like traditional assisted living or skilled nursing communities. However, many Denver independent living partners also offer assisted living care on the same campus.

Stand-alone independent living communities

Stand-alone independent living communities do not follow assisted living facility guidelines. They typically follow rental regulations and inspections common to the landlord-tenant laws of the state. Besides local rental guidelines, independent living communities typically have their own restrictions, such as an age requirement. Most independent living facilities require residents to be at least 55 years old. Requirements can be found on the independent living facilities’s website.

Rental regulations and inspections

In 2023, Denver launched its residential rental licensing program, which requires apartment rentals to be licensed. This license must be renewed every four years. Additionally, apartment buildings must undergo and pass an inspection to receive a license. In these inspections, the third-party inspector may check the following conditions:

• Hot water temperature
• Bathtub and shower status
• Lack of leaks or holes in walls, roofing, or foundation
• Free of pest infestation
• Regular trash removal services
• Sufficient lighting in halls and stairways

Independent living communities also need to follow traditional apartment guidelines. These guidelines have specific regulations for apartment owners and occupants. Under Colorado law, owners of rental properties have to abide by the following guidelines:

• Maintain cleanliness of public areas
• Meet minimum standards for necessities like lighting, ventilation, and heating
• Perform pest control
• Have the minimum requirements for home appliances and facilities, such as bathrooms, kitchens, water heating, etc.
• Cannot disconnect utilities

While landlords have their own regulations to follow, so do tenants. Occupants in every apartment  must adhere to the following:

• Sustain a clean apartment
• Dispose of garbage in a sanitary manner
• Maintain hygiene of plumbing
• Keep the unit pest-free^‍

Besides these laws and regulations, Colorado law aims to provide tenants with safe living accommodations thanks to an extensive list of tenant rights. Tenants are protected through the following rights:

• Landlords cannot raise the rent more than once a year.
• Landlords must meet building, housing, and health codes.

In addition to these rights, the Colorado Antidiscrimination Act prohibits discriminating against occupants based on age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability status, sources of income, etc. Additionally, the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act prevents landlords from discriminating against or threatening tenants based on their immigration status.^‍

Colorado Department of Health contact information

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek South Drive
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-2000

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Contact Us

If you're ready to explore independent living options in Denver, we invite you to contact Home Sweet Homeshare at info@homesweethomeshare.com. Our team of experts will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect solution that meets your needs and budget. Experience the joy of independent living while enjoying the companionship and support that comes with our secure home-sharing community.

We look forward to helping you start your next chapter!