Housing Assistance for Seniors in Colorado

Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Rachel

Colorado is a young state compared to other states in the country. About 32.6% of the state’s residents are 50 and above. According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of seniors above 65 in Colorado as of 2020 was approximately 895,600. This represents only 16% of the state’s total population.

The median age of Colorado is 36.9, ranking it in the bottom 10 countrywide. The state’s median age is almost two years younger than the overall U.S. median age of 38.5. The life expectancy is 80, which is above the country’s average of 78.5.

Colorado’s median household income for those above 65 is more than $50.000, placing the state in the top ten in terms of income levels for the elderly. The percentage of the population above 55 years in the labor force is 34.6%, a figure below the nation’s average of 40.80%.

Rent in Colorado ranks as the 14^th highest in the country. The average rent of a one-bedroom apartment is $1,538 per month and the rent of a two-bedroom is $1,856 per month. Note, the rental prices vary significantly across different regions of the state. In more rural areas the price may be lower than in urban areas.

The average home health care cost is approximately $4,572 a month. This fee guarantees that seniors live comfortably in their own homes while receiving assistance with housekeeping and day-to-day errands.

Seniors in Colorado who need adult day care can pay about $1,495 per month for these services and also get to participate in social activities that will keep them busy while their loved ones are away.

Assisted living in Colorado costs an average of $3, 850 per month. Assisted living provides help to seniors with their daily tasks, health services and personal care. Nursing homes are available for seniors who require 24/7 supervision and care. A semi-private room and a private room in a nursing home are around $7,663 and $8,547 per month respectively. Services offered in a nursing home are personal care, medication, housing, supervision, skilled nursing care, therapies, and rehabilitation.

Housing Options

Senior living in Colorado varies depending on the level of care needed and personal preference. Here are some of the options

1. Independent Living: Independent living communities are designed for seniors who are generally healthy and active but want to downsize their homes and enjoy a community of other seniors.
2. Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities help residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
3. Memory Care: Memory care communities provide specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
4. Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care for seniors who require more intensive care. These facilities offer skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and long-term care. The staff helps the elderly in daily walking, challenging puzzles, and participating in art therapy.
5. With about 305 hospice facilities, seniors with terminal illnesses can take advantage of these services. The facilities have trained staff who help with pain management with medication and activities, and also provide therapy for coping with grief.
6. Respite care facilities provide relief to families and caregivers who take care of seniors. Colorado has 327 respite care facilities. The facilities make life easier and bearable for caregivers and families.

When choosing a senior living community in Colorado, it’s important to consider factors such as location, cost, amenities, and level of care provided. It’s also a good idea to visit the community, talk to staff and residents, and ask plenty of questions to ensure it’s the right fit.

State Housing Assistance

No need to panic about housing as a senior since the state offers several programs and resources to help individuals and families access affordable housing. Here are some of the state housing assistance programs in Colorado:

1. Colorado Division of Housing: The Colorado Division of Housing offers several programs and resources to help individuals and families access affordable housing, including the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), which offers low-interest loans and other financing options to help people purchase or refinance homes.
2. Colorado Homeless Assistance Program (CHAP): This program provides emergency assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. CHAP is administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
3. Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs: The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs offers several housing assistance programs for veterans, including the Veterans Housing Assistance Program (VHAP) and the Veterans Assisted Care (VAC) Program. VHAP provides low-interest loans to eligible veterans to help them purchase or refinance homes, while VAC provides financial assistance to veterans who need help paying for long-term care.
4. Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP): This program assists with energy bills for low-income households, including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children. LEAP is administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services.

Rental Assistance

There are many resources and programs available for seniors to get rent assistance here are some:

Colorado Housing Choice Voucher Program: This program provides rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Colorado Division of Housing.

Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): This program provides rental and utility assistance to eligible households who have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ERAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury and administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.

Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs: The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs offers several housing assistance programs for veterans, including rental assistance through the Veterans Housing Assistance Program (VHAP).

Senior Housing Options: Senior Housing Options is a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing and support services to seniors in Colorado. The organization operates several communities throughout the state, including properties that offer rental assistance for low-income seniors.

Area Agencies on Aging: Colorado has a network of Area Agencies on Aging that provide a variety of services and resources to seniors, including information on rental assistance programs. It is funded by the federal Older Americans Act and state funding for senior services.

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs: The Colorado Department of Local Affairs provides rental assistance to seniors and other low-income individuals and families through the Division of Housing. The Division of Housing offers several rental assistance programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher.

The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless offers several rental assistance programs for low-income individuals and families, including seniors. The organization also offers case management and other support services to help individuals and families maintain their housing stability.

Home Repair and Improvement Grants

Seniors can get financial assistance to repair and upgrade their homes through the following programs:

• Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households, including seniors. This can include repairs to the heating and cooling systems, insulation, and other measures to reduce energy costs and improve home comfort.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: The CDBG program provides funding to local governments and non-profit organizations to support a variety of community development activities, including home repair grants. Eligible homeowners can apply for grants to make necessary repairs and improvements to their homes.
• Home Repair and Rehabilitation Program: The Home Repair and Rehabilitation Program is administered by the Colorado Division of Housing and provides grants to eligible homeowners to make critical repairs and improvements to their homes. The program prioritizes repairs that address health and safety issues, such as fixing faulty electrical systems, repairing leaks, and addressing other hazards.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) Grant: The VA offers the HISA grant to eligible veterans who have service-connected disabilities. The grant provides financial assistance for necessary home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, and installing grab bars or handrails, to improve accessibility and safety in the home.
• USDA Rural Development: USDA Rural Development offers several grant and loan programs to eligible homeowners in rural areas to make necessary home repairs and improvements. These programs are designed to support low-income households and seniors who may struggle to access traditional financing for home repairs.

Low-interest Loans for Housing

For seniors who require low-interest loans to acquire their dream homes, the state has several low-interest loan programs available to finance their housing needs:

1. Reverse Mortgage: A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows seniors to convert the equity in their homes into cash. The loan is repaid when the homeowner sells the home, moves out, or passes away. Reverse mortgages can be a good option for seniors who have a significant amount of equity in their homes and need additional income to support their housing needs.
2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): A HELOC is a loan that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes. The loan is secured by the home and typically has a lower interest rate than other types of loans. HELOCs can be a good option for seniors who need to make repairs or modifications to their homes to accommodate their changing needs.
3. Private lenders and banks: Private lenders and banks offer a variety of loan programs, including home equity loans and lines of credit, that can be used to finance housing needs. It’s important to research the terms and fees of these loans carefully and compare them to other options before making a decision.
4. Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA): The CHFA provides low-interest loans to eligible homeowners and homebuyers in Colorado. The agency offers several loan programs, including the HomeAccess program, which provides low-interest loans to help low- and moderate-income homebuyers with down payments and closing costs.

Local Organizations and Charities that Assist with Housing

Some organizations provide a range of housing-related support:

1. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is a non-profit organization that provides housing and support services to homeless individuals and families in Colorado. The organization offers several programs, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
2. Family Homestead: Family Homestead is a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing and support services to homeless families with children in Colorado. The organization offers several programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and affordable housing.
3. Mercy Housing: Mercy Housing is a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing and support services to low-income individuals and families in Colorado. The organization offers several programs, including affordable housing for seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities.
4. Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing and home repair services to low-income families and individuals, including seniors. The organization has local affiliates throughout Colorado that offer home repair grants and other support services to eligible homeowners.
5. The Action Center: The Action Center is a non-profit organization that provides housing, food, and support services to individuals and families in need in Jefferson County, Colorado. The organization offers several programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rental assistance.
6. Volunteers of America: Volunteers of America is a non-profit organization that provides support services to low-income individuals and families, including seniors, in Colorado. The organization offers several programs, including affordable housing, transitional housing, and rental assistance.
7. Senior Hub: The Senior Hub is a non-profit organization that provides support services to seniors in Adams County, Colorado. The organization offers several programs, including affordable housing, home repair assistance, and transportation services.
8. Community Ministry: Community Ministry is a non-profit organization that provides support services to low-income individuals and families, including seniors, in Arvada, Colorado. The organization offers several programs, including rental and utility assistance, home repair assistance, and case management.
9. El Paso County Department of Human Services: The El Paso County Department of Human Services is a government agency that provides support services to low-income individuals and families, including seniors, in El Paso County, Colorado. The agency offers several programs, including rental and utility assistance, emergency shelter, and case management.

Legal Assistance for Eviction

Seniors who are facing foreclosure and eviction can seek assistance through:

1. Colorado Senior Law Project: The Colorado Senior Law Project provides free legal assistance to seniors aged 60 and above who are facing a variety of legal issues, including housing-related issues such as eviction and foreclosure.
2. Colorado Foreclosure Hotline: This hotline provides free counseling and resources to homeowners who are facing foreclosure. The hotline is funded by the Colorado Division of Housing.
3. Senior Answers and Services: Senior Answers and Services is a non-profit organization that provides information, referral, and advocacy services to seniors in the Denver metropolitan area. The organization can connect seniors with legal resources and services.
4. Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado: The Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado provides legal assistance to low-income individuals and families who are facing a variety of legal issues, including housing-related issues such as eviction and foreclosure. The organization has several offices throughout the state.
5. Colorado Housing Connects: Colorado Housing Connects is a program of the Colorado Division of Housing that provides information and resources to help individuals and families find and maintain affordable housing. The program can connect seniors with legal resources and services as needed.
6. Metro Volunteer Lawyers: Metro Volunteer Lawyers is a non-profit organization that provides pro bono legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in the Denver metropolitan area, including seniors who are facing eviction or other housing-related legal issues.
7. Colorado Legal Aid: Colorado Legal Aid provides legal assistance to low-income individuals and families throughout the state, including seniors who are facing eviction or other housing-related legal issues. The organization has several offices throughout Colorado.
8. The Center for Legal Advocacy: The Center for Legal Advocacy is a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance and advocacy to individuals with disabilities, including seniors who may be facing housing-related discrimination or other issues.
9. The Denver Bar Association: The Denver Bar Association provides a variety of legal resources and services to individuals and families in the Denver metropolitan area, including seniors who are facing eviction or other housing-related legal issues. The organization can connect seniors with pro bono or low-cost legal services as needed.

There you have it, housing for seniors in Colorado! For more information you can visit State Unit on Aging: Colorado Department of Human Services.