How To Choose An Independent Living Community In Denver

To schedule a free consultation with a Senior Advisor, please call Marnie Biln, (303) 222-5281 or e-mail marnie@seniorgevity.com. The consultation is free to seniors and their families, and the senior advisement, and placement services are also free.

If you’ve made the decision to move into an independent living community in the Denver area, the next question is – and it’s a biggie – which community is the best one for you.

Below are criteria to consider when choosing an independent living community.

Cost
The cost of independent living for seniors in Denver can vary wildly, from $1,500 or less per month to $6,000 or more per month, depending on the size of the unit, the luxuriousness of the accommodations, and the community. How much do you want to spend and/or are able to spend? Figure this out ahead of time, before you start touring independent living communities.

Location
If you’ve lived in a certain part of the Denver metro area – such as southeast or northwest, or Arvada or Aurora – you might want to stay in that area so that you’ll be close to family, friends, and your favorite places.

Types Of Units
Independent living communities in the Denver metro area offer different types of units, including: studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, duplexes, and single-family homes. You can choose the floor plan that best suits your needs.

Size Of The Community
Do you want a small community, a large community, or something in between? There are all sizes of independent living communities in the Denver area, which lets you choose the size you prefer.

Meals
Most apartments and houses in independent living communities have kitchenettes or full kitchens, but still offer meal options. The type of dining room, whether meals can be delivered to your apartment, how many meals are included in the monthly cost, if meals are prepared on the premises and are tasty, if special dietary needs can be met – these are all factors to consider when choosing an independent living community.

Activities
Some independent living communities offer an array of activities and outings, while others don’t. To find out what’s going on in a specific community, ask to see a calendar of events for the past 2-3 months.

Amenities
Amenities at independent living communities in the Denver metro area range from beautiful grounds to swimming pools and fitness centers, movie theatres to billiards rooms, and much more. Decide ahead of time which amenities are “must-haves” for you, and look for a community that offers those.

Transportation
Group transportation to shopping, restaurants, events, and outings is usually provided by the larger independent living communities. Some communities also offer individual transportation (scheduled in advance) to medical appointments.

Pet-Friendly
If you have cat or dog (or even a bird or fish), finding a pet-friendly independent living community will be tops on your list. Ask about restrictions on size or breed, and whether a pet deposit and/or monthly pet fee is required.

Assisted Living Services
To move into independent living, you’ll need to be independent and able to function without daily assistance. But there may come a time when you need a little extra help – with medications, bathing, or other tasks. You can always hire an in-home care agency to provide services for you, but it would be nice if assisted living help was available within the community, on an a la carte basis.

Multi-Levels Of Care
Some of the multi-level care communities in Denver have assisted living, memory care (and even skilled nursing care) available in the same building or on the same campus. By choosing a multi-level care community, you have the option of “aging in place” and not having to relocate if your needs change.

Lease Terms
Lease terms at independent living communities tend to be for one year, but some communities require a two-year commitment or offer different lease terms, such as month to month. If permanence (to stay for a long period of time) or flexibility (to leave early) are important to you, choose an independent living community that has favorable lease terms.

Contact A Senior Advisor For Help In Finding The Right Community Or Facility
If you would like help finding the right community or facility for yourself or a loved one, please contact Senior Advisor, Marnie Biln, (303) 222-5281. Her senior advisement and placement services are free.

Marnie helps seniors and their families find communities and facilities in the Denver metro area and Front Range, including: Denver, Aurora, Littleton, Englewood, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Denver Tech Center, Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Rock, Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Thornton, Northglenn, Brighton, Commerce City, Westminster, Louisville, Longmont, Lafayette, Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs.

Click here to see a full list of independent living communities in the Denver metro area.

For more information on senior living options in Denver, see these related topics:
How To Choose An Assisted Living Facility In Denver
How to Choose a Residential Care home in Denver
How To Choose A Memory Care Facility In Denver
How To Choose A Multi-Level Care Community In Denver
How To Choose A Continuing Care Retirement Community In Denver
How To Choose A Nursing Home In Denver
How To Choose An In-Home Care Agency In Denver