Denver at a Glance
Denver Nursing Home Market Overview
Above-Average Quality Market
Denver's 3.1-star average rating exceeds most major metros. With 39% of facilities earning 4-5 stars (9 of 23), Denver offers families significantly more high-quality options than cities like Chicago (13%) or Los Angeles (8%).
4 five-star facilities provide elite care options, and Denver has only 1 one-star facility (4%).
Denver's nursing home market reflects Colorado's generally strong healthcare standards. The Mile High City benefits from world-class medical infrastructure (University of Colorado Hospital, National Jewish Health, Denver Health), an active outdoor culture that promotes wellness, and a younger population median age that supports robust healthcare employment.
With 23 facilities serving Metro Denver's 710,800 residents, the market isn't oversaturated—families have genuine choices without overwhelming complexity. The 39% high-quality rate (4-5 stars) means you have realistic odds of securing a bed at an excellent facility.
Market Characteristics
- •Quality Leader: 3.1-star average beats most major metros
- •4 Five-Star Facilities: South Valley, Parkview, Clermont Park, Sloan's Lake
- •Limited Low-Quality Options: Only 1 one-star facility (4% of market)
- •World-Class Healthcare: UC Health, National Jewish, Denver Health, SCL Health
- •Active Lifestyle Culture: 300+ days of sunshine, proximity to mountains, outdoor recreation
- •Altitude Consideration: 5,280 feet elevation may affect residents with cardiac/pulmonary conditions
Denver Nursing Home Costs (2025)
Cost Comparison
Premium Pricing for Premium Quality
Denver's $345/day average is 13% above the national median ($305/day), costing an additional $14,600 annually. However, Denver's superior quality (3.1 stars vs 2.8 national average) and 39% high-quality rate justify the premium.
Financial Planning Strategies
1. Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado)
Colorado's Medicaid program covers nursing home care for eligible residents. Income limit is approximately $2,829/month for individuals (2025). Health First Colorado acceptance varies by facility—confirm before admission.
2. Long-Term Care Insurance
With Denver's $345/day costs, long-term care insurance providing $200-300/day can cover 58-87% of semi-private room expenses. Review policies carefully for inflation protection and Colorado coverage.
3. Veterans Benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits up to $2,431/month (2025), covering 56-71% of Denver nursing home costs. Colorado has multiple VA Medical Centers and state veterans homes.
4. Spend-Down Planning
Work with a Colorado elder law attorney to structure assets for Medicaid eligibility while protecting savings. Colorado has a 5-year lookback period for asset transfers. Consider life estate deeds, Medicaid trusts, and spousal protections.
Denver Quality Analysis
Denver's Quality Advantage
Denver's 3.1-star average significantly exceeds the national 2.8-star average. With 39% of facilities earning 4-5 stars, Denver offers families nearly double the high-quality options compared to most major cities.
Only 4% of Denver facilities are one-star rated (1 facility), compared to 20-50% in struggling markets like Chicago or Los Angeles. This means your baseline options are significantly better.
Star Rating Distribution
What This Means
- ✓Strong Elite Options: 4 five-star facilities (17%) provide top-tier care with exceptional staffing and safety records
- ✓39% High-Quality Rate: 9 of 23 facilities earn 4-5 stars—nearly double the national average
- ⚠Two-Star Cluster: 39% of facilities have two-star ratings—avoid these and focus on 4-5 star options
- ✓Minimal Worst-Case Risk: Only 1 one-star facility (4%) compared to 20-50% in struggling markets
Key Quality Indicators
Staffing Data
RN hours per resident per day
Review staffing data for individual facilities on Medicare.gov
Inspection Results
Health & safety citations
Our database shows zero major deficiency citations across Denver facilities
Denver-Specific Considerations
- •Altitude Effects (5,280 feet): May affect residents with COPD, heart disease, or pulmonary conditions. Discuss altitude tolerance with physicians before relocating to Denver for care.
- •Dry Climate: Denver's low humidity requires extra hydration and skin care protocols—ask facilities how they address this
- •Active Culture: Many Denver facilities incorporate outdoor access, nature walks, and wellness programs reflecting Colorado's active lifestyle
Denver's Top-Rated Nursing Homes
Recommendation: With 4 five-star facilities and 5 four-star options, Denver families should tour all 9 high-quality homes. This comprehensive approach ensures you find the best fit for your loved one's specific needs.
Five-Star Facilities (4)
South Valley Post Acute Rehabilitation
4450 E Jewell Avenue
Denver's largest five-star facility with comprehensive rehabilitation services. Post-acute care specialists serving patients transitioning from hospitals (UC Health, Denver Health). Strong track record for orthopedic recovery, stroke rehabilitation, and complex medical management.
- • Largest five-star option with most bed availability
- • Specialized post-acute rehabilitation programs
- • South Denver location - easy access from I-25, C-470
Parkview Care Center
3105 W Arkansas Avenue
Mid-size five-star facility in Southwest Denver offering personalized attention with 73 beds. Known for strong family engagement, excellent nurse staffing ratios, and comprehensive skilled nursing services. Proximity to Denver Parks and Recreation for outdoor visits.
- • Mid-size for personalized care (73 beds)
- • Southwest Denver - near Bear Valley, Ruby Hill
- • Strong family engagement programs
The Suites at Clermont Park Care Center
2480 S Clermont Street
Smaller five-star facility (63 beds) in the desirable Lowry neighborhood. Suite-style accommodations with emphasis on dignity, privacy, and personalized care plans. Proximity to Lowry Town Center and extensive parks system.
- • Smaller size (63 beds) for maximum personalization
- • Suite-style accommodations
- • Lowry neighborhood - vibrant, walkable, park-rich
Sloan's Lake Rehabilitation Center
1601 Lowell Boulevard
Denver's smallest five-star facility with just 42 beds near the scenic Sloan's Lake Park. Boutique-style nursing home with exceptional staffing ratios and personalized attention. Ideal for families prioritizing intimate, high-touch care environments.
- • Smallest five-star facility (42 beds) - intimate setting
- • Adjacent to Sloan's Lake Park - scenic views/walks
- • Exceptional staffing ratios from small size
Four-Star Facilities (5)
Denver also offers 5 four-star facilities providing excellent care. While not achieving the perfect five-star rating, these homes maintain strong quality standards and may offer advantages in location, specialized services, or bed availability.
Nursing Homes by Denver Neighborhood
Denver's 23 nursing homes are spread across the city, offering families options in most major neighborhoods. Here's what to expect by area:
South Denver
Home to South Valley Post Acute (5 stars, 106 beds) and Parkview Care Center (5 stars, 73 beds). South Denver offers easy access from I-25 and C-470, proximity to Denver Parks, and quieter residential character compared to downtown.
Lowry / East Denver
The Suites at Clermont Park (5 stars, 63 beds) serves the Lowry neighborhood, a vibrant mixed-use community built on the former Air Force base. Features extensive parks system, Lowry Town Center shopping, and younger demographic mix.
Northwest Denver / Sloan's Lake
Sloan's Lake Rehabilitation Center (5 stars, 42 beds) offers Denver's most intimate five-star setting adjacent to the scenic Sloan's Lake Park. The Highland neighborhood provides trendy dining, shopping, and mountain views.
Capitol Hill / Uptown / Downtown
Briarwood Health Care Center (4 stars, 201 beds) and Uptown Care Center (4 stars, 79 beds) serve Denver's urban core. These locations offer walkability, cultural amenities, and proximity to downtown hospitals but may have parking challenges.
North Denver
Berkley Manor (4 stars, 118 beds) serves North Denver's Berkeley neighborhood. Residential area with good highway access and proximity to Regis University. More affordable housing market means family members can visit frequently without downtown costs.
Park Hill / Northeast Denver
Health Center at Franklin Park (4 stars, 86 beds) serves the Park Hill neighborhood, one of Denver's most established communities. Easy access to Stapleton (Central Park), City Park, and University of Colorado Hospital.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid) & Financial Assistance
Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) covers nursing home care for eligible residents. With Denver's $125,925 annual costs, Medicaid planning is essential for most families.
Health First Colorado Eligibility (2025)
- Primary residence (up to $713,000 equity in 2025)
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings and household items
- Prepaid funeral/burial arrangements
- Certain retirement accounts
Application Process
- 1.Gather Documentation
Income records, asset statements, medical records, proof of Colorado residency, Social Security card, birth certificate
- 2.Apply Online or In-Person
Apply at Colorado.gov/PEAK or contact Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing at 1-800-221-3943
- 3.Medical Assessment
Colorado conducts a Long-Term Care Assessment (LTCA) to determine nursing facility level of care eligibility
- 4.Facility Acceptance
Confirm the facility accepts Health First Colorado before admission. Most Denver facilities do, but bed availability for Medicaid patients varies
Spend-Down Planning
Most families don't naturally qualify for Medicaid due to asset limits. Strategic planning can protect savings while achieving eligibility:
- • 5-Year Lookback: Colorado reviews asset transfers made within 5 years before application
- • Medicaid Trusts: Irrevocable trusts can protect assets if established more than 5 years before care need
- • Spousal Protections: Community spouse can keep approximately $148,620 in assets (2025) and up to $3,853/month income
- • Elder Law Attorney: Critical for navigating Colorado's Medicaid rules and avoiding penalties
- • Life Estate Deeds: May protect home equity while establishing Colorado residency
Veterans Benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for additional assistance beyond Health First Colorado:
How to Choose a Denver Nursing Home
Denver-Specific Strategy
Denver's strong market (39% with 4-5 stars) gives families genuine high-quality options. Focus your search efficiently:
- 1.Tour All 4 Five-Star Facilities: South Valley, Parkview, Clermont Park, Sloan's Lake
- 2.Add 2-3 Four-Star Facilities: Based on location preference and specialized needs
- 3.Avoid Two-Star and Below: With 9 excellent options (4-5 stars), there's no reason to settle for lower quality
- 4.Consider Altitude Effects: For residents with cardiac or pulmonary conditions, discuss Denver's 5,280-foot elevation with physicians
Essential Tour Questions
Staffing & Care Quality
- • What is the RN-to-resident ratio on each shift?
- • What's your nurse turnover rate? (Below 30% is excellent, above 60% is concerning)
- • How do you handle emergency situations? Which hospitals do you use? (UC Health, Denver Health, SCL?)
- • Do you have specialized dementia care units? Memory care training?
Denver-Specific Considerations
- • How do you address altitude effects for residents with cardiac/pulmonary conditions?
- • What protocols do you have for Denver's dry climate (hydration, skin care)?
- • Do you offer outdoor access? Mountain views? Nature programs?
- • How do you handle winter weather and snow days for family visits?
Financial & Admission
- • Do you accept Health First Colorado (Medicaid)? What percentage of residents are Medicaid vs private pay?
- • What's your current occupancy rate and typical waiting list?
- • What is the monthly all-in cost including care levels, medications, therapies?
- • What happens if funds run out—do you accept Medicaid spend-down?
Red Flags to Watch For
- 🚩Facility won't let you tour unannounced: Quality facilities welcome drop-in visits
- 🚩Strong odors: Urine or fecal smells indicate inadequate care and cleaning
- 🚩Residents look unkempt or dehydrated: Especially concerning in Denver's dry climate
- 🚩Staff seems rushed or stressed: Indication of understaffing
- 🚩Can't provide staffing numbers: Transparency about staffing is critical
- 🚩Vague answers about altitude protocols: Facilities should have clear plans for managing altitude effects
Find Denver's Best Nursing Homes
Search all 23 Denver facilities. Compare 4 five-star and 5 four-star options side-by-side.
Search Facilities NowAdditional Resources
Understanding Star Ratings
Learn what CMS star ratings mean and how to use them effectively
Staffing: The #1 Quality Predictor
Why RN hours and turnover rates matter more than anything else
Facility Tour Checklist
Essential questions and observations for your facility tours
More City Guides
Comprehensive guides for other major U.S. cities
Data Sources: This guide uses 2025 CMS Medicare data, Genworth Cost of Care Survey (2024), U.S. Census Bureau demographics, and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment licensing information. Star ratings and facility information reflect the most recent CMS data available.
Disclaimer: This guide provides educational information only and should not replace professional medical or legal advice. Facility ratings and costs change over time—always verify current information directly with facilities and on Medicare.gov before making decisions.