Colorado Springs, CO Senior Living Alternatives
There are more retired people in this country than ever before thanks to the massive baby boomer generation entering their later years and innovations in medical services and technology helping people live longer. It becomes important to find special care for seniors as they get older and have a tougher time of caring for themselves. Fortunately, Colorado Springs senior living is available in several day centers and facilities.
What Sets Colorado Springs apart?
Located in the east central part of the state about 60 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs is situated at the base of Pikes Peak and is the second largest city in Colorado with about 440,000 residents. Colorado Springs is the home of the United States Air Force Academy. Outside and Money magazines have both ranked Colorado Springs as one of the best places to live in the nation.
With its location at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a popular tourist destination. About five million visitors come to the area every year. There are over 55 activities and attractions in the city, such as Old Colorado City, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Garden of the Gods, U.S. Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and the ANA Money Museum. Colorado Springs also has eight community, seven regional, and 136 neighborhood parks as well as five sports complexes.
Why Seniors Appreciate Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs does not have a particularly large proportion of seniors. However, there are still about 45,000 adults aged 65 or older in the city. The cost of living is quite reasonable in Colorado Springs. It hovers around the national average with utilities, transportation, groceries, and other miscellaneous expenses actually costing less than the rest of the country.
Taxes are normal in Colorado with sales tax a bit high at over 7 percent, though it is clear to see that the money is being put to good use, since the city is so pleasant and clean. There are plenty of healthcare options available to golden agers in Colorado Springs. Two of the city's biggest employers are Memorial Health Services, which runs the Memorial Hospital Senior Clinic at Printers Park Medical Plaza, and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services.
Types of Senior Living
Depending on their current and future needs, seniors can choose from several alternatives for senior living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Independent living is ideal for older adults who are still quite active and can mostly are for themselves. To promote socializing and a healthy lifestyle, these residential communities typically offer social activities. Senior apartments or cottages are usually provided for residents. Congregate housing has more independent living care options for those who need additional support services.
Assisted living communities are a great option for older adults who want an independent atmosphere and lifestyle yet require access to onsite health care and support. Seniors are provided with apartment like units, dining, social activities, and personal care services, such as bathing and grooming. Assisted living incorporates a philosophy of promoting independence and dignity in aging and encourages involvement of family members and close friends.
When their primary caregivers needed to be away from the house during the day for work or other reasons, seniors can get extra care and companionship in adult day care centers. Throughout the day, health care, general supervision, and recreational activities are provided in adult day services.
Skilled nursing facilities, or nursing homes, are designed for convalescent golden agers or those who have chronic or long term illnesses. Seniors are provided with around the clock nursing care and room and board in a state licensed facility. Residents can also access rehabilitative therapies, such as physical or occupational, as well as special care.
Continuing care retirement communities cover the entire spectrum of senior living in Colorado Springs, CO. Their goal is to give seniors a consistent environment for as long as they need care. To meet the needs of golden agers with types of chronic memory loss, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, there are also memory care, or Alzheimer's care, specializations within the Colorado Springs senior loving alternatives listed above.
Older Adults Stay Engaged in Colorado Springs
The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging was created to be a trusted source for assistance, information, programs, and services for the over 60 population of Colorado Springs. With the reasonable taxes and cost of living, commitment to seniors, and wide variety of attractions, Colorado Springs is the perfect place to seek out senior living.
