Affordable Housing for Older Adults in Colorado
Was the cost of housing a topic at your family’s gatherings this past year? Did you have the tough conversation about what to do with mom as her rent is increasing and her retirement can no longer cover rent, medication, and food? You are not alone. Affordable housing, especially for our increasing older adult population (1), is top of mind for almost everyone.
Before you choose an older adult living home for your parent or loved one, consider what level of care meets your family needs if aging in place is not an option.
Types of older adult communities
- Independent living – These communities are for older adults that require no assistance in day to day living activities. Most communities have some social activities for residents. SHO has five Affordable Living properties that you can explore. All our Affordable Housing communities have a waitlist.
- Assisted Living communities are for people that need a little help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as taking medications, preparing meals, getting dressed, bathing, or using the restroom. Staff are present 24/7. SHO has four properties that you can explore for low to moderate income older adults or adults with disabilities. We offer an all-inclusive monthly rate with no move in community fee. We accept Medicaid and private pay.
- Skilled Nursing Homes are for people that need 24/7 medical monitoring. This could include physical therapy or wound care. Your doctor or medical professional can help you find a place that is right for you.
- Memory Care units have designated safe and secure areas with onsite staff and care 24/7 to provide help with daily activities. While SHO does not have a Memory Care community, we do offer an Adult Day Program that can help keep your loved one safe during the day. It is in our Park Hill Community. If necessary, your doctor or medical professional can help you find a memory care home that is right for your loved one.
How to pay for Independent Living/Affordable Housing
SHO’s Independent Living Communities are designed for low-income adults. Medicaid/Medicare does not help you pay for independent living communities.
Subsidized Housing / US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This federal program is based on annual gross income and is for low-income households. Potential residents must complete an application. Residents pay 30% of their monthly adjusted gross income and complete an annual recertification at which time their rent could be adjusted. With this site-based housing program, applications are submitted directly to the site.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) – This program pays a portion of the rent directly to the community. The tenant pays the difference. The Denver Housing Authority provides this service. SHO properties are subsidized housing communities, not HCV. For more information visit their website at https://www.denverhousing.org/housing-choice-vouchers-section8/ .
Low-income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) – Tenants must meet low-income requirements as set by the Colorado Finance and Housing Authority to apply. The rent is a set amount and is not based on tenant income. The Apartments at Cinnamon Park is a LIHTC community. The LIHTC applications are accepted by the site.
IMPORTANT NOTE: NEVER PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR YOU OR PROMISES TO GET YOU TO THE TOP OF THE LIST. IT IS A SCAM – THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS.
SHO Independent Living Opportunities
SHO has five Affordable Housing communities. All of them currently have a wait list with the exception of September House and The Decatur as of this posting. Please check out website for current availability.
- The Olin Hotel Apartments was the first property purchased by SHO in 1979. After an extensive renovation in 2019, it is home to 112 older adults. Located two blocks from the Capitol, it is near public transportation and many shops and services.
- The Apartments at Cinnamon Park in Longmont are a 62+ LIHTC community and features 21 one-bedroom and 4 studio apartments. This is a smoke-free facility with a community room, exercise room, on-site laundry, garden and patio area. Many activities are shared with our Assisted Living facility on the same campus.
- Emerson Gardens is managed by SHO. Built in 1989 these 30 apartments are in Capitol Hill near public transportation and shopping.
- September House and The Decatur are unique, offering two bedrooms. Two residents are required to occupy these units or a person with documented reasonable accommodation is required for these homes just west of Denver.
It is recommended that you complete applications for multiple communities you are interested in, not just at Senior Housing Options. It is helpful to create a journal when and where you have applications. Some communities have a wait list while other communities require you to apply annually to be entered into a lottery. Here are a few of the resources for Independent Living communities:
https://search.211colorado.org/ – You can also call 2-1-1 for assistance.
https://coloradohousingconnects.org/renters-im-looking-for-affordable-housing/
https://affordablehousingonline.com/#google_vignette
- State Demography Office on the Radio: Age Changes in Colorado 1/28/24 https://demography.dola.colorado.gov/assets/crosstabs/demo_radio_20240220.html#:~:text=The%20State%20Demography%20Office%20vintage,to%20be%20over%20age%2065.
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