Aurora — Colorado's third-largest city spanning Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties — has one of the densest senior care markets in the Denver metro. The city's strong healthcare infrastructure (UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Children's Hospital Colorado, Centennial Medical Center) and large veteran population (proximity to Buckley Space Force Base) make it a significant hub for senior care services.
CDPHE's licensing database lists more than 80 licensed senior care providers in Aurora and the surrounding Centennial/Englewood corridor, including Assisted Living Residences (ALRs), memory care communities, skilled nursing facilities, and in-home care agencies.
Assisted Living Residences (ALRs): Colorado-licensed communities offering private apartments, structured dining, programming, and tiered personal care under 6 CCR 1011-1 Ch. 7. Aurora ALR base rates run $3,200–$5,000/month for a studio; care-level add-ons can bring the total to $4,500–$7,000/month for higher-acuity residents.
Memory Care: Aurora has dedicated secured memory care wings and standalone memory care communities. Rates run $4,200–$7,000/month depending on acuity.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Aurora's SNFs serve both short-term rehab patients (Medicare-covered post-hospital) and long-term care residents. Private-pay SNF rates run $7,500–$10,000/month.
Independent Living / 55+: Several Aurora communities serve seniors who do not yet need personal care, priced at $1,500–$3,000/month.
Aurora typically runs 8–15% less than comparable care in Denver's urban core:
| Care Type | Aurora Monthly | Denver Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| ALR Studio (Level 2) | $3,900 – $5,200 | $4,400 – $5,800 |
| Memory Care | $4,500 – $6,500 | $5,200 – $7,000 |
| Skilled Nursing (private) | $7,500 – $9,500 | $8,000 – $10,500 |
For families stretched by Denver's rising ALR rates, Aurora often provides comparable quality at a meaningfully lower cost, with the added benefit of proximity to major medical centers.
Aurora has one of Colorado's largest veteran populations, in part due to Buckley Space Force Base. Many Aurora ALRs and SNFs have experience working with VA Aid & Attendance and TRICARE.
The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is headquartered in Aurora (1700 N Wheeling St) and offers a range of community-based services. Veterans and surviving spouses should ask specifically whether an Aurora community has VA billing experience and can assist with the Aid & Attendance application process.
To verify any Aurora senior care provider:
Aurora communities are inspected at least annually by CDPHE. Several Aurora ALRs have earned consecutive Deficiency-Free surveys — ask the provider to show the documentation.
Whether you're looking for a mid-range ALR near UCHealth, a memory care unit close to Buckley, or a VA-friendly SNF, Aurora's senior care market has strong options across the spectrum.
Our advisors know the Aurora and Arapahoe County market personally. Call us at (833) 408-3968 or start the matching quiz — our service is free for families.
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