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Thornton is just outside of the Denver city center and considered part of the metro area. This part of the state combines the best of two worlds, breathtaking mountains with plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, or skiing and the robust cultural scene of Denver. Closer to home, seniors here may choose to take in a concert by the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, visit the Hills Harvest farmers market in the summer and fall months, or simply stroll downtown and have a cup of coffee or shop in a local boutique. Thornton has cold, snowy winters, but the spring, summer and fall are pleasant and warm. Although Thornton has a cost of living slightly higher than the national average, Colorado does offer some tax breaks on retirement income, which may benefit some seniors.
Older adults who require some help performing basic activities of daily living, but who don’t need the round-the-clock clinical care provided by a nursing home, often turn to assisted living facilities for personal support that respects their desire for independence. Data from the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey shows that Thornton’s average monthly cost for assisted living is $5,550, which is significantly higher than that of most Colorado and U.S. cities.
The following guide compares assisted living care costs throughout Colorado and also details the offerings of some senior-focused resources that provide services in the Thornton area.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Colorado. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Seniors in Thornton see an average monthly price of $5,550 for assisted living care.
Thornton’s average monthly cost is approximately $1,000 higher than the average national cost, $4,500. It’s also $800 higher than the average price in Colorado, $4,750.
The sole Colorado city reporting a higher monthly average cost for assisted living care than Thornton is Boulder, where residents pay $6,275 a month, $725 more than Thornton’s cost. Most other reporting cities undercut Thornton by more than $1,000, including Colorado Springs at $4,463 and Greeley at $4,400. Grand Junction is similarly priced at $4,250, while Fort Collins comes in at an even $4,000. Per Genworth, the lowest prices for assisted living in the state are in Pueblo, where the monthly average is $3,800 — $1,750 less than in Thornton.
Note: Data for Thornton was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Denver, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Colorado.
| Contact | Description | |
| Denver Regional Council of Governments Agency on Aging | (303) 480-6700 | The Agency on Aging advocates for the interests of elderly residents in the greater Denver area, including Thornton. Agents from the AAA propose laws and regulations to improve conditions in assisted living communities, fund initiatives and programs that help the elderly age in place and offer assistance to seniors who are applying for benefits from the federal and state governments. Other programs include caregiver training and support or respite help. |
| Colorado Department of Human Services Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (303) 480-6734 | Ombudsman representatives protect residents of Colorado long-term care communities. Representatives of this agency investigate complaints from residents, or complaints filed on behalf of residents (such as those in memory care) by families or caregivers. Other operations of the Ombudsman office include working with the state government to provide greater oversight and stricter regulations of long-term care homes. |
| Veterans Affairs Commission – City of Aurora | (303) 739-7087 | Thornton military veterans and surviving spouses may receive help obtaining benefits and medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs at the local veterans’ center. This agency also sponsors programs to address concerns specific to veterans, such as PTSD, grief and mental health care. Some transportation to the VA Center or the VA Medical Center may be provided. |
| Thornton Senior Center | (303) 255-7850 | Members of the Thornton Senior Center have access to many different activities and plenty of opportunities to socialize. Fitness classes are geared towards the elderly, such as Silver Sneakers or chair yoga. Games, including bridge and bingo tournaments, are popular, as are crafting classes and book clubs. Lunches are served during the week and different educational seminars are hosted, including financial planning, technology and guidance for long-term care choices. |
| South Metro Medical Equipment Loan Closet | (720) 443-2013 | The Loan Closet offers loans of durable medical equipment including blood pressure cuffs and TTY equipment, toileting and shower chairs and mobility aids, including wheelchairs, walkers and canes. The loan closet relies on donations, so the inventory can vary. |
| Colorado Legal Services | (303) 837-1313 | Local Denver attorneys offer free legal consultation for seniors who meet income eligibility. These services can include drafting legal documents, representation in civil matters or filing divorces or bankruptcies. No criminal matters are handled by this agency. |
| Regional District Transportation (RTD) | (303) 299-6000 | The RTD is a fixed route bus system, public transportation that serves the greater Denver area. The RTD also has limited service to Colorado Springs and Boulder. Seniors may receive reduced-fare passes, and handicapped transit is open to those who qualify. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Thornton area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
