Navigating Memory Care Options in South Denver
Littleton has approximately six dedicated memory care facilities, with nearly 60 more in surrounding communities like Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Englewood, and Lakewood. That's a lot of options—and families often feel overwhelmed trying to compare them.
Here's a practical checklist for evaluating memory care communities in our area, based on what actually matters for Littleton families.
Location: Can You Visit Regularly?
Frequent family visits improve outcomes for memory care residents. Consider:
- Drive time from your home—Whether you're in Ken Caryl, Columbine Valley, Highlands Ranch, or elsewhere, can you realistically visit multiple times per week?
- Access from C-470 and major roads—Traffic matters in the South Denver metro
- Parking and visiting ease—Is it simple to drop by?
- Proximity to other family members—Can siblings, grandchildren, and friends visit too?
Staff: The Most Important Factor
The people providing care matter more than fancy amenities. Ask:
- What dementia-specific training do caregivers receive? Generic senior care training isn't enough.
- What's the staff-to-resident ratio? Day shift? Night shift? (Memory care typically needs higher ratios than assisted living)
- What's your staff turnover rate? Consistency matters deeply for residents with dementia.
- Who's on site overnight? Just aides, or nursing supervision too?
During your tour, watch how staff interact with residents. Do they know residents by name? Are interactions warm and patient?
Security: Essential for Colorado
In a state with variable weather and mountain terrain nearby, security isn't optional. Evaluate:
- How are exits secured? Alarmed doors, keypads, or other systems?
- What happens if a resident tries to leave?
- Is there a secure outdoor space? Fresh air matters, even in memory care
- What about Colorado winter? How do they handle outdoor time in cold months?
Environment: Does It Feel Like Home?
People with dementia respond to their environment. Look for:
- Homelike atmosphere—Not institutional or hospital-like
- Good lighting—Especially important for seniors with vision changes
- Clear sightlines and easy navigation—Reduces confusion and anxiety
- Calming colors and reduced clutter—Overstimulation can be problematic
- Memory cues—Photos, familiar objects, or other wayfinding aids
- Cleanliness and maintenance—A sign of overall attention to detail
Activities: Beyond Bingo
Meaningful activities are therapeutic, not just time-fillers. Ask:
- What activities are designed specifically for memory care? (Not just adapted from assisted living)
- Is there a dedicated activities director?
- Can you see a sample calendar?
- Do they partner with programs like SPARK! or other evidence-based approaches?
- How are activities adapted for different stages of dementia?
Care Planning: Will They Know Your Loved One?
Person-centered care requires actually knowing the person. Ask:
- How do you learn about new residents' histories, preferences, and routines?
- How often are care plans updated?
- How is family input incorporated?
- What happens if care needs increase?
Healthcare Coordination
Memory care residents need ongoing medical attention. Understand:
- Is there nursing staff on site? Hours? Qualifications?
- How is medication managed?
- What's the relationship with local hospitals? Littleton Adventist Hospital, UCHealth, Swedish Medical Center—do they coordinate care?
- How are specialist appointments handled?
- What's the policy on hospice care?
Cost: Understand What You're Paying For
In Littleton, memory care typically costs $3,500–$9,300/month, averaging around $5,700/month. Clarify:
- What's included in the base rate?
- What costs extra? (Incontinence supplies, laundry, activities, etc.)
- Are there levels of care with different pricing?
- How often do rates increase?
- What happens financially if your loved one needs more care?
Colorado Tax Note: Residents 65+ may qualify for Colorado's $24,000 retirement income deduction.
Family Support: You're Part of This Too
Good memory care communities support families, not just residents. Ask:
- Are there family support groups or education programs?
- How is communication handled? How often will you hear from staff?
- What are visiting hours?
- Can family participate in activities or meals?
Red Flags to Watch For
During your tour, be wary of:
- Residents who seem unattended or distressed
- Staff who don't greet residents by name
- Strong odors or cleanliness issues
- Reluctance to answer questions directly
- Pressure to "decide today"
- Inability to provide references from current families
Visit Multiple Times
Don't decide based on one tour. Visit at different times—morning, afternoon, evening, weekend. Observe mealtimes and activities. Talk to families of current residents if possible.
Tour Gardens at Columbine
We've served Littleton families for over 25 years, and we welcome your questions—all of them. Our memory care community on Ken Caryl Avenue offers the security, staffing, and engagement that families look for, in a homelike environment in your own community.
Schedule a tour—or schedule several. Visit at different times. Bring this checklist and ask every question. Call 720-391-1606 or stop by 5130 W. Ken Caryl Ave., Littleton.
