How to Move Into Senior Living in Aurora
Moving into senior living in Aurora takes four steps: name the care level, set the budget, tour buildings that already fit both, then finish the nurse assessment and move in. Aurora discharges from Anschutz often close in days. Planned moves take two to four weeks. Our help is free.
What are the steps to move into senior living in Aurora?
These are the four steps we walk with every Aurora family, in this order. Skipping the first two is what leads to tours that go nowhere.
- 1
Name the care level, usually from a hospital order
More Aurora calls start with discharge paperwork than with a search. Read what the case manager at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital or The Medical Center of Aurora is actually recommending, because that level decides which buildings can legally accept the move today.
- 2
Set the budget, and check waiver eligibility early
Aurora has more Medicaid and EBD waiver assisted living beds than any other metro city, so eligibility is worth checking before you tour. Add income, savings, long term care coverage, and VA Aid and Attendance to get a real Aurora monthly number.
- 3
Tour across price points, not just one neighborhood
Central Aurora and the Green Valley Ranch line quote well below Southlands and Tallyn's Reach for the same care. We book three to five buildings across those price points so you can see what the difference actually buys in staffing.
- 4
Assess, sign, and move in with help
The community completes its nurse assessment, you review the agreement and care plan, and we schedule the day. Our free four hour Tuck-In unpacks the room and stays through the first meal so the first night in Aurora is calm.
Want the wider version of this process? See how working with us works and what our move-in support covers.
How long does the move take?
Three timelines cover almost every Aurora family who calls us. Find yours, and you will know what the next week looks like.
Anschutz or Medical Center of Aurora discharge, 2 to 5 days
The hospital sets the date and we work backwards from it. We confirm which Aurora buildings can accept that care level today, tour within 48 hours, and coordinate directly with the case manager.
Care is slipping now, 2 to 4 weeks
Enough time to compare central Aurora, the I-225 corridor, and southeast Aurora, negotiate the move-in date, and complete the assessment without paying to hold a room you have not walked.
Planning ahead, 2 to 6 months
The calmest path, and in Aurora it also gives you time to open a waiver application with the right county office before pricing forces the decision.
Discharge set for this week? See what we can do in 48 hours.
What does the move cost in Aurora?
Aurora is usually the best value inside the metro, so most quotes land at or below the middle of these statewide ranges. Southeast Aurora near Southlands is the exception. Budget for a one time community fee too, usually about one month of rent.
| Room type | Lower end | Higher end |
|---|---|---|
| Independent living | ||
| One bedroom | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| Studio | $2,500 | $4,200 |
| Assisted living | ||
| One bedroom | $5,200 | $7,500 |
| Studio | $4,500 | $6,500 |
| Memory care | ||
| Private room | $6,800 | $9,500 |
| Shared room | $5,800 | $7,800 |
| Skilled nursing and rehab | ||
| Private room | $9,500 | $13,000 |
| Semi-private room | $8,500 | $11,500 |
| Respite care | ||
| Daily rate | $200 | $400 |
Ranges reflect what our advisors see across Colorado communities. Your actual cost depends on care needs and location. Last reviewed September 2026.
What paperwork should you gather first?
Aurora spans two counties, which changes who handles benefits. Gather these before the assessment is scheduled, and confirm whether the address sits in Arapahoe County or Adams County.
- Photo ID, insurance cards, and the Medicare or Medicaid number
- Hospital discharge summary and the current medication list from the prescribing provider
- Recent physician records, plus a TB test result if the community requires one
- Medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney, and any advance directive
- Proof of income and assets for an EBD waiver, filed with Arapahoe County or Adams County human services depending on the address
Choosing the care level first? Compare assisted living, memory care, and independent living. For local specifics, see senior living help in Aurora and every Colorado area we serve.