Colorado Springs Senior AdvisorHow do I find memory care in Colorado Springs?
Ask assisted living residences directly whether they operate a Part 25 secure environment and for the written disclosure, because CDPHE's public data does not flag which residences have one.
Our advisors track which Pikes Peak residences run secure environments and their openings.
How many staff must be in a Colorado memory care unit?
At least one trained, awake staff member on duty in the secure environment at all times, with more as residents' needs require (Part 25.18).
Ask how many people are in the unit overnight and who covers breaks.
What training do Colorado memory care staff need?
At least six hours of dementia and cognitive-impairment training within 60 days of hire, plus training on each resident's care plan and the unit's security devices before working alone.
The six-hour course must cover topics including non-drug approaches and therapeutic activities.
Can someone be placed in Colorado memory care against their will?
Not without legal authority, such as guardianship, a court order, a medical durable power of attorney or a health care proxy, and placement must be the least restrictive option needed.
A person may also choose a secure environment voluntarily, for example to stay with a spouse.
Does Medicaid pay for memory care in Colorado Springs?
Health First Colorado's EBD waiver can pay the care portion in a secure environment that is certified as an ACF; the resident pays room and board, $810 a month in 2026.
Few large memory care neighborhoods are ACF-certified; ask each one.
How often must memory care residents be reassessed in Colorado?
Every six months, and whenever the resident's condition changes from baseline, with the practitioner and family or representative consulted (Part 25.9).
Ask to join each reassessment meeting.
What is the difference between a secure environment and a wander alarm?
A wander alarm or bracelet alerts staff when a resident leaves, while a secure environment under Part 25 restricts exit and must meet extra staffing, training, outdoor-space and disclosure rules; a building with alarms only is not a secure environment.
Ask which one a residence has. Families sometimes hear about a door alarm and assume the building is a memory care unit.
Can a memory care resident in Colorado Springs go outside?
Yes. Part 25 requires a year-round secured outdoor area that residents can enter and leave on their own, and residents who want to go beyond the secured area may do so with staff supervision unless that would harm them.
Ask to see the courtyard in winter and summer conditions, and whether it is used daily or only on nice afternoons.
