Every year, more and more seniors flock to the beautiful state of Colorado for their retirement years. After all, Colorado boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States and averages over 300 days of sunshine every year. Inevitably, most seniors find themselves requiring a little more care and attention as they age. When the time is right, Colorado seniors can make the move to one of the many assisted living centers in the state. Luckily, Colorado assisted living centers are regulated and licensed to ensure that quality care is given to all of their residents. But who regulates them?
In Colorado, the State Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division is responsible for regulating and licensing assisted living centers within the state. Facilities are inspected for compliance with federal and state regulatory and statutory requirements. All facilities that pass inspection receive their license every year. The state of Colorado has specific laws in place to ensure that health care facilities meet the minimum standards of care and comply with all state laws and regulations.
In addition, if a facility is interested in serving Medicare/Medicaid clients, they must meet certain federal requirements and comply with all federal laws. The federal center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has delegated this responsibility to the State Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division in Colorado. Once they have inspected an assisted living community, they make recommendations to the federal center regarding federal certification.
In order to receive federal funding, assisted living centers must also comply with The Nursing Home Reform Act. This act requires that an assisted living center must provide each client with a level of care that enables them to "attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial well being." In addition, this act makes each state responsible for establishing, monitoring and enforcing state licensing and federal standards.
Assisted living centers can be a wonderful way to receive extra care and attention while still living an independent and social lifestyle. Colorado has laws and regulations in effect to protect all seniors as they age. When you decide to enter an assisted living center, you place an enormous amount of trust in that facility to ensure your well being, and help you maintain the highest quality of life. Thankfully, with annual regulation and safeguards in place, residents in assisted living centers can breathe a little easier knowing that they are indeed---in good hands.
