JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Law to Support Seniors Goes Into Effect
DENVER, CO — New legislation to support Colorado seniors will take effect on August 6, 2025. HB25-1184 will allow certain senior living facilities to offer community-based care to seniors awaiting admission.
“Demand for senior living facilities is only increasing, and this new law expands opportunities for older Coloradans to access programs and services offered by life care institutions,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “From accessible transportation and nutrition support to socialization opportunities, community-based services are incredibly beneficial to older Coloradans. Soon, older Coloradans will have more opportunities to take advantage of community-based services that help them lead healthier, fuller lives.”
“The in-between time from knowing senior care is necessary and actually being admitted to care programs can be long and very difficult,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Increasing opportunities for older Coloradans to socialize, access nutrition support and transportation while waiting for admission to a life care institution will help ease their transition and support their overall well-being.”
HB25-1184, also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, and Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, allows for the expansion of community-based care services offered by life care institutions to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities. These institutions can now offer some services in a community setting or private residence with clear contracting requirements. Colorado has a handful of life care institutions, sometimes located in smaller or rural communities, that are supportive living facilities for seniors who pay a one-time admission fee.
Waitlists for life care institutions can be long, especially in rural or underserved areas. This legislation supports the well-being of those waiting to be admitted by expanding access to care services like transportation, social programs, and health support.