Best Nursing Homes in Boulder, CO

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 6 nursing homes in Boulder, CO using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in CO
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Boulder, CO our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Boulder, CO.
6 homes
Other senior care options in Boulder:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 3.8/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Boulder, CO. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating: 3.8/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Boulder, CO. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating: 3.0/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Boulder, CO. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.0/ 5

Compare Nursing Homes around Boulder (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the CO Dept. of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. CCRC( (Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)):
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Colorado average is: 63.5% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Frasier Retirement Community
NH
AL
CCRC(
IL
SNF
Boulder (Frasier Meadows)
54
Facility 54
CO AVG 93
Rank #190 / 233
86.3%
Facility 86.3%
CO AVG 73.3%
Rank #44 / 140
+18%
5.61
Facility 5.61
CO AVG 3.86
Rank #12 / 203
+49%+45%
$49.2k
Facility $49.2k
CO AVG $39.2k
Rank #178 / 211
7
Facility 7
CO AVG 24.8
Rank #11 / 205
2.3
Facility 2.3
CO AVG 5.2
Rank #10 / 205
247A+
65
Facility 65
CO AVG 59
Rank #125 / 256
Nikki Lewis
$9.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $9.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
CO AVG $9.9M
Rank #86 / 180
$14.7MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $14.7MFiscal year ending 06/2024
CO AVG $6.1M
Rank #3 / 180
163%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 163%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
CO AVG 63.5%
Rank #2 / 180
65324
Boulder Canyon Health and Rehabilitation
NH
SNF
Boulder (Park East)
140
Facility 140
CO AVG 93
Rank #29 / 233
69.3%
Facility 69.3%
CO AVG 73.3%
Rank #94 / 140
-5%
3.64
Facility 3.64
CO AVG 3.86
Rank #98 / 203
-13%-6%
$0
Facility $0
CO AVG $39.2k
Rank #1 / 211
22
Facility 22
CO AVG 24.8
Rank #91 / 205
4.4
Facility 4.4
CO AVG 5.2
Rank #78 / 205
-97-
71
Facility 71
CO AVG 59
Rank #89 / 256
Baseline Healthcare, Inc
$14.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $14.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CO AVG $9.9M
Rank #23 / 180
$8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CO AVG $6.1M
Rank #29 / 180
59.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 59.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
CO AVG 63.5%
Rank #96 / 180
65222
Boulder Post Acute
NH
MC
SNF
Boulder
162
Facility 162
CO AVG 93
Rank #18 / 233
84.0%
Facility 84.0%
CO AVG 73.3%
Rank #53 / 140
+15%
4.44
Facility 4.44
CO AVG 3.86
Rank #39 / 203
-55%+15%
$9.1k
Facility $9.1k
CO AVG $39.2k
Rank #101 / 211
30
Facility 30
CO AVG 24.8
Rank #143 / 205
4.3
Facility 4.3
CO AVG 5.2
Rank #70 / 205
3136-
98
Facility 98
CO AVG 59
Rank #1 / 256
Mesa Vista Healthcare, LLC$14.8M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$6.9M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.46.7%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.65052
Winding Trails Post Acute
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Boulder
150
Facility 150
CO AVG 93
Rank #23 / 233
58.0%
Facility 58.0%
CO AVG 73.3%
Rank #110 / 140
-21%
3.94
Facility 3.94
CO AVG 3.86
Rank #65 / 203
-55%+2%
$90.7k
Facility $90.7k
CO AVG $39.2k
Rank #200 / 211
68
Facility 68
CO AVG 24.8
Rank #205 / 205
9.7
Facility 9.7
CO AVG 5.2
Rank #198 / 205
1387-
98
Facility 98
CO AVG 59
Rank #1 / 256
Palo Community Healthcare, LLC$8.5M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$4.1M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.47.7%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.65267

Rank badges are statewide: each nursing home is ranked against every CO nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 6 analyzed for Boulder. See how we rank facilities

Overview of Frasier Retirement Community

Frasier Retirement Community is a continuing care retirement community in Boulder, Colorado, offering independent living, assisted living, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. Because these care levels are available within one community, a resident whose needs grow may be able to move between them without leaving the community or starting over socially. The range may suit someone who wants independent living now but may need more support later.

The community has 54 beds, with one bedroom and two bedroom housing options. A one bedroom layout provides space for one resident, while a two bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. Frasier Retirement Community is in the Frasier Meadows neighborhood.

Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care around the clock. Respite care is also available for short stays when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. Total nurse staffing is 5h 36m per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time available per resident.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, with Medicare applying to short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long term residence. A Wellness Center and rehabilitation services give residents access to these services through the community. Dining uses a community specific menu shaped by resident preferences and local seasonal ingredients, while salon and spa services allow residents to arrange grooming and spa appointments within the community.

Pets are allowed. With a Walk Score of 65 out of 100, the area is somewhat walkable, meaning some errands can be done on foot. A resident who no longer drives may be able to handle certain nearby errands without a car.

Contact Frasier Retirement Community

Overview of Boulder Canyon Health and Rehabilitation

Nestled in the beautiful setting of Baseline Road, Boulder, CO, Boulder Canyon Health and Rehabilitation is an outstanding senior living community offering skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care. Receive the utmost care and assistance for your special needs with a team of kind and reliable professionals available around the clock. Alongside personalized care programs, the community also provides incredible amenities to maximize seniors’ wellness.

Maintain an active and well-connected lifestyle with a jam-packed calendar of fun activities and engaging programs that highlight residents’ interests and strengths. Promoting a peaceful and friendly environment, the community promises a comfortable and worry-free retirement. Boulder Canyon Health and Rehabilitation goes above and beyond to provide a safe place for seniors to find the care and assistance they need.

Contact Boulder Canyon Health and Rehabilitation

Overview of Boulder Post Acute

Lee Anneberg owns Boulder Post Acute, a 162-bed nursing home located at 2121 Mesa Dr in Boulder, Colorado. The building stays busy with an 84 percent occupancy rate. Stays average 702 days, indicating that the daily schedule focuses heavily on permanent skilled nursing and behavioral health placements rather than just temporary rehabilitation. For payment, the front office coordinates bills through standard private pay, traditional Medicare, and state Medicaid.

The surrounding area is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly, earning a walk score of 98 out of 100, so visitors can easily take care of errands on foot. Inside, the floor crew logs an average of 4 hours and 26 minutes of direct, hands-on care per resident each day. This round-the-clock team of registered nurses, practical nurses, and aides runs short-term physical therapy programs and provides structured behavioral support.

Recent inspection reports raised compliance issues regarding resident supervision, the prevention of harmful incidents between residents, and proper care interventions for residents with dementia. Interested individuals can call the front desk to see how the administrative team has addressed these safety findings, check on room openings, or set up a time to walk through the property.

Contact Boulder Post Acute

Overview of Winding Trails Post Acute

Winding Trails Post Acute provides nursing home and skilled nursing care, hospice care, and respite care in Boulder, Colorado. Skilled nursing includes staffing around the clock for residents who need ongoing nursing support. Hospice care focuses on comfort at the end of life, while respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs time away or time to recover.

The community has 150 beds and also provides short term rehabilitation. A resident can therefore receive rehabilitation during a temporary stay instead of arranging care at another location. Semi private rooms are available for residents who share a room. Winding Trails Post Acute may be a good fit for someone who needs skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice support, or a temporary respite placement.

Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 57 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily nursing time assigned to each resident. Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Jihan Boughman serves as administrator, and Palo Community Healthcare operates the community.

Contact Winding Trails Post Acute

Overview of Brookdale Meridian Boulder

Experience a carefree retirement lifestyle at Brookdale Meridian Boulder, an exceptional senior living community located in Boulder, CO, offering independent living. Residents can choose from a range of one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with great natural light, plenty of storage, and a private balcony or patio for some apartments. The compassionate care team is available 24/7 to assist with daily living activities and respond to emergencies, promoting a safe and comfortable environment.

Fitness and wellness programs are an important part of Brookdale Meridian Boulder’s commitment to delivering an exceptional senior living experience. Hence, they offer signature programs, including their Brain Fit program, which offers a holistic approach to brain health, and the B-Fit exercise program, which offers residents a fun and social exercise experience. The community also features a range of amenities, including an emergency alert system, transportation, a library, concierge service, a café/bistro, a courtyard and garden, a greenhouse, a theater, and landscaped grounds, among others. The beautiful park-like landscape with mature trees and a koi pond further enhances the tranquil living experience, while convenient access to local excursions and amenities ensures residents stay connected and engaged.

Contact Brookdale Meridian Boulder

Overview of Brookdale at Home Denver North Boulder

An exceptional senior living community based on 30th Street, Boulder, CO, Brookdale at Home Denver offers companion care, personal care, and respite care. With a kind, compassionate, and responsible team, the community ensures relaxation and safety. Taking a step towards asking for assistance and trusting others, seniors ease their minds and keep their worries at bay with a lending hand from Brookdale at Home Denver.

As a private in-home care provider, the community ensures the comfort of seniors within their doorsteps. Providing care and support personalized to their needs and preferences, the community goes above and beyond in enhancing seniors’ quality of life. No qualifications are needed and individuals who are in need of support are welcome to reach out to Brookdale Home Denver.

Contact Brookdale at Home Denver North Boulder

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Boulder, CO

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Colorado?

Assisted living in Colorado is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Colorado Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — Colorado Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

This page features 6 nursing homes in Boulder, CO. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Boulder, CO?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Boulder, CO, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in Boulder, CO?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.