The Mezzanine Assisted Living at Golden West, a long-standing provider of affordable housing and assisted living services for Boulder area seniors, will be closing its doors after 34 years of operation. This decision was made by the Golden West Board of Directors due to low occupancy levels and financial pressure, with the closure taking effect in March 2023. While this closure is a significant change for residents, families, and staff, efforts are being made to assist everyone through the transition.
Originally established as one of four pilot projects financed by the Colorado Housing Finance Authority in 1988, The Mezzanine at Golden West has served a mix of private pay and Medicaid-only residents over the years. This combination helped offset the low Medicaid reimbursement rates, which alone are not enough to cover the operational costs of assisted living care. However, recent events such as the pandemic and a major renovation project have negatively impacted occupancy levels, particularly in The Mezzanine.
Despite efforts to maintain financial sustainability, The Mezzanine has struggled to compete with newer assisted living offerings that feature larger apartments. Inflation, minimal increases in Medicaid reimbursement rates, and rising staffing costs have further strained the budget necessary to keep the community operating. The decision to close The Mezzanine was a difficult one, but it was made to ensure the continued service and support of seniors in Boulder for years to come.
As the closure date approaches, Golden West leadership is committed to providing information, resources, and support to residents and staff. While the transition may be challenging, the organization is dedicated to helping everyone navigate this change in the best way possible. The closure of The Mezzanine does not impact The Towers Independent Living community, which will remain open to continue providing quality housing for seniors in the area.