For 55 years, Columbine Health Systems has been a cornerstone of senior care in Northern Colorado. We have built a legacy of trust, compassion, and excellence, always placing the well-being of our residents and employees at the forefront of everything we do. It is with this same commitment that we announce a new chapter for our Skilled Nursing/Health & Rehabilitation communities.
We’re announcing that on December 1, 2025, Cottonwood Healthcare will become the new management company and operator for Columbine’s skilled nursing and rehab facilities, including Columbine Commons Assisted Living at the Windsor campus.
This post will share details about this transition, our commitment to ensuring uninterrupted care for our residents, and what this means for our dedicated employees and the broader community, including Commons Assisted Living at the Windsor campus.
Continuing the Legacy of High-Quality Care
Our primary focus during this transition is the seamless continuation of care for every resident. We understand that news of this change may bring questions, and we want to reassure you that the exceptional standard of care you have come to expect will not falter. The health, safety, and happiness of our residents remain our collective top priority.
The communities included in the change are:
- Centre Avenue Health & Rehab (Fort Collins)
- Columbine West Health & Rehabilitation (Fort Collins)
- Lemay Avenue Health and Rehabilitation (Fort Collins)
- Columbine Commons Health & Rehab
- And attached Columbine Commons Assisted Living (Windsor)
Cottonwood Healthcare was chosen after extensive discussions because they share our core values. Their organization is deeply committed to a resident-centered approach and recognizes the importance of a supportive and respectful environment. This alignment in philosophy was a critical factor in our decision, ensuring that the legacy built by our founder, Bob Wilson, will be honored and continued.
Our Employees Remain the Heart of Our Communities
A key element of our high-quality care is the dedicated team of professionals who serve our residents every day. We are pleased to announce that all current employees involved in this transition will have the opportunity to transition their employment to Cottonwood Healthcare. This continuity is vital for maintaining the familiar, trusting relationships that our residents and their families value so deeply.
By ensuring our staff remains in place, we can provide a stable and consistent environment. Residents will continue to see the same friendly faces and receive care from the nurses, therapists, and support staff they know and trust. We firmly believe this is the best path forward for everyone, and Cottonwood Healthcare is dedicated to making the transition as smooth and transparent as possible for our team members.
What This Means for Columbine Health Systems
While our skilled nursing communities are beginning a new journey, our commitment to seniors in this region is unwavering. We will continue to provide exceptional living experiences at our:
- Patio Home Neighborhoods: Westwood Patio Homes (Windsor) and Columbine Patio Homes (Fort Collins).
- Independent Living Communities: The Worthington and The Winslow (Fort Collins), The Windsor (Windsor), and The Wexford (Loveland).
- Assisted Living Communities: New Mercer Commons (Fort Collins) and Lakeview Commons (Loveland)
We will carry on our mission of providing outstanding service and support across these communities, building on the 55-year foundation of trust we have established.
Looking Forward with Confidence
Change can be an opportunity for growth and renewed focus. We are confident that Cottonwood Healthcare will be an excellent steward for our skilled nursing communities, bringing fresh energy while upholding the standards we have all worked so hard to establish. Their leadership team has expressed a deep respect for the work of Columbine Health Systems and is committed to honoring Bob Wilson’s dedication to both employees and residents.
We are immensely grateful to our residents, their families, and our staff for their trust and loyalty over the years. This transition marks not an end, but an evolution. It ensures that our skilled nursing residents continue to receive the best possible care while allowing Columbine Health Systems to focus on our other thriving senior living communities.
Thank you for being part of the Columbine family. We look forward to a bright future for all our communities and the residents we are privileged to serve.
