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Memory Care in Wisconsin

Dementia and age-related memory loss are having a significant impact on America's Dairyland. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 130,000 Wisconsin residents will be living with the disease by 2025. It also affects the state's health care system and the 195,000 friends and relatives who contribute 220 million hours of care annually.

The recent rise in dementia cases has led to increased demand for memory care. These specialized programs, which are typically offered within assisted living facilities, offer secure accommodations, specialized activities and therapeutic services designed to maximize cognitive function and enhance residents' quality of life. Seniors can expect to pay $5,438 per month for memory care in Wisconsin, although rates range from $4,870 to $6,840 in the state's largest cities.

Created especially for families in Wisconsin, this guide includes helpful information about financial assistance programs, licensing requirements and nonprofit resources that are available in communities statewide.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Wisconsin



Families who are looking for an age-friendly community for their older relatives can start by checking the area's SeniorScore. This livability index rates cities and states on more than 100 data points across several key areas, including safety, health care, cost of living, recreation and quality of life. According to SeniorScore, Wisconsin has a rating of 71, which is just one point short of the national average.

With a category score of 67, Wisconsin performs especially well in Health & Safety thanks to the state's high number of medical facilities, health care providers and senior living communities. Crime rates are average, and the typical resident lives 1.4 years longer than the national average. General Quality of Life trails behind at 63 points followed by Recreation & Leisure and Finances, which are tied at 62.

Quality of Life ratings are based on the state's average population density and annual rainfall as well as its cool year-round temperatures. The Badger State offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation with an average number of city parks and nearly 500 golf courses. Wisconsin also has more than 2,200 churches.

Other relevant factors that affect the state's overall livability for seniors include high taxes, above-average income and a moderate cost of living. Seniors should also consider the cost of long-term care, which tends to be higher than average across the state.



Top Memory Care Communities in Wisconsin



Franciscan Villa - South Milwaukee, WI

Franciscan Villa

3601 S Chicago Ave

South Milwaukee, WI 53172

1-855-222-1541

8 Reviews  

Located at 3601 S Chicago Ave in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Franciscan Villa is a 150 unit senior community. With about 22,000 poeple living in the 53172 zip code, the neighboring area is densely populated. It is a predominantly ...

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Tudor Oaks - Muskego, WI

Tudor Oaks

S77 W12929 Mcshane Dr

Muskego, WI 53150

1-855-224-5130

7 Reviews  

Tudor Oaks is a 61 room senior housing facility. It is located at S77 W12929 Mcshane Dr in Muskego, Wisconsin. With about 26,000 people residing in the 53150 zip code, the surrounding area is heavily populated. ...

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The Cost of Memory Care in Wisconsin



Although data is limited, memory care typically costs 20 to 30% more than assisted living due to the level of individualized support that residents require. Based on survey responses from Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, memory care in Wisconsin typically costs $5,438 per month, which is $375 more than the U.S. median. Wisconsin is also the most expensive state for memory care in the Upper Midwest. Monthly rates are $225 cheaper in Illinois followed by Iowa at $340 and Michigan at $438. With a monthly average of $4,750, Minnesota is $315 lower than the U.S. median and $690 more affordable than Wisconsin.

  • Wisconsin: $5,438
  • United States: $5,064
  • Michigan: $5,000
  • Minnesota: $4,750
  • Illinois: $5,213
  • Iowa: $5,098

The Cost of Memory Care in Wisconsin's Top Cities

The average cost of memory care ranges from $4,866 to $6,839 in Wisconsin's largest metropolitan areas. Prices rise along Lake Michigan and the state's Eastern Ridges region before falling further to the west. In Eau Claire, residents pay $4,866 for memory care, which is $572 less than the state median. At $4,938, Madison is also more affordable than average. Rates in Green Bay and Appleton top the state median at $5,500 and $5,591 respectively. In Milwaukee, the state's largest city, memory care is just $168 more expensive than the state median. However, monthly rates rise to $5,985 in Racine near the Illinois border, and average prices are 25% higher than the state median in Oshkosh, where seniors pay $6,839 per month for memory care.

  • Eau Claire: $4,866
  • Madison: $4,938
  • Green Bay: 5,500
  • Appleton: $5,591
  • Milwaukee: $5,606
  • Racine: $5,985
  • Oshkosh: $6,839

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Wisconsin

According to data from Genworth Financial, long-term care in Wisconsin is more expensive than the national average, with the exception of adult day care, which costs just $1,560 per month. At $4,767, in-home care costs $380 to $480 more than the national average. This includes personal assistance, medical care and housekeeping. Individuals who are considering residential care within a licensed facility can expect to pay anywhere from $4,350 for assisted living to $8,273 for skilled nursing. With an average cost of $5,438, memory care is an intermediate option that allows seniors to access enhanced services in a more comfortable, homelike environment.

  • Memory Care: $5,438
  • Assisted Living: $4,350
  • In-Home Care: $4,767
  • Home Health Care: $4,767
  • Adult Day Care: $1,560
  • Nursing Home Care: $8,273

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Wisconsin



Wisconsin Family Care

Address: 1 W. Wilson St., Madison, WI 53703
Phone Number: (608) 267-7286
Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/familycare/index.htm

Family Care is an innovative long-term care program that allows qualifying seniors to receive a comprehensive array of medical and personal care services through a single managed care organization. This waiver can cover the cost of supportive services provided in a community-based residential facility, memory care community or similar setting. It also pays for skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, emergency alert systems, meals and therapeutic services.

Family Care is available to individuals who are disabled or are at least 65 years old, require a nursing home level of care and meet Medicaid income limits. Individuals can contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn more about the application process.


SSI Exceptional Expense Supplement

Address: 1 W. Wilson St., Madison, WI 53703
Phone Number: (800) 772-1213
Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ssi/eligibility.htm

Individuals who are aged 65 or older or have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from working may qualify for Medicaid health insurance and Supplemental Security Income. In addition to receiving state and federal benefits, individuals who need at least 40 hours of personal care each month and who reside in an assisted living or memory care home may qualify for an SSI-E Exceptional Expense payment worth up to $95.99 per month. The state also limits the amount that long-term care providers can charge SSI residents for housing, which can lower the cost of long-term care. Furthermore, Wisconsin allows families to help low-income relatives with expenses, such as room and board. Applications are handled by the Social Security Administration and Department of Health Services offices in each county.


Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Address: 1 W. Wilson St., Madison, WI 53703
Phone Number: (608) 267-7286
Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/familycare/pace.htm

Like Family Care, PACE allows eligible residents to receive medical care and long-term care from a single organization for greater efficiency and convenience. Services can be provided at the member's home or in a residential facility, such as a memory care community. PACE covers primary and emergency medical care as well as prescription drugs, dentistry and podiatry. Personal care, home health care and physical therapy are also integrated with help from dedicated case managers.

To qualify, individuals must be at least 55 years old, require a nursing home level of care and live in Milwaukee, Racine or Waukesha County. Individuals can call 211 to contact their local ADRC for more information about this program.


Wisconsin Memory Care Rules and Regulations



The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance licenses community-based residential facilities and adult family homes through its Bureau of Assisted Living. This agency is responsible for approving facilities, overseeing regulations and protecting residents.

Scope of Care

Wisconsin requires community-based residential facilities to provide appropriate services to help residents maintain the highest level of function. This includes personal care, supervision, leisure activities, meals, transportation and health monitoring.

Dementia Disclosures

Licensed residential facilities and special care units that serve individuals with dementia must prepare a disclosure showing that they comply with all regulations and are qualified to serve members of this population.

Care Planning

Community-based residential facilities must conduct a comprehensive assessment with the resident or an appointed representative before admission or up to five days after an emergency admission. Individualized care plans must address the resident's physical and mental needs and abilities. Documents must be reviewed annually or following a significant change in health.

Medication Management

Prescribed and over-the-counter medications can be administered by employees who have completed appropriate training related to medication administration and management. Facilities must also assess residents' ability to self-administer medications as part of their care plan.

Staffing

Wisconsin requires facilities to conduct a comprehensive criminal background check every four years and at the time of hiring. Employees must complete orientation and training covering fire safety, first aid and medication management. The state requires administrators and staff members to complete 15 hours of continuing education annually, including job-specific dementia training if required.

Medicaid Coverage

Wisconsin's Family Care program will cover the cost of personal assistance and related supports provided in a memory care unit, CBRF or similar setting. Assistance with the cost of room and board may be available through SSI.

Reporting Abuse

Allegations of caregiver misconduct or long-term care violations occurring within a licensed facility must be reported to the Division of Quality Assurance through the appropriate regional office.


Free Memory Care Resources in Wisconsin



Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute 

Backed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute provides medical care and nonclinical resources to help dementia patients and caregivers statewide. Its Clinic Network serves seniors in 44 rural and underserved cities and helps more than 3,000 new patients annually. It also offers educational materials, provides caregiver training, publishes research and manages the Wisconsin Dementia Resource Network. Additionally, the institute engages in community outreach and hosts virtual coffeehouse events.


Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin

Formerly known as the South Central Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, this nonprofit has served dementia patients, caregivers and members of the community since 1985. It offers educational resources, supportive services and personal consultations to help with long-term care planning and disease management. It also sponsors caregiver support groups and hosts outreach events, including walks to fund Alzheimer's research. The alliance is based in Madison, and resources are available online, by phone and in person.



Wisconsin Agencies


Aging and Disability Resource Centers in Wisconsin


Wisconsin's Aging and Disability Resource Centers are an inviting, helpful resource for seniors, disabled adults and caregivers statewide. These county offices provide informational services and assist with applications for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and long-term care benefits, including assisted living and memory care waivers. Staff members can help residents access respite care grants, training programs, transportation and other supportive services. It also offers free memory screenings and employs a network of dementia care specialists who provide free, unbiased support. The Department of Health Services maintains a complete list of ADRC offices statewide.



Area Agencies on Aging in Wisconsin


Wisconsin is home to three regional Area Agencies on Aging: The Milwaukee County Area Agency on Aging, the Dane County Area Agency on Aging in Madison and the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, which serves seniors and caregivers in 70 counties and 11 tribal areas. These nonprofits are responsible for assessing the needs of their communities, coordinating services and funding programs that are supported by the Older Americans Act. AAAs also offer legal assistance, fraud avoidance tips and an abuse hotline. Seniors can learn more about these resources or locate their nearest AAA by visiting the Department of Health Services online.



Veteran Affairs Offices in Wisconsin


The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has helped military veterans and family members access health care and critical benefits since 1945. The department manages several programs related to long-term care, financial assistance and funeral arrangements. The agency also connects veterans with medical care, mental health counseling, economic assistance and federal pension benefits that can help with the cost of assisted living or memory support. Benefits consultations and application assistance are also available to spouses, dependents and survivors. Individuals can locate their County Veterans Service Officer online at www.wicvso.org.



Social Security Offices in Wisconsin


The Social Security Administration handles retirement and disability benefits as well as Medicare enrollment and related programs that are relevant to older adults. Local offices can assist with applications and appeals. Staff members can answer questions, provide information and complete routine tasks, such as appointing a representative payee in cases when beneficiaries are unable to manage their own affairs. SSA applications can also help Wisconsin residents unlock state benefits, such as the SSI-E payment, which can help with the cost of room and board at a participating long-term care facility. Seniors can find their local office by visiting the Social Security Administration online.

 

Other Cities in Wisconsin

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