Wisconsin offers a diverse array of assisted living options designed to meet the evolving needs of older adults across the state. Whether your loved one is looking for a social and active community, supportive daily care, or more intensive medical services, Wisconsin's assisted living facilities provide personalized, compassionate care in a wide variety of settings. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—from costs and services to payment options and regulations—so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Number of Licensed Facilities:
Over 3,400 state-certified assisted living facilities operate across the state.
Types of Services Offered:
Locations Available:
Assisted living facilities are located in Wisconsin’s urban hubs like Milwaukee and Madison, smaller cities, and rural communities throughout the state.
The cost of assisted living in Wisconsin varies based on location, level of care required, and the amenities included. Below is a detailed breakdown of average monthly costs and how Wisconsin compares nationally:
| Service Type | Average Monthly Cost |
| Private One-Bedroom Apartment | $4,600 |
| Shared Room | $3,400 |
| Memory Care | $5,700 |
| In-Home Health Services | $5,500 |
| Adult Day Health Care | $1,700 |
| Category | WI | National Average |
| Average Monthly Cost | $4,600 | $4,000 |
| Number of Facilities | 3,400+ | 28,900+ |
| Licensing Authority | Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) | |
| Medicaid Assisted Living | Limited through Family Care & IRIS | Limited |
| Specialized Care Options | Yes (Memory care, skilled nursing) | Yes |
| State | Avg. Monthly Cost | Total Facilities | Specialized Care Availability |
| WI | $4,600 | 3,400+ | Yes (Memory, Respite, Nursing) |
| FL | $3,700 | 3,000+ | Yes |
| MN | $5,000 | 2,000+ | Yes |
| IL | $4,200 | 2,600+ | Yes |
| National Avg. | $4,000 | 28,900+ | Yes |
Cost Insight:
Wisconsin’s assisted living costs are above the national average but generally more affordable than neighboring Minnesota. Its broad access to specialized care, particularly memory and dementia support, adds value for families with unique care needs.
Paying for assisted living can feel overwhelming, but several options may help cover the cost.
| Payment Source | Coverage Provided | Notes |
| Private Pay | Full or partial | Most widely used |
| Long-Term Care Insurance | Full or partial | Depends on policy terms |
| Veterans Benefits (A&A) | Partial | Must meet service, medical, and income criteria |
| Family Care (Medicaid) | Partial | Managed care for eligible older adults |
| IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) | Partial | Self-directed Medicaid option for long-term care |
Assisted living facilities in Wisconsin are strictly regulated to ensure high-quality care and resident safety.
| Regulation Category | Wisconsin Standard |
| Staff-to-Resident Ratio | Varies by facility size and care needs |
| Minimum Staff Training | 40 hours initial, with required ongoing updates |
| Health & Safety Inspections | Annual + unannounced spot checks |
| Resident Rights | Protected under DHS Administrative Code |
At AssistedLivingSeniorCare.com, our mission is to simplify your journey in finding the right assisted living facility for your loved one. Here’s how we make it easier:
Medicare does not cover long-term assisted living, as it is considered non-medical care. It may cover short-term skilled nursing following hospitalization.
Wisconsin’s Medicaid program supports assisted living through two key programs:
| Program | Coverage Type | Eligibility Criteria |
| Medicare | No assisted living | N/A |
| Family Care | Partial | Medicaid-eligible; functional eligibility required |
| IRIS | Partial (self-managed) | Medicaid-eligible; must choose self-directed care |
Wisconsin's extensive and diverse assisted living options offer seniors the chance to live with dignity, comfort, and the right level of support. But with hundreds of choices, narrowing down the right fit can be challenging. That is where AssistedLivingSeniorCare.com comes in.
Our team is committed to helping you navigate your options with confidence—from learning about care levels to comparing costs and touring facilities. Let us help you find a warm, welcoming community that feels like home.
