Independent Living Communities in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's independent living communities provide healthy and active seniors with an enriching environment to meet like-minded peers and live on their own schedules. With each unique location, seniors can look forward to a wide range of amenities and housing options such as studio apartments, townhouses, or even small cottages. Anywhere you go to find independent living in Wisconsin you'll be sure to meet warm and supportive staff to encourage your overall well-being. Without having to maintain a property you'll have time to focus on the things that you love!

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Cost Comparison of Wisconsin's Independent Living 

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Fitchburg $1,995 $3,355 $2,675
Greenbay $1,495 $2,050 $1,773
Milwaukee $1,500 $4,563 $3,031

Wisconsin has 101 independent living communities with the average cost of $2,034 per month. 

Comparing costs is a great place to start when looking for an independent senior living option. One of the key benefits to this care type is the range of amenities found in different communities. Wisconsin independent living includes housekeeping services, transportation, fitness centers, and meal plans with your monthly payments. More amenities depending on your unique community may come at an additional cost, but that can be a good thing depending on your lifestyle! Here are a few costs found throughout Wisconsin. 

Recreation & Attractions in Wisconsin

Discover diverse museums and attractions in Wisconsin like Dells Mill, featuring an old wooden water wheel that’s lasted for generations. Taliesin Estate is home to six Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous sculptures with nearly 700-acres to roam and explore.

Other favorites include the House on the Rocks which is a complex made up of gardens, shops, and picturesque streets. Here can be found the world's largest indoor carousel and Streets of Yesterday which recreates early 20th century architecture. 

Wisconsin Climate, Geography & Culture

The climate in Wisconsin has summers that are comfortable and winters that can bring a large amount of snow. On average, the summer high temperature is 82 degrees and the winter low is 6 degrees. These temperatures can vary drastically depending on the area of the state. With 108 days of measurable precipitation throughout the year, 32 inches of rain and 44 inches of snow can be expected.

Wisconsin has many historical sites detailing the fur trading era and Native American culture of 1802. Wisconsin is well known for its cheesemaking and dairy farming and is home to a range of heritages. Festivals like Summerfest, Oktoberfest, Polish Fest, Festa Italiana, Bastille Days, and more display a range of cultures and people living in Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Wisconsin independent living communities are overseen by The Department of Health Services. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions. Annual reports are to be made public upon request, detailing any past violations and the steps taken to correct them. Your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to your community and fellow residents, so never feel discouraged from airing your grievance if you think a violation has been made. 

Crime & Safety in Wisconsin

Crime in Wisconsin is lower than the national average in terms of both violent crime and property crime. There are also only 22 crimes per square mile compared to the national median of 32.8. Choosing a safe community can put your mind at ease and allow you to live your golden years in safety. Below are some of the safest cities and towns found throughout Wisconsin.

LocationViolent Crime Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crime Per 1,000 Residents
Oconomowoc0.002.54
Mukwonago0.743.09
Freedom0.003.84
North Hudson0.004.21

Payment Options for Wisconsin Independent Living

Since Medicare and Medicaid don’t cover independent living in most situations, seniors will want to consider how they can pay for this long-term care option with the remaining methods. Due to the expenses of independent living, many seniors end up paying for this care type out of their own private funds and pensions, or by liquidating their assets. 

However, if these things are unavailable, it might be necessary to consider how much money can come from a Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The average amount of monthly income from SSI is around $733. If you are blind, have a disability or children, and don’t already receive a sustainable income you may be eligible for to collect SSI. Additionally, you must be older than 65 years of age and be a citizen of the United States of America to qualify.   

Another option that is becoming popular for covering the cost of independent living is to open a senior living line of credit. Allowing you to use up to $50,000 of unsecured credit, there is generally no collateral needed and the repayment terms are usually very flexible. This money is also sent directly to your independent living community every billing cycle, making it a very efficient process overall.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Wisconsin

Residents of independent living communities in Wisconsin retain their rights to personal privacy, to file official complaints, and most importantly receive the care they need in a safe, welcoming environment. Seniors in independent living are encouraged to remain autonomous in all matters regarding medical care and finances. It's important to remember that even when someone enters a senior living community, their constitutional rights stay with them. If your rights have been violated it may be appropriate to contact a lawyer familiar with elder law to plan your next legal steps. A good place to start is the Wisconsin Ombudsman where you can review your rights and more.  

WI Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

State and federal HIPAA laws require that all of your medical records are to be maintained by your community or healthcare provider for up to 7 years following a provided service. These documents should be kept confidential and you will be required to authorize their disclosure to third parties with the supervision of your physician. Since medical information is sensitive and personal, never feel pressure to disclose it without the proper precautions and oversight.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.