Nursing Home in Wisconsin

Reviewed by BoomersHub Senior Living AdvisorsUpdated

Compare communities across 238 cities and 16 counties. Wisconsin averages $12,319 per month for nursing homes, and BoomersHub advisors help you shortlist, confirm pricing, and book tours for free.

Why families choose Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cold-winter Great Lakes climate and draws retirees for community-minded Great Lakes small-city living with strong Milwaukee and Madison medical access. Communities cluster across Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha, from small residential care homes to full-campus senior-living properties. This guide walks through what nursing home in Wisconsin costs, how families pay for it, the state's licensing rules, and how to shortlist communities without doing the legwork alone.

Find the best nursing homes facilities in Wisconsin

Start with a major metro, or jump straight to your town in the A–Z directory. Every link opens that city's nursing homes options.

238 cities · 16 counties

Wisconsin compares to the states around it

The average cost of nursing homes in Wisconsin is $12,319 per month. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care, which is what our advisors confirm for you before you tour.

Average monthly cost of nursing homes

  • Wisconsin$12,319
  • Iowa$10,038
  • Illinois$9,216
  • Michigan$11,969
  • Minnesota$13,870

State averages. Individual community rates vary by city, floor plan, and care level.

How nursing homes compares to other senior care

Average monthly cost in Wisconsin by care type. Tap any card to explore that care type across the state.

Wisconsin state averages. Bars are scaled to the highest cost shown.

How to pay for nursing homes in Wisconsin

Most Wisconsin families combine two or three of these. An advisor walks through which apply to your situation.

  • Option 1

    Private pay

    Many families pay for care with private funds: personal savings, pension payments, retirement accounts, or a combination of these and family contributions.

  • Option 2

    Selling your home

    Selling a parent's home can help finance nursing homes, especially once the home is no longer occupied. Proceeds often fund several years of care.

  • Option 3

    Reverse mortgage

    Homeowners aged 62+ can convert part of their home equity into cash while retaining ownership, with no loan payments due while living in the home. A spouse may remain in the home while proceeds help pay for a partner's care.

  • Option 4

    Long-term care insurance

    LTC policies typically begin paying out when the policyholder needs help with two or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Check the policy's elimination period and daily benefit before counting on it.

  • Option 5

    Veteran's programs

    Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty (including one day during wartime) may qualify for VA benefits such as Aid & Attendance, which can add a monthly amount on top of a VA pension.

  • State program

    Medicaid in Wisconsin

    Wisconsin supports eligible seniors through Medicaid HCBS waivers for nursing homes. Eligibility rules are strict and waivers do not cover room and board — confirm current requirements with a BoomersHub advisor.

Nursing homes regulations in Wisconsin

Every nursing homes community in Wisconsin is licensed and inspected by Wisconsin's state licensing authority. Communities must meet standards for staffing, caregiver training, medication administration, and building safety, with managers and staff completing continuing in-service training each year.

Verify any Wisconsin community

Free nursing homes resources in Wisconsin

What you should know about Wisconsin

The Wisconsin median for nursing home sits near the national average, driven by a strong care workforce, mature supply, and mid-range cost of living that keeps rates near the median. Where a state lands depends on labour costs, cost of living, and the mix of urban vs rural communities. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care — an advisor confirms current pricing for any community you're considering, free.

A Wisconsin expert in your corner, at no cost

Searching Wisconsin alone is overwhelming. Our advisors know the nursing homes communities, the real pricing, and the availability across Wisconsin, and they do the legwork for you.

  • A shortlist matched to your care needs, budget, and preferred Wisconsin cities
  • Confirmed pricing and availability before you ever tour
  • Tours scheduled and move-in arrangements handled with your family
(877) 409-0666
  • 254Wisconsin cities and counties covered on BoomersHub
  • 1,000+Families guided to the right community since 2019
  • $0Cost to you. Our service is completely free for families

Important resources about nursing homes

Guides written for families starting the search, from first conversations to moving day.

FAQs related to nursing homes

How can I get my parents into Nursing Home in Wisconsin?

Start with an honest family conversation and a needs assessment from their physician. Tour two or three Wisconsin communities together, ask about care levels and pricing, then complete the community's health assessment and residency agreement. A BoomersHub advisor can shortlist communities, confirm pricing, and schedule tours for free.

What is pet-friendly Nursing Home?

Pet-friendly Nursing Home communities welcome residents' cats, small dogs, or other companion animals, usually with size limits, a pet deposit, and the expectation that the resident or family can care for the pet. Ask each Wisconsin community for its written pet policy before move-in.

What is the total number of Nursing Home facilities in the US?

Over 30,000 licensed Nursing Home communities across the United States, housing more than 800,000 residents (AHCA / NCAL industry data). Ranges from large resort-style campuses to small residential care homes.

Which states have the highest number of Nursing Home facilities?

Large states lead the count: California, Florida, and Texas consistently rank among the top states for the number of licensed Nursing Home communities.

What are the cheapest states to live in as a senior?

Southern and Midwestern states consistently rank among the most affordable for Nursing Home — Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota all sit well below the national median. New England, the West Coast, and Alaska are the expensive end.

What is the average age of a Nursing Home resident?

The average Nursing Home resident is in their mid-80s. A typical resident needs help with 2 or 3 daily activities — bathing, dressing, medication management. Many move in after living alone became difficult rather than after a single medical event.

Can you keep pets in Nursing Home facilities?

Many Wisconsin communities allow pets — most commonly cats and small dogs, subject to the community's pet policy. Expect size or breed limits, a pet deposit, and a check that the resident or family can handle daily pet care.

Do the total costs of Nursing Home include medical care?

Usually not. The base monthly rate typically covers housing, meals, housekeeping, activities, and help with daily activities. Medical services (doctor visits, therapy, medications) are billed separately, often through Medicare or private insurance. Ask each community exactly where its rate ends and medical billing begins.

Do Nursing Home communities allow visitors?

Yes. Family and friends are welcome at Wisconsin Nursing Home communities, subject to reasonable visiting hours and sign-in policies. Many communities also host family dinners, holiday events, and overnight guest options.

Does Wisconsin Medicaid pay for Nursing Home?

Partially. Wisconsin Medicaid programs (HCBS waivers) can cover personal-care services in participating Nursing Home facilities for eligible lower-income seniors. Waivers do not pay for room and board, and not every community participates, so confirm before touring.

What families say about Wisconsin

Nursing Home

My hunting buddy and best friend spent his final months here in hospice care. Staff were extremely caring and helpful. The facility is bright and pleasant. It is often when you are faced with difficult situations that you can see the true colors of a place. They were amazing in how they dealt with flu in one of their wings. Excellent protocols and compassion were displayed for clients as well as visitors.

Lucy Baker · Columbia Health Care Center · Wyocena

Nursing Home

Me and my siblings are very much grateful to Cornell Health Services for taking good care of our mom when we can't be there physically to look after her. It has been a big relief knowing that someone we can trust is there to look after the love of our life who is very precious and dear to us. Again, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Cornell Health Services · Cornell

Nursing Home

The residents receive a variety of specialized therapies and other services that are tailored to their abilities and needs. It's a wonderful place, and my Nana loves it.

Odd Fellow Home · Green Bay

Nursing Home

Maple Ridge exceeded all expectations. The Administrative Staff, Nurses, and CNA's were all very friendly. The therapists were also amazing. I want to thank the CNA's at Maple Ridge for being a source of inspiration and love. God Bless !!!!! !

Maple Ridge Health Services · Milwaukee

Nursing Home

Autumn Lakes accepted my mother-in-law, who was difficult to place because of many different reasons. She was able complete her rehabilitation and return to her home with support. We were reluctant to place her in a home but we had no other options. Although there were some issues, the facility was able care for her well and the staff were extremely compassionate. We are grateful for her care, despite some negative reviews. God bless all the staff and thank you to everyone who cared for her.

Eric Sanchez · Autumn Lake Healthcare At Greenfield · Milwaukee

Nursing Home

St. Camillus offers a great life plan community that includes assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. It can provide everything my loved one requires in their final years. Staff are responsive, helpful and willing to help. I love St. Camillus!

St Camillus Health Center · Milwaukee

Explore nursing homes in nearby states

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