Wisconsin Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, there are 141 continuing care retirement communities. These senior living communities can be found in the following locations: Bloomer, Dousman, East Troy, Fennimore, Green Bay, Greenfield, Janesville, Madison, Middleton, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and Woodville. All of the retirement communities in the state are regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. CCRCs can be sponsored by various organizations, including faith-based, and their values will often be reflected on the respective community.

Continuing care retirement communities in WI provide senior adults with everything they need to lead a comfortable life. These senior living centers offer a continuum of care, with permanent access to on-site services and amenities. Prospective residents are encouraged to apply early in life, due to the exceptionally long waiting lists. It is also recommended to analyze your finances, as all residents must be able to cover substantial entrance and monthly fees.

Aside from financial eligibility, senior adults must meet the age requirement, which can vary between 55 and 62. It is required that potential CCRC residents present a reasonable state of health, without chronic conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. Some retirement communities might demand a thorough physical examination before admittance, with an analysis of one's medical records. A long-term insurance policy might be required as well.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Wisconsin - financing and costs

If you have taken the decision to move into a CCRC, you will have to think about payment. Each retirement community requires a substantial entrance fee to be paid, with the exception of rental agreements. Whether or not the CCRC requires an equity buy-in, residents still have to cover monthly fees to access the on-site healthcare, services and amenities.

With Wisconsin CCRCs, you can expect to pay between $50,000 and $500,000 as entrance fee. By comparison, the national average is around $250,000. Luxury CCRCs usually have higher fees, reaching the value of $1,000,000. The type of contract might also influence this value, as well as the presence of Medicare coverage. Monthly fees vary between $2,500 and $5,000. Once again, the national average is approximated at $2,500. If there is no equity buy-in, the monthly fees are usually higher.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Wisconsin - care levels and services

The main goal of a CCRC is to help its residents live independently for as long as it is possible. With this purpose in mind, all residents begin with independent living. They have access to the services and amenities offered on site, and they can transition to higher levels of care when the situation requires it. Usually, transitions are encouraged when the respective resident is no longer able to live alone, or needs added healthcare.

Assisted living is the second level of care, where residents benefit from healthcare and assistance with daily living activities. They might need help with getting dressed, eating, bathing or toileting. Skilled nursing care is the third level of care, where residents with complex healthcare demands are cared for and supervised. Should one become diagnosed with dementia, the memory care level will be recommended. Here, residents benefit from constant supervision and guidance.

The transition to a higher level of care takes place either at the request of the resident or after an evaluation performed by the on-site staff. This is because some residents might exhibit a visible change in their health and/or independence level, with living alone becoming a risk. In recommending this transition, the medical staff will also consider the needs of the resident; for instance, some senior adults can no longer eat food normally and they require a feeding tube. Others might develop balance issues and walking without support can increase the risk of severe fractures, especially of major joints (hips).

Continuing care retirement communities offer an interesting array of services to senior adults. Among the most common services provided by CCRCs, you might find: housekeeping, general maintenance, emergency call system, 24/7 security, guest admissions, and transportation to/from appointments. Additional services might include: Internet, cable, telephone, laundry and linen service, banking, pharmacy, etc.

CCRC in Wisconsin - amenities and options

Many CCRCs offer prospective residents the opportunity to take virtual tour of the community. As a result, one can check out the different housing units and plan ahead. Common choices include apartments, townhouses, villas, and cottages. Naturally, garden homes are more expensive, so you will have to factor in your budget. Couples can live together and, should their health needs become different, they will remain within the same community. Some CCRCs allow pets, but you need to check their policy first.

Residents of CCRC can enjoy a wide range of amenities, including fine-dining restaurant, cafe, library, computer and game room, billiard room, and common activity area. Other amenities include: swimming pool, putting green, tennis court, learning center, art studio, weekly worship service, fitness and wellness center. Some CCRCs have woodworking shops and hobby rooms, while others offer hiking and walking trails, gardening areas, and butterfly gardens. Residents who suffer from dementia might benefit from specific amenities, such as memory gardens.

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in Wisconsin?

Are you ready for the big move? Wisconsin CCRCs are waiting for you, with their high-quality care, and the incredibly diverse services and amenities. If you are still undecided, perhaps the following pros and cons will help you come closer to an answer.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in WI

Continuum of care, which includes: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, memory care

Wide range of services and amenities for a comfortable standard of living

Transitions decided in the best interest of the patient and in accordance with one's health and independence level

Couples are allowed to live together and they remain in the same community when their needs change

Some communities allow pets (check first)

Cons of moving to a CCRC in WI

Despite all the benefits, you might not feel comfortable uprooting your life

CCRCs might impose some restrictions

Both entrance and monthly fees are difficult to cover, especially if you have a low or medium-level income

Admittance can take months or even years, due to the increased demand, so it is better to apply before meeting the age requirement

Some residents might find the predictable schedule boring, but luckily there are plenty of amenities available to avoid getting stuck in the same routine