10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Madison, WI

Who are you searching for?

Not many midsize U.S. cities provide the wide variety of perks that Wisconsin’s state capital has to offer. With its scenic lakefronts, the state’s largest university, and array of engaging cultural and historical attractions, it’s no surprise that Madison is known as the 24th-best major city for retirees.

Madison’s assisted living communities offer long-term living options for seniors as well as individualized care from trained professionals. Although many assisted living residents are somewhat active individuals, they may require help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as getting dressed or bathing. Besides this assistance with everyday activities, seniors in Madison’s assisted living communities will have access to a variety of helpful services and activities. These include medication management, facility trips and outings, special dietary options, and more — ensuring residents have highly convenient living arrangements tailored to their needs.

In this guide, A Place for Mom lists partner facilities in Madison and discusses payment and support options, local health care options, transportation information, and the city’s sights and sounds.

Madison Assisted Living Facilities | 2547 Reviews

Our methodology

How we rank order the Madison community options above

We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Madison community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:

Proximity to your search location
Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
The amount of detailed community information available

Where we source our information

14,000+ communities

We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information

350,000+ reviews

We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities

Read our full methodology

Table of contents

Costs of assisted living in the Madison area
What families are saying about assisted living in Madison
How people pay for assisted living in Madison
Understand Wisconsin laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
What to expect from assisted living in Madison
Madison assisted living services and amenities
Explore senior care with confidence
Unfamiliar with Madison? Highlights for seniors

Costs of assisted living in the Madison area

The average cost of our Madison partner assisted living facilities is $6,181 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.^[02] This price includes service fees, add-ons, and care costs, but please note that individual costs may vary based on a resident’s chosen floor plan and additional services.

This monthly fee paid by assisted living residents in Madison may cover the following:^[02]

• Room and board
• 24-hour care and assistance
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Maintenance and repairs to living spaces
• Healthy meals
• Community amenities and on-site activities

The following represent baseline fees for assisted living facilities across the greater Madison area and don’t account for additional expenses.

Assisted living costs in Madison, WI, vs. state and national averages

Madison, WI

$6,353/mo

Wisconsin state

$5,889/mo

U.S. national average

$5,830/mo

Assisted living costs in Madison, WI, vs. other senior living options

Assisted Living

$6,353/mo

Memory Care

$6,926/mo

Independent Living

$3,605/mo

Assisted living costs in Madison, WI, by floor plan type

Semi-Private

$4,582/mo

Studio

$4,777/mo

1 Bedroom

$5,109/mo

2 Bedroom

$6,265/mo

Senior living costs in Madison vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.

Column communityType: Community type

Column destination: Madison, WI

Column state: Wisconsin

Column national: U.S.

Community type	Madison, WI	Wisconsin	U.S.
Assisted Living	$6,353/mo	$5,889/mo	$5,830/mo
Memory Care	$6,926/mo	$7,352/mo	$6,999/mo
Independent Living	$3,605/mo	$3,028/mo	$3,520/mo

Assisted Living

Madison, WI:$6,353/mo

Wisconsin:$5,889/mo

U.S.:$5,830/mo

Memory Care

Madison, WI:$6,926/mo

Wisconsin:$7,352/mo

U.S.:$6,999/mo

Independent Living

Madison, WI:$3,605/mo

Wisconsin:$3,028/mo

U.S.:$3,520/mo

Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Assisted living costs in Madison, WI, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly assisted living costs have shifted over the past five years in Madison and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Madison, WIWI stateNational

Assisted living cost trends in Madison, WI

The table below shows how monthly assisted living costs in Madison have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 average costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.

Column location: Location

Column cost2024: 2024 average cost

Column cost2023: 2023 average cost

Column percentChange: Percent change

Location	2024 average cost	2023 average cost	Percent change
Madison, WI	$5,906/mo	$5,839/mo	+1.1%
Wisconsin	$5,655/mo	$5,526/mo	+2.3%
National	$5,510/mo	$5,285/mo	+4.2%

Madison, WI

2024 average cost:$5,906/mo

2023 average cost:$5,839/mo

Percent change:+1.1%

Wisconsin

2024 average cost:$5,655/mo

2023 average cost:$5,526/mo

Percent change:+2.3%

National

2024 average cost:$5,510/mo

2023 average cost:$5,285/mo

Percent change:+4.2%

Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

What families are saying about assisted living in Madison

Recent reviews for assisted living in Madison

Hallowstone at Middleton

5.0

Thrilled with the care and attention my Mother received while at this Brookdale. It felt like I was pet of a family! The food is wonderful and I enjoyed that when visiting. They also have fun activities for residents and their family members. Thanks for all you did and I would highly suggest ...

Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge in Madison, WI

4.0

The week day staff is compassionate and well trained and employed by Oakwood. The weekend staff is hired from an agency and the care and compassion is lacking. They are working on fixing this but claim there are not enough people interested in this type of work.

Our House Senior Living Senior Apartments - Portage

4.8

Our mom has dementia and has been there a few years now. The office staff and most of the employees are very good with her. She loves the feeling of living on her own and being able to have her dear cat with her and Our House gives her that. She would like more in house friends, but seems to ...

Reviews mention these favorite features of communities

Understaffed facilities. Several reviews mention the shortage of staff in various senior living communities, resulting in inconsistent care and long wait times for assistance. At Heritage Middleton, Heritage Middleton, the lack of a consistent leader and adequate staffing leads to challenges in addressing residents' n ...

Friendly and caring staff. Numerous reviews praise the kindness and attentiveness of staff members in different communities, such as at Brookdale Madison West, where staff members are described as caring and helpful. At Cardinal View Senior Living, the rooftop restaurant/lounge staff were commended for their hospitali ...

Variety of activities and events. Residents enjoy the diverse range of activities offered at various senior living communities. For instance, at Cardinal View Senior Living, activities like jewelry making, card playing, and movie nights keep residents engaged. At Sienna Crest - Waunakee, the activity director organized fun a ...

Well-maintained facilities. Some reviews highlight the cleanliness and upkeep of common areas and private rooms in different communities, such as at Madison Pointe Senior Living, where the carpets in the common areas are praised for being clean despite their appearance. At Talamore Sun Prairie, the apartment was noted ...

Clear communication between staff and families. Families appreciate the open communication between staff and themselves, allowing for informed decision making and addressing any concerns. At Brookdale Madison West, staff were described as open-door policy and kept family members informed about their loved one's care. At Eden Vista Madison ...

Delicious and varied meals. Quality meals and dining experiences are mentioned as key factors in overall satisfaction with various senior living communities. At Brookdale Madison West, staff accommodate dietary restrictions and individual preferences to make mealtimes enjoyable for residents. At The Waterford at Fitchbu ...

AI generated from the text of family reviews

Madison review score based on 327 family reviews

7.3

Review score240 facilities327 reviewsWrite a review

This proprietary review score is based on 327 reviews of 240 Madison assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.

The Madison review score informs your search by letting you see at a glance how assisted living residents and family members rate assisted living in your area. Compare review scores in multiple locations to understand how overall satisfaction rates differ from city to city. Based on recent reviews, the maximum possible score is 10.Methodology: How we calculate our city review scores

Madison review score compared against nearby cities

7.3

Madison, WI240 facilities

7.4

Portage, WI204 facilities

Monroe, WI16 facilities

Review subcategories for Madison assisted living

When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 327 reviews of 240 Madison assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Madison resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.

Madison, WI averageNational average

Cleanliness

3.3

3.4

Friendliness

3.4

3.5

Care services

3.0

3.2

Staff

3.2

3.4

Meals & dining

3.0

3.1

Activities

3.0

3.1

Value for cost*

3.0

3.1

0.01.02.03.04.05.0

*Learn more about cost details

How people pay for assisted living in Madison

When you’re paying for assisted living in Madison, you have both private and public funding options at your disposal — and many families rely on a mixture of both to fund a loved one’s stay. Payment options include private funding, assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or Medicare and Medicaid coverage.

Here, we’ll run through the specifics of each option to help you discover what applies to your situation.

Private pay methods in Madison

Whether you’ve amassed the savings needed to pay for an assisted living stay in Madison or have family members willing to help out, private payment options are one way to foot the bill. Overall, personal payment can be one of the least complicated and most direct ways to pay for assisted living stays.

A healthy personal checking or savings account is a solid start. However, if a senior collects Social Security benefits or a pension, that’s another helpful financing stream. Don’t forget to look into investment portfolios or relevant insurance policies as well.

Here are some other methods you can explore if you’re looking to pay for an assisted living stay through private methods:

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VA benefits for assisted living in Madison

Approximately 9,689 veterans live in Madison, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

About 26% of Madison veterans are 75 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Prospective assisted living residents who have served in the military — as well as their spouses — could consider VA-provided benefits when looking into how to pay for assisted living.
Consider the following resources:

• The VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is an especially useful benefit for veterans, as it can boost funding to their Veterans Pension that they could then use to offset costs at assisted living communities.{{citation:4}
• Wisconsin also offers a Military Retirement Benefits Exemption that ensures veterans’ benefits aren’t taxed by the state. Veterans can apply these savings to their monthly fees at assisted living facilities.
• The Dane County Veterans Services Office and their trained representatives can help you determine if you qualify for any VA benefits and help you with the application process.
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Wisconsin, Veterans of Foreign Wars Day Post, and the American Legion are good resources for additional information. It’s always worth reaching out to check into all potential options and to receive benefit counseling and advocacy during the application process.

Resources for Madison Veterans

VSOs and veteran resources in Madison

Dane County Veterans Service Office
1709 Aberg Ave., Suite 2
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-266-4158
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Wisconsin
4622 Dutch Mill Road
Madison, WI 53716
Phone: 608-221-2576

Veterans of Foreign Wars Day Post 7591
301 Cottage Grove Road
Madison, WI 53716
Phone: 608-221-9326

Severson-Cairns American Legion Post 501
105 Dempsey Road
Madison, WI 53614
Phone: 608-244-7716

Online guides

A Place for Mom Veterans Benefits Guide PDF

Service-related ailments PDF

Federal veterans benefits booklet

Madison Medicaid for assisted living

Wisconsin Medicaid is the state’s health insurance program for seniors who have a lower income. Many seniors who have exhausted their private savings may become Medicaid recipients.

While it does not pay for room and board, Wisconsin’s Medicaid program does cover care within assisted living facilities via waivers from Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs. These waivers enable seniors to receive care services while remaining in the community of their choice. To get coverage for assisted living services in Wisconsin, recipients’ annual household finances must fall below the Medicaid threshold: $19,392 for one person and $26,228 for two.^[05]

Additionally, recipients must require help with activities of daily living such as the following:

Getting dressed
Bathing
Toileting

Alternatively, they may need assistance with instrumental activities of daily living such as the following:

Using a phone
Managing finances
Taking medication

The specific services Wisconsin Medicaid will cover within assisted living facilities can vary depending on the recipient’s needs and the HCBS waiver they’re using.

For seniors 65 or older in need of income-based prescription assistance, SeniorCare is available for just $30 a year. Interested applicants can sign up the month of their 65th birthday or after.

Those interested in applying for Wisconsin Medicaid can review the state’s eligibility handbook for application details. Besides this, the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care, its Ombudsman Program, and the local Area Agency on Aging can assist seniors and their families with aging-related questions and inquiries. The Job Center at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services can also be a great resource.

Madison resident Medicaid resources

Local Medicaid services

Wisconsin Department of Health Service’s Job Center
1819 Aberg Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 888-794-5556
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1402 Pankratz St., Suite 111
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 800-815-0015

Dane County Area Agency on Aging
2865 N. Sherman Ave., Northside Town Center
Madison WI, 53704
Phone: 608-261-9930
Email: AAA@countyofdane.com
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Medicare assisted living coverage in Madison

Medicare is a federal health insurance program available for seniors over the age of 65.

Seniors should be aware that Medicare doesn’t cover custodial costs (such as room and board) within assisted living facilities. However, Medicare recipients will be glad to know that it will cover medically necessary costs no matter where they choose to live.

Coverage can include the following:^[06]

Necessary medical equipment
Medications
Hospice care
Preventive health services

Medicare may also cover the following in-home health services for assisted living residents:^[07]

Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Social services
Part-time home health aide services
Some skilled nursing care

Wisconsin’s SeniorCare is available for just $30 a year for seniors 65 or older who need income-based prescription assistance. Interested applicants can sign up upon turning 65. The state also has a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program to help low-income seniors with premium and copay costs. My Choice Wisconsin — a managed care organization providing long-term care and health services that help seniors live more independently — offers five statewide programs:

Those interested in applying for My Choice Wisconsin can do so via phone, in person, or by mailing out an application.

Get help understanding Medicare

Madison has a wealth of Medicare experts available to help you understand your or a loved one’s eligibility and coverage.

Through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), interested parties can receive counseling on how to enroll for Medicare, what payment options are available, and other information that will help them make an informed decision. Those interested in working with a SHIP counselor can start by calling the Medigap Helpline or the Medigap Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County is another local resource residents can use if they’d rather connect with someone in person.

Wisconsin’s Board on Aging and Long-Term Care has an Ombudsman Program that helps answer questions, and local Social Security offices can also provide specific information regarding Medicare eligibility and coverage, too.

Resources for Madison Medicare recipients

Medicare-related assistance offices

Madison Social Security Administration Office
6011 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
Phone: 866-770-2262
Fax: 833-950-3737
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County
2865 N Sherman Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-240-7400
Fax: 608-240-7401
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1402 Pankratz St., Suite 111
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 800-815-0015

Understand Wisconsin laws and regulations for assisted living facilities

Madison’s assisted living facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) and are expected to be licensed. The Wisconsin DQA is responsible for overseeing the state’s three different classifications of assisted living facilities:

Assisted living inspections

The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) is specifically responsible for inspecting all these assisted living facilities, and the inspections may be announced or unannounced. Facilities are surveyed every two years and are graded in these areas:^[09]

Patient rights
Program services
Types of services offered (e.g., nutrition)
Physical environment and overall safety
Medication
Staff training

Staff and residents are observed or interviewed, and records are reviewed to ensure compliance. All surveys include safety code reviews, which look at several environmental safety factors. These factors include fire safety, evacuation rules, storage of hazardous materials, and required inspections.^[08]

To check the compliance history of an assisted living facility or see if it has any complaints against it, reach out to the Division of Quality Assurance Bureau of Assisted Living Regional Offices. You can also use the Wisconsin Department of Health Services provider search to find any Statements of Deficiencies (SODs) and what was done to correct any issues.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) website features a comprehensive list of resources to help identify whether a facility is operating compliantly. You can find details about the caregiver background check process, certification status, how residents should be transported from assisted living facilities to hospitals, and much more. The DHS also has assisted living standards of practice resources to make them easier to understand.

Assisted living laws and regulations

Wisconsin’s Caregiver Law established specific caregiver programs that are designed to ensure seniors receive the highest quality care possible. These include:

The Background Check and Misconduct Investigation Program: This program was established to protect individuals receiving care and treatment services in Wisconsin, including those provided in treatment facilities, assisted living settings, the home, and the community.
The Feeding Assistant Program: Feeding assistants must take an approved training program to receive state certification. They also must meet certain requirements, such as being at least 16 years old.
Certified Direct Care Professional: This new program (launched in early 2023) teaches essential skills that direct care workers can use in many roles. The curriculum, developed by the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, prepares job seekers to enter the caregiving workforce.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

1 W Wilson St.
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-266-1865
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Why do licensure and inspection reports matter to families?

State regulations — and a community’s track record with inspections and licensing — offer important insights into safety and quality of care in senior living communities.

Download the Guide to Senior Living Licensure and Inspection Reports to learn what to look for in inspection reports and what questions to ask when touring communities. This resource explains how to use state licensure and inspection information to evaluate a community’s compliance, care standards, and responsiveness to issues.

COVID-19 regulations for Madison assisted living facilities

Both Madison and the state of Wisconsin have suggested precautions surrounding COVID-19, but have no current mandates. The state does provide guidance for assisted living facilities.

Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccinations are not mandatory, but the state recommends vaccines and boosters.

Masking. Masks are not mandatory, but some facilities may require them.

Quarantining. Regardless of their vaccination status, residents who are quarantining or have COVID-19 are asked not to participate in communal activities in assisted living facilities. Likewise, staffers with COVID-19 should not attend work.

What to expect from assisted living in Madison

Madison has it all: The vibrance and culture you’d expect from a college town, all the natural beauty the Badger State has to offer, and the quaint charm of a medium-sized Midwestern city.

Considering that there are many assisted living partners in A Place for Mom’s Madison network, seniors can rest assured that Madison will be a top-tier place to spend their later years.^[02]

A variety of perks for any senior

Madison’s many in-network assisted living facilities offer residents a plethora of perks that will keep them healthy and engaged. Madison’s assisted living communities will provide high-quality care for residents

Madison’s partner assisted living facilities offer a plethora of on-site services that will keep residents healthy and engaged. Depending on the community, you’ll find high-quality care and support with features such as:^[02]

24-hour staff availability
On-call doctors
On-site hospice care
On-site nursing care
Visiting occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist, and podiatrist
Memory care
Full medication management
Catheter, colostomy, and wound care
Oxygen
A layout helpful for residents with memory loss

The following amenities and activities are also typically available for vibrant seniors who enjoy leisure time and getting social with fellow residents:^[02]

Indoor and outdoor common areas
TV lounges
Private dining rooms
Fitness centers
Game rooms
Movie or theater rooms
Day trips and outings
Live musical performances
Trivia games
Barbecues or picnics
Birthday and holiday parties
Low/no-sodium, Kosher, and vegetarian dining options

All in all, Madison’s assisted living communities provide a balance of quality, health-related care and the services seniors need to truly enjoy their long-term care.

Opportunities for continuity of care

Although prospective residents can choose one of A Place for Mom’s eight partner standalone assisted living facilities, there are facilities in Madison that offer a combination of care types:^[02]

Twelve partner facilities combine assisted living and memory care.
One partner facility combines assisted living and independent living.
Five partner facilities combine assisted living, independent living, and memory care.

These wide-ranging care options can put seniors and families at ease if they’re concerned about having continuity of care.

Madison assisted living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Madison assisted living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Madison, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select care services in Madison assisted living

Assisted living communities offer a variety of care services and visiting health care providers to meet seniors’ health needs. The chart below shows the percentage of assisted living partners in Madison that offer these care services compared to the percentage of partners that offer them nationally.

Madison, WINational

Full medication management

61.3%

53.4%

Doctor on call

13.3%

34.6%

24-Hour awake staff

95%

96.1%

Diabetic care

98.8%

97.7%

*Visiting health care professionals

67.9%

57.6%

Home care agency on-site

22.9%

30.6%

Non-ambulatory care

97.5%

96.8%

Respite or short term stays

62.1%

47.9%

Hospice available on-site

68.8%

53%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

*Including nurse, dentist, OT, PT, speech or podiatrist

Availability of select dementia care services in Madison assisted living

Our community partners provide many services to keep residents with dementia or other memory concerns safe and engaged. Below, take a look at what percentage of Madison Assisted Living partners offer the selected dementia care services compared to the percentage of partners nationally.

Madison, WINational

Dementia behaviors care

59.2%

52%

Specialized memory care training for staff

29.6%

33.4%

Secured community and/or wander guard

49.6%

41.6%

Memory care only community

27.5%

13.9%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Madison assisted living

Assisted living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Madison partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.

Madison, WINational

Nutritionist / dietician

11.3%

28.1%

Low / no sodium

32.9%

42.1%

No sugar

31.3%

38.5%

Vegetarian

34.2%

37.4%

Pureed meals

9.6%

19.4%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Madison assisted living

Our assisted living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Madison communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.

Madison, WINational

Professional chef

16.3%

32.3%

Restaurant style dining

28.7%

43.5%

Room service

22.5%

37.9%

Anytime dining

12.5%

18.5%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Madison assisted living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered assisted living communities in Madison offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.

Madison, WINational

Activity director

33.3%

47.5%

Pet-focused programs

25.4%

31.8%

Community service programs

16.7%

31.3%

Devotional activities on-site

58.8%

50.3%

Parties / BBQs / happy hour

46.3%

50.5%

Outings / off-site activities

60.4%

53.2%

Piano or organ

32.1%

42.6%

Arts and crafts center

27.1%

36.7%

Educational speakers / life long learning

24.6%

39.2%

Clubs / games / karaoke

38.8%

47.9%

Live performances

43.3%

48%

Dances

20.4%

31.6%

Fitness center

12.9%

25.3%

Fitness classes

40%

47.1%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Explore senior care with confidence

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Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.

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Unfamiliar with Madison? Highlights for seniors

36271

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Madison

13%

Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Madison population

$25,775

Average Social Security annual income for Madison seniors 65 and older as of 2021

Health care for seniors in Madison

Two well-known major medical centers in Madison can provide general, geriatric, and other types of care for city residents along with the VA hospital:

University Hospital in Madison

University Hospital in Madison is the top-ranked health care provider in Madison. It’s also listed as the 35th-best hospital nationally for geriatric care.

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison is the No.2-ranked hospital in Madison and the sixth-best medical center in Wisconsin. The system performs highly in lung surgery, spinal fusions, stroke care, and other specialties and procedures.

William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital

Madison’s VA hospital received the highest national award for patient experience in 2022. The hospital offers a wide variety of care for veterans.

Transportation for seniors in Madison

Over 80% of the assisted living communities we partner with offer either complimentary or at-cost transportation to residents. This makes it easy and convenient for residents to travel for a doctor appointment, go shopping, or attend an off-site event. But when loved ones are coming to visit or preparing to take a resident on an outing, other transportation options might be important, too.

Like many other U.S. cities, Madison is best traveled via car.^[10] Despite this, seniors in the city’s assisted living communities who don’t have their own vehicles shouldn’t worry: Madison has a variety of other transportation offerings they can take advantage of.

Public transportation in Madison

Madison has 41 bus lines and other specialized services that can help seniors get to wherever they need to go. First, Metro Transit helps passengers travel throughout the city on accessible buses. Accessibility features include the following:

Low floors on buses
Deployable boarding ramps
Buses that can lower closer to the curb
Locations for securing wheelchairs
Priority seating for seniors
Audio and visual bus stop announcements

Passengers 65 and older or those living with disabilities can ride the Metro Transit for $1 if they present an Americans with Disabilities Act-approved transit card or Metro senior/disability card. At the same time, the city’s paratransit service ensures that riders who can’t take advantage of fixed-route buses can get where they need to go.

Besides this service, Dane County Department of Human Services offers two transportation services to seniors and people with disabilities. Group Access Service provides regularly scheduled drop-offs to sites throughout Madison. Similarly, Dane County’s Older Adult Transportation Assistance program also provides seniors with rides to important appointments or meetings. Accessible service is available.

Madison’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offers door-to-door pickups and drop-offs for seniors needing rides to health appointments. Volunteers use personal vehicles, so rides aren’t always accessible.

Below are Madison’s Walk Score ratings. Scores range from zero to 100, and a higher score points to a mode of transportation that’s easily to access.^[10] These scores might be particularly useful for those visiting loved ones who need to make their way around the city.

Walk Score

Transit Score

Bike Score

Senior activities in Madison

Whether seniors are art lovers, social butterflies, history buffs, or anything in between, Madison has a wide variety of engaging activities to take part in and sights to see. Visiting loved ones are sure to enjoy the city as well.

Art and architectural sites

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is free to visit, and fans of art can also take in displays free of charge at the Chazen Museum of Art on the University of Wisconsin’s flagship Madison campus.

Historical sites of interest

Standing out clearly to anyone walking around downtown Madison, the Wisconsin State Capitol is open to the public and offers fascinating (and free) tours daily.

Senior history buffs and their families will also be happy to know that the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is free to the public. Those looking for family-oriented historical fun will enjoy exploring the Wisconsin Historical Museum.

Outdoor activities

Olbrich Botanical Gardens was voted one of the “top 10 most inspiring gardens in North America,” and the grounds are wheelchair accessible. Visitors can attend a wide range of events and classes or explore the Bolz Conservatory.

The Olbrich Botanical Gardens offer the following accessibility features:

Wide brick and stone paths in the outdoor gardens
Plenty of benches for rest and conversation
Wide brick paths with a wheelchair pull-out in the Bolz Conservatory
Free guided tours around the 16-acre garden on the Olbrich Tram for those who need assistance

Animal lovers will enjoy the Henry Vilas Zoo. The facility is wheelchair-accessible, with push wheelchairs available for rent for $5.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Waterford at Fitchburg, Ridge at Madison and Eden Vista Madison are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Madison, WI. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.

The average cost of Assisted Living in Madison is $6,353 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

WalletHub. (2023, September 5). Best and worst places to retire.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Madison, Wisconsin [Data set].
United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Benefits.gov. Wisconsin Medicaid.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. What Medicare covers. Medicare.gov.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Home health services. Medicare.gov.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2023, August 2). Assisted living: Survey guide.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Madison, WI.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Madison.

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

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10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Madison, WI

Madison Assisted Living Facilities | 2547 Reviews

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Costs of assisted living in the Madison area

Assisted living costs in Madison, WI, vs. state and national averages

Assisted living costs in Madison, WI, vs. other senior living options

Assisted living costs in Madison, WI, by floor plan type

Senior living costs in Madison vs. state and national costs

Assisted living costs in Madison, WI, over time

Assisted living cost trends in Madison, WI

What families are saying about assisted living in Madison

Recent reviews for assisted living in Madison

Reviews mention these favorite features of communities

Madison review score based on 327 family reviews

Madison review score compared against nearby cities

Review subcategories for Madison assisted living

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Wisconsin Department of Health Services

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COVID-19 regulations for Madison assisted living facilities

What to expect from assisted living in Madison

A variety of perks for any senior

Opportunities for continuity of care

Madison assisted living services and amenities

Availability of select care services in Madison assisted living

Availability of select dementia care services in Madison assisted living

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Walk Score

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