10 Best Nursing Homes in Madison, WI
Called one of the most “quintessentially American” cities, Madison, Wisconsin, has so much to offer. Between its top-rated museums and art galleries, scenic lakefront views and activities, and historical attractions, Madison is rated the fifth-best city in the nation for the quality of life of senior residents. If you’re looking for quality nursing home care for your loved one, Madison is a great choice.
Typically, “nursing home” is used as a catch-all term to describe many different types of senior care and elderly living facilities. A nursing home refers to a facility providing patients with round-the-clock, hospital-like care to elderly patients.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with any standalone skilled nursing homes, we do partner with assisted living and memory care facilities. Out of these partner communities, two assisted living facilities and three memory care facilities offer on-site skilled nursing care similar to what you might find in a standalone nursing home.
Both options provide on-site care and regular assistance with routine daily activities. In the case of memory care, residents receive specialized care for Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
A Place for Mom partners with 31 assisted living and memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of central Madison. No matter what degree of care your loved one requires, our senior care facilities treat residents with personalized, top-shelf care that provides regular peace of mind. This guide will explore costs, payment options, care-type specifics, and other notable insights about senior living in Wisconsin’s capital city.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Madison, WI
My mother is a resident here. They could get a new activities director because my mother does not get along with her.They need more staff on the weekends. We chose Aster Retirement because they offer...
The staff members are a 5 plus, they are so friendly and we are getting ready to move our loved one in and she is really looking forward to the arts and crafts. Before we even toured this community we wanted...
The staff are very caring, and they work very well with our family. Our loved one has had a lot of issues, and they have kept the lines of communication very open. They work well to get her what she needs...
Oakwood is a lovely facility, has many amenities and services for all of their residents. We have also appreciated all of the social workers, therapists and caregivers as we have navigated the transition...
The people are really nice at this community. The staff are helpful. Mom likes the food and activities they offer. The community is clean and well maintained inside and out. This community is just the...
Cleaning of residents apartments is sub-par. Even though the administrator states they do, the cleaning service they employ does no dusting, no cleaning mirrors, no bed sheet changing. It appears that all...
The main reason I chose this community for my loved one is she has her own spacious private bathroom with a walk in tub. The staff have done a great job at making sure my mother feels safe and comfortable in...
When we were looking for a new place to move my mom, cost was a factor. We really liked this community. Her apartment is in the remodeled wing and it is supposed to have extra staff available for the...
There have been a lot of issues finding and maintaining staff just like everywhere else right now. They do their very best - but it has been a struggle. They are having a hard time finding an activities...
I have lived here a year now and feel like I’m part of a big family. I really like the people, they are so caring and nice. The food is so good! [name removed] keeps me full and is great!
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The staff there at Capitol Lakes Terraces are super! They are very welcoming, very caring, and very well organized. Their staff is very well trained and they really care and do a great job. The only...
Sylvan Crossings had availability quickly when I was needing to move my loved one. The staff here is very good. They seem to handle his care well if not better than where he was at previously. I would...
The place is bright, clean and goo quality food and care. Meals are made from scratch not shipped in or reheated from a local service.
There are multiple different things offered here like independent living, assisted living, higher levels of care and even a rehab unit and that was something we like. There are plenty of activities going on...
What we like the most about the Oak Park Place is that it is very welcoming and the staff members are so friendly. My brother is very happy there. He is enjoying the community and other residents who live...
There have been changes to the staff but they have been for the better. The staff is very friendly, and do their best to provide for each of the clients different needs daily. The CNA's know each of the...
The Arbors was a wonderful community. It was a very nice place. The staff here were very caring. I would highly recommend them. They have assisted living and memory care in the building next door too, so...
My mother in law was alright with it, but we never moved her stuff there because it didn't have a warm feeling and it was also harder for me to get to (I'm the primary care giver). I wasn't sold on it for...
My mother is there and it's going well. It's skilled nursing there. I have an overall good opinion of them. They've changed their food system lately which is a lot better. I think they do a good job there...
My mother was there when she lived in Wisconsin it was good but it was like a 4 out of 5 compared to the place mother moved to in California. There were not nearly as many volunteers at Harbor House and the...
the love my life last months were spent at the villa at Middleton village. The care and love she was given were second to none. the facility is clean, modernized. [name removed] the daytime nurse a true...
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
- Costs of nursing homes in the Madison area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Madison
- How people pay for a nursing home in Madison
- Understand Wisconsin laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Madison
- Madison nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Madison? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Madison area
Stays at senior living facilities vary based on what type of care patients require. The monthly median cost of a private room in a Madison nursing home was $9,551 in 2021.[02] This cost includes room and board, personal care assistance, medication administration and oversight, round-the-clock supervision, therapies and rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care.
According to our proprietary data, the median cost of a one-bedroom assisted living apartment in Madison communities that partner with A Place for Mom was $4,950. The median cost of a one-bedroom memory care apartment in a partnered Madison community is $6,877 a month.[03]
The total monthly cost for assisted living and memory care includes service fees and add-ons. With their investment, tenants can expect 24-hour security, customized care plans, room and board, meals prepared with dietary stipulations in mind, and more. In the case of memory care, services include specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Madison, WI vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Madison, WI vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Madison vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Madison, WI by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Madison over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Madison
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Madison
Brookdale Middleton Century Avenue
Milestone Senior Living Stoughton
The Ridge at Madison
How people pay for a nursing home in Madison
If the prospect of paying for a senior living facility is a daunting one, rest assured that several options can help. Whether you’re going to a skilled nursing facility or require a less intensive level of care, such as assisted living or memory care, your loved one’s stay can be financed privately or federally through avenues like Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicaid, or Medicare. In these tabs, we’ll explore how these payment strategies can apply.
If you’re searching for the most red-tape-free way to pay for skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care, look no further than your own accrued wealth. Whatever personal savings you or your loved ones might have on hand can apply to whatever care is needed. Now, what if that alone won’t make ends meet? Try leveraging other options like Social Security benefits and pensions or cashing in on side investments like a stock portfolio or real estate assets. You can even tap into long-term care insurance or life insurance to help make monthly payments. Some other common ways families pay for long-term care can include:
With more than a quarter of the city’s veterans older than 75, it’s appropriate for Madison to have a strong support network for seniors who served their country at home or abroad. If your loved one is a veteran in need of senior living facility care, VA benefits can be a reliable resource.
Ask a local veterans services officer about the VA Aid & Attendance benefit.[05]. If qualified, an additional monthly amount will be added to their VA Pension.
Also, note that certain ailments suffered during combat might make additional benefits available to your loved one. Review the Presumptive Disability Benefits fact sheet to see if any of these criteria apply.[06]
Madison is host to multiple veterans services organizations (VSOs) and facilities that can help navigate some of these questions. The VFW Department of Wisconsin is a state-wide support system for veterans and can be especially helpful for those needing help financing their senior living facility stays. In Madison, connecting with the local VFW or American Legion branches can help point older veterans in the right direction.
Number of veterans who live in Madison
About 26% percent of Madison veterans are 75+ as of 2021
Resources for Madison Veterans
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
Low monthly income should not preclude your loved one from affording a nursing home, assisted living, or memory care stay.
Wisconsin Medicaid is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in Wisconsin who meet one of the following criteria:[07]
- Be aged 65 or older
- Have a disability
- Have someone with a disability living in your home
The amount of support Medicaid can cover for your loved ones’ stay is dependent on the type of medical care needed.
Medicaid coverage for nursing homes
Wisconsin Medicaid will cover nursing home care at Medicaid-accredited facilities if a patient’s financial assets and income fall below a certain level and if a screening process determines they require skilled nursing-level care.
Should your loved one meet both criteria, they’ll receive the following coverage during their nursing home stay:{{citation:7}
- Room and board
- Medications
- Medical care
- Skilled nursing care
- Therapy services
Those interested in applying for Wisconsin Medicaid can review the state’s eligibility handbook for application details.[08]
Medicaid coverage for assisted living and memory care
In Wisconsin, there is also a waiver called home and community-based services (HCBS), which keeps a waiting list of potential qualifiers and provides skilled nursing quality care at home or in an assisted living or memory care facility.[09] HCBS recipients must fall under certain financial thresholds and demonstrate a need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Assisted living and memory care tenants can receive Medicaid coverage through HCBS waivers and apply that funding to help conduct ADLs and IADLs.
Though coverage depends on the facility chosen, Medicaid will typically help assisted living and memory care residents with the following:
- ADLs
- Medication oversight
- Appointment transportation
- Behavioral therapy
- Other approved services
Additional resources
Those who are 65 and older can also tap into Wisconsin’s SeniorCare program to get help with prescription drug costs.
For help checking into which benefits your loved one might qualify for, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers assistance at the Job Center. The Ombudsman Program through the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Local Area Agency on Aging are both ready to provide help, too.
Madison resident Medicaid resources
Wisconsin Department of Health Services 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 is federal health care coverage available to people aged 65 and over, people under 65 receiving Social Security, or anyone at any age living with ALS or who has been diagnosed with end-stage renal failure.
While Medicare doesn’t cover skilled nursing custodial costs (e.g., room and board) or needs (i.e., dressing, bathing, eating, etc.), it could provide support for individuals with the following services in nursing facilities for up to 100 days:[10]
- A semi-private room
- Nutritional support and meals
- Skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy (if needed to meet their health goal)
- Occupational therapy (if needed to meet their health goal)
- Speech-language pathology services
- Medical social services
- Medications
- Medical supplies and equipment used in the facility
- Ambulance transportation (if it’s the safest option)
Part A
In addition, Medicare Part A is the equivalent of hospital insurance and will cover any skilled nursing facility needs deemed medically necessary. This coverage will kick in for a hospital-related medical condition. Medicare Part A will support your loved one’s care, but it will not pay for an assisted living facility stay or any assistance with ADLs during the stay. It won’t cover custodial care, but Part A will fund some skilled nursing needs for assisted living or memory care residents if done by a certified nurse or doctor in an assisted living or memory care facility.
Additional resources
Medicare’s different plans and specifications might seem overwhelming at first. Luckily, the Madison area has several resources that you can use to help your loved ones find coverage. Wisconsin’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) makes counselors available in person and on the phone for people needing information on the intricacies of Medicare and its programs. The program outlines examples of how it can support you and your loved one on its Counseling Success Stories page.
The Wisconsin Medicare Savings Program is a qualified beneficiary provider through Dane County, and SeniorCare focuses specifically on prescription medication needs. There are application forms available online to take advantage of this cost-savings program, details on how to apply can be found on the SeniorCare online application.
MyChoice Wisconsin sets members up with resources in their communities to find the best care at the most affordable rates. There’s also a Social Security office in Madison, as well as the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County (ARDC), and the long-term care ombudsman through the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care.
No matter your situation, there’s someone in Madison ready to help you get the care your loved one needs.
Resources for Madison Medicare recipients
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 nursing homes
The Wisconsin State Legislature defines nursing homes as places where five or more unrelated people live because they need some level of nursing care 24/7. These facilities have to follow a long list of regulations that govern everything from staff training requirements to care standards.
Here are some of the standards nursing homes must follow:
- No nursing home in the state may operate without a licensed administrator.
- Each nursing home will employ a charge nurse at all times who is a licensed, practicing nurse.
- Staff-to-resident ratios are mandated to be 1:5 during waking hours, and 1:8 at night, providing at least one staff member awake and providing care at all times.[11]
- Facilities must conduct background checks for employees and vendors who have any regular or direct content with patients or residents.[12]
- Hours of care provided must meet specific requirements that depend on the level of care needed (not including feeding).
- A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse must provide a portion of the skilled nursing care that the resident receives.
Both federal and state regulations govern nursing homes. To find out about any Madison nursing home’s compliance, take a look at the annual Consumer Information Reports compiled by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) to help consumers determine the quality of care at all nursing home facilities. You can also use this online provider search tool and filter the results by nursing homes. Or, you can reach out to the DQA’s Bureau of Nursing Home Resident Care Regional Office, which is responsible for licensure and inspection of nursing homes.
Laws and regulations for assisted living and memory care facilities
The DQA’s Bureau of Assisted Living is the branch in charge of licensure and inspection of assisted living and memory care facilities. Facilities are inspected at least once every two years to check for compliance with laws and regulations. To see how facilities fared, use the online provider search tool, or reach out to the DQA’s Bureau of Assisted Living Regional Offices.
Memory care is classified as a form of assisted living, and there are three distinct types of assisted living in Wisconsin:
- Residential Care Apartment Complexes: This assisted living classification provides personal care, room and board, and up to 28 hours a week of supportive care and/or nursing. They must adhere to these rules and regulations.
- Community-Based Residential Facilities: This type offers less nursing care (up to three hours per week), but still has support services and supervision along with room and board. Here are the rules and regulations that apply to these facilities.
- Adult Family Homes: This falls in the middle when it comes to nursing care. Up to seven weekly hours can be provided in addition to room and board. Adult Family Homes are limited to a maximum of four residents. These communities also have several rules and regulations that govern this type of assisted living.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services lays out a comprehensive list of resources to help you find more information about each type.
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.
COVID-19 regulations for Madison nursing homes
Madison does not have strict COVID-19 guidelines regarding tenants of nursing homes, memory care, and assisted living facilities in Madison. That said, the city does acknowledge CDC guidelines and takes every step to help ensure tenants and employees take the proper precautions.
Vaccinations. Patients and visitors are not required to be vaccinated.
Masking. Masking is encouraged but not required. Individuals are asked to assess their own personal care needs before choosing to wear a mask
Facility cleanliness. Staff members are asked to regularly disinfect themselves and common areas.
What to expect from nursing homes in Madison
Madison is a beautiful town to settle down in; it’s got a small-town feel with big-city amenities. Considering that there are also 31 assisted living and memory care facilities partnered with A Place for Mom within a 10-mile radius of downtown Madison, there are many options for your loved one to find the perfect fit.[03]
A variety of perks for any senior
Madison’s senior living facilities offer a variety of activities and amenities to keep residents healthy and engaged:[03]
- Private outdoor areas
- A beauty salon so your loved one can look their best
- Special dining programs
- Live musical performances
- A recreation room
- Holiday parties and other communal celebrations
Residents have semi-private or private rooms with bathrooms attached. They have access to both indoor and outdoor common areas to mingle with their fellow residents and entertain guests.
Opportunities for continuity of care
The kind of care that your loved one might need can evolve over time, which is why there are a wide variety of partnered facilities in Madison that offer a combination of care types:[03]
- Fourteen facilities combine assisted living and memory care.
- Eight are standalone assisted living facilities.
- Two facilities combine assisted living and independent living.
- Four facilities combine assisted living, independent living, and memory care — a highly progressive layout.
- Two memory care-only facilities are nearby.
- One group home in the area provides memory care.
Stand-alone memory care facilities
Within Madison, there are two standalone memory care facilities. Memory care communities are designed to care for and treat residents with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or other types of dementia. These facilities provide closer supervision for seniors and memory-focused therapy programs. Memory care facilities are often equipped with special security measures to keep your loved one safe and secure, regardless of circumstance. They also employ therapies to reduce confusion and agitation.
Assisted living and memory care
There are 14 partner facilities combining assisted living and memory care throughout Madison, making this the most available type of care. Residents can expect memory care treatment along with daily assistance on needs such as bathing, dressing, the administering of any prescription medications, and other services. Those who don’t need memory care will receive general assisted living services.
Combination of assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities
Seen as a more modern form of care, these tiered care facilities have options for many seniors. These facilities are great for seniors who may not currently need care now but would like to age in place and want security knowing they can access care if they need to down the line. Senior tenants are all provided on-site housing and meals, with varying types of on-site amenities, and convenient services and care available as needed. If care needs change, a move to another facility won’t be necessary.
Madison nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Madison nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Madison nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Madison nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Madison nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Madison nursing homes
Explore senior care with confidence
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Tour your favorite facilities.
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Unfamiliar with Madison? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Madison as of 2021
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Madison population as of 2021
Average annual Social Security income for Madison seniors 65 and older as of 2021
Health care for seniors in Madison
Madison residents can attend these two major health care providers for geriatric, general, and other necessary health needs that arise in addition to the VA hospital in Madison.
University Hospital in 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 practices.
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 practices.
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital
A national award for patient experience went to Madison’s VA hospital in 2022. The facility offers a wide variety of care including cancer treatments, cardiology, orthopedics, and more.
Transportation for seniors in Madison
The assisted living and memory care facilities we partner with offer transportation in different ways. Around 77% offer at-cost transportation options to residents, while over 41% provide complimentary rides. Keep in mind that some communities offer complimentary transportation for some excursions and at-cost transportation at other times. Transportation services for errands and appointments are a nice thing to offer, especially when considering how critical it is to keep elderly residents safe.
Dane County Department of Human Services offers individualized ride options. Those include Older Adult Transportation Assistance (OATA), which provides scheduled door-to-door service to seniors 60 and over, and the Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) for people living with disabilities who need drop-offs to medical appointments. Phone numbers for each program are available on the site to make reservations.
Senior activities in Madison
Whether with peers on a community outing or with their families, senior living residents have many entertaining activity options in Madison. The city’s reverence for history, natural beauty, and cultural acumen combine to afford something for everyone to do.
If museums are for you, try a visit to the following:
- The Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Wisconsin Historical Museum is fully wheelchair accessible and welcomes service animals
- The Chazen Museum of Art has an accessible park near it
What about games of chance? Ho-Chunk Gaming is a popular casino offering bingo, electric gaming, and other staples.
And if you need some fresh air, the following offer accessible walking paths:
- Picnic Point on Marsh Loop Trail
- The UW arboretum
- The Howard Temin Lakeshore Path
You can also visit Madison’s accessible outdoor spaces including the following:
Frequently Asked Questions
Azura Memory Care of Stoughton, The Waterford at Fitchburg and Kettle Park Senior Living are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Madison, WI. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Madison is $4,735 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
WalletHub. (2022). Best and worst places to retire.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
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.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12) Presumptive disability benefits.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2023, March 8). Medicaid programs for seniors.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2023, April 17). Medicaid eligibility handbook.
Wisconsin Medicaid. (2023, January). Home and community-based services waiver programs.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. SNF care coverage. Medicare.gov.
Wisconsin State Legislature. (2022). Special provisions applying to licensing and regulation of nursing homes.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2023, February 1). Background check requirements.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Madison, WI.
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