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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Appleton, WI for 2024

Appleton, a midsize city in central Wisconsin’s Fox Valley, sits on the northern shores of calm Lake Winnebago. The city’s an excellent retirement choice for budget-conscious seniors, as its cost of living is significantly lower than the national and state averages. With 72,623 residents, approximately 9,700 of whom are aged 65 or older, Appleton is both large enough to offer a variety of experiences and small enough to provide a welcoming social environment.

Assisted living facilities offer a midpoint between independent living and nursing home care, making them a good option for seniors who need day-to-day support as they age but who wish to retain as much autonomy as possible. Although the city’s overall cost of living is low, seniors in Appleton can expect to pay $5,138 per month for assisted living, which is higher than both the nationwide and Wisconsin medians.

This guide covers various aspects of assisted living in Appleton. It provides price comparisons with other areas and types of long-term care, a look at Appleton’s particular benefits and drawbacks for older adults, and a list of free programs and services available to support seniors in the area.

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Assisted Living Facilities in Appleton, Wisconsin

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Appleton

In Appleton, as in the rest of the state, assisted living facilities are categorized as community-based residential facilities and fall under the oversight of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The department’s Division of Quality Assurance is tasked with ensuring the well-being and safety of people living in CBRFs.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Appleton

  • Crime rates in Appleton are lower than the U.S. averages. On a 100-point scale where 100 represents higher reported incidents, Appleton rates 20.4 compared to the U.S. average of 22.7 for violent crime and 27.1 versus 35.4 for property crime.
  • Summers in Appleton are very pleasant, with temperatures generally hovering in the mid-70s and low 80s from June to August. However, in winter, temperatures rarely get above freezing from December to February often dipping into the single digits. The area also gets high amounts of snow — approximately 41 inches per year, which is considerably more than the national average of 28 inches — so it’s great for active seniors who enjoy white winters.
  • Tax rates in this area differ from the U.S. averages. The sales tax rate in Appleton is just 5%, which is considerably lower than the national average of 7.3%. However, the combined state, county and local income tax rate in the city is 6.3%, which is higher than the national average of 4.6%.
  • Appleton is a good retirement location for health-conscious seniors. There are two highly rated major hospitals in the city proper — ThedaCare Regional Medical Center and Ascension NE Wisconsin – St. Elizabeth Campus  —  and the city’s air quality rating of 63 beats the nationwide average of 58. However, water quality in Appleton is rated at 40, which is lower than the U.S. average of 55.
  • Getting around the Appleton area is easy, even for seniors who don’t drive. Public buses regularly run from the centrally located Appleton Transit Center, and discounted curb-to-curb transportation for seniors and people with disabilities is available through Valley Transit II.

Paying for Assisted Living in Appleton

According to data reported by Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living care in Appleton costs an average of $5,138 per month. This is several hundred dollars more expensive than the Wisconsin average of $4,600 and the national median of $4,500.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities 

Appleton’s cost for assisted living is one of the highest in the state. The lowest prices are found in western Wisconsin in the La Crosse area, where assisted living costs approximately $4,263 per month. In the southeast corner of the state, Milwaukee and Racine have the highest in-state costs at $5,324 and $5,450, respectively. To the north in Green Bay, the average is $4,450.

Appleton

$5,138

Wisconsin

$4,600

The United States

$4,500

La Crosse

$4,263

Green Bay

$4,450

Milwaukee

$5,324

Racine

$5,450

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living is one of several long-term care options available to area seniors. Although cost data for adult day health care isn’t available for Appleton, based on the statewide average of $1,723 per month, it’s likely the most affordable type of care in the city. Homemaker and home health aide services both cost approximately $5,339 per month. Seniors who need skilled nursing care pay the highest rates at $8,958 per month for a semiprivate room and $9,581 for private lodging. 

Homemaker Services

$5,339

Home Health Aide

$5,339

Assisted Living Facility

$5,138

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$8,958

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

$9,581

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Appleton

Appleton seniors who are frail and low-income may be able to receive help paying for services received in assisted living through the Family Care and Personal Care programs, although the services covered are limited. 

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Wisconsin page.

Financial Assistance in Wisconsin

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Wisconsin page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Appleton

There are plenty of free resources for assisted-living bound seniors in Appleton. Below are some resources for seniors looking into assisted living as well as resources for those who are already there, those who want to get around town or join a social club, and even for those in need of durable medical equipment. 

ResourceContactService
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Calumet, Outagamie, and Waupaca Counties(920) 832-5178This ADRC is an information hub tasked with helping Appleton's older adults access help regarding assisted living and other types of long-term care. In addition to employing elder benefits specialists who can help seniors navigate issues with Social Security and similar programs, the ADRC offers health and wellness classes for older adults.
Make The Ride Happen(920) 225-1719This nonprofit organization helps Appleton seniors get around the Fox Valley area by connecting them with existing public transportation lines and volunteer drivers. It also helps older adults apply for reduced bus fare. Per-ride donations are encouraged but not required.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman(800) 815-0015The Long-Term Care ombudsman operates as part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and is responsible for investigating complaints against assisted living communities. These may include physical, mental or financial abuse, breaches of privacy and denial of services. The ombudsman can also provide advice regarding establishing powers of attorney and finding financial support for assisted living.
Thompson Center on Lourdes(920) 939-3088This local nonprofit senior center works to create social outlets and educational opportunities for Appleton adults aged 50 and over. It hosts billiards, cribbage and pickleball games as well as technology classes and informational sessions on health topics. It also houses the regional location of the state of Wisconsin's Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which offers adaptive equipment, rehabilitation services and legal resources for people with vision issues.
Larsen-Winchester Lions Club Medical Equipment Loan Locker(920) 427-3244Located in Larsen, about 20 minutes southwest of Appleton's city center, this Lions Club loan locker allows Outagamie County residents to check out medical equipment at no cost. Equipment includes bed pans, crutches, wheelchairs, blood pressure monitors and more. All equipment must be picked up on-site; no delivery option is available.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Appleton

South Milwaukee-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set Appleton Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Wisconsin are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Wisconsin page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Wisconsin

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Mary

I visited this facility

Review of Eagle Point Senior Living

Eagle Point Senior Living was a beautiful facility. It was gorgeous. You can't beat the views and the quality of workmanship that was done on the building. It's right on the river and there are...

Read more

Assisted Living

Mary

I am/was a resident of this facility

Review of Apple Creek Place I

The rooms are adequate. The food is awful. There are no activities. There are no housekeepers. I couldn't get help with anything. They constantly messed up my medications and towards the end of my...

Read more

Assisted Living

Phyllis Millious

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Dimensions Living Appleton

The rooms are plenty spacious. The food has a very good selection for those looking for variety. The staff were overall, so good with my Dad. He had his 10 favorites, each one giving him special...

Read more

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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