The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in La Crosse, WI for 2024

 

Alzheimer’s affects around 6.7 million adults aged 65 and older, according to 2023 statistics from The Alzheimer’s Association, and this figure could hit 12.7 million by 2050. Data released by the CDC shows the number of Alzheimer’s deaths in La Crosse increased by 30.7% between 2016 and 2020 and now accounts for more than 9% of all fatalities. With 16% of the city's 51,380 inhabitants aged 65+, the demand for quality dementia care has never been greater.

Seniors with cognitive impairment may benefit from moving into a memory care facility. These communities are a secure and nurturing environment where specialized dementia programming and proven therapies, such as reminiscence exercises and pet therapy, help combat memory disorders. Seniors receive 24/7 assistance from trained caregivers, ensuring they maintain a high quality of life.

This guide discusses the pros and cons of retiring in La Crosse. It also looks at the cost of memory care and lists local resources that support seniors and their families in making the best choices for their future.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services oversees the licensing and regulation of residential care facilities in the state, including memory care facilities. Through the Division of Quality Assurance, it ensures communities conform to standards that protect and promote the health and wellness of all residents.

 

• Although on a par with the Wisconsin average, La Crosse’s cost of living is 8% lower than the national average, with residents making the most savings on transportation, housing and health care. La Crosse seniors can take advantage of these savings and the low cost of memory care to ensure their retirement incomes stretch further.

 

• With 414 physicians to every 100,000 inhabitants, the physician per capita ratio in La Crosse is almost double the national norm of 210 to 100,000. Seniors also have easy access to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, the local hospital offering a full spectrum of medical services.

 

• La Crosse is a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network and committed to improving the lives of its elderly inhabitants. The AARP supports the city in its efforts to improve the living conditions for people of all ages. This involves making key services more accessible, improving transportation and other public infrastructure and implementing senior-friendly features, such as public footpaths.

 

• La Crosse’s pollution index is 30% higher than the national average. However, the city’s air quality index is 17% better than the U.S. norm, making it a good retirement destination for seniors affected by respiratory issues, asthma and allergies.

 

• Violent crime rates in La Crosse are relatively low, rated 12 out of 100 compared to the national median of 22.7. Unfortunately, residents are 48% more likely to become a victim of property crime than those living in other parts of the county. Memory Care facilities employ additional security measures, such as gated entry, surveillance cameras and 24-hour staffing, so seniors can rest assured that their safety is a top priority. 

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we've estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth's 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Memory care facilities in La Crosse charge an average monthly fee of $5,329.

At $296 below the national average and 7.3% less than the Wisconsin median, La Crosse has some of the lowest memory care rates in the country. Although costs vary across the state, La Crosse is one of the more affordable cities, only surpassed by Wausau, where seniors spend an average of $5,156. Rates increase in many larger cities, with Eau Claire residents paying $140 more than La Crosse seniors, while costs increase by 12.5% in Madison. Prices soar in Milwaukee, where memory care communities charge a premium of 24.8% on La Crosse rates.

The cost of senior care in La Crosse varies depending on the services offered. Only providing services during daytime hours, adult day care is the most affordable at $1,788. Seniors in an assisted living facility pay 20% less than those requiring specialist memory care. Older adults choosing to remain in their own homes pay a $629 premium to employ the help of an in-home care agency, while those requiring basic medical care, such as diabetes management and wound care, spend an additional 16% on home health care. Skilled nursing provides the highest level of care, so nursing homes charge $8,669 per month, 62% above memory care rates.

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

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

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Wisconsin page.