The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in West Bend, WI for 2024

 

About 120,000 seniors were living with Alzheimer's in Wisconsin in 2020, following a worrying 18.2% increase in annual diagnoses of the condition, which could see cases reach 130,000 by 2025. One of the disease's most devastating effects is the increase in mortality it causes, with CDC statistics showing Alzheimer's deaths jumping by 28.38% from 2016 to 2020 in West Bend. Because seniors comprise 17.7% of West Bend's population of 31,604, access to quality dementia care is essential for reducing mortality.

Memory care is available through specialized facilities and some assisted living communities. It offers a structured routine with scheduled meals, exercise and therapeutic activities that can help create a sense of familiarity and avoid confusion in seniors with memory loss. Facilities generally have many security features, such as alarmed doors to alert staff to wandering and enclosed outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy time outdoors safely.

This guide includes cost comparisons to help families decide whether memory care in West Bend fits their budget. It also details some benefits and drawbacks of living in the city.

Memory care facilities in West Bend fall into the same category as assisted living communities and are regulated by the Division of Quality Assurance, which is part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The department responds to complaints and conducts regular inspections and assessments to ensure facilities follow all regulations correctly.

 

• West Bend's cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, measuring 93.3 on a 100-point index, with the U.S. average at 100. While most expenses are reasonably low within the city, groceries and transportation are especially affordable, which may allow seniors with early-stage Alzheimer's to continue cooking and visiting local shops and restaurants accompanied by family members.
• Violent crime rates are exceptionally low in West Bend. On a 100-point scale, where the national average measures 22.7, West Bend's violent crime rate is 8.7. Property crime rates are slightly higher than the U.S. average at 38.2 vs. 35.4. However, break-ins and vandalism are unlikely to occur in memory care facilities, given the security measures they employ.
• Health care is 7.8% more expensive in West Bend than the national average, and the city has 95 fewer physicians per 100,000 people. However, the presence of excellent local medical facilities, such as the Froedtert West Bend Hospital and West Bend Health Center, can still ensure seniors have access to quality treatment when needed.
• West Bend is located just a short drive from Milwaukee, which can allow access to a greater variety of health care services, such as specialized surgeries, heart disease treatment and rehabilitation. The proximity to Milwaukee may also make it easier for relatives living there to make day trips and visit more frequently.
• The continental climate of West Bend produces cold winters with 15 more inches of snow per year than the U.S. average and typical low temperatures through January of 10 degrees, much colder than the national average of 21.7 degrees. However, summers are very comfortable in West Bend, with temperatures 4.9‬ degrees below the U.S. average, and memory care facilities generally have active heating and cooling to improve comfort further.
• West Bend is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. This shows a commitment from city planners to improve infrastructure and livability for seniors by formulating an action plan based on the eight Domains of Livability.

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 expenses average $6,655 in West Bend.

Memory care costs vary throughout Wisconsin cities, with an average cost of $5,750 statewide. At $6,655 a month, prices in West Bend are much higher than the state average and significantly more expensive than the national average of $5,625. One of the most affordable cities in Wisconsin is Wausau at $5,156, and Fond du Lac is also relatively inexpensive, averaging $5,219. Appleton is slightly more affordable than West Bend at $6,423, while Racine is one of the most expensive locations at $6,813.

Other types of care can offer families significant savings while still meeting the needs of seniors with early or mild Alzheimer's symptoms. Assisted living costs $5,324 for personal care, housekeeping and other helpful services. Home care averages $6,101 for similar services provided at home, while home health care has the same cost but includes medical treatments and nursing. Adult day health care is the most affordable option at $1,322, while nursing homes are very expensive at $10,872.

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.