The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Columbia County, WI for 2023

Columbia County, which is located near the state capital of Madison, is home to over 57,000 residents and has a senior community that makes up more than 17 percent of the population. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that roughly 9 percent of county seniors who are on Medicare have Alzheimer's disease or dementia. 

Columbia County has four memory care facilities, including two in Portage, one in Rio and one in Wisconsin Dells. In this county, as well as in the rest of Wisconsin, memory care services are provided within community-based residential facilities.

• Wisconsin seniors do not pay state income tax on Social Security income or disbursements from public pensions, but all other types of income are fully taxable. This may affect how much money can be put toward memory care in Columbia County. 
• The American Lung Association gave Columbia County a C for ozone pollution, indicating moderate levels of this type of pollution. Because ozone pollution can worsen the symptoms of certain conditions, the county's air quality may be a consideration for some families researching local memory care options. 
• The overall cost of living in Columbia County is roughly on par with state and national averages. Healthcare costs are more affordable here than in the rest of the state and nation, which may make doctor's office visits more affordable for those with chronic conditions like dementia. 
• On a 100-point scale, with a low rate representing low crime, Columbia County's violent crime rate is 33.2, just a couple points higher than the national average, and the property crime rate is 33.5, which is several points lower than the national average. With relatively low crime rates, this county may be a good option for safety-minded families seeking memory care for a loved one. 

Memory Care costs in Columbia County start around $3,766 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Columbia County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

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

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.

Columbia County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Wisconsin are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Wisconsin page for more information about these laws.