Madison, WI, is home to 269,196 people, with a senior population of 12.1%. It’s estimated that nationwide, 10.7% of seniors have Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s have more than doubled between 2000 and 2019 and are expected to double again by 2050. However, in Madison, Alzheimer’s-related deaths decreased by 2.09% between 2016 and 2020. There are many factors that could contribute to this anomaly, including Madison’s low senior population compared to national averages and its range of high-quality dementia care providers.

Madison’s memory care communities provide calm, enriching environments for people experiencing neurological decline. These communities are designed to be comfortable and easy-to-navigate while also being secure enough to protect residents who wander. Memory care staff provide 24/7 supervision and are trained to recognize and manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

This guide helps seniors find the best place to settle into long-term care by talking about the pros and cons of living in Madison, the cost of care in the city and some resources that can help seniors transition.

Directory of Memory Care Facilities in Madison, WI

Oak Park Place Madison

718 Jupiter Drive, Madison, WI, 53718

Oak Park Place Madison is a popular senior community off I-90 near Lake Monona. Family members appreciate that their loved ones can participate in a variety of activities like choirs, daily exercise g … (read more)
Oak Park Place Madison is a popular senior community off I-90 near Lake Monona. Family members appreciate that their loved ones can participate in a variety of activities like choirs, daily exercise g … (read more)

2013

Brookdale Madison West

413 South Yellowstone Drive, Madison, WI, 53719

Brookdale Madison West is situated near the Odana Hills Golf Course and has numerous shopping and medical facilities in close proximity. Residents and visitors consistently give the community high mar … (read more)
Brookdale Madison West is situated near the Odana Hills Golf Course and has numerous shopping and medical facilities in close proximity. Residents and visitors consistently give the community high mar … (read more)

Sylvan Crossings of Fitchburg

5784 Chapel Valley Road, Madison, WI, 53711

My Dad currently lives at Sylvan Crossings and we wish we had found this facility sooner. The staff is very caring. They always treat him gently and with respect. He has dementia and is on Hospice … (read more)
My Dad currently lives at Sylvan Crossings and we wish we had found this facility sooner. The staff is very caring. They always treat him gently and with respect. He has dementia and is on Hospice … (read more)

Oak Park Place Nakoma

4327 Nakoma Rd., Madison, WI, 53711

I toured Oak Park Place Nakoma. Sue, the director, was the most kind, caring, and generous with the time of any of the people. She was the most proactive in terms of follow-up and not pressuring you a … (read more)
I toured Oak Park Place Nakoma. Sue, the director, was the most kind, caring, and generous with the time of any of the people. She was the most proactive in terms of follow-up and not pressuring you a … (read more)


Cottages of Madison

5555 Burke Road, Madison, WI, 53704

I would not recommend The Cottages because of our experience in December 2020. My brother had terminal cancer. He was placed at The Cottages of Madison’s Elmwood building for nearly the entire mont … (read more)
I would not recommend The Cottages because of our experience in December 2020. My brother had terminal cancer. He was placed at The Cottages of Madison’s Elmwood building for nearly the entire mont … (read more)

Vista West

150 Bella Vista Drive, Madison, WI, 53717

We went to Vista West. It was a good tour. Jackie, the community relations manager, was very nice and helpful. She asked a lot of questions about my father-in-law as a person to get to know him and hi … (read more)
We went to Vista West. It was a good tour. Jackie, the community relations manager, was very nice and helpful. She asked a lot of questions about my father-in-law as a person to get to know him and hi … (read more)

All Saints Memory Care

8210 Highview Dr, Madison, WI, 53719

All Saints Memory Care is located in South Central Madison, Wisconsin, and has received high marks for its clean and inviting environment, as well as the knowledgeable and engaging staff. Residents at … (read more)
All Saints Memory Care is located in South Central Madison, Wisconsin, and has received high marks for its clean and inviting environment, as well as the knowledgeable and engaging staff. Residents at … (read more)

Heritage Monona

111 Owen Road, Monona, WI, 53716


2015

The Ridge at Madison

2879 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, WI, 53713


Heritage Middleton

6234 Maywood Avenue, Middleton, WI, 53562


Brookdale Middleton Stonefield

6701 Stonefield Road, Middleton, WI, 53562

I liked Brookdale Middleton Stonefield best. I liked the layout of the facility and I liked the staff members that I met. It’s all on one floor and the person that’s staying there can walk around. It’ … (read more)
I liked Brookdale Middleton Stonefield best. I liked the layout of the facility and I liked the staff members that I met. It’s all on one floor and the person that’s staying there can walk around. It’ … (read more)

Homestead Living

1040 Quinn Drive, Waunakee, WI, 53597

My father recently moved to Homestead Living after a short stay at a different and much larger facility. What a huge difference in facilities! Homestead Living has a "Homelike" atmosphere. Homestead … (read more)
My father recently moved to Homestead Living after a short stay at a different and much larger facility. What a huge difference in facilities! Homestead Living has a "Homelike" atmosphere. Homestead … (read more)

Home Again Living Waunakee

1120 Connery Cove, Waunakee, WI, 53597


Sage Meadow of Middleton

5330 Century Avenue, Middleton, WI, 53562

My husband is a resident at Sage Meadows in the Memory Care Facility. He has only been there for about two months, but I am very impressed by the staff. Everyone that I have met so far has been very … (read more)
My husband is a resident at Sage Meadows in the Memory Care Facility. He has only been there for about two months, but I am very impressed by the staff. Everyone that I have met so far has been very … (read more)

Attic Angel Community

8301 Old Sauk Rd, Middleton, WI, 53562


Cardinal View Senior Living

3820 Tribeca Dr, Middleton, WI, 53562

We went to Cardinal View Senior Living. It is a new facility, so it was very nice and spacious and clean, and there weren’t any smells. All of the bedrooms seemed to be closer to the common areas, so … (read more)
We went to Cardinal View Senior Living. It is a new facility, so it was very nice and spacious and clean, and there weren’t any smells. All of the bedrooms seemed to be closer to the common areas, so … (read more)

NOEL MANOR RETIREMENT LIVING

471 Prairie Way Blvd, Verona, WI, 53593

My mother has moved into Noel Manor Retirement Living. I have always liked it. I’ve had several relatives there and they have always done a really good job. My mother seems to have adjusted to it pret … (read more)
My mother has moved into Noel Manor Retirement Living. I have always liked it. I’ve had several relatives there and they have always done a really good job. My mother seems to have adjusted to it pret … (read more)

Sage Meadow of Middleton

5340 Century Avenue, Middleton, WI, 53562


COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Madison

Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Memory Care in Wisconsin. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.

What to Consider About Memory Care in Madison

The Wisconsin Department of Health Bureau of Assisted Living Southern Regional Office regulates residential memory care facilities in the city of Madison. The state and regional offices develop policy, handle licensing and registration and ensure state standards are met for resident care, food service, physical plant management and more.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Madison

  • The health care network in Madison is well-established. The University of Wisconsin Hospital has a highly regarded geriatrics department and is a leader in aging research. The UW-Madison School of Nursing is also a leader in dementia care. There is a wide selection of Memory Care communities and facilities in the city.
  • Many top lists include Madison as a great place to retire. Part of its attraction for retirees is a reasonable cost of living. But for seniors in a residential memory care facility it costs an average of $6,000 each month. This is both more expensive than elsewhere in the state and much more expensive than the national monthly average of $5,625.
  • Retirees laud Madison’s senior-friendly tax profile. Wisconsin’s sales tax is just around 5% — among the lowest in the country — and the state provides a property tax deferral loan program for older residents with a household income below $20,000. Social security income is not taxed and neither are many federal pension benefits.
  • Although it is often cold and rainy, Madison is still considered temperate. Air quality can be less than optimal throughout the state, depending on weather patterns and wildfires. However, summers in Madison, which run from June to September, are generally pleasant and sunny with a few humid days scattered in.
  • Although post-pandemic, crime rates in Madison are higher than normal, it is still considered a relatively safe place to live. Both the violent crime and property crime rates are lower than the national average.
  • Madison became a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities late in 2019. This international network is dedicated to developing policies and programs that make cities and communities friendlier for seniors through design, social engagement and innovation.

Paying for Memory Care in Madison

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.

The average monthly cost of Memory Care in Madison is $6,000. This is higher than both the state average of $5,750, and the national average of $5,625.

The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities 

Memory Care is relatively expensive in Madison, although both Milwaukee and nearby Minneapolis, MN are more expensive at $6,655 and $6,454 respectively. Elsewhere in the north end of the Badger State, monthly costs average $5,562 in Green Bay and $5,469 in Eau Claire, both a bit less pricey.

$6000

Madison

$5750

Wisconsin

$5625

The United States

$5562

Green Bay

$6655

Milwaukee

$5469

Eau Claire

$6454

Minneapolis, MN

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care 

Memory Care, which involves specialized support for seniors with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia is costly at an average of $6,000 per month. Nursing Home Care is more expensive at $8,851 per month in a semiprivate room.

For seniors who are able to live independently, in-home care and non-medical assistance with activities of daily life like food preparation and grooming, averages $5,339. Home Health Care, which involves some degree of medical attention like medication management or wound dressing, costs the same as more basic In-home Care. Assisted living in a care community costs an average of $4,800 per month. The most affordable form of professional support, Adult Day Care, averages $2,019 a month in Madison, WI.

$6000

Memory Care

$5339

In-home Care

$5339

Home Health Care

$2019

Adult Day Care

$4800

Assisted Living

$8851

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Madison

In Madison, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in Wisconsin page.

more ways to pay for memory care in Wisconsin

More Ways to Pay for Memory Care

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.

Free Memory Care Resources in Madison

Free and easy to access resources are available to seniors living in Madison who are at-risk or currently dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive disorders. Many of these resources are also directed at family members and caregivers who are lending support. Some of the following resources are educational as the research landscape of cognitive disorders and how to treat them most effectively is developing rapidly. 

Resource

Contact

Service

(608) 232-3400 

Based in Madison, this state-wide program provides support, services and education to seniors with cognitive decline, their families and caregivers. Their programs include workshops and Memory Cafés, where seniors can meet socially and experience peer support and discussion on new developments in cognitive care.

(608) 262-1818

A major research center, the Institute takes a multi-disciplinary approach to improve the lives of aging populations, including those living with cognitive disorders. Information and resource links are shared online, during clinical studies and at an annual conference on aging. 

(608)
265-4330

 CARE at the UW-Madison School of Nursing offers a series of training videos as a Dementia Friendly Toolkit, developed to build communication and respectfully engage people living with dementia.

(800)
438-4380

A program of the National Institute on Aging, this site compiles current information on Alzheimer's disease for health professionals, seniors with cognitive disorders, and their families. They also publish a downloadable Community Resource Guide for Dementia Patients and Caregivers.

(800)
272-3900

The Madison AA chapter provides information and care consultation and support services for families and works on policy change. Their ALZConnected® is a free online forum where people living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, families and friends can connect and exchange information. 

(608)
256-6445 ext. 156 

Free and led by Alzheimer's professionals, SPARK programs at the Madison Art Center are designed for seniors with mid-level memory loss and their caregivers.

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Madison

Madison Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in Wisconsin are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Wisconsin page for more information about these laws.

Laws and regulations for memory care in Wisconsin