Watertown is a historic city in Wisconsin that many seniors call home: People aged 65 years and older make up 17% of the city’s 23,479 residents. The city is notable for the presence of Watertown Regional Medical Center. That facility has a unit dedicated to senior mental health as well as a rehabilitation and therapy program. Among other services, Watertown Regional Medical Center also covers eye, heart, cancer and neurological care.
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average Watertown senior pays $8,790 a month for a semiprivate room in a nursing home. That is higher than the national average of $7,756. While nursing homes tend to be costly, they also deliver extensive services, including around-the-clock monitoring and ample access to therapists, licensed nurses and visiting doctors, among other professionals. If a senior’s capabilities allow them to function with less attention, home health care or assisted living may be lower-cost options to consider.
This guide takes a deep dive into the cost of various senior care options, including nursing homes, before concluding with a list of Watertown-area resources for elders.
Directory of Nursing Homes in Watertown, WI
121 Hospital Dr, Watertown, WI, 53098
1020 HILL ST, Watertown, WI, 53098
718 Jupiter Drive, Madison, WI, 53718
My father is in rehab right now at Oak Park Place. The social worker up at UW told me about it. The staff is very helpful. The food is good. They have bingo, ice cream socials, and different singing g
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My father is in rehab right now at Oak Park Place. The social worker up at UW told me about it. The staff is very helpful. The food is good. They have bingo, ice cream socials, and different singing groups come in. I feel like he is getting very good quality care. He seems quite happy there, and to me that’s important. I’m very pleased with it. They worked with my dad before, and they’re working with him now.
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My father is in rehab right now at Oak Park Place. The social worker up at UW told me about it. The staff is very helpful. The food is good. They have bingo, ice cream socials, and different singing g
… (read more)
My father is in rehab right now at Oak Park Place. The social worker up at UW told me about it. The staff is very helpful. The food is good. They have bingo, ice cream socials, and different singing groups come in. I feel like he is getting very good quality care. He seems quite happy there, and to me that’s important. I’m very pleased with it. They worked with my dad before, and they’re working with him now.
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1305 W Wisconsin, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066
Shorehaven was a very lovely, and the surroundings were exquisite. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The rooms were lovely, and they had activities for every interest and every level
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Shorehaven was a very lovely, and the surroundings were exquisite. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The rooms were lovely, and they had activities for every interest and every level of person. They were grilling and having fun outside, and it was impressive.
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Shorehaven was a very lovely, and the surroundings were exquisite. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The rooms were lovely, and they had activities for every interest and every level
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Shorehaven was a very lovely, and the surroundings were exquisite. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The rooms were lovely, and they had activities for every interest and every level of person. They were grilling and having fun outside, and it was impressive.
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228 W Main St, Sun Prairie, WI, 53590
Sun Prairie Retirement Center is located in the center of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, close to U.S. Highway 151. The Sun Prairie Historical Museum, a church and Angell Park and Speedway are within a short
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Sun Prairie Retirement Center is located in the center of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, close to U.S. Highway 151. The Sun Prairie Historical Museum, a church and Angell Park and Speedway are within a short walking distance. Visitors to the facility praise the center’s friendly atmosphere. Reviewers say that the facility is spotless, and the residents are the staff members’ primary focus. The dining room serves three meals and two snacks per day, and a full-service beauty salon/barber shop is on-site. Seniors can enjoy the regularly scheduled activities and social functions.
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Sun Prairie Retirement Center is located in the center of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, close to U.S. Highway 151. The Sun Prairie Historical Museum, a church and Angell Park and Speedway are within a short
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Sun Prairie Retirement Center is located in the center of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, close to U.S. Highway 151. The Sun Prairie Historical Museum, a church and Angell Park and Speedway are within a short walking distance. Visitors to the facility praise the center’s friendly atmosphere. Reviewers say that the facility is spotless, and the residents are the staff members’ primary focus. The dining room serves three meals and two snacks per day, and a full-service beauty salon/barber shop is on-site. Seniors can enjoy the regularly scheduled activities and social functions.
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1810 Kensington Dr, Waukesha, WI, 53188
We currently have my mom at Kensington Care and Rehab Center. They are friendly, caring, and very, very helpful. Her room is nice and fairly large. She stays in it all the time so she wouldn’t have an
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We currently have my mom at Kensington Care and Rehab Center. They are friendly, caring, and very, very helpful. Her room is nice and fairly large. She stays in it all the time so she wouldn’t have any idea of how the living atmosphere is, but for me being out of the room, it feels like a family thing. The facility is pretty, it’s well-maintained, and they’ve got nice decorations. They decorate for the holidays and they always have postings on what activities are coming up or the little special things that they’re doing. It’s a nursing home but we’re paying less there than we were at the assisted living and it’s much better care.
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We currently have my mom at Kensington Care and Rehab Center. They are friendly, caring, and very, very helpful. Her room is nice and fairly large. She stays in it all the time so she wouldn’t have an
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We currently have my mom at Kensington Care and Rehab Center. They are friendly, caring, and very, very helpful. Her room is nice and fairly large. She stays in it all the time so she wouldn’t have any idea of how the living atmosphere is, but for me being out of the room, it feels like a family thing. The facility is pretty, it’s well-maintained, and they’ve got nice decorations. They decorate for the holidays and they always have postings on what activities are coming up or the little special things that they’re doing. It’s a nursing home but we’re paying less there than we were at the assisted living and it’s much better care.
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2195 North Summit Village Way, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066
Staff was friendly and professional. Rooms cleaned several times a week.
Food was very nutritious and portions appropriate.
Nurses were friendly and professional and answered all questions I had.
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Staff was friendly and professional. Rooms cleaned several times a week.
Food was very nutritious and portions appropriate.
Nurses were friendly and professional and answered all questions I had. Aides were kind and helpful.
Rehab was amazing. Goals were met and I was home as planned.
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Staff was friendly and professional. Rooms cleaned several times a week.
Food was very nutritious and portions appropriate.
Nurses were friendly and professional and answered all questions I had.
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Staff was friendly and professional. Rooms cleaned several times a week.
Food was very nutritious and portions appropriate.
Nurses were friendly and professional and answered all questions I had. Aides were kind and helpful.
Rehab was amazing. Goals were met and I was home as planned.
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803 S University Ave, Beaver Dam, WI, 53916
After spine surgery I went to Hillside Manor to recuperate. The aids, nurses and other staff there were just wonderful. I especially liked my physical therapists. We had a lot of fun together! The
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After spine surgery I went to Hillside Manor to recuperate. The aids, nurses and other staff there were just wonderful. I especially liked my physical therapists. We had a lot of fun together! The building and the grounds were just so very nice. Outside was a gazebo and paths to walk along and look at the flowers and plants. Inside they have aviaries. It’s so calming to sit and watch the birds. AND, they have lap-top computers that are internet accessible. The place was always clean and the staff so friendly. I nearly cried when it came time for me to come home! And the food? Well, it really wasn’t bad at all. And if you didn’t want to eat what was posted on the menu for that day you could go down to the cafeteria and get what you wanted and the put the cost on your bill. It’s part of the Beaver Dam Community Hospital so a person has a lot of walkiing they can do if they’d like. If ever I have to have that type of caree again it will be there. And, I’ve told friends and family about how nice it is too.
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After spine surgery I went to Hillside Manor to recuperate. The aids, nurses and other staff there were just wonderful. I especially liked my physical therapists. We had a lot of fun together! The
… (read more)
After spine surgery I went to Hillside Manor to recuperate. The aids, nurses and other staff there were just wonderful. I especially liked my physical therapists. We had a lot of fun together! The building and the grounds were just so very nice. Outside was a gazebo and paths to walk along and look at the flowers and plants. Inside they have aviaries. It’s so calming to sit and watch the birds. AND, they have lap-top computers that are internet accessible. The place was always clean and the staff so friendly. I nearly cried when it came time for me to come home! And the food? Well, it really wasn’t bad at all. And if you didn’t want to eat what was posted on the menu for that day you could go down to the cafeteria and get what you wanted and the put the cost on your bill. It’s part of the Beaver Dam Community Hospital so a person has a lot of walkiing they can do if they’d like. If ever I have to have that type of caree again it will be there. And, I’ve told friends and family about how nice it is too.
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305 S Clark Street, Mayville, WI, 53050
I went to Crossroads Care Center, and I thought it looked really nice. It looked updated with big rooms and big bathrooms. The staff was really nice and tried to help us the best they could. The dinin
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I went to Crossroads Care Center, and I thought it looked really nice. It looked updated with big rooms and big bathrooms. The staff was really nice and tried to help us the best they could. The dining area was very nice, they got it all, and they were playing card games when we were there. They had a guest room where you could have your visitors, there was a TV and stuff, and they had outside patios.
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I went to Crossroads Care Center, and I thought it looked really nice. It looked updated with big rooms and big bathrooms. The staff was really nice and tried to help us the best they could. The dinin
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I went to Crossroads Care Center, and I thought it looked really nice. It looked updated with big rooms and big bathrooms. The staff was really nice and tried to help us the best they could. The dining area was very nice, they got it all, and they were playing card games when we were there. They had a guest room where you could have your visitors, there was a TV and stuff, and they had outside patios.
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425 N UNIVERSITY DR, Waukesha, WI, 53188
Lindengrove Waukesha is an assisted living and nursing home facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin, located within walking distance of Lowell Park just a few miles from Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Residents
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Lindengrove Waukesha is an assisted living and nursing home facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin, located within walking distance of Lowell Park just a few miles from Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Residents enjoy keeping busy with bingo and live music while staying engaged with their community through trips to local attractions. A favorite amenity is the common room where seniors can socialize and play board games. In their reviews, visitors note that the staff create a warm, inviting atmosphere with their friendly attitudes and attention to cleanliness and organization.
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Lindengrove Waukesha is an assisted living and nursing home facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin, located within walking distance of Lowell Park just a few miles from Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Residents
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Lindengrove Waukesha is an assisted living and nursing home facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin, located within walking distance of Lowell Park just a few miles from Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Residents enjoy keeping busy with bingo and live music while staying engaged with their community through trips to local attractions. A favorite amenity is the common room where seniors can socialize and play board games. In their reviews, visitors note that the staff create a warm, inviting atmosphere with their friendly attitudes and attention to cleanliness and organization.
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435 W STARIN RD, Whitewater, WI, 53190
41 Rickle Rd, Sun Prairie, WI, 53590
Willows Nursing & Rehab Center was fine. I didn’t see any problem. They took care of my mother all right. I had no negative comments against them. The staff was very good. The food was all right.
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Willows Nursing & Rehab Center was fine. I didn’t see any problem. They took care of my mother all right. I had no negative comments against them. The staff was very good. The food was all right. The room was always kept clean, and my mother was always kept clean. They had activities that people could do every day like playing games and watching movies, even little field trips at some place. However, my mother could not have any of that because she could not get out of bed.
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Willows Nursing & Rehab Center was fine. I didn’t see any problem. They took care of my mother all right. I had no negative comments against them. The staff was very good. The food was all right.
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Willows Nursing & Rehab Center was fine. I didn’t see any problem. They took care of my mother all right. I had no negative comments against them. The staff was very good. The food was all right. The room was always kept clean, and my mother was always kept clean. They had activities that people could do every day like playing games and watching movies, even little field trips at some place. However, my mother could not have any of that because she could not get out of bed.
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N26W23977 Watertown Rd, Waukesha, WI, 53188
Heartland Health Care Center-Pewaukee is an assisted living facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It’s located on Watertown Road close to I-94, a short drive from the Pewaukee River Parkway. Residents’ f
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Heartland Health Care Center-Pewaukee is an assisted living facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It’s located on Watertown Road close to I-94, a short drive from the Pewaukee River Parkway. Residents’ family members praise the facility for meeting the requirements of special diets, like low sodium, and note that the staff is hardworking and professional. The community provides recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, for residents to enjoy and supervised group outings. There’s horticulture for residents who like to garden, and religious/cultural celebrations are offered as well.
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Heartland Health Care Center-Pewaukee is an assisted living facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It’s located on Watertown Road close to I-94, a short drive from the Pewaukee River Parkway. Residents’ f
… (read more)
Heartland Health Care Center-Pewaukee is an assisted living facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It’s located on Watertown Road close to I-94, a short drive from the Pewaukee River Parkway. Residents’ family members praise the facility for meeting the requirements of special diets, like low sodium, and note that the staff is hardworking and professional. The community provides recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, for residents to enjoy and supervised group outings. There’s horticulture for residents who like to garden, and religious/cultural celebrations are offered as well.
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West 180 North 8071 Town Hall Road, Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051
My brother had rehab at Lindengrove Menomonee Falls. If you had to go to the bathroom, it takes 15 or 20 minutes. One time it was half hour. The administrator changed and we were seeing that because t
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My brother had rehab at Lindengrove Menomonee Falls. If you had to go to the bathroom, it takes 15 or 20 minutes. One time it was half hour. The administrator changed and we were seeing that because there were a couple times that we’ve been there, but it’s never really good. The social worker there was wonderful to work with and the rehab person who did the therapy was good, but the care that my brother got was not really good. My brother was not happy with the food either. He complained a lot about it. To me, there wasn’t enough staff to take care of people which was why you had to wait so long. They seem to keep my brother clean, but his room was smaller than what he had in the other place. The facilities were clean, and the people who work there were nice. They have people who come in and entertain and they have a Bingo day.
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My brother had rehab at Lindengrove Menomonee Falls. If you had to go to the bathroom, it takes 15 or 20 minutes. One time it was half hour. The administrator changed and we were seeing that because t
… (read more)
My brother had rehab at Lindengrove Menomonee Falls. If you had to go to the bathroom, it takes 15 or 20 minutes. One time it was half hour. The administrator changed and we were seeing that because there were a couple times that we’ve been there, but it’s never really good. The social worker there was wonderful to work with and the rehab person who did the therapy was good, but the care that my brother got was not really good. My brother was not happy with the food either. He complained a lot about it. To me, there wasn’t enough staff to take care of people which was why you had to wait so long. They seem to keep my brother clean, but his room was smaller than what he had in the other place. The facilities were clean, and the people who work there were nice. They have people who come in and entertain and they have a Bingo day.
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1755 N BARKER RD, Brookfield, WI, 53045
Rehab not helpful for my Mom’s broken ankle. My Mom was a difficult patient and the staff elected to avoid her.
Rehab not helpful for my Mom’s broken ankle. My Mom was a difficult patient and the staff elected to avoid her.
825 WESTERN AVE, Columbus, WI, 53925
I chose Columbus Nur Rehab Center and I’m being moved there. My husband was there after his surgery, and I just feel comfortable there. Our experience was fine, they helped him a lot, and if we pushed
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I chose Columbus Nur Rehab Center and I’m being moved there. My husband was there after his surgery, and I just feel comfortable there. Our experience was fine, they helped him a lot, and if we pushed the button they came. The food was alright; I’m a fussy eater so I wouldn’t have eaten some of the stuff, but he liked the food. He was in a room by himself and there was a shared bathroom. The bathroom had a door from his room and the other door. If the other person didn’t lock that door, you’d see someone sitting in the toilet. They have facilities for therapy where they do different things like weight-lifting, walk around, and up the steps. They have an area outside where you can sit on a canopy if you want to, or are out in the sun. They have a community area. The staff members were good, they were nice friendly people. The layout is good; there are a lot of windows.
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I chose Columbus Nur Rehab Center and I’m being moved there. My husband was there after his surgery, and I just feel comfortable there. Our experience was fine, they helped him a lot, and if we pushed
… (read more)
I chose Columbus Nur Rehab Center and I’m being moved there. My husband was there after his surgery, and I just feel comfortable there. Our experience was fine, they helped him a lot, and if we pushed the button they came. The food was alright; I’m a fussy eater so I wouldn’t have eaten some of the stuff, but he liked the food. He was in a room by himself and there was a shared bathroom. The bathroom had a door from his room and the other door. If the other person didn’t lock that door, you’d see someone sitting in the toilet. They have facilities for therapy where they do different things like weight-lifting, walk around, and up the steps. They have an area outside where you can sit on a canopy if you want to, or are out in the sun. They have a community area. The staff members were good, they were nice friendly people. The layout is good; there are a lot of windows.
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5565 Tanco Drive, Madison, WI, 53718
I rehabbed at this facility after a fall which broke five ribs. I want to preface this by saying that I was in the rehab area not the assisted living facility. I am a 77 year old male. My care was exc
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I rehabbed at this facility after a fall which broke five ribs. I want to preface this by saying that I was in the rehab area not the assisted living facility. I am a 77 year old male. My care was exceptional, Covid19 precautions exceptional, staffing was supurb. The physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social services were exceptional. My mind and body were lifted to a higher plane through the nurturing of this great group of medical professionals.
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I rehabbed at this facility after a fall which broke five ribs. I want to preface this by saying that I was in the rehab area not the assisted living facility. I am a 77 year old male. My care was exc
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I rehabbed at this facility after a fall which broke five ribs. I want to preface this by saying that I was in the rehab area not the assisted living facility. I am a 77 year old male. My care was exceptional, Covid19 precautions exceptional, staffing was supurb. The physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social services were exceptional. My mind and body were lifted to a higher plane through the nurturing of this great group of medical professionals.
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1900 American Eagle Drive, Slinger, WI, 53086
The facility is beautiful. Staff are friendly. They do an excellent job keeping residents safe during this pandemic.
My sister was a resident for rehab. She was in quarantine for 2 weeks. During th
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The facility is beautiful. Staff are friendly. They do an excellent job keeping residents safe during this pandemic.
My sister was a resident for rehab. She was in quarantine for 2 weeks. During that time, nursing and social worker updated me regularly. My sister received excellent therapy, better outcome for her than we even expected. Staff work very hard to take care of their patients. The food was good. My family is very grateful for everything the Pavilion did to help my sister recover and be able to go home. They even set up home services to help and support her.
She is doing great thanks to the Pavilion team.
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The facility is beautiful. Staff are friendly. They do an excellent job keeping residents safe during this pandemic.
My sister was a resident for rehab. She was in quarantine for 2 weeks. During th
… (read more)
The facility is beautiful. Staff are friendly. They do an excellent job keeping residents safe during this pandemic.
My sister was a resident for rehab. She was in quarantine for 2 weeks. During that time, nursing and social worker updated me regularly. My sister received excellent therapy, better outcome for her than we even expected. Staff work very hard to take care of their patients. The food was good. My family is very grateful for everything the Pavilion did to help my sister recover and be able to go home. They even set up home services to help and support her.
She is doing great thanks to the Pavilion team.
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5595 County Road Z, West Bend, WI, 53095
Cedar Community was very nice and clean. My mom was there for rehab a year ago after being in the hospital, and she was thriving. The nurses were wonderful, which is why it was the first place we look
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Cedar Community was very nice and clean. My mom was there for rehab a year ago after being in the hospital, and she was thriving. The nurses were wonderful, which is why it was the first place we looked at for assisted living for her now. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get much with Social Security. My husband and I are unable to help with the other costs, so there’s just no way at all that she can afford to live there now.
I have not tasted their food, but my mom loved it. They had amenities. If she had wanted, she could have utilized any of them. They have walking trails, a pond, and all kinds of events throughout the year. They even have their own shuttle service for the residents.
It is an older building and looks like it needs some updating. Other than that, we loved everything else about it.
I guess their independent senior living is very reasonably-priced. When you go into assisted living though, that’s when it gets very pricey. I understand that because there’s nursing and other things to pay for medically. Our state of Wisconsin just doesn’t do much to help seniors. Social Security is very little, and our state insurance doesn’t help with any assisted living situation. For her stay in rehab and the amount of time they allowed her to stay there with the insurance though, I would say the value was good.
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Cedar Community was very nice and clean. My mom was there for rehab a year ago after being in the hospital, and she was thriving. The nurses were wonderful, which is why it was the first place we look
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Cedar Community was very nice and clean. My mom was there for rehab a year ago after being in the hospital, and she was thriving. The nurses were wonderful, which is why it was the first place we looked at for assisted living for her now. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get much with Social Security. My husband and I are unable to help with the other costs, so there’s just no way at all that she can afford to live there now.
I have not tasted their food, but my mom loved it. They had amenities. If she had wanted, she could have utilized any of them. They have walking trails, a pond, and all kinds of events throughout the year. They even have their own shuttle service for the residents.
It is an older building and looks like it needs some updating. Other than that, we loved everything else about it.
I guess their independent senior living is very reasonably-priced. When you go into assisted living though, that’s when it gets very pricey. I understand that because there’s nursing and other things to pay for medically. Our state of Wisconsin just doesn’t do much to help seniors. Social Security is very little, and our state insurance doesn’t help with any assisted living situation. For her stay in rehab and the amount of time they allowed her to stay there with the insurance though, I would say the value was good.
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901 Mulberry St, Lake Mills, WI, 53551
My mother-in-law did go into this nursing home . It was not a great experience. She was there for seven weeks. The problem is when somebody is alert and is only there for short term, I don’t think the
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My mother-in-law did go into this nursing home . It was not a great experience. She was there for seven weeks. The problem is when somebody is alert and is only there for short term, I don’t think they’re really attuned to that type of patient. They weren’t as attentive as what I would have liked or that my mother-in-law would have liked. The meals were terrible. Staffing was minimal, so that caused increased time in call bells being answered. My mother-in-law called 2:20 a.m. at our house, and said, ‘Rhonda, I can’t get a hold of anybody. Can you call down here? I have to go to the bathroom really bad.’ Now, this is at night. It’s not busy. Nobody came until I called down there, and then they went to help her. At that time, she couldn’t do it independently. I bought her a cell phone so that she could communicate outside of the cordless phone that they have. She’s 89 years old, and she learned how to use a cell phone. Nobody should have to call 2:30 in the morning and say, ‘Can you get some help for me’ when the call light is on.
The meals, maybe they were OK for others. My mother-in-law might be a little picky, but she did not like them at all. She lost 10 pounds while she was there.
When I called down there, the administrator and the social worker would call me back. We would work to try to resolve some things. Due to COVID, they had minimal staff. That’s no fault of the nursing home itself, and obviously it was hard to visit her. We had to make appointments and call 24 hours before (and that’s just part of COVID). We understand that, but it added to the anxiety of her being there and wondering if we’re ever going to be able to see her.
We were able to take my mother-in-law’s personal recliner so that was a positive. They shared bathrooms, and I didn’t like that. I don’t think that they remodeled or anything like that. They got a new phone system too, but you couldn’t even get through. I was very thankful that she had her cell phone, so at least we could talk to her, but you couldn’t talk to the staff who didn’t know how to use the phone system. They carry this cell phone around, but they still don’t answer the phone all the time.
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My mother-in-law did go into this nursing home . It was not a great experience. She was there for seven weeks. The problem is when somebody is alert and is only there for short term, I don’t think the
… (read more)
My mother-in-law did go into this nursing home . It was not a great experience. She was there for seven weeks. The problem is when somebody is alert and is only there for short term, I don’t think they’re really attuned to that type of patient. They weren’t as attentive as what I would have liked or that my mother-in-law would have liked. The meals were terrible. Staffing was minimal, so that caused increased time in call bells being answered. My mother-in-law called 2:20 a.m. at our house, and said, ‘Rhonda, I can’t get a hold of anybody. Can you call down here? I have to go to the bathroom really bad.’ Now, this is at night. It’s not busy. Nobody came until I called down there, and then they went to help her. At that time, she couldn’t do it independently. I bought her a cell phone so that she could communicate outside of the cordless phone that they have. She’s 89 years old, and she learned how to use a cell phone. Nobody should have to call 2:30 in the morning and say, ‘Can you get some help for me’ when the call light is on.
The meals, maybe they were OK for others. My mother-in-law might be a little picky, but she did not like them at all. She lost 10 pounds while she was there.
When I called down there, the administrator and the social worker would call me back. We would work to try to resolve some things. Due to COVID, they had minimal staff. That’s no fault of the nursing home itself, and obviously it was hard to visit her. We had to make appointments and call 24 hours before (and that’s just part of COVID). We understand that, but it added to the anxiety of her being there and wondering if we’re ever going to be able to see her.
We were able to take my mother-in-law’s personal recliner so that was a positive. They shared bathrooms, and I didn’t like that. I don’t think that they remodeled or anything like that. They got a new phone system too, but you couldn’t even get through. I was very thankful that she had her cell phone, so at least we could talk to her, but you couldn’t talk to the staff who didn’t know how to use the phone system. They carry this cell phone around, but they still don’t answer the phone all the time.
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Nursing Home Costs in Watertown, WI
In Watertown, a semiprivate room in a nursing home costs an average of $8,790 per month. A private room’s average price is $9,429.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nearby Cities
In terms of monthly average costs for semiprivate nursing home accommodations, Watertown is over $1,000 more expensive than the national average, though it is only $106 costlier than the Wisconsin average.
As for other Wisconsin cities, Watertown is pricier than Fond du Lac, which has an average rate of $7,902 per month. However, the story is different regarding Watertown versus Janesville, which is more expensive at $9,612. Likewise, Racine and Milwaukee are also costlier than Watertown. Racine’s median rate is $9,277, and Milwaukee’s is $9,429.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Cost comparisons between various senior care arrangements can also assist with long-term planning decisions. In Watertown, by monthly average, the most expensive option is a private room in a nursing home at $9,429, followed by a semiprivate room at $8,790. Home care and home health care have an identical average of $5,339 per month. Assisted living typically costs around $4,956, and the median monthly figure for adult day health care is $2,019.
Nursing home (semiprivate room)
Nursing home (private room)
Note: Data for Watertown was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Madison, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Watertown, WI
Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.
- Medicare: Medicare will typically cover all skilled nursing costs for the first 20 days of one’s stay in a nursing home and a portion of the costs until day 100. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will not cover any part of the cost of the stay. While this is adequate when short-term care is needed, those in need of long-term care will need to either pay out-of-pocket or use another source of financial assistance.
- Medicaid: Medicaid covers most of the costs of living in a skilled nursing facility for those who qualify. Care, room, and board are covered with no time limit, but residents may be charged for extras like specially prepared food or cosmetic services. Medicaid eligibility standards are strict and complex, so not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans receiving a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit administered by the VA. Aid and Attendance is a monthly allowance that beneficiaries may use to pay for their long-term care, including skilled nursing care.
If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.
Free Resources for Seniors in Watertown, WI
Watertown’s older residents can turn to the following resources for support. Some make it possible to continue living in one’s home in a safe, dignified manner, thus delaying or preventing the need to move to a different setting. But when such a transition is necessary, other services are available to make the life change more manageable.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Jefferson County Aging & Disability Resource Center | (920) 674-8734 | The Jefferson County ADRC is a unified information source as well as a service provider. They conduct consultations regarding admissions to nursing homes and other senior care facilities. For homebound adults 60 years of age and older, the ADRC provides home-delivered meals. An eligibility assessment is required. Other ADRC services include options counseling and transportation. Note: The bulk of Watertown is in Jefferson County, but a portion is in Dodge County, which has its own ADRC. |
Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care | (1-800) 815-0015 | This board operates the Ombudsman Program, which works with residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities who are 60 years of age and above. The program’s ombudsmen investigate and help to resolve concerns, and they educate residents on their rights. For seniors 65 years of age and up, the board also conducts counseling regarding Medicare through the Medigap Helpline and counseling on prescription drug coverage through the Part D & Prescription Drug Helpline. Note: The number to the left is for the Ombudsman Program. For Medigap help, dial (1-800) 242-1060, and for the Part D & Prescription Drug Helpline, dial (1-855) 677-2783. |
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program | (1-866) 432-8947 | Through the administration of federal funding, WHEAP assists households with covering their heating bills. Examples of aid this program provides include emergency fuel assistance and urgent repairs to heating systems. It can also help recipients with setting up payment plans. Income limits apply. Also of interest may be the Wisconsin Weatherization Assistance Program, which can boost a home’s energy efficiency and has the same contact number. |
Home Repair Loans | (920) 674-8711 | Seniors with homes in disrepair may be able to access loans from Watertown. The loans do not require repayment until the sale of the home. Funding can go toward fixing furnaces and water heaters, plumbing systems and windows and doors. Other repairs are also available, as are accessibility improvements. For eligibility, recipients must meet certain income criteria, which are subject to change. Home value limits may also apply. |