Located along Lake Michigan 30 minutes north of Milwaukee, West Bend is home to over 31,600 residents, with a senior population comprising 17.7%. Residents have access to 115 physicians per 100,000 people for medical services, although health care costs are nearly 8% higher than the national average. The city has one local hospital, Froedtert West Bend Hospital, which offers several health care services, including cancer care and a 24-hour emergency department. Seniors can also access medical care at one of the city's nursing homes.
Nursing homes are a type of residential care for seniors requiring 24-hour medical care and supervision. They offer personal care assistance, rehabilitative therapies and specialized services, including medical equipment management and wound care. In West Bend, nursing home care costs about $10,872 per month, which is higher than Wisconsin's statewide average and the national median. More cost-effective options are also available for older adults who don't need around-the-clock care, such as assisted living and home health care.
In this guide, seniors and their families can compare local nursing home costs with those of other cities and alternative care options. The guide also provides a list of resources to help individuals navigate care decisions.