Wisconsin continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Continuing Care Communities in Wisconsin

Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay. Depending on your location and specific needs your options may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often imbue their philosophies and ideals within the communities.

Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Recreation and Attractions In Wisconsin

Discover diverse museums and attractions in Wisconsin like Dells Mill, featuring an old wooden water wheel that has lasted for generations. Taliesin Estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin is home to six of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous sculptures with nearly 700-acres to roam and explore. Other attractions include the Fort Folle Avoine Historical Park, detailing the fur trading era and Native American culture of 1802. No matter your range of interests and mobility, Wisconsin has new experiences waiting just outside the door of any available continuing care retirement community.

Wisconsin's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Wisconsin receives 40-50 inches of snowfall in the southern region and the northern region can possibly receive over 100 inches annually. The average temperature is 48 degrees, with an average low temperature of 40 degrees, and an average high temperature of 55 degrees. The summers are moist and warm while the winters are frigid and snowy. Wisconsin is filled with friendly cheeseheads who take pride in their state, and their football team, The Green Bay Packers. This state pride is infectious so expect to fit right into the community.

Wisconsin's Personal Care Home Regulations and Laws

Continuing care homes in Wisconsin are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. These regulations are put in place to make sure that all continued care facilities are running at the optimum level. Some of these regulations include routine facility inspections, as well as extensive background checks into employees.

Crime and Safety in Wisconsin

Crime in Wisconsin is lower than the national average in terms of both violent crime and property crime. There are also only 22 crimes per square mile compared to the national median of 32.8. Choosing a safe community can not only put your mind at ease but will ensure your care is as effective and wholesome as it can be.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Kaukauna	1.39	12.09
Wisconsin Rapids	.84	42.02
Jackson	1.03	7.65

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Wisconsin

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a “buy-in” option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. These include monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,00
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extend to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is born by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior Rights for CCRCs in Wisconsin

State and federal laws ensure that your rights are not violated just because you enter a CCRC. These laws ensure that you or your senior is treated with the dignity and proper care you deserve. Residents have the right to manage their personal and financial affairs and air grievances. Additionally, all services provided and a description of your rights within each particular CCRC are to be displayed and understood upon entering into your continuing care contract. If you feel that these rights are being violated, feel free to contact a legal representative. Coupled with Wisconsin’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

WI CCRCs: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Most communities will require a health screening in order for individuals to be admitted. These records are usually required as well as a physical upon applying. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided. Residents receiving nursing home care or any other type of medical attention in Wisconsin are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents are able to access their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.