4 Assisted Living Communities in Grafton, Wisconsin

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,264 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 4 Assisted Living Communities in Grafton and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Grafton, WI

• Assisted Living: $4,264
• Nursing Home Care: $9,555
• In-home Care: $4,767
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,408

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Grafton is slightly higher than both the state ($4,300) and national ($4,000) averages. Grafton is a smaller city than Oshkosh ($5,000) and Eau Claire ($4,475), and its cost for assisted living is lower than these larger cities. The exception to this general trend is Green Bay, which, at $4,075, has a slightly lower assisted living cost than Grafton.

Note: Senior cost care data was unavailable for Grafton, so data for Milwaukee, the closest city, was used. 

Cost of senior care depends on the level of care provided and the location. In Grafton, assisted living is 10% less expensive than either kind of in-home care (about $500 less per month), yet it also includes rent, utilities and food — expenses that are not calculated into the cost of homemaker services or home health aides. While nursing home care is more than double the cost of either assisted living or in-home care, it’s also the most specialized, comprehensive level of care available.     

 

Medicaid is state and federally-funded health care coverage for Americans of all ages with limited income and resources. In Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services administers Medicaid. While Medicaid covers a variety of services, most long-term care options are covered through IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self Direct) and Family Care, two Medicaid programs described in more detail below.

To qualify for Medicaid in Wisconsin, individuals must earn no more than $12,490 yearly ($16,910 for couples jointly applying) and possess no more than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for couples). Income from all sources is counted, and this includes employment wages, Social Security and Social Security Disability Income, pension payments, IRA payments, rental income and alimony payments.

Most assets are similarly counted, and these include bank accounts, life insurance policies, investments and real estate other than a principal residence. Some assets are exempt; in addition to a principal residence valued at $878,000 or less, these include one automobile, IRAs and 401(k) plans in payout status, personal belongings, such as jewelry and household items, and irreversible burial trusts.  

To apply for Wisconsin Medicaid, visit the ACCESS website or contact Ozaukee County Department of Human Services at (262) 284-8200.

Include, Respect, I Self Direct

Wisconsin seniors who qualify for SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid, and seniors who are eligible for Medicaid but require long-term care and supports may be eligible for IRIS. Recipients are expected, with the assistance of an IRIS consultant agency and a fiscal employee, to direct or manage all aspects of their care. An individualized budget is created and can be used for the many services and supports available:

• Adult day care
• Adaptive technology
• Home modifications
• Home-delivered meals
• In-home care
• Nursing services above what Medicaid covers
• Personal emergency response system
• Personalized goods and services
• Transportation

For more information about IRIS, contact the Department of Health Services. To apply, visit or call the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Ozaukee County at (866) 537-4261.

Family Care and Family Care Partnership

Family Care and Family Care Partnership together form another Medicaid option for those needing long-term care who wish to remain within their homes. This program provides medical and nonmedical services, such as in-home care, home modifications, assistive technology, assistance with chores, meal prep or light housekeeping and transportation. The goal of these programs is to help the elderly retain as much independence as possible, in the comfort of their own homes and communities.

For questions regarding the Family Care Medicaid programs, contact the Department of Health Services at (608) 267-7286. 

Assisted Living Bridge Loans
Bridge loans are a viable option for seniors needing short-term funding to help cover the costs associated with moving into assisted living. Applicants can apply for these 12-month loans over the phone, and funds can be distributed as a single lump sum or taken as a line of credit as needed over time. To learn more about assisted living bridge loans, contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Optional State Supplementation Program
Seniors who qualify for federal Social Security are automatically eligible for state supplementation. Funded by the Department of Health Services, state supplementation can be used at the recipient’s discretion, and amounts are determined by living arrangements. Recipients of SSI may also qualify for receiving additional services, such as homemaker services and long-term care and supports. To learn more, visit the DHS SSI page or call (608) 267-7286.  

The Ozaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Center is Grafton’s one-stop source for resources and services for seniors in the area. Counseling for long-term care choices and options is available here, as is information regarding living arrangements and health and wellness. The ADRC can link the elderly with in-home assistance, from home-delivered meals to home repairs. There are senior centers for congregant meals and opportunities to receive food from local farms. Specialists on dementia, benefits and disabilities are available for consultation. Seniors even have access to a mobile cafe, where they can learn the basics of tablet use with the help of a peer coach.   Ozaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Center
121 W. Main St., Port Washington, WI 53074
(866) 537-4261

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.