Bay Harbor of Deforest
Assisted Living & Memory Care · Wisconsin, WI

Bay Harbor of Deforest

Assisted Living & Memory Care · Wisconsin, WI

Overview of Bay Harbor of Deforest

Bay Harbor of DeForest is a memory care and assisted living community operated by Darrin Companies LLC in DeForest, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Licensed in October 2022, the 40-bed community has approximately three years of operating experience. It focuses on serving residents with cognitive impairment as well as those needing assisted care, with an emphasis on safety features such as WanderGuard technology for individuals with memory-related conditions.

Serving 24 residents, the community’s current occupancy is about 60%, below the Wisconsin statewide average, which suggests more availability than at many comparable communities. Families are encouraged to confirm current openings directly.

Across 12 inspections, the community has accumulated 35 total deficiencies. The most recent verification visit on October 9, 2025, reported no deficiencies, which is a positive sign. Earlier inspections and complaint investigations under a previous operating name, The Koselig House, identified substantiated concerns such as resident abuse investigations, failure to report injuries, delays in care following falls, and environmental issues. No license suspensions have been recorded, but careful consideration is highly encouraged. While the most recent inspection indicates corrective steps have been taken, the prior history makes it important for families to discuss directly with management.

The community offers a thoughtfully designed amenity package with 13 features, including a lobby with a fireplace, bistro, library, internet café, multiple dining areas, outdoor patios, and an enclosed courtyard, a dedicated physical therapy room, and partnerships with external care providers. Three home-style meals daily is also provided as part of the residents’ stay. Activities include music, bingo, visiting entertainers, and therapy animals, along with a specialized Music and Memory Program that serves as a key differentiator in dementia care. Advanced care and respite care services are also available, along with pet-friendly spaces, housekeeping, and utilities.

Bay Harbor of DeForest is a strong option for families seeking memory care in a smaller, amenity-rich community in the Madison suburban area, particularly with its Music and Memory Program, which provides a meaningful, evidence-based approach to care. The recent deficiency-free inspection is also a good indicator of improvements.

(608) 842-2693
Bed community size
40-bed community Rank #341 / 496Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 341st out of 496 homes in Wisconsin. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Wisconsin facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Years in operation
3 years in operation Rank #261 / 334Years in operation — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 261st out of 334 homes in Wisconsin. Shows how long this facility has been in operation compared to other Wisconsin facilities. Longer operating histories may benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
An established community with some operational experience and growing routines.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 71 / 100 Rank #87 / 580Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 87th out of 580 homes in Wisconsin. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Wisconsin facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
60%
Rank #324 / 431Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 324th out of 431 homes in Wisconsin. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Wisconsin average, with its Statewide rank out of 431. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Lower than the Wisconsin average: 70%
Occupied beds
24 / 40
Average occupied beds in Wisconsin homes 54 beds

License Details

Facility TypeClass Cna (nonambulatory)
IssuanceOctober 1, 2022
CountyDane

Ownership & Operating Entity

Bay Harbor of Deforest is administrated by Darrin Companies LLC.

Safety & Compliance

Safety FeaturesWanderguard for safety of residents with memory challenges.

Therapy & Rehabilitation

2 services
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care

Staffing & Medical

2 services
Nursing Services
24-Hour Staffing

Additional Policies & Features

Pets Allowed
HousekeepingYes
Utilities IncludedYes

Amenities & Lifestyle

Weekly Housekeeping
Three Home-Style Meals Daily
Safety Assistance Features
Multiple Dining Rooms
Outdoor Patios
Enclosed Courtyard
Community Room
Lobby With Fireplace
Bistro
Library
Internet Café
Designated Physical Therapy Room
Collaborative Partnerships With Outside Providers
ActivitiesParticipate in scheduled activities, such as music, bingo, entertainment guests, therapy animals and much more.
Specific ProgramsAdvanced Care, Music and Memory Program
Operating Hours24/7

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionThree home-style meals daily, lovingly prepared.

Contact Bay Harbor of Deforest

Inspection History

In Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance performs unannounced onsite surveys to ensure that long-term care facilities meet health and safety laws.

Since 2023 · 3 years of data 60 deficiencies

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Wisconsin state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2023 vs. Wisconsin state average
Overall vs. WI average 2 Worse Metrics worse than Wisconsin average:
• Total deficiencies (400% above)
• Deficiencies per year (400% above)
0 Better No metrics in this bucket.
Latest Inspection October 9, 2025 Follow Up

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityWI Averagevs. WI Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 6012 This facility has 400% more total deficiencies than a typical Wisconsin assisted living residence (60 vs. WI avg 12).↑ 400% worse
Deficiencies per year Info Average deficiencies per year since 2023. 204 This facility has 400% more deficiencies per year than a typical Wisconsin assisted living residence (20 vs. WI avg 4).↑ 400% worse

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • October 15, 2024 inspection found 25 deficiencies including substantiated abuse, failure to investigate injuries, medication errors, and unsafe environment, resulting in a $10,530 forfeiture and admission restrictions.
  • Multiple complaint investigations from January to June 2024 identified recurring failures in medication administration, staff training, injury reporting, and service plan updates, with several substantiated abuse and neglect complaints.
  • October 9, 2025 follow-up inspection found no deficiencies, confirming correction of prior violations despite a $200 revisit fee assessed.

Places of interest near Bay Harbor of Deforest

Address 0.0 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Deforest's city center to Bay Harbor of Deforest's address, calculated via Google Maps.

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Address

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Wisconsin

Bay Harbor of Deforest is located in DEFOREST, Wisconsin.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Wisconsin.

Get Financial aid guidance

Family Care Program

WI Medicaid Family Care

Age 65+ or disabled
General Wisconsin resident, Medicaid-eligible, long-term care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
WI

Managed care model; rural/urban balance.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($65/day) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.)

Wisconsin Caregiver Support Program

WI NFCSP Respite

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)
General Wisconsin resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
WI

High rural demand; ADRC coordination.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$65/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct)

Wisconsin IRIS

Age 65+ (or disabled 18+)
General WI resident, Medicaid-eligible, NFLOC.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month; QIT optional.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
WI

Flexible budget; serves ~20,000; participant hires caregivers.

Benefits
Personal care (custom hours) Respite Home mods Equipment Transportation Support services

SeniorCare Prescription Drug Assistance

Wisconsin SeniorCare

Age 65+
General WI resident, US citizen/qualified immigrant, not on full Medicaid.
Income Limits (2025) ~$24,980-$34,980/year (Level 1-2B, individual); varies by level.
Asset Limits None.
WI

Four benefit levels; serves ~50,000 annually.

Benefits
$5 generic/$15 brand copays (Level 1); deductibles ($500-$850) for higher levels; covers most Rx drugs

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Wisconsin Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General WI resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
WI

Includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)

Wisconsin WHEAP

Age 60+ prioritized
General WI resident, low-income household.
Income Limits (2025) ~$3,970/month 185% FPL
Asset Limits Not assessed.
WI

Covers gas, electric, wood; crisis aid available.

Benefits
Heating/electric aid ($300-$1,000/season) Crisis aid ($500 max) Weatherization

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Wisconsin VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General WI resident, wartime service, ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth
WI

High rural veteran use; supports care costs.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs

Property Tax Deferral Loan Program

Wisconsin Property Tax Deferral Loan

Age 65+
General WI resident, homeowner, live in home 6+ months/year.
Income Limits (2025) ~$24,980/year household
Asset Limits Home equity < $500,000; limited other assets.
WI

Saves ~$500-$1,500/year; interest ~2%-3%.

Benefits
Deferred tax payment (~$500-$1,500/year avg.)

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Wisconsin SFMNP

Age 60+
General WI resident, low-income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,322/month 185% FPL
Asset Limits Not assessed.
WI

Vouchers (~$45/season); serves ~15,000 annually.

Benefits
Vouchers (~$45/season) for produce at farmers’ markets

Compare Assisted Living around Wisconsin

The information below is reported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance.

Oak Park Place Madison East
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Madison (North Star)
100
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WI AVG 61
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No
53
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1 Bed / 2 Bed
20
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Trinity Woods
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Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Milwaukee (Mount Mary)
90
Facility 90
WI AVG 61
Rank #90 / 496
No
63
Facility 63
WI AVG 42
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Suite
3
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--Ssnd Mmu Mch Venture IncDavid Fulcher----
Aspire Senior Living Oshkosh
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Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Oshkosh
86
Facility 86
WI AVG 61
Rank #105 / 496
No
49
Facility 49
WI AVG 42
Rank #232 / 580
1 bed / 2 Bed
3
Facility 3
WI AVG 12
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55.8%
Facility 55.8%
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-Hsl 17 LLCMilo Pinkerton6
6
Facility 6
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1
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0.2
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Silverado North Shore Memory Care Community
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Glendale
85
Facility 85
WI AVG 61
Rank #108 / 496
Yes
12
Facility 12
WI AVG 42
Rank #485 / 580
-
7
Facility 7
WI AVG 12
Rank #177 / 334
68.2%
Facility 68.2%
WI AVG 74.3%
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A+Silverado North Shore LLCChristian Sweetser4
4
Facility 4
WI AVG 3.8
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6
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1.5
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Bay Harbor of Deforest
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Deforest
40
Facility 40
WI AVG 61
Rank #341 / 496
No
71
Facility 71
WI AVG 42
Rank #87 / 580
-
3
Facility 3
WI AVG 12
Rank #261 / 334
60.0%
Facility 60.0%
WI AVG 74.3%
Rank #314 / 406
-Darrin Companies LLC-12
9
Facility 9
WI AVG 3.8
Rank #278 / 312
60
Facility 60
WI AVG 12
Rank #304 / 312
5.0
Facility 5.0
WI AVG 2.0
Rank #291 / 312

Frequently Asked Questions about Bay Harbor of Deforest

Is Bay Harbor of Deforest in a walkable area?

Bay Harbor of Deforest has a walk score of 71. Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

What is the occupancy rate at Bay Harbor of Deforest?

Bay Harbor of Deforest's occupancy is 60%.

Who is the administrator of Bay Harbor of Deforest?

Darrin Companies Llc is the administrator of Bay Harbor of Deforest.

How many beds does Bay Harbor of Deforest have?

Bay Harbor of Deforest has 40 beds.

Are there photos of Bay Harbor of Deforest?

Yes — there are 2 photos of Bay Harbor of Deforest in the photo gallery on this page.

What is the address of Bay Harbor of Deforest?

Bay Harbor of Deforest is located at 4897 INNOVATION DRIVE.

What is the phone number of Bay Harbor of Deforest?

(608) 842-2693 will put you in contact with the team at Bay Harbor of Deforest.

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