Best Independent Living in Wisconsin

Overview of Milwaukee Catholic Home

Milwaukee Catholic Home has been on N Prospect Ave in Milwaukee’s Northpoint neighborhood since 1913. Run by a church and administered by Kate Gerou, it’s part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, which means residents can move between levels of care, nursing home, independent living, assisted living, and memory care, without switching organizations entirely.

The building itself is a two-story, 107-bed facility with one and two-bedroom layouts running 569 to 1,174 square feet. It’s nearly full: 96 of those 107 beds are occupied, putting occupancy at 89 percent. Monthly rates span $1,140 to $5,570 depending on the level of care, and the neighborhood earns a Walk Score of 83, solidly walkable by most standards.

Total nursing care averages 6 hours and 28 minutes per resident, per day, a substantial number in this field. Most residents here are on short-term rehab stays, and Medicare covers the majority of new admissions, though Medicaid and private pay are accepted too. The facility also runs a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program on-site, plus transportation services and fitness and recreation programming.

More than a century of continuous operation, a heavy staffing ratio, and a short-stay rehab focus: that combination points to a facility built less around long-term custodial care and more around getting people through recovery and back home, with real clinical muscle behind it while they’re there.

Overview of Clement Manor

Clement Manor. is a faith-based, voluntary nonprofit senior living community operated by Clement Manor. and affiliated with a church organization in Greenfield, Wisconsin, offering an extensive continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, Clare Suites Memory Care, Enhanced Assisted Living, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and respite care. The community has been licensed since April 2018 with 47 beds. With a high occupancy rate of 94%, the community has limited but available openings. It is also a frequent choice for both post-acute recovery and long-term residency, with 51% of admissions utilizing Medicare-funded short-term rehab and 46% consisting of private-pay residents.

In terms of clinical quality, the community significantly exceeds state benchmarks. It holds a CMS staffing rating of 4 out of 5 stars, surpassing the Wisconsin average of 3.6, while its quality measures score is a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Residents also receive an average of 4 hours and 36 minutes of nursing care per day, 9% higher than the state average of 4 hours and 14 minutes. Additionally, across four visits, no deficiencies were found, and the community has maintained zero critical or serious health citations, performing 100% better than the state average in these categories.

The amenities in the community are designed to support an enrichment-focused mission, allowing residents to have access to an on-site chapel with pastoral care, a warm water therapy pool, a fitness center, and a salon and spa. The lifestyle is also enriched by restaurant-style dining, outdoor gardens, walking paths, an art gallery, and a country store. Unique programming includes a Lifelong Learning Center, the Lives Enriched Through Art initiative, and dedicated concierge services.

Clement Manor. is an ideal match for older adults who value a faith-informed, service-rich environment and require a setting that can adapt to varying needs, encompassing wellness-focused independent living, memory support, or short-term post-operative rehabilitation.

Lasata Care Center is a 106-bed skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care facility at W76 N677 Wauwatosa Road in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, in Ozaukee County. Owned by the Ozaukee County Board as a governmental entity and administered by Barton Smith, the facility is part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community campus. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Minimum age 62 required.

CMS grades Lasata Care Center 5 stars, with all four rating dimensions above Wisconsin’s average: health inspection by 80.5 percent, staffing by 38.1 percent, quality measures by 52.0 percent, and overall by 66.1 percent. The facility carries an A+ BBB rating and holds one of the highest walk scores in this review at 84, ranked 31st of 581 Wisconsin SNFs. Staffing ranks 30th of 172 Wisconsin SNFs at 5 hours 7 minutes per resident per day, 21 percent above Wisconsin’s average. LPN hours at 1 hour 6 minutes are 74 percent above the state average, CNA hours at 3 hours 30 minutes are 35 percent above average, and weekend total nursing at 4 hours 55 minutes is 32 percent above average. One vital staffing context: Q4 2025 data shows 205 of 332 total staff are contractors (15.3 percent of hours), with 141 of 217 CNAs and 27 of 36 RNs supplied by agency, a mix that’s common in county-governed facilities but worth raising in a family conversation about workforce continuity. Quality measures are outstanding for long-stay residents. ED visits at 0.68 per 1,000 resident days are 69 percent below the Wisconsin average, hospitalizations 43 percent below average, falls with major injury 60 percent better, and depressive symptoms 72 percent better. The UTI rate at 7.7 percent is 141 percent above the Wisconsin average of 3.2 percent, the most significant long-stay concern. For short-stay residents, return to home or community at 70.7 percent is 40 percent better than Wisconsin’s average, the standout metric. Short-stay falls with major injury at 1.7 percent run above the state benchmark. The inspection record shows just 11 total citations across 4 surveys since 2022, ranked 38th of 174 Wisconsin SNFs, with zero critical or serious citations and penalties. All citations corrected.

Programs feature Short-Term Rehab, Long-Term Skilled Nursing, and Therapy Services. Amenities include private rehabilitation suites, cable TV and Wi-Fi, private and public lounges, walking trails, a fitness center, salon services, a library and media room, religious services, and diverse social, recreational, educational, and spiritual programming. Three meals per day, housekeeping, linen service, and utilities are included.

Situated in a highly walkable Cedarburg area, Lasata Care Center suits Ozaukee County and greater Milwaukee-area families seeking a 5-star county-governed CCRC-affiliated SNF with exceptional long-stay clinical outcomes, above-average staffing, and robust amenities.

Overview of Morrow Memorial Home

Owned by Nikki Sund, Morrow Memorial Home is a skilled nursing facility in Sparta, Wisconsin. The facility’s location on South Water Street is in a moderately walkable area with a Walk Score of 68. It has been operating for 27 years and has served residents needing short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care. Families can pay through Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay to arrange coverage for post-acute recovery and ongoing care needs.

The 80-bed home currently serves 63 residents, resulting in 79% occupancy. Most take an average of 134 days. Some are recovering after surgery or hospitalization, while others stay longer because of ongoing care needs. Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 36 minutes per resident. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses make up the staffing team that provides this care.

Rehabilitation services are available as part of the facility’s care approach. Transitional care programs also support residents with recovery goals. Structured transportation services are offered, and volunteer opportunities help residents remain involved and connected to the community.

Amenities on-site include a beauty shop, a library, and a spa. Nearby walking and biking trails provide additional outdoor options. Families can also spend time together in the quieter outdoor spaces around the property.

Overview of Avalon Square

Discover a comfortable living with Avalon Square located in Waukesha, WI. This senior living community offers independent living, assisted living, and specialty care services. Beautifully designed and cozy accommodations are available and tailored to the needs of its residents. Having a competent and compassionate team, this community ensures convenience and security of its residents at all times.

Committed to providing utmost care and support, residents can enjoy amenities such as tasty and health meals, housekeeping services, salon services, handyman services, and many more. Boost physical health and wellness by attending on-site fitness classes. Meet new companions and create meaningful memories within the beautifully shared spaces of this community. With Avalon Square, seniors are assured of a with a classic living experience.

Overview of Cedar Crest Health Center

Owned by David Tanck, Cedar Crest Health Center is a nursing home in Janesville, Wisconsin. The 71-bed facility is along River Road on the city’s south side. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation. The facility’s occupancy is 78%. Residents stay an average of 71 days, a mix that includes people recovering after hospitalization and those needing continued nursing support.

Rehabilitation services are available alongside daily nursing care. On average, residents receive 5 hours and 45 minutes of direct nursing support each day. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides make up that staffing structure. Their presence is spread throughout daily operations, so assistance is available during both daytime and overnight hours. For residents recovering from surgery, a stroke, or a fall, this level of support provides a foundation for rehabilitation and regaining function.

Keeping residents active is a major focus within the community. There’s a full schedule of activities and programs. Independent living apartments are also offered. Residents who enjoy time outdoors can use the gardens and walking trails. The library, wellness center, and fitness classes residents with different mobility levels. Social and recreational opportunities extend to the party rooms, game room, and activity room. A salon is available as well for those who want to maintain their preferred grooming and appearance routines.

Dining focuses on choice and community. Multiple dining options are available each day, something that can be especially helpful for residents with different preferences or dietary needs. The campus is located in a quieter part of Janesville. Most visitors will find driving the most convenient way to reach the facility. However, the location is close to the city’s core in case families want to visit.

Overview of Rennes Health and Rehab Center-Appleton

Rennes Health and Rehab Center-Appleton is an 88-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation community in Appleton, Wisconsin, providing skilled nursing, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and respite care to residents in Outagamie County, 2.3 miles from the city center. The facility is privately owned and operated by TDR Inc. CMS rates the facility 5 stars overall, with all three sub-ratings above the Wisconsin average. The Health Inspection score is 80.5% above the state average — the strongest signal in the profile — while Quality Measures run 52% above, reflecting well-managed clinical outcomes across both long- and short-stay populations. Total nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 18 minutes per resident per day, roughly 10% above the Wisconsin average, with RN and CNA staffing each outpacing state benchmarks. The facility’s occupancy rate is 84.5%, compared to the Wisconsin average of 70%, indicating consistent local demand. Rennes accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, and holds dual Title 18/19 certification. Outpatient therapy is available for non-residents, extending the facility’s rehabilitation services beyond its licensed beds. Rennes Health and Rehab Center-Appleton suits short-stay rehabilitation patients, post-acute Medicare admissions, and residents requiring ongoing skilled nursing or memory care in the Appleton area.

Overview of Park View Home

Park View Home is a nursing home on Lockwood Street, Woodville, Wisconsin. The 50-bed facility has an occupancy rate of 87%. Residents stay an average of 177 days, including those in short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care.

The facility’s daily staffing support is substantial. Total nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 23 minutes per resident each day. This is broken down into 46 minutes of registered nurse (RN) care, 46 minutes of nurse aide support, and 27 minutes of licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) time to provide consistent hands-on attention around the clock. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, which gives families several ways to cover care costs.

Park View Home has a Children’s Learning Center and caring staff. Woodville’s location has a score of 29 for walkability. Some errands and services are within walking distance, but most trips require driving. The surrounding area offers a quieter, more rural character for visiting family members.

Overview of Schmitt Woodland Hills

Schmitt Woodland Hills is a 50-bed, nonprofit skilled nursing community in Richland Center, Wisconsin, offering a full continuum of care — independent living apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care, and short-term respite care. The facility is operated by Addison Platt on behalf of Schmitt Woodland Hills Inc. and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

CMS rates the community at 5 stars overall, with sub-ratings above the Wisconsin average across all three categories. The performance is most pronounced in staffing: total nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 23 minutes per resident per day, 27% above Wisconsin’s average of 4 hours and 14 minutes, with nurse aide hours 31% higher than the state norm. The facility ranks 19th out of 172 Wisconsin SNFs in adjusted nursing hours — which is meaningful for residents requiring consistent hands-on assistance. Health inspection and quality measure sub-ratings also exceed state benchmarks, accounting for the across-the-board rating position.

The facility maintains 24-hour staffing, and its continuum — from independent apartments through skilled nursing — allows residents to age in place as care needs change. The facility’s occupancy rate is 72%, near the Wisconsin average of 70%, indicating moderate current availability.

Schmitt Woodland Hills is best suited for older adults seeking a faith-based, full-continuum setting in Richland County, from independent residents looking to plan ahead to those requiring skilled nursing or post-acute rehabilitation care.

Overview of Chippewa Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation

Owned by Chippewa Manor Corporation, Chippewa Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation is a nursing home in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, serving people who need skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. The 50-bed facility has around-the-clock staffing to accommodate residents’ needs. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families multiple ways to cover short-term recovery and ongoing care.

The facility’s current occupancy rate is 71%, which is typical for a skilled nursing home its size. Residents stay an average of 65 days, including post-acute rehabilitation residents and those with longer-term care stays. Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 34 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes of that care, nursing aides contribute roughly 3 hours and 5 minutes, and other licensed nursing staff handle the remainder.

The location has a Walkability Score of 79 out of 100. Visiting family members will find the surrounding Chippewa Falls neighborhood easy to navigate on foot. Many local errands can be handled without a car.