Best Independent Living in Wisconsin

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.

New Glarus Home, INC. is a 100-bed nonprofit skilled nursing facility in New Glarus, Wisconsin, offering skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and respite care services. The community is operated by David Cunningham under the auspices of the United Church of Christ and has been continuously operating for 46 years. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

CMS rates the facility 1 star overall, driven primarily by Health Inspection and Quality Measures performance — both of which are substantially below the Wisconsin average. Staffing counters that trend: nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 47 minutes per resident per day, ranking 45th of 172 Wisconsin skilled nursing facilities and running roughly 10% above the state average.

The facility’s occupancy rate is 86.3%, above the Wisconsin average of 70%, reflecting consistent local demand in Green County. The facility serves a mixed population — approximately 40% of admissions are short-term rehabilitation stays averaging 27 days, with the remainder in long-term care.

The community’s Wellness Center program and on-site rehabilitation services support both post-acute recovery and ongoing skilled nursing needs.

New Glarus Home fits residents in Green County seeking skilled nursing or short-term post-acute rehabilitation within a community-rooted, nonprofit setting. Long-term care residents requiring ongoing clinical management are also within the facility’s established scope

Newcastle Place is a 47-bed skilled nursing facility in Mequon, Wisconsin, offering a continuum of care that includes rehabilitation, memory care, and respite services. The community is operated by Newcastle Place, LLC, a nonprofit. It serves residents across Ozaukee County and accepts Medicare and private pay. The facility holds a 2-star overall CMS rating. Staffing is a clear strength: total nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 2 minutes per resident per day, roughly 19% above the Wisconsin average of 4 hours and 14 minutes, and the facility ranks 34th out of 172 Wisconsin SNFs on that metric. Physical therapist hours stand out further, running 175% above the state average — a meaningful signal for short-stay rehabilitation candidates. Weekend nurse staffing is adequate overall, though weekend RN staffing is below Wisconsin averages. The facility’s occupancy rate is 85%, notably above the Wisconsin average of 70%, reflecting sustained local demand for its services. At an average length of stay of 27 days, Newcastle Place’s throughput profile is best suited for residents seeking post-acute and short-stay care. The rehabilitation capacity, above-average staffing, and Medicare acceptance fit residents seeking skilled nursing following hospitalization or a medical event in the Mequon and greater Ozaukee County area.

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 Oak Park Place of Janesville

Oak Park Place of Janesville is a 35-bed continuing care community in Janesville, Wisconsin, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation on a single campus, giving residents access to a full continuum of services. The privately owned facility is operated by Oak Park Place of Janesville, LLC, under the administration of Lori Schlais. The facility holds a 3-star overall CMS rating, at the Wisconsin average. Its Health Inspection performance is roughly 8% above the state average, while Quality Measures are about 9% below — a split picture that favors the inspection side. Staffing is the clearest strength. Total nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 27 minutes per resident per day, ranking 14th out of 172 Wisconsin skilled nursing facilities — a figure driven largely by RN staffing at 1 hour and 40 minutes daily, 72% above the Wisconsin average, and CNA staffing averages 3 hours and 51 minutes, 49% above the state norm. For a 35-bed community, that ratio translates to meaningful daily contact between residents and clinical staff. The facility’s occupancy rate is 51%, well below Wisconsin’s average of 70%, indicating current room availability across care levels. Oak Park Place of Janesville’s model — spanning independent living through skilled nursing — suits older adults seeking a single-site continuum of care, including those who anticipate needing higher levels of care over time. Memory care capacity and rehabilitation services also make it an option for residents in Rock County who are transitioning from a hospital stay or managing cognitive decline.

Overview of Golden Years of Lake Geneva

Golden Years of Lake Geneva is a 54-bed skilled nursing facility at 611 Harmony Drive in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, offering short- and long-term skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, memory care, respite care, and hospice services. The Medicare-certified community is privately owned and operated by Jeffrey Austin. CMS rates the facility 5 stars overall — 66% above the Wisconsin average — driven in large part by a Health Inspection sub-rating that is 80.5% above state peers. Quality Measures run 39% below the Wisconsin average, a drag on the overall record that prospective families should weigh against the otherwise strong record. Staffing is a genuine differentiator. Total adjusted nurse staffing averages 7 hours and 15 minutes per resident per day, ranking second among 172 Wisconsin skilled nursing facilities and roughly double the state average of 4.4 hours. Physical therapy staffing runs 175% above the state norm, which aligns with the facility’s 49-day average length of stay — a profile oriented toward post-acute rehabilitation rather than permanent placement. The facility’s occupancy rate is 87.5%, well above the Wisconsin average of 70%, signaling consistent local demand. It accepts Medicare and private pay; Medicaid is not accepted. The facility’s private rooms feature private bathrooms and showers. Golden Years of Lake Geneva’s rehabilitation capacity, staffing depth, and short-stay profile fit post-acute patients — joint replacement, cardiac recovery, or neurological rehab — seeking intensive nursing and therapy support before returning home. The private-room setup and above-average PT hours are also suited to families prioritizing clinical oversight and comfort during a transitional stay in Walworth County.

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 American Lutheran Home-Mondovi

Owned by Amy Duhr, American Lutheran Home-Mondovi is a nursing home on Memorial Drive in Mondovi, Wisconsin. The 35-bed home accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, offering families multiple ways to cover both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term care.

The community has an occupancy rate of 54%, so there’s availability for prospective residents. Most stay an average of 99 days, which includes post-acute rehabilitation residents and those remaining for ongoing skilled nursing care. The facility’s core offering is rehabilitation services. The home is a great choice for patients recovering from illness, injury, or hospital discharge.

On the nursing side, nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 13 minutes per resident each day. Nursing staff is distributed across registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical or vocational nurses. This staffing structure provides daily hands-on assistance for residents across the care continuum.

Mondovi’s location has a Walk Score of 59. Some errands can be done on foot, while most outings will require driving. The moderate walkability is best suited for families who value easy local access and the convenience of visiting in a small town.

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.