What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview: Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement. Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program. State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options. Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.

How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up.

What services do you offer?

Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities Finding and ranking the best nursing homes Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research Senior-focused concierge medicine Senior-focused nutritionist Senior-focused personal training Memory care specialists Custom wheelchairs at all price points. Custom hearing aids Cosmetic skincare + dermatology Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat. Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.

Brookdale Onalaska | Assisted Living in Wisconsin

Overview of Brookdale Onalaska

At Brookdale Onalaska in Onalaska, Wisconsin, known as the Sunfish Capital of the World, residents can enjoy assisted living in a community that recreates the fun, communal experience of living with a family of friends. The community allows seniors to bond over mutual interests and common experiences, stay independent and active while receiving daily personal assistance if needed, and have peace of mind knowing that staff is available 24/7 for emergencies.

Brookdale Onalaska provides just the right amount of personal assistance and care, allowing residents more time for their desired activities. Residents can try their hand at painting, join the resident council, start a fitness program, engage in competitive games like bingo and cards, learn new hobbies, or teach others their skills. The community also offers excursions to local dining, shopping, and pontoon boat rides on Lake Onalaska. Dining is a highlight, with delicious restaurant-style meals prepared by a passionate culinary team using fresh seasonal ingredients, including resident favorites and family recipes.

(608) 783-4955

20-bed community

A smaller, more intimate setting that may offer a quieter environment and closer staff-resident interactions.

48 years in operation

A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.

Walk Score: 17 / 100

Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

BBB Rating: A+ (Not Accredited)

An independent rating from the Better Business Bureau based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and business practices.
How BBB ratings work

Client group served

Public Funding

Irreversible Dementia Alzeimers

Advanced Aged

Hcbs Compliant

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate

65%

Lower than the Wisconsin average: 70%

Occupied beds

13 / 20

Average residents 54 per day

Facility TypeClass Cna (nonambulatory)

IssuanceJune 1, 1998

CountyLacrosse

Brookdale Onalaska is legally operated by Dawn Kussow, and administrated by Brookdale Senior Living Communities Inc.

Wheelchair Accessible

Emergency SystemsYes

Safety FeaturesEmergency Alert System

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

ContactCHERYL KRAGE

Respite Care

Licensed Nurses/CNAs

24-Hour Staffing

Gender ServedBoth

HousekeepingYes

Pet Friendly

Transportation

Beauty/Barber Shop

Courtyard And Garden

Gardening / Greenhouse

Landscaped Grounds

ActivitiesResidents can participate in various activities including fitness programs, games, and excursions.

Specific ProgramsContinuing Care Retirement Communities, At Home Care

Operating HoursMon - Fri: 8am - 9pm CT / Sat: 9am - 5:30pm CT

Starting Price$6,065 per month

Food DescriptionResidents enjoy delicious restaurant-style meals made from fresh seasonal ingredients.

Meals IncludedYes

Brookdale Onalaska – Menu

Download Menu PDF

Monthly Rate Range $5,495 - $6,125

What does this home offer?

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Room Sizes: 187 / 215 / 263 sq. ft

Housing Options: Studio

Building Type: Single-story

Transportation Services

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Brookdale Onalaska

Assisted Living

Show Inspection Reports

Latest inspection

Date June 28, 2024

Complaint Investigation

3 deficiencies

Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

Wisconsin average: 12 deficiencies

1.0 deficiencies per inspection

Inspection Report Summary for Brookdale Onalaska

The most recent inspection on June 28, 2024, was a complaint investigation that found no deficiencies and the complaint was unsubstantiated. Earlier inspections in May 2023 identified several deficiencies related to caregiver background checks, fire safety, and combustible material placement near a gas furnace, as well as a missing annual fire inspection. Inspectors cited issues with timely background checks and fire safety compliance, but no fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or enforcement actions were listed in the available reports. No substantiated complaints appeared in the record. The facility’s record shows improvement, with the latest inspection free of deficiencies following earlier citations.

Compare Assisted Living around Wisconsin

Filter by care type


Autumn Oaks	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. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.	Slinger	35	No	55	Studio	23	8.6%	A+	Osl 227 Slinger Operating Llc	Hillel Feuerman	3	0	1
Brookdale Middleton Century Ave	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.	Middleton (Middleton Hills)	22	No	71	Studio	27	72.7%	-	Brookdale Senior Living Communities Inc	Dawn Kussow	4	0	14
Brookdale Onalaska	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.	Onalaska (10Th Avenue North)	20	Yes	17	Studio	48	65.0%	A+	Brookdale Senior Living Communities Inc	Dawn Kussow	3	1	3
Brookdale Brookfield	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.	Brookfield	20	Yes	56	Studio	11	65.0%	-	Bkd Clare Bridge Place Brookfield Llc	Kussow Dawn	8	5	13
Brookdale Sussex	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.	Sussex	20	Yes	59	Studio	27	95.0%	-	Brookdale Senior Living Communities Inc	Dawn Kussow	5	3	3

Autumn Oaks

Type of care: AL MC RC

Community:Location: Slinger

Rate Range: $4,800 - $6,200

Bed Count: 35

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Studio

Brookdale Middleton Century Ave

Type of care: AL

Community:Location: Middleton (Middleton Hills)

Rate Range: $5,250 - $6,000

Bed Count: 22

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Studio

Brookdale Onalaska

Type of care: AL

Community:Location: Onalaska (10Th Avenue North)

Rate Range: $5,495 - $6,125

Bed Count: 20

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio

Brookdale Brookfield

Type of care: AL MC

Community:Location: Brookfield

Rate Range: $6,750 - $7,025

Bed Count: 20

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio

Brookdale Sussex

Type of care: AL

Community:Location: Sussex

Rate Range: $3,570 - $4,165

Bed Count: 20

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio

View all Nearby Homes

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Screenshot 2024 07 03 081311

Screenshot 2024 07 03 081328

Floor Plan

Download PDF

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).

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

Covers gas, electric, wood; crisis aid available.

Benefits

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

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Wisconsin SCSEP

Age 55+

General unemployed, low-income, WI resident.

Income Limits (2025) ~$1,983/month 125% FPL

Asset Limits Not specified.

Priority for veterans, rural residents; Goodwill/AARP partnership.

Benefits

Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour) Job placement

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

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.

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.

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

Benefits

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

1.5 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Onalaska's city center to Brookdale Onalaska's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 2.63 miles to nearest hospital (Gundersen Lutheran Family Medicine Onalaska)