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.

Heritage of Portage | Independent Living in Fitchburg, WI

Overview of Heritage of Portage

Heritage of Portage provides special care for assisted living and memory care services with the opportunity to live with independence. The senior living home is described as a flexible community that will adjust to the needs and wants of residents. Management gets to also fill up residents’ social calendars to gather everyone to take part in the outings and events offered. The goal of Heritage of Portage is to provide a welcoming environment where residents can feel safe and secure. Families can rest easy knowing that their loved ones are well taken care of in a community that prioritizes each of them.

It’s also a community that has amenities conveniently located for seniors– such as each apartment having kitchenettes, private baths with walk-in showers, and closets; a rehabilitation gym, private dining rooms, spa, salon and barbershop, library, and activity rooms to name a few of the amenities provided by the community.

(608) 745-3312 DSMHeritageHouse@Encorecares.com

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Total beds 66

66-bed community

A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.

23 years in operation

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

Walk Score: 47 / 100

Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

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

Hcbs Compliant

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate

98%

In line with Wisconsin average

Occupied beds

65 / 66

Average residents 54 per day

Facility TypeCertified

IssuanceApril 7, 2015

CountyColumbia

Heritage of Portage is legally operated by Tom Ostrom, and administrated by Sha Msl Portage Opco Llc.

Staffing

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

ContactLacy Dixon

Gender ServedBoth

Specific ProgramsLifestyle, News & Events, Resources, Work With Us!

Monthly Rate Range $500 - $6,000

Types of Care at Heritage of Portage

Assisted Living Independent Living

Show Inspection Reports

Latest inspection

Date October 31, 2025

Follow Up

5 deficiencies

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

Wisconsin average: 12 deficiencies

Inspection Report Summary for Heritage of Portage

The most recent inspection on October 31, 2025, found no deficiencies and verified correction of prior issues. Earlier inspections showed a pattern of deficiencies related mainly to tenant rights in medication administration, maintaining a safe environment, and completing staff background checks. A substantiated complaint investigation in January 2024 identified issues with nursing services and oxygen management, resulting in a $200 fine. Most other complaint investigations were unsubstantiated, and enforcement actions beyond the fine were not listed in the available reports. The facility appears to have addressed previous deficiencies effectively, showing improvement over time.

Compare Independent Living around Fitchburg

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Heritage of Portage	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. 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.	Portage	66	No	47	-	23	98.5%	A+	Sha Msl Portage Opco Llc	Tom Ostrom	7	3	5
Attic Angel 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. 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.	Middleton	66	No	63	-	28	77.3%	A+	Attic Angel Place	Kimberly Blum	3	1	2
Quarry Ridge Retirement Community	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.	Fitchburg	-	Yes	43	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0
Middleton Crossing – Sky Active Living	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.	Middleton	-	No	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0
Parkside	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. 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.	Madison (Leopold)	-	No	49	1 Bed / 2 Bed	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0

Heritage of Portage

Type of care: AL IL

Community: Portage

Rate Range: $500 - $6,000

Bed Count: 66

Pets Allowed: No

Attic Angel Community

Type of care: AL IL MC

Community: Middleton

Rate Range: $8,882 - $11,710

Bed Count: 66

Pets Allowed: No

Quarry Ridge Retirement Community

Type of care: IL

Community: Fitchburg

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Middleton Crossing – Sky Active Living

Type of care: IL

Community: Middleton

Pets Allowed: No

Parkside

Type of care: AL IL

Community: Madison (Leopold)

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

View all Nearby Homes

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

39.9 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Portage's city center to Heritage of Portage's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 0.57 miles to nearest hospital (Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital - Urgent Care)

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Heritage of Portage

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