19 Assisted Living Communities in Oshkosh, Wisconsin

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $5,000 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 19 Assisted Living Communities in Oshkosh and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Oshkosh, WI

• Assisted Living: $5,000
• Nursing Home Care: $8,486
• In-home Care: $4,481
• Adult Day Health Services: N/A

Seniors in Oshkosh pay an average of $5,000 per month for assisted living, according to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study. This is the highest rate of all the cities surveyed across Wisconsin, and it’s significantly more expensive than both the state ($4,300) and national ($4,000) averages.

La Crosse has the lowest cost statewide at $2,638, which is almost half the price in Oshkosh. The nearby cities of Fond du Lac ($3,744) and Appleton ($4,312) are also significantly more affordable for assisted living, while rates in Sheboygan and Racine are only somewhat less expensive, at $4,674 and $4,888 respectively.

Senior care rates in Oshkosh vary depending on the category of care and other factors, such as the number of service hours provided and whether skilled services are required. Those who need 24-hour nursing home care can expect to pay about 70% more than the average monthly cost of assisted living. At first glance, in-home services from a homemaker or home health aide appear to cost about 10% less than assisted living. For a realistic cost comparison of in-home and residential care options, it’s important to add on amounts paid for regular household expenses, such as utilities, upkeep and groceries, that are typically included in assisted living facility fees.

 

Wisconsin Medicaid operates within the framework of the federal Medicaid program, which delivers health care coverage to one in five Americans. Over 900,000 Wisconsin residents receive low-cost or free medical and long-term care services through the program. To qualify for coverage, Oshkosh residents must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
• Be aged 65 or older, or disabled if younger
• Have an income of $2,313 or less per month
• Have a maximum of $2,000 in assets

It’s important to note that all types of income count toward the limit, including wages, Social Security and VA benefits, pension payments, rental income, IRA withdrawals and investment dividends. Several asset types don’t count, such as a primary residence valued at less than $858,000, household and personal effects, one vehicle and burial plots.

The state program offers a Medicaid deductible plan that may help over-income seniors with high medical expenses qualify for coverage. A deductible is determined by reducing an applicant’s income by the program’s current income limit (presently $591.67). Once this amount is spent on medical expenses, the applicant becomes eligible for Medicaid coverage for a period of six months.

Oshkosh residents can apply for Medicaid coverage online or call Wisconsin Access member services at (800) 362-3002 to learn more or receive help submitting an application.

In an effort to reduce the number of nursing home admissions and the overall cost of long-term care, Wisconsin Medicaid offers two waiver programs that cover a variety of services and supports for Medicaid-eligible seniors wishing to remain in the community.

Include, Respect, I Self-Direct Waiver

The IRIS waiver program is designed to give eligible seniors and disabled adults the ability to make choices about their long-term care goals and where they live. The program provides the services of a case manager to help enrollees develop their own services and supports plan and matching budget. Participants can use their budgeted funds to pay for goods and services of their choosing. These might include:

• Nursing services
• Residential care
• Prepared meals
• Assistance with personal care
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Assistive technology
• Nonmedical transportation

To qualify for the IRIS program, applicants must be aged 64 or younger and disabled or over age 65 and in need of a nursing facility level of care.

Family Care Waiver

The Family Care waiver enrolls qualified seniors with a managed care organization to develop a medical and long-term care plan tailored to their specific needs. The program allows seniors to receive services where they live, such as a community-based residential care facility. Covered supports and services can include:

• Care coordination
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Residential services
• Medical transportation
• Physical and speech therapy
• Durable medical equipment
• Adaptive aids
• Necessary supplies
• Skilled nursing care
• Transitional assistance

To qualify for the Family Care program, applicants must be 65 or older or 64 or younger and disabled. They must also be assessed as needing daily assistance to maintain their independence and avoid admission to a nursing home.

To learn more about the IRIS or Family Care waiver programs or to apply, seniors can contact the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging at (608) 243-5670.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Making the transition to assisted living can leave seniors strapped for cash while waiting for government benefits to begin or the sale of a home or other assets. Seniors who need a short-term source of funds to pay for facility entrance fees, monthly rent and care costs should consider applying for a bridge loan through Elderlife Financial. These loans have a maximum term of 12 months and are structured as a line of credit with interest-only monthly payments. There are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs, and up to six family members can share the application to increase the likelihood of approval.

Seniors can complete a bridge loan application online or call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500 to learn more or apply by phone.

State Supplemental Security Income

Oshkosh residents aged 65 and over who qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits are also eligible for a supplemental payment from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. These extra funds are added to a person’s monthly federal SSI benefit check and may be used to pay care-related expenses not covered by Medicaid, such as assisted living room and board. The maximum benefit available is $179.77 per month, but the amount received may be less depending on an applicant’s living arrangement and income.

Seniors can apply for both federal and state SSI benefits by calling the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Oshkosh senior veterans can obtain information and help filing for disability pensions, the Aid and Attendance program, survivor benefits and other service-related entitlements at the Winnebago County Veterans Services office. The VA Outpatient Clinic in nearby Appleton provides vital medical services, including primary care, lab and radiology services, mental health care and referrals to specialist care in Green Bay and Milwaukee.

Winnebago County Veterans Services
112 Otter Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 232-3400

John H. Bradley VA Outpatient Clinic
10 Tri-Park Way, Appleton, WI 54914
(920) 831-0070

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.