Skilled Nursing in Milwaukee, WI

Skilled Nursing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers a welcoming environment for seniors seeking skilled nursing care, blending compassionate support with the charm of a vibrant Midwestern community. The city is home to numerous skilled nursing facilities that provide comprehensive services tailored to the needs of older adults. Notably, Wisconsin ranks 15th nationally for long-term services and supports, reflecting a strong commitment to quality senior care across the state.

About Skilled Nursing in Milwaukee, WI

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, skilled nursing refers to high-level medical and rehabilitative care provided by licensed nurses and healthcare professionals in a residential setting. These services are designed for individuals recovering from surgery, illness, or those managing chronic medical conditions. Skilled nursing includes wound care, medication management, physical and occupational therapy, and assistance with activities of daily living. The focus is on helping older adults regain independence and maintain their well-being in a safe, supportive environment.

A skilled nursing facility is the building

Skilled nursing facilities offer 24-hour care and medical services, which include intermediate care and rebab and therapeutic care, all provided by licensed nurses and support professionals. Usually, skilled nursing is short-term acute care but may also offer long term care and intermediate care.

SNF, “skilled nursing facility” is the umbrella under which different care levels operate. “Nursing Home” is a common term used when referring to any/all senior living, although the term is a bit outdated.

Skilled nursing: Care that requires the skill of a nurse

Skilled Nursing is for seniors who may have planned surgeries or procedures (knee or hip replacement, etc.) and those individuals with acute or unplanned medical issues (Sepsis, cellulitis, UTI, etc). The oversight of a nurse may be required because care is not predictable and able to be preformed on a set schedule.

Levels of care offered in a skilled nursing facility

It is important to understand the differences between care services.

Rehabilitation and Therapy 

• This is treatment for an injury, illness, or pains with the goal restoring function, including nursing and therapy services.  
• The rehab plan is ordered by a physician. The services are provided by nurses and physical, occupational, and speech therapists.

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)

• These are nursing facilities most suited for individuals who need 24-hour medical oversight in a well-structured setting. 
• Often times, residents share a room and they are encouraged to bring personal items to create a more home-like environment. 

Long-term Care

• Care provided by different caregivers in different settings. 
• Assists with activities of daily living (ADLs). 
• Care is not scheduled or predictable.

Examples of care provided at a Skilled Nursing Facility include:

• Skilled Nursing offers 24-hour skilled nursing care and medical services administered by licensed nurses and support professionals.  
• This is the highest level of care provided that is not a hospitalization.  
• A physician oversees the care of the individual.
• Trained staff assist with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, feeding, using the bathroom and getting in and out of bed.  
• Physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapy. 
• Regular monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, or blood sugar. 
• IV therapy 
• Wound and post-surgery care. 
• Injected medications.

Considerations when looking for Senior housing in Milwaukee, WI

There are 31 Skilled Nursing facilities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin . The estimated population of Milwaukee is 561,385 with 11.8% of that number being those ages 65 and older. In Milwaukee, the summers are warm; the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 18°F to 81°F and is rarely below -0°F or above 90°F.

Cities near Milwaukee, WI

• Shorewood, WI – 4 miles north
• Wauwatosa, WI – 5 miles west
• West Allis, WI – 6 miles southwest
• Oak Creek, WI – 13 miles south
• Brookfield, WI – 14 miles west

Pricing and How to Pay for Skilled Nursing

Paying for senior care depends on several factors. On average, residents can expect to pay $12,958 per month for Skilled Nursing services. These fees encompass personalized care, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience. Keep in mind these costs may fluctuate depending on factors such as location and facility amenities.

Paying for Senior Living and Care will vary depending on a few factors. For instance, the level of care needed; the income and savings of the resident; the state and location of the community; or if the resident is a veteran. In the United States there are over 400 programs that may offer some monetary relief for senior care, but often the majority of costs are covered by private funds and family assistance. These funds come from our Federal, State, and Local Governments. 

It is important to take your time when exploring payment and coverage options.

Private pay – YES:

• Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
• Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
• Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.

Medicare -MAYBE:

Medicare will TYPICALLY cover Skilled Nursing (SNF) care ONLY under these factors: 

• People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
• Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
• The person has Medicare Part A, and has available days left in their benefit period. The person has a qualified hospital stay. (3 consecutive midnights or more) 
• The individual must enter SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital. 
• The person’s doctor has ordered inpatient services at a skilled nursing facility. 
• The individual must need and receive the skilled care daily. The care provided must be care that the person can only receive in a SNF. 
• The person needs skilled services because of an ongoing condition or a new condition that started while in a SNF for treatment of an ongoing condition. 
• The skilled services must be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the condition.  
• You must receive the care in a Medicare certified SNF.

Medicaid – MAYBE:

Medicaid can be a payer source if the patient needs both care and has a financial hardship based on the individual state criteria. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government; and national guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines. Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program. Each state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.

• Skilled nursing falls under Medicaid’s Nursing Facility Services. 
• People who are eligible for Medicaid must meet the state criteria for skilled nursing care. 
• The state of residency must abide by federal law and regulations when setting their skilled nursing care requirements.  
• The patient meets the state guidelines for income and asset limits.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.For a clearer understanding on coverage contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:

Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care services at some point, so naturally, buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.

• Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
• Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.

Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:

This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.

• There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
• A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
• If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Milwaukee, WI

• Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
  • Address: 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53215
  • Phone: (414) 649-6000
• Froedtert Hospital
  • Address: 9200 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226
  • Phone: (414) 805-3000
• Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Milwaukee Campus
  • Address: 2301 N. Lake Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53211
  • Phone: (414) 585-1000
• Aurora Sinai Medical Center
  • Address: 945 N. 12th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
  • Phone: (414) 219-2000
• Ascension St. Francis Hospital
  • Address: 3237 S. 16th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
  • Phone: (414) 647-5000

Questions to ask a skilled nursing facility

• Is the facility licensed?
• Has the facility’s license ever been revoked?
• Is the facility Medicare/Medicaid certified?
• What types of insurance is accepted?
• Are all specific medical needs able to be met?
• What services are offered?
• What is the rate for basic care?
• Are any reviews available to be seen by the public?
• Are protocols in place to ensure healthy, balanced meals?
• What if an individual has specific dietary restrictions, can they be met at the facility?

Additional questions and inquiries to ask skilled nursing facilities

• What should a new resident (patient) bring with them?
• What is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?
• What happens in case of an emergency?
• Can the family pet visit the resident?
• What is the level of privacy?
• What are the available social activities?
• What is the hours for family visits?
• Can patients request special meals for dietary needs?
• Are skilled nursing facilities connected to hospitals?
• How big are the rooms?
• What are the training requirements of skilled nurses?

Resources and Links

Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources State unit on aging, oversees county and tribal aging units.
Contact for state policy questions or complaints about AoA services and programs. For linkage to local aging network providers.

Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center Operated by GWAAR, the Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center (WGSC) responds to requests for information through a toll-free helpline or by e-mail. Calls are returned in the order in which they are received. Helpline staff are not able to provide legal advice but provide information for consumers (including wards), family and friends, professionals, and others.

Wisconsin State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) The program offers counseling and assistance on a variety of topics including: Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, and other health insurance options.

Legal Action of Wisconsin, SeniorLAW Project SeniorLAW is a project of Legal Action of Wisconsin which provides quality free legal assistance to Milwaukee County residents age 60 and older.

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

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