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Appleton is home to nearly 76,000 people and a senior community that makes up a little over 15% of the population. It’s a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network and is a popular retirement destination for older adults seeking affordability and access to public transportation and medical facilities. Its overall cost of living is 15% lower than the national average, and seniors don’t pay state income taxes on Social Security benefits.
Seniors who need help with daily activities, such as grooming and bathing, but don’t require ongoing skilled nursing services may be good candidates for assisted living. Residents receive services, such as daily meals, housekeeping and transportation, and participate in recreational activities, such as games, movie afternoons and discussion groups. Some assisted living facilities are pet-friendly and have on-site amenities, such as dog parks, fitness centers and swimming pools. Monthly fees vary by facility, but on average, seniors in Appleton pay $5,138 per month for services. This is high compared to average fees in other cities across Wisconsin.
This guide provides more information on how assisted living costs in Appleton compare to rates in other Wisconsin cities, along with your options for paying for services.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Wisconsin. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Seniors in Appleton pay $5,138 per month for assisted living services.
Appleton is a comparatively costly place to obtain assisted living services, with facilities charging approximately $5,138 for monthly care. This is over $500 higher than the state rate of $4,600 and over $600 more than the national average of $4,500.
Appleton’s assisted living rates are fairly high compared to other surveyed cities in Wisconsin, with monthly fees coming in at $5,138. This is about $300 lower than in Racine, where care costs are the highest in the state at $5,450, and about $200 lower than in Milwaukee, where facilities charge $5,324. In Madison, seniors pay $4,800 per month for residential care. Assisted living in Eau Claire is considerably cheaper at $4,375, and in Fond du Lac and Wausau, respective care costs are among the lowest in the state at $4,175 and $4,125.
How to Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Appleton
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Wisconsin.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Thompson Center on Lourdes | (920) 939-3088 | Thompson Center on Lourdes is a non-profit recreational center open to Appleton residents aged 50 and over. It provides educational opportunities, wellness screenings and services and recreational programming. The center is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and lunches are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. |
| Aging and Disability Resource Center | (866) 739-2372 | The Aging and Disability Resource Center serves older adults in the Appleton region through unbiased information on community-based resources and public benefits, referrals for social and wellness services, long-term care enrollment counseling and assistance with accessing public benefits that may help pay for assisted living. It also offers long-term care ombudsman services to help residents in assisted living facilities understand their rights, find solutions to financial issues and resolve problems with intake and discharge. |
| Veterans Services | (920) 832-5697 | Outagamie County’s Veterans Services Office is located in Appleton and provides in-person assistance with access to federal and state benefits, such as Aid and Attendance and disability compensation. The office also provides referrals for services in the community and helps older veterans obtain counseling services and medical care. |
| Volunteer Fox Cities | (920) 832-9360 | Volunteer Fox Cities’ RSVP Program has exclusive volunteer opportunities for older adults, enabling them to build relationships and use their interests and prior work experience to benefit their community. Participants can serve on the Special Projects Team, which provides administrative assistance to over 20 nonprofit agencies in the Appleton region. Volunteers can also provide friendly visits and phone calls to housebound members of the community or tutor children in the Appleton Area School District. |
| Senior Transportation Services | (920) 832-5789 | The Senior Transportation Service serves Appleton residents aged 60 and over. Through this service, older adults can access curb-to-curb para-transit service for errands, recreational outings and non-emergency medical appointments. This service is available on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. To use this service, you must schedule your reservation before 5 p.m. the day before your trip. The vehicle arrives within 15 minutes before or after your scheduled pick-up time. Currently, the one-way fare is $4, and exact cash is required. |
| Medigap Helpline | (800) 242-1060 | The Medigap Helpline is a toll-free hotline run by the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care. Through this resource, you can talk with a specialist who can answer your questions about Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans and long-term care insurance. The helpline can also help you determine whether you qualify for the state’s Medicaid program and Medicaid Personal Care, which can help cover some services in assisted living facilities. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Appleton area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
