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Set along the side of the Mississippi River, the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, is an attractive retirement option for seniors who enjoy history, arts and natural beauty. The city is home to an older population, with approximately 7,000 out of over 51,000 residents being aged 65 and older. Retirees can enjoy their golden years hiking in one of the many parks the city offers, including the Hixon Forest and the La Crosse River Marsh. Residents can also take in concerts and other cultural events at the LaCrosse Center, stroll through the city’s charming downtown or visit the Historic Hixon House Museum.
Older adults in La Crosse pay an average of $3,845 each month for assisted living, per Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey in 2020. However, actual prices can change based on amenities and services offered.
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 >
According to data collected by Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey in 2020, assisted living facilities in La Crosse cost significantly less than the corresponding state and U.S. medians of $4,400 and $4,300. At $3,845 per month, La Crosse is also more affordable for assisted living than the medians in the bordering states of Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan.
La Crosse is one of the more affordable cities for assisted living in Wisconsin. Cities such as Janesville, Eau Claire and Wausau are in a similar price bracket but still more expensive, while in areas including Fond du Lac and Racine costs are even higher at $4,686 and $4,650, respectively. On the other side of the state in Milwaukee and Appleton, assisted living prices can soar to over $1,000 above those in La Crosse.
Medicaid-eligible older adults in Wisconsin may qualify for help with assisted living costs through the Wisconsin Medicaid Personal Care program. The state also offers financial assistance to seniors who receive Medicaid through the IRIS program, which was created to help pay for assisted living and delay the need to transition into a nursing home. Seniors who don’t qualify for Medicaid may still receive limited financial assistance through the Exceptional Expense Supplement for Members of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Wisconsin.
For more information on these state-funded benefits, visit our Assisted Living in Wisconsin page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Harry J. Olson Senior Center | (608) 781-2122 | Older adults in La Crosse can attend an array of low-cost social events at the Harry J. Olson local senior center. Activities include dancing evenings, bingo and art classes. |
| Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County | (608) 785-5700 | The county’s ADRC offers an array of services to seniors and their family members by acting as the first point of contact between older adults and available services in the area. The resource center provides information and referral services, long-term care counseling and benefits counseling. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive resource guide for seniors in La Crosse. |
| The Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (800) 815-0015 | This is a statewide program that can help older adults understand their rights when residing in assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen can advise seniors on financial assistance available to them and help them choose a suitable facility. Additionally, program volunteers can investigate concerns and complaints on behalf of residents. |
| La Crosse County Veterans Services | (608) 785-9719 | Senior veterans in La Crosse County can get in touch with the Veterans Services office for help and advice. Center staff can assist seniors to identify and apply for any benefits and pensions their military service entitles them to. |
| Elder Rights Project | (844) 614-5468 | This project is operated by the Legal Action Wisconsin nonprofit and is aimed at seniors aged 60 and over who have been affected by abuse or crime. Lawyers with the program can advise on both civil and criminal topics. |
| State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) | (800) 242-1060 | Managed by the state’s Board on Aging, the SHIP program assists older adults in understanding their health insurance options. Seniors can contact the program for free advice on matters such as Medigap, Medicare Supplement Insurance and other health benefit programs, including Medicaid. |
| Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) | (608) 785-0500 | This AmeriCorps program connects retirees with local volunteering opportunities. The program matches seniors with government agencies and nonprofits based on their experience and interests. |
Community-Based Residential Facilities such as assisted living communities need to adhere to the list of laws stated by the state’s Department of Health Services. See our Assisted Living in Wisconsin page for further details on these regulations.
