Wisconsin Senior Living

Wisconsin may be often overlooked as a place to retire but the Badger State is ripe with history, charm, beer and football. There are also few other places where you can call someone a 'cheesehead' and they take it as a compliment. Some areas are still quite rural with farms and country living while the main cities are very cosmopolitan and full of all the amenities and conveniences for excellent Wisconsin senior living options.

According to the US Census Bureau, as of 2011 the national average of America's population aged 65 and over sat at 13.3%. Wisconsin's state average of seniors amongst its fair borders is 13.9%, almost right on the mark. This generally indicates existing facilities and centers established to meet the needs and whims of retiring citizens. Senior living in Wisconsin has something for everyone, now more than ever!

Wisconsin Assisted Living Costs

Wisconsin Assisted Living divides itself into two categories: one is Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCAC), which are independent apartments that offer housing for five and sometimes more adult residents with as many as 28 hours of assisted care for basic daily tasks and medicine management. The other is Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRF) that is basically the same but extends only three hours per week of assisted nursing care. Wisconsin Assisted Living is regulated via the Bureau of Assisted Living, a subdivision of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance. The Division of Quality Assurance exists only to keep an eye on assisted living facilities including the aforementioned.

Wisconsin offers a variety of independent living establishments to choose from where the median monthly cost runs $2,460, which is the average between the lowest at $1,995 and the highest of $2,893. *From the SeniorHomes.com 2012 Independent Living Cost Survey. (http://www.seniorhomes.com/p/independent-living-costs/)

Retiring in Wisconsin

Kiplinger figures Wisconsin as a mixed bag of tax signals. While Social Security is exempt, the rest of your retirement income sources (annuities and pensions) are taxed as the federal government taxes them. There are some exemptions or breaks especially for those of low incomes and overall the state's sale tax is reasonable. As of January 1st, 2013 Wisconsin will resume the federal inheritance and estate tax laws.

Did you know that...?

• The Badger State's sales tax is 5%, where food and prescription drugs are exempt. *www.kiplinger.com
• Wisconsin boasts a huge German-American heritage.
• Wisconsin's economy is driven by agriculture, health care and manufacturing.
• The state has a huge tourism industry thanks to its many unique sights and Summerfest.

Best Cities for Retirement in Wisconsin

Milwaukee, known for big brewing, is Wisconsin's largest city. It is also far below the national average for cost of living by 14%. Homes cost on average $83,800 but the unemployment rate is just a bit below national average. In 2005, Milwaukee was ranked at #4 as one of the best cities for seniors to live. It is also a very popular holiday destination. It is still a good choice for senior retirees. Green Bay sits at 9.60% below the national average for cost of living. It is family oriented, friendly and takes great pride in its football team. Many residents claim it has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a major modern city. Madison is more expensive in terms of living costs which is 12.20% higher than national average, but it has a low (4.40%) unemployment rate and was ranked #1 as the Most Secure Places to Live in the U.S., Large Metro Area. It weighed in as #6 for Best Places for Military Retirees. It is a very good choice for seasoned citizens.

Health Care

Wisconsin has some 150 top-notch hospitals and medical centers. Illinois shares a border and if Wisconsin does not have something, Illinois will but you would be hard-pressed not to find the Badger State's offerings more than sufficient.

Quick Medical Guide for Wisconsin:

• A list of localconsumer hospitals
• The Wisconsin Hospital Association website
• Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services

Activities for Seniors

The Badger State boasts some amazing landmarks and sights such as the Wisconsin Dells, full of amazing attractions such as Noah's Ark, the world's largest water park. Door County is a peninsula well known for its camping, beaches, lighthouses and wineries. Certainly, brewery tours are popular amongst tourists and residents alike. You'll definitely want to catch a home Packer's game and experience wearing a giant foam cheese wedge hat. Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa all share a border with lakes galore between them. There are always festivals being held, museums to stroll and galleries to peruse and appreciate. Night life is varied and lively with all kinds of entertainment and gastric delights. Golfing is a must and Wisconsin boasts quite a few mini golf courses, too. See the House on the Rock, the Circus World museum and the EEA Oshkosh Airshow. This state offers plenty for active seniors to enjoy.

Local Weather

Wisconsin celebrates four distinct seasons in a humid continental climate. It has hot summers and cold winters with mild springs and autumns. Naturally some areas within the state are hotter or colder than others depending on elevation and location to a large body of water. Want to know what the weather is like right now? Take a look at the current Wisconsin temps!

Sharp Seniors has 50 Senior Living Facilities in Wisconsin

• 47 of them offer Senior Living
• 42 of them offer Assisted Living
• 29 of them offer Respite
• 18 of them offer Alzheimer's Care
• 2 of them offer Continuing Care (CCRC)