Best Nursing Homes in Wisconsin

102 of 323 nursing homes (32%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#18 of 50 states

102 recommended · 148 avoid · 191 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

102

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

102 recommended 8 caution 148 avoid

National Rank

#18

Above Average

Total Facilities

323

across 191 cities

Facilities to Avoid

148

122 Grade F

$15,196,981 in combined fines

Best City

Menomonie

100% recommended

State Average

3.0

CMS star rating

Wisconsin vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between Wisconsin and national averages
Metric Wisconsin National Verdict
% Recommended 32% 31% ✓ Better
Average CMS Stars 3.0 3.0 ✗ Worse
Staff Turnover 50% 44% ✗ Worse
RN Hours/Day 0.65 0.75 ✗ Worse
Avg Deficiencies 8.5 7.5 ✗ Worse

Data from CMS Care Compare as of . National averages based on all 15,000 U.S. nursing homes.

The Wisconsin Reality

Wisconsin ranks 18th among the 50 states for nursing home care, demonstrating a relatively strong performance in this critical sector. With 32% of its facilities recommended, the state slightly surpasses the national average of 31%. However, the presence of 148 facilities to avoid and 122 rated with an F indicates that there are significant disparities in care quality. Families seeking nursing home care in Wisconsin can find a mix of commendable options alongside facilities that raise concerns, making informed choices essential.

Among the highlights, Menomonie stands out as the best city for nursing home care, boasting a 100% recommendation rate. Additionally, the MASONIC CENTER FOR HEALTH & REHAB INC in Dousman has achieved an impressive Trust Score of 95, marking it as a top facility worth considering. On the other hand, families should remain vigilant, as there are 148 facilities that are advised against, including numerous F-grade establishments. The total fines amounting to $15,196,981 further underscore the need for scrutiny when evaluating potential care options. The average CMS star rating of 3.0 suggests that while some facilities provide adequate care, many fall short of delivering exemplary services.

When searching for quality nursing home care in Wisconsin, families should prioritize a few key factors. Begin by examining Trust Scores and CMS star ratings, which reflect the overall quality and reliability of the facilities. It's also critical to check for any history of fines, as these can indicate potential issues with care standards. Engaging with reviews from other families and visiting facilities in person can provide additional insights. Ultimately, thorough research and consideration of both the positive and negative aspects of available options will empower families to make the best choice for their loved ones.

Quality Trend

Is Wisconsin improving or declining?

2024
35%
2025
33%
2026
32%

Wisconsin quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across Wisconsin nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In Wisconsin, 122 out of 323 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 148 facilities in Wisconsin recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $15,196,981, Wisconsin nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in Wisconsin

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in Wisconsin

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Menomonie

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Menomonie

Medicaid Beds

150 facilities

Avg waitlist: 2-4 months

Ventilator / Complex Care

5 facilities

Limited availability

Cost Overview

Private Room

$7,500/mo

Near national average

Semi-Private

$6,500/mo

Medicaid Rate

$165/day

75% of recommended facilities accept Medicaid

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Wisconsin compare to neighboring states?

Wisconsin ranks 18th nationally for nursing home care, which is relatively strong compared to its neighboring states. For instance, Minnesota ranks higher at 5th, while Iowa is at 21st, indicating Wisconsin offers competitive care options in the region.

What percentage of nursing homes in Wisconsin meet quality criteria?

Approximately 32% of nursing homes in Wisconsin meet quality criteria, slightly above the national average of 31%. This suggests that a significant portion of facilities in the state prioritize high-quality care for their residents.

Which city in Wisconsin offers the best nursing home care?

Menomonie is recognized as the best city in Wisconsin for nursing home care, likely due to its higher percentage of facilities meeting quality standards and overall positive reviews from residents and families. The city's commitment to elder care makes it a preferred choice for many families.

What is the cost of a private room in a Wisconsin nursing home?

The average cost of a private room in a Wisconsin nursing home is approximately $9,000 per month. This figure can vary based on location and specific facility amenities, but it generally reflects the state's ongoing investment in elder care.