Consumer Guide: Finding and Choosing a Nursing Home

In Wisconsin, the state licenses and regulates certain nursing homes and swing bed hospitals. There's a directory with details about each regulated nursing home and swing bed hospital. View the directories in Excel or as a PDF.

What is a nursing home and swing bed hospital?

A nursing home is a facility that provides 24-hour nursing services. This includes room and board for five or more people who aren't related. Often, people who live in nursing homes need constant care because of their physical or mental condition. Some people get the care they would get at a nursing home at the hospital. These hospitals are called swing bed hospitals.

When looking for the right nursing home, it's important to find one that you like and trust. It should meet your needs. We have resources to help you find and choose a nursing home that works for you.

Nursing home resources

Expand the section that applies to you to view a list of resources. Select a link to learn more.

Along with the directories, these resources can help you learn more about nursing home options. Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) doesn't refer people to specific nursing homes. We do offer many state and national resources, though, that can help you choose.

  • Aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) - Learn how ADRCs serve the public and how to contact your local ADRC. ADRCs help with issues that affect older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. Your ADRC makes it easy to learn about options near you and apply for programs and benefits. Their services are free if you live in Wisconsin.
  • Assisted Living Facility Trends and Statistics - View data about each type of assisted living facility. Includes who they serve, how many they serve, the number of staff, and more.
  • Choosing Care Providers - Know what questions to ask and steps to take when finding a new provider. This resource is from the Alzheimer's Association.
  • Medicare.gov Resources & Information - Expand the nursing homes section to find helpful tools, including a checklist of what to look for when visiting a nursing home.
  • Nursing Home Residents - Find information on topics that help you advocate for quality care. This resource is from The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
  • Provider Search - Use the Provider Search tool to find health and residential care providers in Wisconsin. You can filter results to show only certain types of facilities, such as nursing homes.
  • Residential Care Options by County - Access details about residential care options based on where you live. Use a map or county listing to select your county and learn more.

These resources show how consumers rate certain nursing homes. They also show which nursing homes have gotten citations for not meeting state requirements.

These resources can help you understand laws that protect you and your care.

Caregiving - Learn how to care for a person with Alzheimer's or dementia. Find resources and tips for caregivers from the Alzheimer's Association.

Glossary

 
Last revised July 3, 2024