{"id":1315017,"date":"2026-03-11T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wisconsinwatch.org\/?p=1315017"},"modified":"2026-03-10T16:02:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T21:02:11","slug":"wisconsin-assisted-living-finding-long-term-care-aging-disability-resource-centers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wisconsinwatch.org\/2026\/03\/wisconsin-assisted-living-finding-long-term-care-aging-disability-resource-centers\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding long-term care is hard. Here\u2019s how to start.","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/b><\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

Wisconsin has thousands of assisted living providers. Some are small houses; others are more like apartment complexes. Some take Medicaid, while others require residents to pay out of pocket. It\u2019s a lot to sort through, especially when someone needs care fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Searching \u201cassisted living\u201d on Google pulls up several pages of facilities, many listed under a prominent \u201csponsored results\u201d section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mixed in with actual providers are referral companies that promise a way to compare options. Long-term care referral companies don\u2019t typically charge families for their services. Instead, they often receive money from facilities they recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin lawmakers in May proposed legislation to make any financial relationships between a referral agency and an assisted living facility clearer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporters of the bill said disclosure requirements could help families make more informed decisions. Opposing the bill, referral companies argue that they are already transparent and that proposed guardrails would prevent them from helping more families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bill failed to pass before the Assembly adjourned last month. But the debate left me wondering: Where should someone start the search for care?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aging and disability resource centers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) can provide objective provider lists for free, alongside information about services and payment options, said Janet Zander, the advocacy and public policy coordinator with the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Inc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services lists ADRCs by county<\/a> online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ADRCs cannot recommend one facility over another, Zander said. But they can suggest what to look for during a tour. Zander also recommends looking at a facility\u2019s Wisconsin Division of Quality Assurance<\/a> surveys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can also help people identify what kind of care makes the most sense and explore aging at home, said Sara Tribe Clark, the director of the Eldercare Locator<\/a>, which offers local resources for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t

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What to know about Medicaid and assisted living in Wisconsin<\/a><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t

Wisconsin resources can help older adults find adequate, assisted living care, despite limited options for Medicaid recipients.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n

If you work with a referral agency, ask questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tribe Clark recommends asking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n