Port Washington is a small city located 23 miles north of Milwaukee along the shore of Lake Michigan. Compared to the United States as a whole, there’s a slightly higher percentage of seniors living in the city and, as of the 2020 U.S. Census, Port Washington is home to 2,186 people aged 65 and over. The city is a relatively safe place to live, with property and violent crime occurring at less than half the national average rate. Additionally, Port Washington has excellent air quality, resulting in drastically lower risk levels for respiratory illnesses and cancers caused by pollutants, and there are more than twice as many physicians per capita compared to the nation.
There are seven assisted living facilities in Port Washington, most of which are large apartment-style communities, and an additional 11 are in the wider region. According to the Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey, this level of care costs an average of $5,073 per month in Port Washington.
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 >
With an average monthly cost of $5,073 for assisted living, Port Washington is 15.3% more expensive than the norm for Wisconsin. The U.S. average of $4,300 per month is $100 below the state median. Neighboring states are priced similarly to Wisconsin with Iowa being the most affordable at $4,073. Illinois is the most expensive at $4,575. Minnesota and Michigan are slightly cheaper than Wisconsin at $4,283 and $4,200 respectively.
Nearby cities included in the cost survey, such as Racine and Sheboygan, offer cheaper assisted living at $4,650 and $4,950 per month. Seniors in Madison save $117 compared to those in Port Washington, and the cost of care in Green Bay is significantly lower at $3,800 per month. Appleton is the least affordable area, adding $427 to the monthly average.
Note: Data for Port Washington was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Milwaukee, was used instead.
Residents of Port Washington who meet income limits and other requirements may be eligible for health coverage through Wisconsin Medicaid. This program alone doesn’t provide coverage for assisted living. The individual must also qualify for one or more additional Medicaid programs for seniors. Specifically, the Family Care program covers personal care and other costs related to assisted living with the exception of room and board.
Read more details about the help that’s available on our Assisted Living in Wisconsin page.
Contact | Description | |
Ozaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Center | (866) 537-4261 | The countywide ADRC has its main office in Port Washington. It’s open weekdays during regular business hours, and its website provides a wealth of information 24/7. Seniors, family members and caregivers can call to speak with knowledgeable staff about long-term care needs, benefits, nutrition and various health and wellness programs available to locals. Staff can also help to create a plan for future care needs, including coordination of services from government agencies and nonprofits. The website has a directory to help residents who aren’t aware of the services available. |
Port Washington Community Senior Center | (262) 284-5821 | The local senior center has many functions for residents living in their own home or elsewhere in the community, and a full schedule of events is available on its website. There are many senior-friendly exercise classes to improve strength, balance and overall fitness as well as opportunities for fun and games with canasta, bingo, Wii sports and other favorites. Seniors in assisted living and those planning on making the move can seek guidance in the transition process and ways to assess their future needs from senior center staff who communicate with other local organizations and agencies. |
Elder Benefit Specialists | (866) 537-4261 | Seniors aged 60 and older are eligible for free help and guidance on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other senior benefits programs available in the area. The EBS network can also help solve problems if an individual has been denied service for preventable reasons, such as a lack of understanding or minor eligibility disqualifications that can be remedied. |
211 Wisconsin | 211 | This free helpline and website provides seniors and caregivers with a comprehensive database of the health and human services available in Port Washington and beyond. Operators take calls 24/7, and additional text message and web chat options allow locals to reach out and get answers from real people in over 180 languages. The website also hosts a searchable database of resources for those who prefer a self-service approach. |
Ozaukee County Veterans Services Office | (262) 238-8326 | Veterans may be eligible for additional financial help from the VA and other sources as their health care needs and accommodations change over time, and it’s the VSO’s job to help determine what’s possible and how to access such services. Fellow veterans at the Port Washington office can help in obtaining discharge papers and other important information that can be used to apply for federal VA programs, such as Aid and Attendance, which can cover many assisted living costs. |
Port Washington’s assisted living facilities are regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. State employees are responsible for reviewing license applications, certifying facilities and performing routine inspections as well as investigations of any complaints. Learn more about the legal requirements on our Assisted Living in Wisconsin page.