The Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Bureau of Assisted Living's annual overview of assisted living facilities and residential care for 2025 provides valuable insights into trends, regulatory initiatives, and quality assurance efforts across the state.

Growth and Capacity
Facility Numbers: The total number of assisted living facilities increased to 4,306 in 2025, up from 4,156 in 2024. This includes Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs), Adult Family Homes (AFHs), and Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCACs).

Resident Capacity: The overall capacity also rose, reaching 61,489 residents statewide. AFHs saw the largest growth in both number and capacity.

Ownership Landscape
Limited Liability Companies dominate ownership, especially in AFHs (66%) and CBRFs (55%). Corporations (both profit and non-profit) and proprietorships make up the remainder, with a small percentage owned by government or religious organizations.

Complaints and Enforcement
Complaints: In 2025, 2,329 complaints were received, with CBRFs accounting for 69% of these. Most complaints came from anonymous sources (36%) and relatives/guardians (25%).

Investigations: 35% of complaint investigations were substantiated. The most common issues involved program services, resident rights, and staff training.

Enforcement: 23.3% of facilities received enforcement actions, including forfeitures totaling over $933,000. The majority of enforcement cases involved failure to submit a plan of correction.

Regulatory Initiatives and Quality Improvement
Provider Portal: A new online system for licensure, renewals, and background checks was launched in December 2025, streamlining provider applications.

Quality Initiatives: The Bureau continues to promote quality improvement through collaborative workgroups and partnerships, such as the Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL).

Guidance Updates: New guidance was issued for electronic monitoring and updated requirements for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

Survey and Citation Trends
Surveys: 38.3% of facilities qualified for abbreviated surveys in 2025. Most abbreviated surveys (66%) found no deficiencies.

Top Citations: Common citations included issues with service plan updates, medication management, health monitoring, and maintaining a safe environment.

Facility Closures
Closures: 195 facilities closed in 2025, with 49% due to change of ownership and 44% voluntary closures.

Looking Ahead
The Bureau of Assisted Living remains committed to regulatory reform, quality improvement, and ensuring the safety and well-being of Wisconsin’s assisted living residents. For more information, visit the  DHS Provider Portal or contact Ken Brotheridge, Director of the Bureau of Assisted Living.