At first, Margaret Nelson-Merwin didn’t want to move into an assisted living apartment. She didn’t think her nearly 13-year-old chow, Sophie, would like it either.

“The doctor recommended it,” said Nelson-Merwin, 71. “The dog and I were both used to a big house.”

Nelson-Merwin’s opinion has changed five months after moving to Wynwood Kenosha, 7377 88th Ave. (Highway H) in Kenosha.

“Now I love it,” she said. “I walk my dog about five times every day around the whole thing.”

Verdelle Fulmer, 92, and her 9-year-old sheltie, Brett, moved into the Wynwood two months ago since Fulmer could no longer live alone.

“I like the company, and everyone here is very friendly,” she said. “I like the way it’s set up, and they serve good food.”

In recent years, assisted living has become a popular choice for seniors who aren’t ready for a nursing home.

Such seniors are still somewhat independent, but may need help with housework, regulating their medication, or can no longer live alone for various reasons.

As they usually don’t need a lot of medical supervision or around-the-clock nursing care, medical staff aren’t on the premises 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But most facilities do have a nurse during the regular work week.

“Assisted living is a nice option; it offers a little bit more personalized care. Residents have the freedom of choice to come and go. It’s a least-restricted environment,” said Jessica Wilson, executive director of Wynwood Kenosha.

More services offered

The Kenosha County Division of Aging and Disability Services lists 17 assisted living facilities for those who need help with basic medication or household services, plus facilities for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and for those with disabilities.

There are also smaller group home settings and centers that offer different support services as needed.

The biggest change in recent years may be that assisted living has become a more-accepted option.

“Ten years ago, everyone thought an apartment with housekeeping and food service was enough,” said Ted McMahon, executive director of Parkside Manor, 6300 67th St., part of CRL Senior Living Communities, one of the largest assisted living providers in Wisconsin.

“The population coming up is demanding more service and a higher level of services. Baby boomers are starting to come into these issues. We also have seen younger patients (needing such care).”

While many seniors prefer their own home or apartments, what makes assisted living different is the structure: regular scheduled activities, group meals and special events to keep residents active and involved. Nutritional and therapeutic needs are also carefully reviewed.

Privately run

The main difference from other nursing facilities is that assisted living centers are privately run and paid by individuals or through insurance. Some centers may also offer information on financial planning services. Most do not accept Medicare.

Costs range from around $2,600 to more than $5,000 a month, depending on services used and room sizes, usually studio to one-bedroom.

Facilities are graded and licensed by the state as a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) in which five or more unrelated people receive care or treatment beyond room and board, or a Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC), where people can handle their own medication and laundry. Facilities are also graded based on services and number of residents.

As the population ages, the need for such services is reflected in the industry’s growth, with new facilities on the horizon, such as the new center being planned at St. Catherine’s Commons.

“I think there is more of a need,” said Deborah Schmidt, director of Canterbury Home, 7924 36th Ave.

“Years ago you used to take in your parent,” Schmidt said. “Now with both people having to work, I think there is more of a need” for different facilities. “It’s more acceptable than it used to be five, 10 years ago.

“We have more people who are visiting friends their age. They have a different outlook. For some it’s a hard adjustment from the physical aspect — they’re not cooking, doing laundry and vacuuming. Coming here, you spend your time differently once you get into a routine. It’s a different lifestyle.”