Capitol Lakes Independent Living sits right in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, and is known for its continuing care retirement community status, so folks living there can move between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing if their needs change over time, which really saves some worry. The community has a 3.5-star review rating, meaning most residents and families report a good experience, and you'll see men and women both living here. People have access to private and semi-private apartments, including 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and even large apartments over 2,000 square feet, so you do get a lot of choice and there's space for everyone, and you can bring your own style into each room, plus all the rooms come with cable TV, internet, kitchenettes, air conditioning, and private baths with wheelchair accessible showers.
For care, the campus is really set up for aging in place; there are nurses on staff around the clock, doctors on call, licensed vocational nurses, and caregivers to help with daily living, and you'll see services like medication help, wound care, and health care staff for everything from dental checkups to speech, occupational, and physical therapy, and you don't even need to leave the building for a podiatrist or home health care, and there are also psychiatrists and psychoanalysts if anyone needs help with their mental health, so you've got a full range of services right there. The memory support program has staff specially trained for dementia care and there's a separate Alzheimer's care unit with about 30 beds, with rooms that are clean and updated and safety measures in place for people who wander or need extra monitoring. Some areas, though, like the assisted living and memory care units, might feel a bit outdated and not as fresh as the newer independent living spaces, but staff is caring and helps residents with anything they need.
Capitol Lakes makes daily life easier by offering meals with choices like kosher or vegetarian, laundry and cleaning services, and transportation for doctor's visits or shopping, so people don't have to fuss over chores if they don't want to, and there's complimentary beauty and barber services for those who like to look sharp. Residents can stay active using the fitness center, multiple indoor pools in the Aquatic and Wellness Center, and outdoor walking paths and patios, while group classes like yoga and mindfulness sessions help keep both bodies and minds in shape. There are wide elevators and doorways for wheelchairs, and the staff help people get around the campus. There's parking, but a lot of folks like the community transport or buses for outings.
Food is served in two on-campus restaurants with a professional chef making meals from organic ingredients, and people eat together, which builds up the community feeling, and there are social and activity rooms, a library, organized day trips, and plenty of games, art shows, and clubs like sports and hobbies, so there's always something to do for those who want to join in and meet new people. Pets are allowed in the independent living apartments, and the staff tries to run things so people feel welcome and connected. Safety features and a 24-hour call system bring peace of mind, and people who need extra help or short-term stays, like after surgery, can get skilled nursing or rehab recovery right on site.
The community is affiliated with the Wisconsin Alumni Association and Pacific Retirement Services, which is a point of pride for some people, and their CCRC entrance fee program gives residents a way to plan for care as they age. There's also an option for direct admission into assisted living, which isn't common in downtown Madison, so that sets Capitol Lakes apart. Housekeeping, linen services, internet and cable, and outings are all part of daily life, and people here try to make the most of their retirement years in a place set up to support activity, health, and friendships throughout all stages of getting older.
