Cottages of Madison- Elmwood
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5575 Burke Rd., Madison, WI 53718
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Cottages of Madison- Elmwood offers a studio accommodation at $5,200 per month, which is notably higher than both the Dane County average of $4,418 and the state of Wisconsin's average monthly cost of $3,999 for similar living arrangements. This pricing reflects the unique amenities and specialized care services that Cottages of Madison- Elmwood provides, catering to a clientele seeking an enhanced quality of life in a supportive environment. While the costs are elevated compared to local and state averages, they also indicate a commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering a vibrant community for residents.
| Floor plans | Cottages of Madison- Elmwood | Dane County | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $5,200 | $4,418 | $3,999 |
The Cottages of Madison has turned around under new management, new staff, and a fresh look. Jelisa was extremely pleasant and helpful, a reassuring presence for residents. The father has been getting excellent care since the ownership change, with engaged staff and ongoing updates. Rachelle ensures frequent updates and helps family members participate remotely, showing genuine care. One staff member was amazing and very helpful on move-in day.
The Cottages of Madison is described as terrible and not worth recommending for a loved one. A resident was allegedly left sitting in urine and poop, eventually developing bed sores. Staff are described as rude, mean, and uncaring, with some being distracted by their phones. Night staff are accused of sleeping on duty and not watching residents. The facility reportedly runs out of toilet paper, coffee, and food, and bathrooms are not cleaned. There are accounts of neglect and abuse by staff, including inappropriate sexual behavior by a caregiver. The overall culture is portrayed as apathetic, with management unresponsive and untrustworthy. Medications are mishandled, with some doses not given or inappropriately crushed and administered. Families are not informed about health crises or hospital visits, and care is described as neglectful. The food is poor and calories are insufficient, with promised dietary accommodations often unmet. The facility is described as odorous, cold, and inadequately maintained.This community is best suited for families that will actively supervise care, demand transparent communication, and accept that leadership turnover can precede real improvement. Cottages of Madison- Elmwood has shown moments of potential under new ownership, with reports of refreshed staff and a more engaged approach to oversight. It is not a place that should be presumed to be consistently well-run, and success hinges on persistent, hands-on involvement from families who won't tolerate status quo care.
Those weighing it against alternatives should consider whether reliability and predictability are non-negotiable. Families seeking a consistently high-quality, fully staffed environment with steady access to essentials, or those needing robust clinical oversight or memory-care programming, may want to look elsewhere. The lack of private bathrooms, variable food quality, and persistent supply gaps are deal-breakers for some, as are concerns about nighttime staffing and safety practices. If a parent requires very tight scrutiny of daily routines and medication administration, other communities with longer track records may be safer bets.
On the plus side, the recent leadership shift has produced a concrete sense of change in some cases. Prospective residents may experience better communication, more frequent updates, and a willingness from certain staff to engage families through conversations, calls, or video check-ins. Positive anecdotes exist where a director or an advocate within the team appears genuinely invested in a resident's well-being, and where staff members display courtesy and attentiveness. These signals - the best-case scenarios - show what is possible when leadership aligns with hands-on care.
However, the weight of the negative experiences across multiple reviews cannot be ignored. Core concerns center on staffing instability and inconsistent care, especially during night shifts, with reports of staff appearing distracted, on their phones, or unable to respond promptly. Recurrent shortages of basic supplies - food, toiletries, toilet paper - paired with odors, cleanliness lapses, and malfunctioning laundry or heating create environments that undermine dignity and safety. Instances of ignored help requests, inadequate supervision, and lapses in medication handling paint a troubling pattern. Allegations of misconduct by staff and a troubling cultural tone described as apathetic or punitive further complicate the decision, even if some residents do receive compassionate care in isolated moments.
The critical question is whether the demonstrated improvements can realistically offset the deep-seated concerns. The occasional positive interactions and documented communication efforts do not erase repeated episodes of neglect or the structural gaps that leave residents vulnerable. For families willing to accept ongoing guardrails - strict service agreements, routine on-site visits, and verifiable metrics for safety, cleanliness, and nutrition - the place may function better than earlier headlines suggested. For others, the risk profile remains too high: personal safety, timely assistance, and basic comforts are non-negotiable, and inconsistent performance across these dimensions makes alternatives more attractive.
Decision-makers should approach admission with a clear, enforceable plan: insist on a comprehensive care plan with explicit response times, a documented staffing model with named supervisors, and a transparent supply and sanitation routine. Verify the facility's policy on medication administration, call-system accessibility, and emergency response procedures. Tour at different times, speak with multiple families, and request recent incident and safety improvement records. If any red flags persist - ongoing supply shortages, heat or plumbing issues, or unreliable night coverage - tove toward alternatives rather than accepting a best-case narrative.
In the end, this community is a high-variance choice: it can deliver better engagement and a turning-point in care under dedicated leadership, but it remains prone to serious, recurring gaps that threaten comfort, safety, and dignity. Families with the bandwidth to demand accountability and a willingness to intervene regularly may find value here, especially if the new leadership continues to demonstrate genuine responsiveness. Those prioritizing steady reliability, predictable routines, and rigorous safety standards should consider other options first, reserving Cottages of Madison- Elmwood for cases where a vigilant, hands-on approach is feasible and ongoing.
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Dane County Regional (3 miles away)
Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.Cottages of Madison- Elmwood is a top-notch assisted living community located in the beautiful city of Madison, WI. With a focus on providing exceptional memory care, residents can expect to receive specialized support and personalized attention.
Our community offers a variety of amenities to ensure our residents' comfort and well-being. Devotional services off-site are available for those seeking spiritual guidance or participation in religious activities. The indoor common areas provide a cozy and welcoming environment where residents can socialize, relax, and engage in various recreational activities.
At Cottages of Madison- Elmwood, we understand the unique needs of residents with diabetes. Our dedicated staff is trained to provide expert diabetic care to ensure individuals receive the appropriate support and management for their condition.
We believe that staying active and engaged is essential for our residents' overall well-being. Devotional activities offsite are regularly organized to encourage spiritual growth and enjoyment outside the community.
Conveniently located near several cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals; our residents have easy access to various services and resources.
Choose Cottages of Madison- Elmwood as your trusted assisted living community where compassionate care meets an enriching lifestyle.
This part of Madison, Wisconsin is a bustling and convenient area with an array of amenities within close proximity. There are several reputable physicians and healthcare facilities nearby, including TLC Laser Eye Centers and UW Health East Clinic. In terms of dining options, there is a variety of restaurants such as Hooters, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Sugar River Pizza to choose from. Cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks are also readily available for your convenience. For leisure activities, Flix Brewhouse offers entertainment options while several parks like Olbrich Park and Pheasant Run Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Additionally, transportation is easily accessible with Dane County Regional Airport just a short distance away. Overall, this area offers a mix of healthcare services, dining options, recreational facilities, and transportation accessibility making it a desirable location for senior living.
Cottages of Madison- Elmwood offers a studio accommodation at $5,200 per month, which is notably higher than both the Dane County average of $4,418 and the state of Wisconsin's average monthly cost of $3,999 for similar living arrangements. This pricing reflects the unique amenities and specialized care services that Cottages of Madison- Elmwood provides, catering to a clientele seeking an enhanced quality of life in a supportive environment. While the costs are elevated compared to local and state averages, they also indicate a commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering a vibrant community for residents.
Cottages of Madison- Elmwood is located at 5575 Burke Rd., Madison, WI 53718 in Dane County, Wisconsin
Yes, Cottages of Madison- Elmwood provides memory care services for residents with mild or advanced stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
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