The advantage of Badger Prairie Health Care Center is that it is a nursing home with an Alzheimer's ward. They take Medicaid and memory care centers do not. Although they’re extremely expensive, if your loved one was on Medicaid, it would be a very nice place for them. Everyone is very nice and well paid because they’re government employees, so they’re much better trained to deal with people with Alzheimer's and dementia. The dining area was nice. They have private rooms with a bed and cable TV and their own bathroom attached. It's probably one of the best places.

My mother's care has been exemplary. The staff, from the administration tote daily care and weekend unit nurses, have a genuine concern, attachment and focus on the individuals in the units. Each person is treated with dignity and respect, and the welcomes never lost! I feel so comforted, as the child, to know that I can trust the people who care for my mother every day. Her needs are provided for every step of the way, and communication about those needs is always forthcoming. The community is also supportive, with gifts and cards for the residents for special times. This is a wonderful hospital and I am thankful every day test we have been able to have my mother live at Badger Prairie.

Badger Prairie is a skilled nursing facility just outside of Madison. It's been in the community since 1845, but they have a big, beautiful new building, just off Highway 151. It's 120 beds in 12 units, so with just 10 to a unit, each unit feels small. It's a county facility, and the staff have excellent longevity and specialized training. They have PT, OT, speech, and psych services. They've had positive state survey results, and, because they have a large, well-trained staff, they're well able to handle difficult situations and behaviors. I haven't eaten the food, but I hear good reports. And they have excellent activities programming--structured group activities and psych services. A few downsides: Because it's the Dane County Home, they can't take anyone outside the county. And even for those eligible, the admission process can be slow. Also, Badger Prairie was originally the insane asylum, and the old building was scary. For some people in the area, it still has that stereotype. But now they have an excellent new building to go with the excellent care they provide.