Walworth County Proposes Intergenerational Care Facility

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Walworth County is exploring a proposal to transform a vacant wing of the Lakeland Health Care Center nursing home into an intergenerational care facility. The plan, led by the Groundswell Collective community group, would create 12 senior apartments and a childcare center serving 60-70 children, addressing both senior care needs and the local childcare crisis.

Why it matters

Research shows that intergenerational care sites can boost well-being for both children and older people, reducing isolation, improving health, and cultivating empathy. This could be a cost-effective solution for Walworth County, which has faced shortages in both childcare and senior care services.

The details

The vacant wing at the county-owned Lakeland Health Care Center has been unused since 2019 due to staffing shortages. The Groundswell Collective is proposing to transform this space into an intergenerational facility, with 12 senior apartments and a childcare center for 60-70 children. The county has approved funding for a feasibility study to explore this idea further.

• The Lakeland Health Care Center wing has been vacant since 2019.
• In November 2025, the Walworth County Board approved funding for a feasibility study.
• As of January 2026, the proposal to create an intergenerational care facility is moving forward.

What’s next

As of January 2026, the grassroots effort to turn the wing into a shared 'Nursery to Nursing Home' space is moving forward with the feasibility study.