FCA logo

Family Caregiver Services by State

I am New to Caregiving Where Do I Start?

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/

The ADRC provides information on a variety of programs and services including long-term care options. The ADRC also helps people apply for programs and benefits, including publicly funded long-term care.

For questions or help with an aging or disability issue, contact the local ADRC.

ARCH National Respite Network

http://www.respitelocator.org

Online Respite Locator is a service to help families and professionals locate respite services in their community from a database of nearly 3,000 members.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

919-490-5577

The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Elder Locator links those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers with services such as meals, home care, transportation, caregiver training and education, or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities

Care Recipient Eligibility

Older adults and caregivers.

Caregiver Eligibility

Older adults and caregivers.

Contact Information

1-800-677-1116

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)

https://www.caregiver.org

FCA support and assists families and caregivers through education, advocacy and services. In addition to providing training to technical assistance to California’s Caregiver Resource Centers, FCA hosts the National Center on Caregiving (NCC). The NCC serves as a central source of information on caregiving and long-term care issues and works to advance policies and programs for caregivers in every state in the country.

CareNav is a simple, user-friendly tool designed to help families navigate the complexities of the caregiving journey. Register online or call us toll-free at 800.445.8106.

www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/fca-carenav/

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

(800) 445-8106 Available weekdays 9:00am - 5:00pm (Pacific Time)

Wisconsin Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/offices/regaaas.htm

AAAs offer aging services, including:
– Information and assistance
– Care management
– Nutrition services (i.e., Meals on Wheels)
– Legal assistance
– Services for family caregivers through the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

To be connected to your local AAA within Wisconsin please see website for contact information

Can I Get Help to Pay for Caregiving?

Wisconsin’s Family Care Program is a Medicaid long-term care program that provides a variety of services for older people, people with disabilities, and their families. This program offers “self-directed support”, which allows certain family members to be hired and paid as the personal care provider. Other services may include:

  • Case management
  • In-home care
  • Health care services
  • Employment services 

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone (excluding spouses)

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone (excluding spouses)

Contact Information

Dept. of Health Services: 608-267-7286

 

IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) Program

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/iris/index.htm

Wisconsin’s IRIS program is part of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. This program offers a “self-directed personal care” option, which allows the care recipient to direct their care to someone of their choice. Certain family members, excluding spouses and legal guardians, are allowed to be compensated as the personal care provider. 

Program is only available in Columbia, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee (serves the elderly population only), Ozaukee, Portage, Racine, Richland and Sheboygan Counties.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone (excluding spouses)

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone (excluding spouses)

Contact Information

IRIS Service Center (for people already enrolled in IRIS and seeking assistance): 888-515-4747

*For more information or to apply, see website to contact your local ADRC

The cost of that care varies based on care setting, geographic location of care and level of care required, among other things. The Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey tool can be used by you and your family to calculate the estimated cost of long term care in your city or State.

Information about eligibility and requirements for home and community-based services by state.

Government Benefits and General Information

Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP)

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/alzfcgsp.htm

Government program provides financial support to purchase goods and services related to the care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. Up to $4,000 may be available per person, depending on the resources of the county, to be used for:
– In-home care
– Respite
– Adult day services
– Transportation
– Home-delivered meals
– Specialized goods and equipment

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone caring for someone who meets care receiver eligibility.

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone caring for someone who meets care receiver eligibility.

Contact Information

(608) 266-1865 TTY: (888) 701-1251 To be connected to your local AAA within Wisconsin please see website for local telephone numbers

Benefits.gov

http://www.benefits.gov/

Benefits.gov (formerly GovBenefits.gov) was launched in an effort to provide citizens with easy, online access to government benefit and assistance programs. Eight years after its initial launch, GovBenefits.gov underwent a major redesign and became Benefits.gov. However, the program’s mission remains the same: reduce the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government while increasing citizen access to government benefit information.

Care Recipient Eligibility

N/A

Caregiver Eligibility

N/A

Contact Information

Benefits.gov is unable to respond to specific scenarios or provide personalized advice. A number of Other Resources and Frequently Asked Questions are available to help answer any questions you may have about government programs, benefits, and services.

For additional government information, you may call USA.gov's National Contact Center at 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, to speak to an information specialist.

Benefits.gov – Wisconsin

https://www.benefits.gov/categories

Benefits.gov (formerly GovBenefits.gov) was launched in an effort to provide citizens with easy, online access to government benefit and assistance programs. Eight years after its initial launch, GovBenefits.gov underwent a major redesign and became Benefits.gov. However, the program’s mission remains the same: reduce the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government while increasing citizen access to government benefit information.

Care Recipient Eligibility

N/A

Caregiver Eligibility

N/A

Contact Information

Benefits.gov is unable to respond to specific scenarios or provide personalized advice. A number of Other Resources and Frequently Asked Questions are available to help answer any questions you may have about government programs, benefits, and services.

For additional government information, you may call USA.gov's National Contact Center at 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, to speak to an information specialist.

Explore every state’s Medicaid and CHIP program to learn about coverage for low-income adults, Medicaid/CHIP eligibility, enrollment and renewal processes and systems on the State Profiles map – by clicking on the map or select from drop down to see each state’s Medicaid and CHIP profile. Scroll down to the bottom page of the State profile to check eligibility requirements, enrollment process, etc.

Contact Information

Toll-Free: 877-267-2323

Information about eligibility and requirements for home and community-based services by state.

Medicare Counseling for Wisconsin Residents & SHIP

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/benefit-specialists/medicare-counseling.htm

Assists individuals and families with eligibility questions and problems related to Medicare, including prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D, managed care, long-term care planning, health insurance and other health care issues.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

(800) 242-1060 (800) 472-1638

National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA)

https://www.nrcnaa.org/

The NRCNAA serves the elderly Native American population of the U.S. The NRCAA assists in developing community-based solutions through education, training, and technical assistance to improve the quality of life and delivery of related support services to the Native aging population.

Through the Native Elder Service Locator, you can use the interactive map to locate tribal elderly services in your state.

Contact Information

(800) 896-7628

Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW)

http://www.respitecarewi.org/

Organization advocates for increased respite services in Wisconsin. Provides information and referral services online and over the telephone for respite care.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

Within Wisconsin, call: (866) 702-7229 Outside Wisconsin, call: (608) 222-2033

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Also visit the online treatment locator to find help near you.

Contact Information

1-800-662-4357

Government program assists older adults by helping to pay part of the cost of prescription medication. SeniorCare has an enrollment fee and participants are responsible for part of the cost of the prescription medication they purchase.

Care Recipient Eligibility

___

Caregiver Eligibility

___

Contact Information

(800) 657-2038

Wisconsin County-Specific Veterans Service Officer Contacts (VSO)

http://wicvso.org/locate-your-cvso/

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

http://dva.state.wi.us/

Provides aged or disabled veterans with rehabilitative, residential and medical care and services. The VA also helps veterans and their families to present claims for veterans’ benefits to the federal government and offers veterans low-cost loans to acquire farms and homes.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Family members of a veteran

Caregiver Eligibility

Family members of a veteran

Contact Information

Within Wisconsin, call: (800) WIS-VETS (1-800-947-8387) Outside Wisconsin, call:(608) 266-1311

Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)

http://wisconsincaregiver.org/

FCSP services for family caregivers are provided through local area agencies on aging (AAAs) and include:
– Information
– Assistance
– Individual counseling, support groups and caregiver training
– Respite care
– Limited supplemental services, such as transportation and home modifications

Care Recipient Eligibility

- Anyone age 18 and older caring for someone who meets care receiver eligibility Special Populations: - Adults age 55 and older who are caring for anyone (that is not their child) over 18 years old with developmental disabilities - Grandparents or other relatives age 55 and older caring for children (age 18 and under)

Caregiver Eligibility

- Anyone age 18 and older caring for someone who meets care receiver eligibility Special Populations: - Adults age 55 and older who are caring for anyone (that is not their child) over 18 years old with developmental disabilities - Grandparents or other relatives age 55 and older caring for children (age 18 and under)

Contact Information

To be connected to your local AAA within Wisconsin please see website for contact numbers

Medicaid is a health insurance for people with limited income and resources. It pays for a variety of medical services, including in-home care or nursing home care, depending on eligibility.

Care Recipient Eligibility

___

Caregiver Eligibility

___

Contact Information

(800) 362-3002

Can I Get Help While Living In My Home?

Community Options Program Waiver (COP-W)

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/cop/index.htm

Government program assists low income older adults and adults with disabilities remain in their own homes by helping to pay for services such as:
– Care management
– Personal care services
– Home modifications
– Transportation
– Respite
– Adult day services

Care Recipient Eligibility

___

Caregiver Eligibility

___

Contact Information

608-266-7754

Connections to Community Living

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ccl/index.htm

Government program assists low income residents of nursing homes return to the community if they are able to do so safely by managing the transition and providing the appropriate community-based support services.

Care Recipient Eligibility

___

Caregiver Eligibility

___

Contact Information

(608) 266-1865 (888) 701-1251

Government program assists low income individuals who need help with activities of daily living by providing long term care and home and community based services. Services include:
– Care management
– In-home care
– Adult day services
– Home-delivered meals
– Home modifications
– Skilled nursing
– Mental health services
– Occupational, physical and speech therapy
– Help coordinating primary health care
– Independent living skills training
– Vocational rehabilitation
– Supplemental services
Program is only available in Columbia, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee (serves the elderly population only), Ozaukee, Portage, Racine, Richland and Sheboygan Counties.

Care Recipient Eligibility

___

Caregiver Eligibility

___

Contact Information

See website for local contact information

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) – Wisconsin

http://www.communitycareinc.org

One PACE program in Wisconsin coordinates and provides the entire continuum of care and services to their older enrollees with chronic care needs to enable them to continue living safely in the community as long as possible. Care and services include:
– Adult day health care
– Medical care
– Home health care and personal care
– All necessary prescription drugs
– Social services
– Respite care
– Hospital and nursing home care when necessary

Care Recipient Eligibility

____

Caregiver Eligibility

____

Contact Information

Community Care Milwaukee (414) 385-6600

Wisconsin Adult Day Services Association (WADSA)

http://www.wadsa.org

Association of adult day care providers. Its website has a search tool that allows users to locate adult day care providers in their communities.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

Secretary: (262) 898-2742

Wisconsin Association for Home Health Care

http://www.wiahc.org/

The Wisconsin Association for Home Health Care (WiAHC) has been formed to help support our common interests to promote home health care as a quality, cost-effective health care option in our state.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

920-560-5632

Wisconsin County-Specific Veterans Service Officer Contacts (VSO)

http://wicvso.org/locate-your-cvso/

Government hotline provides callers with information about local home health care agencies, including if and when they were licensed, results of state inspections, if there have been complaints against them and more.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

(800) 642-6552

Wisconsin Independent Living Centers

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/Disabilities/Physical/ILCS.HTM

A network of non-profit, non-residential, community-based centers, run and controlled by persons with disabilities that offer:
– Information and referral
– Peer counseling
– Care management
– Independent living skills training
– Individual and systems change advocacy
– Benefits counseling
– Employment readiness training
– Housing referrals
– Assistive technology services
– Legal aid

Care Recipient Eligibility

___

Caregiver Eligibility

___

Contact Information

(800) 362-1290

Can I Get Help with Residential Care (Assisted Living, Nursing Home, Hospice?)

Consumer Guide: Nursing Homes

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/guide/nursing-home.htm

Government website provides directory of nursing homes in Wisconsin.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

Online tool only.

Government website provides information about assisted living facility options in Wisconsin. Also has information on choosing and paying for an assisted living facility.

Care Recipient Eligibility

Anyone

Caregiver Eligibility

Anyone

Contact Information

See website for local contact information

Caregiver Policies and Data

Caregiving Across the States: 50 State Profiles – Wisconsin

https://www.caregiver.org/uploads/2023/08/Wisconsin-2023-1-1.pdf