Family Caregiver Services by State
I am New to Caregiving Where Do I Start?
Aging and Disability Resource Center (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.
Contact Information
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center – Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers provide diagnosis, medical research, and support groups.
Find an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in your state.
Contact Information
ARCH National Respite Network
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
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Best Programs for Caregiving
Best Programs for Caregiving is a free online directory of proven support programs for family and friend caregivers of individuals living with dementia.
Whether you are a caregiver yourself or a professional whose organization serves dementia caregivers, you can use this tool to find and compare evidence-based programs from across the country that address caregivers’ unique challenges and concerns.
A partnership between Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and Family Caregiver Alliance.
Eldercare Locator
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
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)
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 here. Your personal information is private and secure. FCA does not share information without your signed permission.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Office on Aging (OOA)
The Office on Aging has responsibility for developing and promoting public policy and planning the delivery of services that enhance the self-sufficiency of older persons of all incomes and conditions. These include information and assistance, the elderly nutrition program, the Elder Benefit Specialist Program (for persons age 60 and older), caregiver support and intergenerational programs and the variety of supportive and preventive services provided through county and tribal aging offices as well as three area agencies.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) respond to the needs of Americans aged 60 and over in every local community.
Contact an Aging and Disability Resource Center for help with aging programs and services in Wisconsin.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Related Resources
Can I Get Help to Pay for Caregiving?
CareScout (cost of long-term care near you)
The cost of that care varies based on care setting, geographic location of care and level of care required, among other things. The CareScout tool can be used by you and your family to calculate the estimated cost of long term care in your city or State.
Family Care Program
Family Care is a Medicaid long-term care program for older adults and adults with disabilities. The goal is to get members the services they need to live in a home setting when possible.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) Program
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
Medicaid State Waivers List
Information about eligibility and requirements for home and community-based services by state.
Related Resources
Government Benefits and General Information
Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP)
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
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
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
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.
Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model
The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model is a voluntary nationwide model test that aims to support people with dementia and their unpaid caregivers. The GUIDE Model focuses on comprehensive, coordinated dementia care and aims to improve quality of life for people with dementia, reduce strain on their unpaid caregivers, and enable people with dementia to remain in their homes and communities.
Check out where health care innovation is happening HERE. You may also find the GUIDE Participant List to check for additional information.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) offers the GUIDE program in partnership with Tembo Health. Learn more information about this GUIDE program through FCA HERE.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Medicaid Profiles by State
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
Medicaid State Waivers List
Information about eligibility and requirements for home and community-based services by state.
Medicare Counseling for Wisconsin Residents & SHIP
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
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA)
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
Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW)
Organization advocates for increased respite services in Wisconsin. Provides information and referral services online and over the telephone for respite care.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
SAMHSA’s 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
SeniorCare: Prescription Drug Assistance Program
SeniorCare helps older adults pay for prescription drugs and vaccines.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Wisconsin County-Specific Veterans Service Officer Contacts (VSO)
The County Veterans Service Officers Association of Wisconsin (CVSO) is an organization of professional veterans advocates. In Wisconsin the County Veterans Service Officer plays a critical role in the veteran’s advocacy system and is often the initial contact in the community for veteran’s services.
Contact Information
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) 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.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance (WFACSA)
The Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance (WFACSA) is a grassroots coalition of family caregivers, professionals, advocates, and educators working together to strengthen support for Wisconsin families.
WFACSA believes that family caregivers are the backbone of the care system, providing critical support to older adults and people of all ages with disabilities.
To find help locally – click on the map by counties or regions.
Contact Information
Wisconsin Medicaid
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
Related Resources
Where Do I Go for Legal Help And/Or Dependent Person Mistreatment?
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Disability Rights Wisconsin is a private non-profit organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Disability Rights helps people across Wisconsin gain access to services and opportunity through its advocacy and legal expertise.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)/Wisconsin Client Assistance Program (CAP)
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a federal/state program designed to obtain, maintain, and advance employment for people with disabilities by working with DVR consumers, employers, and other partners. DVR’s mission is to obtain, maintain and improve employment for people with disabilities by working with VR consumers, employers and other partners.
For more information on the DVR process and your choices as a consumer or job seeker, see the process table developed by the Client Assistance Program (CAP).
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Legal Action of Wisconsin
The state’s largest non-profit law firm providing free civil legal services to Wisconsin clients at the most vulnerable times in their lives.
Contact Information
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee
The Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee provides free legal assistance to qualifying Milwaukee County residents with civil legal matters.
Contact Information
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Ombudsmen investigate complaints made by, or on behalf of, individual residents in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They also answer questions about the quality of care or financial, physical, or mental abuse in residential facilities.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Medicare Counseling for Wisconsin Residents & SHIP
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
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Wisconsin Adult Protective Services
Adult protective services (APS) help elder adults and adults at risk who have been abused, neglected, or financially exploited.
If you suspect an elder adult or adult at risk has experienced, is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation, call your county APS helpline, and learn how to make a report.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Related Resources
Can I Get Help While Living In My Home?
Community Options Program Waiver (COP-W)
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
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
PACE is a national program that provides older adults with health care, long-term care and prescription drugs. PACE aims to help its members live in a home setting for as long as they can. In Wisconsin, PACE is an option for people who live in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, and Waukesha County.
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Wisconsin Adult Day Services Association (WADSA)
Wisconsin Adult Day Services Association is a statewide association of adult day care providers and professionals that work together to provide quality adult day services.
To locate a Center, use the Wisconsin Adult Day Services Association Directory Search for more information on centers available in Wisconsin.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Wisconsin Association for Home Health Care
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
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Wisconsin County-Specific Veterans Service Officer Contacts (VSO)
The County Veterans Service Officers Association of Wisconsin (CVSO) is an organization of professional veterans advocates. In Wisconsin the County Veterans Service Officer plays a critical role in the veteran’s advocacy system and is often the initial contact in the community for veteran’s services.
Contact Information
Wisconsin Home Health Hotline
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
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
Wisconsin Independent Living Centers
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
Related Resources
Can I Get Help with Residential Care (Assisted Living, Nursing Home, Hospice?)
Consumer Guide: Nursing Homes
Government website provides directory of nursing homes in Wisconsin.
Care Recipient Eligibility
Caregiver Eligibility
Contact Information
National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance)
The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) have come together to form the National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance).
Find the right Home Care or Hospice Agency using this comprehensive database of more than 10,000 home care and hospice agencies to find an agency near you: https://allianceforcareathome.org/find-a-provider/
Wisconsin Assisted Living
Government website provides information about assisted living facility options in Wisconsin. Also has information on choosing and paying for an assisted living facility.