About Us - Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program
The Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program offers information, support and resources to help caregivers better care for their loved ones -- and themselves. Located in every county and tribe in Wisconsin, the Family Caregiver Support Program helps caregivers find solutions to their caregiving dilemmas. Whether arranging for services (e.g., respite care, transportation, etc) or helping families understand their options for care, the Family Caregiver Support Program gives caregivers access to the information and services that can help them in the often rewarding -- sometimes challenging -- role of caregiver.
Are you a caregiver?
If one or more of the statements below apply to you, you are a caregiver.
- Provide direct care to someone such as feeding, bathing, dressing, supervision or any other type of care
- Provide supportive care such as delivering meals, giving rides, calling or stopping in to check on someone
- Feel concern that someone you know isn’t taking care of him or herself
- Feel concern that a caregiver you know is struggling and needs help
Who is eligible for program assistance?
The Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program provides help to family members and friends who care for:
* persons age 60 and over; or
* individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders regardless of age.
The program also assists grandparents or relative caregivers 55 years of age and older who:
* care for children under age 19, or
* care for a relative with a disability who is 19 to 59 years of age
What kinds of information and services are available?
Information, Education, Support
Talk to trained specialists who listen and learn about your situation and provide assistance and links to available services and resources including different care and housing options. You can also attend caregiver seminars where you’ll learn about topics such as coping with specific illnesses, managing stress, and hiring in-home help. In addition, you can get involved in support groups that meet to provide mutual emotional support and exchange ideas, tips, and resources.
Assistance & Services
The Family Caregiver Support Program helps you connect to caregiver reources; following are some of the kinds of services that may be available in your area:
Adult Day Care
These facilities are a safe place for people who cannot be left alone during the day because of physical or mental limitations. They provide social, recreational and health-related services.
Case Management
Case managers are caring professionals who work with family members and those needing care to determine their needs and arrange for help.
Respite Care
This service provides caregivers a temporary break or rest from caregiving activities.
Home Health & Personal Care Services - Home health care professionals come into the home to provide health care services including dispensing medications, checking vital signs, providing tube feedings, and other essential care. Personal care services assist people who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, shopping, walking, housekeeping, and preparing meals.
Financial Help
Get information and/or find out if you qualify for programs such as energy assistance, food stamps, prescription drug assistance and Social Security. You can also learn about long-term care financing options.
Legal Help
Legal assistance is available to anyone 60 and over for certain types of legal matters including government program benefits, tenant rights, and consumer problems.
Home Delivered Meals
Better known as “Meals on Wheels,” these nutritious meals are delivered to older people in their homes.
Transportation
Rides are available for people who are older or disabled who don’t have private transportation, and who cannot use public transportation to meet their needs.
Emergency Response Systems
These services provide an in-home, 24-hour electronic alarm system enabling an individual to call for help if they have an emergency.
Telephone Reassurance
Trained volunteers call or stop by to reassure and support a person who is homebound.
