Family Caregiver Resources for Wisconsin

En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

Department of Health Services – Family Caregiver Support Programs (608-266-1865; 800-947-3529 TTY)
Provides family members and other informal caregivers with support that can make being a caregiver more manageable such as adult care, caregiver education and online training, financial planning, in-home care providers, legal advice and respite services.

Wisconsin’s Family Caregiver Support Programs (866-843-9810)
Statewide programs provide information and support to people who need help caring for a family member, friend or neighbor. Resources include respite care, adaptive equipment, transportation, medication management, home and yard care, support groups, meals and wellness programs.

Department of Health Services— Benefit Specialist Program (608-266-1865)
Benefit specialists provide information on programs that cover health care, food and other household expenses. They can advocate on your behalf with other parties or make referrals to an appropriate attorney when necessary.

ACCESS Wisconsin
Helps residents apply for and manage state benefits including health care coverage, long-term care and financial assistance to cover a portion of their food budget through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.

Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center (855-409-9410)
Provides information and assistance on issues related to adult guardianship, protective placement, advance directives and more.

Alzheimer’s Association — Wisconsin Chapter (800-272-3900 24/7 helpline)
Provides people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and their caregivers a 24-hour telephone helpline, family education and outreach programs, financial and legal planning information, support groups and care navigation tools.

Department of Health Services— Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (888-515-4747)
Program for Medicaid-eligible frail older adults and adults with disabilities enables participants to choose and manage their long-term care services.

Department of Health Services—Medigap Helpline (800-242-1060)
Counseling service for all Medicare beneficiaries, including people with disabilities and adults 65 and over seeking information about Medicare or Medicare supplemental programs.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (855-677-2783)
Provides free health insurance information and counseling to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. Assists with plan comparison and enrollment, understanding coverage and costs; eligibility/enrollment for financial assistance programs; billing issues/appeals; preventive services; health care fraud and referral to other resources.

SeniorCare (800-657-2038)
Prescription drug assistance program for eligible residents age 65 and older.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (800-815-0015)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of nursing homes, special care facilities, adult family homes and assisted living facilities.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Provides older adults, individuals with disabilities and family caregivers with information, referrals and assistance accessing community services and long-term care support.

Department of Health Services — Family Care (608-267-7286)
Long-term care program helps frail older adults and adults with disabilities receive the services needed to remain in their homes.

Hospice & Palliative Care Association (920-750-7726)
Provides a hospice and palliative care provider search tool.