Great Tools & Resources for WI Caregivers

We know how incredibly difficult it can be to provide care for a loved one. It can be even more difficult caring for those with dementia. But you don’t have to go it alone.

The Dementia-Capable Wisconsin initiative was set up to help employers, communities and caregivers across Wisconsin better prepare themselves for their aging populations.

For our part, AARP’s goal is to lead people to the tools and resources they need to take care of their loved ones, including those with dementia.

We want to make sure that supports are in place to help those who provide care for loved ones as they age. If you are in this situation and don’t know where to turn, we urge you to check out the Dementia-Capable Wisconsin Website

One of the latest initiatives in the Dementia-Capable Wisconsin initiative is the Dementia-Friendly Employers Toolkit which provides employers with the tools they need to support workers who are caring for a loved one with dementia.

The toolkit offers resources and options for employers, including steps they can take that will lead to lower turnover, higher productivity, and a happier, healthier workforce. It includes tips on how to recognize employees who may be caregivers to someone with dementia, understanding the needs of working caregivers, and options to support them. It also has resources to share with caregivers who may be looking for assistance outside of their place of employment.

There are also two other great resources specifically designed to help all caregivers, including Tips for Working Caregivers Brochure and Aging and Disability Resource Center Information and Locations

About 578,000 family caregivers in Wisconsin help another friend, family member, or loved one carry out daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, administering medications, driving to doctor visits, and paying bills.

Along with highlighting these resources, AARP is advocating for legislation to help family caregivers in many ways, including improving workplace flexibility, respite care, tax credits and home care services. We also support the Caregiver, Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act, which will help family caregivers when their loved ones go into the hospital – and as they return home.

We need to do more to assist communities and caregivers in our state, and some of these basic supports are a good start. We are pleased that the Governor and DHS understand how important this issue is for our state and have made the Dementia-Capable Wisconsin Initiative a priority going forward.

April 2016 Legislative Volunteer Call AgendaCheck out AARP’s I Heart Caregivers Initiative and the AARP Caregiving Resource Center for more information.