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General Caregiver Support |
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It can be overwhelming finding the right resources for the person in your care, whether you live with the person or at a distance. As a grantee of the Helen Bader Foundation (Wisconsin), we've put together a list of essential organizations and services, both national and Wisconsin-based, so you can get the optimal care and services that you need.
Below is a list of organizations that provide information on:
• Dementia-specific caregiver support groups
• Personal care management consultations
• Medicare and Medicaid
• Referrals to local
- Adult Daycare programs
- Home care companies with dementia–trained personnel
- Funding and resources for home modifications or repairs
Alzheimer's Association in Wisconsin
1.800.272.3900 (24/7 Helpline)
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support, and research. If you need to talk, their toll-free 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information, referrals and support in multiple languages. Click on the link in your area for more information about their special educational programs, information and referral, free care consultations, and ongoing support groups.
One especially helpful online resource of the national office of the Alzheimer's Association is their CARE OPTIONS. It allows a caregiver or individual to enter important information about an individual's medical condition, needs, and preferences. After this information is entered, a personalized printout will be created with recommendations and questions to ask when screening a caregiver or facility.
 TIP Make sure to print your individual recommendation after you have used this website, as it does not store your information.
South Central Wisconsin Chapter
Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter
Greater Wisconsin Chapter
Wisconsin Regional Area Agencies on Aging
These senior information centers can help older persons and their families access home and community-based services like transportation, meals, home care, and caregiver support services. Clicking on the above link will take you to their web page where you'll find a clickable map to help locate the agency closest to you or your loved one's residence.
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Dementia Clinics |
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The Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute Dementia Clinics
The Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute (WAI) is a unique resource within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health offering education, services, and research to the entire state of Wisconsin. On their website, you'll find a list of dementia diagnostic clinics in Wisconsin, many affiliated with WAI. One of WAI's goals is to promote early diagnosis and treatment as well as support for family caregiver.
Click here to view WAI's list of dementia diagnostic clinics.
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On-Line Care Calendar & Resource Database |
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Lotsa Helping Hands
This website allows you to create a calendar of care that shows when volunteers are needed and what tasks they're needed for. There are messages boards, photos, and places to share information and leave messages for the family. One person acts as the coordinator, sets up the web space, and invites others to join the site. This is a free service.
Database of Local Alzheimer's Disease Resources
This service, by the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, allows you to locate a wide variety of resources, including medical suppliers and geriatric care managers. After you enter your zip code, city, or county, you'll receive a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers for the resources available to you.
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Private Pay |
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1. Medical Equipment/Home Accessibility
Green Bay Home Medical Equipment
Green Bay Home Medical Equipment sells durable medical equipment and performs various home modifications - both small and large projects. For example, they install grab bars, ramps, and stair/ porch lifts. A small job is approximately $50 an hour.
Counties Served: Brown, Shawango, Oconto, Kewaunee, Outagamie, Door, and Marinette. They also provide services to other counties in certain circumstances, but typically within a 50-mile radius.
Telephone: 920.465.3000
Independent Living, Inc. – DANE COUNTY ONLY
Independent Living conducts safety assessments and provides and installs equipment. For example, they install grab bars and small ramps and widen doorways. Their services are approximately $40 per hour. Independent Living also provides a variety of other services including housekeeping, chores, and transportation.
Telephone: 608.274.7900
2. Remodeling/Home Accessibility
Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) are contractors, designers, architects, and other specialists who've received special training and certification by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) on home accessibility. The National Association of Home Builders has created a database of CAPS in each state. CAPS is a good option for people who can afford to pay privately or who can take out a private loan, as they do not accept Medicaid or other forms of reimbursement. There are approximately 55 CAPS in the state of Wisconsin.
Click here for the NAHB CAPS Database - Wisconsin
Home Depot and Lowe's Home Improvement
Home Depot sells helpful home products and can special order select products such as higher height toilets and walk-in shower stalls. Some Home Depots have installation services and others do not. Check with your local Home Depot to see what, if any, installation services they provide. For example, most will remodel an entire bathroom, but not install single items, such as grab bars.
Lowe's sells helpful home products and can special order select products such as higher height toilets and walk-in shower stalls. Lowe's contracts out to independent installers who do both large scale remodeling projects and small, single item projects. Check with your local Lowe's to see what installation services they provide.
Independent Living Centers
This website provides a list of the 8 Independent Living Centers in Wisconsin. Some of these agencies offer referrals for individuals and companies that provide home modifications. While Independent Living Centers provides resources for individuals living on their own, they can also provide valuable resources and information for caregivers.
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Loans, Grants, & No-Cost Programs |
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WisLoan
A WisLoan is a loan that can be used to purchase assistive technology and home modifications. To be eligible, the recipient of the loan must be a person with a disability. Some of the items covered by this program are wheelchairs, vehicle modifications, and ramps. The conditions of the loan (including repayment) are determined on a case-by-case basis and loans may be approved up to $30,000.
USDA Rural Development: Repair Loans and Grants
Repair loans and grants are low interest home improvement loans and grants for individuals with low income. Applicants must live in a rural area or a town with a population of 10,000 or fewer people (some exceptions are made in communities with slightly larger populations) and meet the financial eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a grant an individual must be at least 62 years of age and unable to pay back a loan. These loans and grants can be used to make home repairs and remove safety and health hazards.
Terms: Maximum loan amount is $20,000 at one time for a maximum of 20 years. Grants have a lifetime maximum of $7,500 and require a 3-year agreement.
Interest: On loans there is an interest rate of 1% A.P.R.
Collateral: Loans of $7,500 or more require a mortgage.
Telephone: 866.474.3600
WisTech (Wisconsin's Assistive Technology Program)
WisTech provides funding, including loans, installation, rentals, and instructions on how to use assistive technology – any products that enhance a person's ability to function. At the regional Independent Living Centers, product loans and demonstrations on how to use the products are provided.
RSVP – Dane Country Only
RSVP is a volunteer organization in Dane County that offers a wide range of free programs, including home safety assessments. They provide grab bars, night lights, and other safety equipment (or make referrals to other agencies) and also follow up with the clients to make sure the changes have been made.
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Health Care Programs with Home Modifications Benefits |
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MEDICAID'S Family Care Program (Family Care MR/DD)
Family Care is one of the Wisconsin Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waivers. The aging and disabilities resource center allows families to receive information about the services that are available and the managed care organizations that deliver the Family Care benefit. Home modifications are part of the long-term care services provided with the Family Care benefit.
MEDICAID'S Community Options Program
The Community Options Program provides alternatives to nursing homes or other institutions. Community Options recipients require the same level of care as people in nursing homes. A care manager can help arrange services and coordinate finances. Home modifications are one of the services available through the Community Options Program.
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