Caring for an aging loved one can be a joy but can also present challenges. If you’re an adult child with elderly parents, you may find yourself experiencing burnout as you care for your loved one and handle your personal responsibilities. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Wisconsin offers a wide range of resources for seniors at the state and local levels. These elderly services are easy to access, and many are free of charge.
Join us as we share Wisconsin elderly assistance opportunities for aging adults. We’ll provide information on resources for seniors in Wisconsin and its localities like Milwaukee and Kenosha.
Keep reading to learn all about programs and services for the elderly in Wisconsin.
The Top 4 Programs and Resources for Seniors in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin government has an excellent online database to help aging seniors find elderly resources. This senior resource guide for Wisconsin provides elderly adults information ranging from elder abuse to fall prevention to elder nutrition programs. It also includes helpful information for family caregivers.
Wisconsin elderly care resources are incredibly comprehensive but can also be overwhelming. With so many senior resources, it can be challenging to know where to look and what’s available. We’ve compiled a list of the top four WI elderly care resources.
1. Wisconsin Aging and Disability Resource Centers
The first place that any adult children or aging seniors should look for information is through their local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). These centers are available to elderly adults aged 60+ and adults with disabilities aged 18+.
ADRCs provide a wide array of programs and senior services in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and other local cities/counties throughout Wisconsin. Some of the programs and services for the elderly that ADRCs provide are:
- Help finding in-home care or nursing care
- Housing options
- Transportation
- Medicare and Medicaid assistance
- Health, nutrition, and home-delivered meal services
- Legal and financial assistance
For instance, the Kenosha County ADRC offers different classes each month to help seniors with fall prevention, well-being, or healthy living. It also has a team of experts available to talk with elderly adults about insurance, Social Security, or other benefits-related issues.
A great starting point for elder care services in Milwaukee or other areas is your local ADRC. Each ADRC offers different services and programs, but they all exist to provide valuable resources to elderly adults.
2. Wisconsin Elderly Nutrition Program
Wisconsin understands that good nutrition is crucial for aging seniors. There are various programs and opportunities that provide seniors with free, nutritious meals.
The Wisconsin Elderly Nutrition Program is a government-funded and administered food assistance program serving nutritious meals to elderly adults aged 60+. Meals are served in-person at one of the 505 senior dining locations or delivered to a senior’s home. Some dining centers also sponsor other health and nutrition programs.
You can contact your local County or Tribal Nutrition Program to find a dining center near you.
3. Local Benefit Specialists
Wisconsin elderly assistance provides opportunities for seniors to receive help navigating the complex world of benefits like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other insurance or financial issues.
Benefit specialists can help:
- Provide information about senior programs and services
- Identify and apply for beneficial programs
- Appeal when eligibility or coverage is denied
- Connect you with appropriate attorneys or third-party agencies
You can find these specialists at your local ADRC or senior center.
4. Wisconsin Senior Employment Program (WISE)
Another valuable way seniors in Wisconsin can get help is through the Wisconsin Senior Employment Program (WISE). This program provides work-related training resources for seniors aged 55+ who are unemployed and considered low income. WISE gives these individuals subsidized, part-time work until they acquire the skills necessary for permanent employment.
Individuals who apply for an employment program will be placed in a community service position working 20 hours per week at $7.25/hr.
You can contact an employment coordinator or view a list of Senior Employment Agencies by county to get started.
Wisconsin In-Home Care
Wisconsin provides seniors with plenty of public programs and resources. These services extend to local counties like Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, and Waukesha. But what if your aging parents need more hands-on assistance than you or the state can provide?
In-home care is one of the best elderly resources for adult children looking to get more personal care for their aging loved ones. Home care agencies send compassionate caregivers to your parents’ home. Receiving care at home allows aging parents to continue to live and age in the comfort of their home.
Home health care has many benefits for you and your parents, including:
- Personalized care for your parents
- A sense of independence for your aging parents
- Respite and peace of mind for you as a family caregiver
- The ability for you to stay involved in your parents’ care process
Home care for seniors is a win-win situation for you and your aging parents. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your parents are receiving quality care, and your parents will get to stay in their place of residence.
Wisconsin is home to many excellent home care agencies, but you may want to shop around to compare different agencies. Not every agency is the same or offers the comprehensive care your parents need.
The Best Wisconsin Resources for Seniors
Wisconsin is full of local and state services for the elderly. Local ADRCs have monthly programs and classes for seniors and family caregivers. Senior centers around the state offer in-person or home-delivered meals. For those needing help with benefits or other financial issues, benefits specialists can answer questions and offer professional advice.
However, elderly adults may reach a point where they need personal assistance with daily tasks. In-home elder care services in Milwaukee and other areas exist to come alongside adult children taking care of aging parents. Home caregivers are the perfect way to provide family caregivers with rest while elderly loved ones receive the personalized care they need.
Are you looking for a local WI elderly care home service provider?
At Stowell Associates, we know and understand the needs of both adult children and their aging parents. Our four locations in Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha, and Kenosha are fully staffed with expert Care Managers and Caregivers. When you choose Stowell Associates, you get exceptional care from your first phone call to the end of the care process.
Contact us to learn more about our in-home care services in Wisconsin and how they can benefit you and your loved one today.