Nearly everyone will be a caregiver at some point in life. And nearly everyone will need a little help providing that care.
The first phone call that caregivers should make is to the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Jackson County. ADRCs provide free and unbiased information and assistance to connect families with in-home care providers, respite services and other caregiver resources in the area. ADRC staff is trained to navigate through immediate crisis and provide decision-making counseling so that caregivers can make informed decisions. ADRC staff can also refer families to professionals that provide legal advice and financial planning services, including information about Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
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There are two main programs that offer help for caregivers.
National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
This program offers online and in-person services. These services help family and friends care for older adults at home. To participate in the program, you must be:
- A caregiver for an adult aged 60 or older.
- A grandparent or other relative aged 55 or older who is the main caregiver for youth under age 18.
- The primary caregiver of an adult with a severe disability.
The program prioritizes low-income families and older adults with dementia, but caregivers of people living with any condition may qualify.
Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP)
This program is like the National Family Caregiver Support Program but is only for people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
To join the AFCSP, the person receiving care must:
- Have an Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia diagnosis.
- Have an annual income (care recipient and spouse) of $48,000 per year or less.
- Live in a community or home setting (not a facility).
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VA Caregiver Support
Family Caregivers are an important part of ensuring Veteran’s receive support and services both in their home and the community. To find out more about VA Caregiver Services, please reach out to your primary caregiver with Veterans’ Administration Health Care. Support For Caregivers can also be found on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website.
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Additional Resources:
Caregiver’s Library
Caregiver Stress
Caring
Eldercare Locator
Family Caregiver Alliance Fact Sheet
National Alliance for Caregiving
National Family Caregivers Association
Well Spouse Association
Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support
Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program
For more information contact:
ADRC of Jackson County
421 County Road R
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: 715-284-3978 or 1-844-493-4245