Area Agency on Aging of Dane County | Family Caregiver Support

Family Caregiver Support

   

Are you a caregiver?

Many people don't think of themselves as caregivers, but if one or more of the statements below apply to you, then you are a caregiver.

Do you...
  • provide direct care to someone--such as feeding, bathing, dressing, supervision, or any other type of assistance?
  • provide supportive care such as delivering meals, giving rides, calling or stopping in to check on someone?
  • feel concern that someone you know isn't taking care of him or herself?
  • feel concern that a caregiver you know is struggling and needs help?

Through the Older Americans Act, the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) was developed by the Administration on Aging (AoA) after listening to the needs expressed by thousands of family caregivers in discussions held across the United States. Through Title III-E of the Older Americans Act, the State of Wisconsin has received funds to administer this program.

The Wisconsin National Family Caregiver Support Program offers information, support, and resources to assist family caregivers (spouse, adult child, other relative, friend or neighbor) with their concerns related to caregiving. NFCSP helps caregivers find solutions to their caregiving dilemmas. Whether arranging for services, e.g. respite care, transportation, etc., or helping families understand their options for care, the Family Caregiver Support Program gives caregivers access to the information and services that can help them in the often rewarding, sometimes challenging, role of caregiver.

What does this program offer?

  • Caregiver self-identification
  • Increase awareness of family caregiver issues and resources within Dane County
  • Provide and promote educational and training opportunities
  • Reach family caregivers where they are – in the workplace, hospital and clinic, and at home
  • Caregivers will have access to a full range of services, in order to be educated, supported, nurtured, and sustained in their vital role.

Who is eligible for the program?

  • Family caregivers of individuals age 60 or older, or who are caring for a person of any age diagnosed with dementia.
    Priority is to be given to the following:
    • Family caregivers of individuals living at home who are at risk of being admitted to a nursing home or skilled care facility
    • Family caregivers with greatest social and economic needs
  • Grandparents or older relatives age 55 or older caring for children younger than 19 years of age.
  • Relative caregivers providing care for adults with a disability who are between 19 and 59 years of age. Relative caregivers must be 55 years of age and older and may include the child’s parent. Priority is to be given to caregivers of adult children with severe disabilities.

Click here for Caregiver Brochure

RESOURCES FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
  • Monthly Caregiver Support Groups: There are a number of support groups in Dane County that meet at various times, days, and locations. Call the Area Agency on Aging at (608) 261-9930 for more information.

    Click here for Dane County Caregiver Support Groups
    Due to Covid-19, the majority of groups are meeting virtually or over the phone. This list will be updated as times and dates change or new groups are formed. It was last updated November 25, 2020.

    If you are leading or participating in another group you’d like to have included on this list, please contact Jane De Broux, Caregiver Program Specialist at 608-261-5679 or debroux.jane@countyofdane.com.

  • Caregiver Education: Available for organizations, groups, employers, and churches.
  • Library: A variety of books and videos are available for the public to check out. Topics range from caregiver wellness to health condition related information.

The AAA publishes a monthly newsletter [Caregiver Chronicles] to provide Dane County Caregivers with useful information and resources.

Please check out our latest edition below.

Read Caregiver Chronicles:
Jun 2021 | May 2021 | Apr 2021
Check our archives to view past publications

To subscribe, email debroux.jane@countyofdane.com
or call 608-261-5679.

Address:
2865 N. Sherman Avenue
Northside Town Center
Madison WI, 53704
*Located inside the ADRC

608-261-9930
608-283-2995

Email: AAA@countyofdane.com

Hours of Operation:
Mon - Fri, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm

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