When you or a loved one are faced with questions or difficult decisions regarding aging and long term care programs and supports, consider consulting the following resources, publications, and supports to better understand your options.
Benefits and Statewide Resources
Adult protective services help elder adults and adults at risk who have been abused, neglected, or financially exploited.
If you have questions about aging or living with a disability, your local aging and disability resource center (ADRC) can help. The ADRC provides information on a variety of programs and services. That includes long-term care options. The ADRC also helps people apply for programs and benefits, including publicly funded long-term care.
Elder benefit specialists provide trusted and confidential advice to adults ages 60 and older about benefits, including health care and programs that could save them money.
The Guardianship Support Center provides legal information, case consultation and referrals. They also publish The Guardian Newsletter on a quarterly basis.
Address:
1414 MacArthur Road
Suite # 306
Madison, WI 53714
Telephone:
(855) 409-9410
Fax:
(866) 561-2652
Department of Health Services
State of Wisconsin forms for Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney for Finance and Property, and Authorization for Final Disposition.
DHS Guardianship of Adults: A decision-making guideQuestions about guardianship are raised by people with disabilities, spouses, relatives, friends, advocates and providers of residential, vocational, medical and other services. This handbook provides an overview of guardianship and also tries to respond to questions that are often asked about the nature, purpose and effects of guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, and ways to tailor guardianships to individual needs.
This website provides information and support for caregivers. It also includes a listing of services available on a state by state basis.
The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives. This site also provides information in understanding Medicare benefits.
This organization provides information to long term care consumers. The Consumer Voice is made up of consumers and advocates who define and achieve quality for people with long term care needs. Quality of care and quality of life is promoted through: informed and empowered consumers; effective citizen groups and ombudsman programs; the promotion of best practices in care delivery; public policy that is responsive to consumer needs; and the enforcement of consumer-directed standards.
Disability Rights Wisconsin is a private nonprofit organization which was founded in 1977. Designated by the governor to ensure the rights of all state citizens with disabilities through individual advocacy and system change, DRW is part of a national system of federally mandated independent disability agencies. Disability Rights helps people across Wisconsin gain access to services and opportunity through its advocacy and legal expertise.
Choosing a Facility
State regulatory profiles of assisted living facilities.
This tool provides an easy and fast method for consumers to find health and residential care providers in Wisconsin.
Medicare.gov
Find and compare nursing homes, hospitals and other providers near you.
BOALTC Resources:
An overview of the different types of long term care settings.
Regulations
(DHS = Department of Health Services)
Chapter DHS 88, Wisconsin Administrative Code
Chapter DHS 83, Wisconsin Administrative Code
Chapter DHS 89, Wisconsin Administrative Code
42 CFR 483.5, 42 CFR 483.10 through 483.75 (Code of Federal Regulations)
Chapter DHS 132, Wisconsin Administrative Code
Assisted Living Survey Guide Useful Sites Referencing Standards of Practice.
Facility Listings
The Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is responsible for assuring the safety, welfare and health of persons using health community care provider services in Wisconsin. They regulate various health care entities including those listed below.
A place where adults who are not related to the operator reside and receive care, treatment or services that are above the level of room and board and that may include up to seven hours per week of nursing care per resident. The minimum age requirement for residing in an AFH is 18 years.
A place where adults who are not related to the operator or administrator reside and receive care, treatment or services that are above the level of room and board and that may include up to three hours per week of nursing care per resident. Adults residing in a CBRF should not require care above intermediate level nursing care.
Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC)
Five or more adults residing in a complex with independent apartments that have a lockable entrance and exit. The apartment must include a kitchen, living area, bedroom and private bathroom. Must provide up to 28 hours per week of supportive, personal and nursing services.
A nursing home is a facility that provides 24-hour nursing services, including room and board to five or more unrelated persons. Usually individuals living in a nursing home require access to 24-hour nursing services due to their physical or mental condition.
Related Resources
Advancing HealthCare ExcellenceAdvancing Excellence is a coalition-based campaign to improve the quality of life for residents and staff in America's nursing homes.
the Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.
Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Eldercare Locator is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community.
The Family Caregiver Support Network (FCSN), offers personal support and information for family caregivers of older adults.
Pioneer Network is dedicated to making fundamental changes in values and practices to create a culture of aging that is life-affirming, satisfying, humane and meaningful.
