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Family Caregivers Program

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 hundreds 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. Located in every county and tribe in Wisconsin, the NFCSP helps caregivers find solutions to their caregiving dilemmas. Whether arranging for services, e.g. respite care, transportation, etc., or helping familites 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 reqarding, sometimes challenging, role of caregiver.

What does this program offer?

This program offers the following for family caregivers:

  • Information about available services
  • Assistance in gaining access to services
  • Individual counseling, support groups and training
  • Respite care to help caregivers take a break from providing care, and
  • Supplemental services

Who is eligible for the program?

The Wisconsin National Family Caregiver Support Program provides help to family members, neighbors, and friends who care for

  • persons age 60 and older, or

  • persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders regardless of age

The program also assists grandparents or relative caregivers 55 years of age and older who

  • care for children under age 19, or
  • care for a relative with a disability who is 19 to 59 years of age

To learn about the Family Caregiver Support Program in your area, 
contact your County or Tribal Aging Unit.

STATEWIDE WEBSITE AND 800# HELPLINE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

The Wisconsin Association for Area Agencies on Aging has launched a new website and toll free phone number to connect people throughout the state with the Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program (WFCSP) in each county or tribe. Operated by the Family Caregiver Support Network of Interfaith Older Adult Programs in Milwaukee, this will take the guess work out of finding help for family caregivers.

If you are caring for or concerned about the well-being of someone over 60, someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder, or if you are a relative of a child under age 19, or caring for a relative with a disability who is 19 to 59 years old, you can find answers to your questions by calling the toll-free number (866) 843-9810 or through the website www.wisconsincaregiver.org  The program also serves grandparents or relative caregivers 55 years of age and older who are caring for children under age 19, or who are caring for a relative with a disability who is 19 to 59 years of age.

Resources for Family Caregivers   (PDF, 80 KB)

Last Revised: July 02, 2008