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GRANT TO WISCONSIN AIMS TO EXPAND AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTERS

MADISON - Kevin R. Hayden, Department of Health and Family Services Secretary announced today that the state has received an award of $200,000 from the federal Administration on Aging (AoA) to provide technical assistance to Counties that are developing local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) throughout the state. ADRCs are part of Governor Jim Doyle’s long-term care reform initiative. ADRC’s provide information about choices available to elderly persons in need of care at home or in assisted living or nursing homes.

“This support from the Administration on Aging demonstrates the national importance of Wisconsin’s plan to make Aging and Disability Resource Centers a “one-stop” source of information for residents across the state,” Hayden explained. “Aging and Disability Resource Centers are part of Governor Doyle’s initiative to help older people and adults with disabilities find the types of services and living arrangements that meet their needs and maintain independence.”

The 2007-09 budget developed by Governor Doyle for Family Care expansion will expand local ADRCs to serve approximately 75 percent of Wisconsin's population. In addition to providing information and assistance in finding help, ADRCs also provide prevention and wellness services and help citizens apply for Social Security benefits and prescription drugs plans.

The one-year grant from the AoA is a supplement to funding provided in previous years. The money is used to assist with developing and providing technical assistances to local ADRCs that are growing very rapidly at this time. “We need to extend whatever help we can to our local partners during this building phase of Family Care,” stated Secretary Hayden.

“Wisconsin is a national leader in reforming long-term care. We received this grant because of the extensive work already being done by the Counties and Department. We currently have 19 ADRCs, serving 23 counties, and are working with 13 counties to establish additional ADRCs,” stated Secretary Hayden. “Unfortunately the biennial budget is now stalled in the legislature, but we are very committed to offering ADRCs to more residents who are trying to navigate the maze of fragmented public benefits and programs for elders and people with disabilities. This grant will assist us in providing more assistance to local agencies.”

For more information, visit http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/LTCare/Generalinfo/RCs.htm

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Last Revised:  October 24, 2008