Area Agencies on Aging in Wisconsin

Understanding Aging Services in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is the primary state department responsible for providing services and support to older adults and individuals with disabilities. Within DHS, the Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources (BADR) plays a crucial role in ensuring that seniors receive the care and assistance they need to maintain their independence and quality of life.

Contact Information

• Address: 1 W. Wilson Street, Room 551, Madison, WI 53703
• Phone: (608) 266-1865
• Website: Wisconsin DHS

The Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources (BADR) is responsible for developing policies and managing programs that serve older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and those who are blind or visually impaired. BADR works closely with other units within DHS to implement long-term care reform proposals and ensure that aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) serve as single points of entry for community-based long-term support.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to numerous Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which are part of a nationwide network of organizations created by the Older Americans Act. These agencies are designed to develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan that ensures seniors have access to needed services and programs.

What AAAs Serve

AAAs in Wisconsin provide a variety of services to support seniors, including:

• Information and Assistance: Helping seniors find the resources they need.
• Benefits Counseling: Assisting with understanding and applying for benefits.
• Care Coordination: Organizing and managing care services.
• Caregiver Support: Providing support and resources for family caregivers.
• In-Home Assistance: Offering services like personal care, homemaking, and respite care.
• Legal Awareness: Educating seniors about their rights and available legal resources.
• Nutrition Services: Providing home-delivered meals and congregate meals.
• Ombudsman Programs: Advocating for residents in long-term care facilities.

Where AAAs Serve

Each AAA in Wisconsin serves specific counties or regions. Here is a list of some of the AAAs and the areas they cover:

1. Adams County Aging Unit: Adams
2. Buffalo County Aging Unit: Buffalo
3. Langlade County Social Services / Aging: Langlade
4. Outagamie County Aging Services: Outagamie
5. Ashland County Aging Unit: Ashland
6. Polk County Aging Programs: Polk
7. Sauk County Commission On Aging: Sauk
8. Barron County Office On Aging: Barron
9. Jackson County Aging Unit: Jackson
10. Chippewa County Dept Of Aging: Chippewa
11. Forest County Commission On Aging: Forest
12. Marinette County Elderly Services: Marinette
13. Lafayette County Commission On Aging: Lafayette
14. Iowa County Commission On Aging: Iowa
15. Pepin County Aging Office: Pepin
16. Vilas County Commission On Aging: Vilas
17. Eau Claire County Aging & Disability Resource Center: Eau Claire
18. Walworth County Aging Unit: Walworth
19. Florence County Aging Unit: Florence
20. Fond Du Lac Dept Of Senior Services: Fond Du Lac
21. Aging & Disability Resource Center Of Brown County: Brown
22. Green Lake County DHHS: Green Lake
23. Senior Resource Center: Sawyer
24. St Croix County Dept On Aging: St Croix
25. Aging Unit Of Iron County: Iron
26. Rock County Council On Aging: Rock
27. Aging & Disability Resource Center Of Jefferson County: Jefferson
28. Dodge County HHS – Aging Services Unit: Dodge
29. Aging & Disability Resource Center Kenosha: Kenosha
30. Kewaunee County Aging Services Unit: Kewaunee
31. La Crosse County Aging Unit: La Crosse
32. Rusk County Senior Services: Rusk
33. Center On Aging Of Grant County: Grant
34. Area Agency On Aging/Dane County: Dane
35. Manitowoc County Aging Resource Center: Manitowoc
36. Juneau County Aging Unit: Juneau
37. Aging & Disability Resource Center of Marquette County: Marquette
38. Aging & Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin: Burnett, Washburn, Rusk, Sawyer
39. Monroe County Aging & Disability Resource Center: Monroe
40. Aging & Disability Resource Center of Ozaukee County: Ozaukee
41. Aging & Disability Resource Center of Portage County: Portage
42. Aging & Disability Resource Center of Racine County: Racine
43. Richland County Health & Human Services – Aging Unit: Richland
44. Sawyer County Aging & Disability Resource Center: Sawyer
45. Aging & Disability Resource Center of Sheboygan County: Sheboygan
46. Aging & Disability Resource Center of Marathon County: Marathon
47. Aging & Disability Resource Center of Waukesha County: Waukesha
48. Aging & Disability Resource Center of Winnebago County: Winnebago
49. Wood County Aging & Disability Resource Center: Wood

How AAAs Help

AAAs play a vital role in supporting seniors and their caregivers by providing access to essential services and resources. They help seniors plan for their future needs, navigate the complex world of benefits and services, and ensure they receive the care and support they need to live independently.

How to Reach AAAs

If you or someone you know needs assistance, finding your local AAA is a great place to start. They can provide information, support, and resources tailored to your specific needs. You can find more detailed information on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.

Conclusion

Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services (DHS) and the numerous Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) work together to provide a comprehensive network of services and support for older adults and their caregivers. By understanding the resources available and how to access them, seniors can maintain their independence and quality of life.

For more information about AAAs in Wisconsin, you can visit the Wisconsin DHS website.

 

List of Area Agencies on Aging in Wisconsin