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
