Caregivers Guide 2017-18 by Plus Publications

Caregiver’s g 2017-2018

OF SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN

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HOME HEALTH CARE DIRECTORY

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OCTOBER 2017

guide Caregiver’s TABLE OF CONTENTS Adult Day Services..................................................................................22 Alcohol and Substance Abuse.........................................................22 Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss.........................................................22 Animals/Pet Care.....................................................................................22 Assisted Living...........................................................................................22 Caregiver Education.............................................................................22 Consumer Protection.............................................................................22 Dental...............................................................................................................23 Driving..............................................................................................................23 Employment Services............................................................................23 Elder Abuse................................................................................................23 Faith/Spirituality.........................................................................................24 Financial Issues.......................................................................................24 Funeral and Burial....................................................................................24 Geriatric Assessment............................................................................24 Geriatric Care Management and Support................................24 Grandparents and other Relatives Raising Minors.......................................................................................24 Grief Resources......................................................................................24 Health Care Clinics.................................................................................24 Hearing Resources..................................................................................25 Home Maintenance / Chores............................................................25 Home Safety................................................................................................25 Homemaking and Healthcare...........................................................25 Hoarding.......................................................................................................25 Hospice...........................................................................................................25

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Housing...........................................................................................................25 Insurance- Medicare...............................................................................25 Legal Matters..............................................................................................25 LGBT Caregiving....................................................................................26 Lifelines- Medical Alarms....................................................................26 Long-Distance Caregiving.................................................................26 Medicaid/ T-19...........................................................................................26 Medical Equipment..................................................................................26 Mental Health and Counseling.........................................................26 Nursing Homes...........................................................................................27 Nutrition-Dietitians, Home Delivered Meals.............................27 Older Adult Services-ADRC and Volunteer..............................27 Older Adult Services by Volunteers..............................................27 Podiatry...........................................................................................................27 Publications..................................................................................................27 Relocation/Moving....................................................................................28 Respite Care...............................................................................................28 Silver Alert Program................................................................................28 Socialization................................................................................................28 Support Groups.........................................................................................28 Transportation............................................................................................28 Veterans Benefits ...................................................................................28 Visions Resources...................................................................................28 Websites.........................................................................................................28

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OCTOBER 2017

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The “I” In Caregiver

member of the Family Caregiver Support Network Advisory Committee once said that as a caregiver people always ask how your mother or father, husband or wife is, but rarely ask how you are doing, so, how are you doing? You are the I in caregiver and only you can answer that question. Caregiving, even for the most independent individual, can be and most often is lonely. It is lonely at times even when we have help because it is such an individual thing. Let’s take the two sisters both willing to assist mom with her groceries. One believes in getting her out and into the store as an outing while the other cannot handle the amount of time it takes to read the new product labels so she prefers to shop for her mother. Sound familiar? Lonely is not a bad thing as long as the feeling of being alone does not create the stress associated with feeling isolated. Caregiving brings change into our lives. Change brings on stress and impacts our lives in ways we may not even realize. The type of stress we live with depends on whether we have selected a role as victim, survivor or navigator. Which role do you think you are? Navigator is where you need to strive to be. A critical thing to understand about “caregiver stress” is that it is not for sissies. (Wow? A double whammy of i’s.) Stress cannot be taken lightly if we want to remain both healthy and our body actually respond in predictable ways:

z All of our senses are heightened. z Our hearing can be more acute and our eyes can dart from side to side. z Our blood pressure and pulse increase and our heart can race. z We breathe more quickly but with more shallow breaths. z Constant stress lowers our immune system. z Our thyroid speeds up and we can feel jittery. z Because we are jittery we can lose weight or because we do not take time to prepare meals, we gain weight from eating out more and/ or not exercising. z We do not produce as many sex hormones so our sex drive decreases. z W e put out more insulin and no longer metabolize sugar well so we have an increased tendency towards diabetes. z Our cholesterol increases which can lead to an increased chance of stroke and heart disease. We need to listen to what our bodies are saying to us. The following five suggestions will go a long way to help maintain physical, emotional and spiritual well-being: Exercise is the easiest and most beneficial thing we can do to help our bodies. A regular exercise routine of even 20 minutes a day helps us feel better physically and mentally. It allows us to be alone with our thoughts and we can concentrate on our bodies so we stay well. We get busy as caregivers and we may not take the time to think about our nutrition, what we are putting into our own bodies, even though we watch what our loved

ones eat very carefully. We may eat out more, eat more fast food or snack more. We may be upset, lose our appetite and eat less. We feel tired and need energy so we eat more sugar and caffeine. We often forget that it is as easy to cut up an apple as it is to dig into the ice cream, and that a glass of water will go a long way toward keeping us hydrated. In addition, it is important to consume enough vitamins, especially from fruits and vegetables. Taking care of our mental health lets us blow off steam. There is no road map to caregiving; at times it is constant change. Most caregivers say that only other caregivers get it. So how do we hold our emotions in check? How and to whom do we express our anxieties and still feel safe? Who will listen? For some caregivers, the answer is to join a caregiver support group. For others, it is seeing a therapist. (Our office has lists of both.) We once asked a large group of caregivers at a conference what helps them through their days? 85 percent said their “faith.” Most believe they do not walk their journey alone and without spirituality, they would not make it through most days. Prayer can be a form of meditation. It causes mental relaxation. People also find their strength through worship, prayer, song and fellowship. Prayer and meditation help to counteract many of the negative symptoms of stress. Lastly, reclaim you life to include caregiver but not to be only a caregiver. You are the daughter or son, wife or husband, who is now also a caregiver. Write down all the

roles that you now have and remember you should have no more than seven, including that of caregiver. Once you have done that, can you …Take a class? Plant a garden? Walk your dog? Go fishing? Get a job? …and somehow remember there is no i in stress….only in caregiver. Interfaith Older Adult Program’s Family Caregiver Support - 414.220.8600 – www.interfaithmilw.org www.living-options.org www. caregiversupportnetwork.org

Caregiver’s Code I need to… Take care of myself physically, emotionally, spiritually; Accept my limitations and be satisfied with doing my best; Recognize and get help, no matter how difficult that may be; Enjoy time away without guilt; Maintain relationships with friends, family, co-workers; Set goals, pursue dreams and remember to live life. A prepared, informed and supported family caregiver provides better self and older adult care.

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ADULT DAY SERVICES

tional deficiencies or medication www.hawspets.org Adult Day Centers are designed side effects. If you or your loved Washington...............262-677-4388 www.wchspets.org to service adults who are experi- one is experiencing trouble with encing a decrease in physical, men- memory, discuss the problem with Ozaukee.....................262-377-7580 www.wihumane.org tal and social functioning and who your physician. Refer to your yellow pages for may need the protective environment when their caregivers are at For 24/7 information and refer- pet related services such as in home work or in need of respite. Full and ral helpline (English and Spanish), veterinary care, pet sitting, groomhalf day services are usually avail- contact Alzheimer’s Association ing and yard clean up. These serable. Range of services may include Southeastern Wisconsin chapter at. vices have often been the answer to recreational therapy, meals, social ................................ 1-800-272-3900 a number of older adult pet owners’ www.alz.org/sewi needs. services, transportation, personal Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute care, including bathing, hair and nail care, nursing services, reha- – Milwaukee Project: Education, ASSISTED LIVING Assisted living facilities are for bilitation therapy and medical ser- services, research opportunities, vices. Fees for Adult Day Services and resources for Milwaukee’s Afri- people who need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), vary based on what services are in- can American Community cluded in the fee. Some centers may ...................................414- 219-5083 but wishing to live as independently as possible. Assisted living exists www.wai.wisc.edu be able to offer low income persons to bridge the gap between inde(WAI Milwaukee tab) a reduced fee based on ability to pendent living and nursing homes. pay. Most centers offering the wide Dementia Care Specialist The services provided may include Milwaukee County Department range of services are licensed by the but are not limited to meals, assisState. Those that are more informal on Aging with more of a recreational model ....................................414-289-5792 tance with bathing, dressing, launiShould you need community services dry, housekeeping and assistance are not licensed. and or respite, contact your local coun- with medications or medication iContact your local county resources. ty resource. monitoring. Memory Cafe ALCOHOL AND Share your stories and socialAssisted Living options include: SUBSTANCE ABUSE ize with others who have worries Residential Care Apartment Alcohol and Substance Abuse with memory. There are a number Complex (RCAC) independent is at epidemic proportions among of Memory Cafes in Southeast Wisapartment units that can provide the elderly. It remains for the most consin. up to four hours of skilled and/or part, unreported, undiagnosed, or Alzheimer Association of SE supportive care per day. ignored. Most drinkers who start- Wisconsin..................414-479-8800 Community Based Resed late are affected by social isolawww.alz.org/sewi/ (click on idential Facility (CBRF) state lition and physical health problems Memory Cafe) censed supportive living facilities which may include grief or loss, Partnership Memory Cafes............. where five or more adults reside. housing, marital or mental health ....................................414-289-5792 They are staffed 24 hours per day problems. and can provide three hours of For a facility locater in Wiscon- ANIMALS/PET CARE skilled nursing care per week. sin go to: www.theagapecenter. Whether you are looking for Adult Family Homes (AFH) a com/treatment-centers/wisconsin listings of animal friendly landplace where three or four adults reor refer to your local yellow pag- lords, information on the imporside and receive care, treatment or es under Alcoholism information tance of spaying and neutering, services that may include up to sevand treatment centers. You may available options when you are no en hours per week of nursing care. also choose to talk to local county longer able to care for your pet and resources.i nutrition programs to provide food iCall Family Caregiver Support for pets of individuals with low in- Network – Living Options service for ALZHEIMER’S AND come, contact your local Humane more information, call 414-220-8600 or 800-449-4481 or visit MEMORY LOSS Society. www.living-options.org or call your Problems with memory can Milwaukee.................414-264-6257 local County resource. have many causes that may range www.wihumane.org from normal age related memory Elmbrook...................262-782-9261 declines to a diversity of past or www.ebhs.org present medical conditions, nutri- Waukesha..................262-542-8851

iLOCAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Milwaukee County...................................414-220-8600 Ozaukee County......................................262-238-8120 ...........................................................................262-284-8120 Walworth County......................................262-741-3400 Washington County.................................877-306-3030 Waukesha County...................................262-548-7848 Waukesha County Toll Free..............866-677-2372 State Wide Toll Free..............................866-843-9810

To file a complaint or ask about State regulations contact the Office of Quality Assurance ....................................800-642-6552

CAREGIVER EDUCATION

Caring for an older adult can be highly demanding work. Throughout your caregiving journey, you will have questions related to the many aspects of caring for your loved one. The following websites and phone numbers will provide you with the education, information and support you need. www.caregiversupportnetwork. org www.strengthforcaring.com www.caregiver.com www.caregiving.org www.caregiver.org www.CAREgivinghelp.org i Contact your local county resource for caregiver education that may be available in your community. CONSUMER PROTECTION Consumer Protection works to eliminate unfair or deceptive marketplace practices. To file a complaint against a business contact the Better Business Bureau at................ 1-800-273-1002 ....................................414-847-6000 or www.bbb.org To file a complaint against a nursing home or assisted living facility contact the Office of Quality Assurance at ....................................414-227-5000 Concerns with inappropriate marketing and sales practices of Medicare Advantage plan agents contact:

OCTOBER 2017

The Medigap helpline at ................................ 1-800-242-1060 Wisconsin No Call List prevents telemarketers from calling for two years...................... 1-866-966-2255

DENTAL

As we age, our dental care becomes critical to our over all health and well being. Cost is one of the main reasons older adults do not seek dental care. Below is a list of dental clinics that offer services based on income or at discounted rates.

DRIVING

Driving is affected by a variety of health issues. If you have concerns about your loved one’s driving abilities contact: Driver Services Medical Division at.............1-608-266-2327 For Driver Safety contact www.AARP.org

For a Comprehensive Driver’s Readiness Evaluation, contactAurora Rehabilitation Centers: West Allis Memorial Hospital Milwaukee: ....................................414-328-6633 AIDS Resource Center of WI/ Sinai Medical Center Dental Clinic ............414-233-6800 ....................................414-219-5241 www.arcw.org/dental-clinic/ Guadalupe Dental Clinic, Inc The Alzheimer’s Association ....................................414-643-8787 has a variety of information and materials. Independent Care Health Plan For 24/7 information and referral (ICare)........................414-223-4847 helpline- contact Alzheimer’s AssoToll Free.....................800-947-3329 ciation at ............... 1-800-272-3900 Marquette University Dental EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Clinic..........................414-288-6790 Significant numbers of workSpanish.......................414-288-1520 ing caregivers often need to make www.mu.edu/dentistry adjustments to their work life, from reporting late to work, reducing MATC Dental Hygiene Clinic hours or giving up work entirely. ....................................414-297-6573 For information on all State of Wisconsin Job Centers St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Dental www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/ Clinic..........................414-383-3220 directory/ www.columbia-stmarys.org/ Milwaukee Ann_Seton_Denta Milwaukee County Residents/ caregivers of any age can get job iContact your local County resource for search assistance at the following another clinic in your community. locations: Northeast Comprehensive For a list of Title 19 dentists in your Job Center area, contact the Greater Milwau1915 N. Martin Luther King Dr kee Dental Association at Milwaukee, WI 53212 ....................................414-276-9911 ..............................414-267-3291 Outside the Milwaukee area contact ................... 1-800-362-3002 Job Center Central Mobile Dental Care 4030 N. 29th Street ...........................262-786-4819 x222 Milwaukee, WI 53216 ..............................888-258-9966 Job Center Northwest ..............................414-760-6060 ..............................414-385-6920

Hire Center www.milwaukeewib.org/ job-seekers/the/hire-center Job Center Southeast 2701 S. Chase Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53207 ..............................414-389-6600 Job Seekers age 55 and over can get assistance at the following locations: Mature Worker Resource Center Washington Park Senior Center 4420 W Vliet Street Milwaukee, WI ..............................414-931-0253 Interfaith Older Adult Programs 600 W. Virginia, Suite 300 Milwaukee, WI 53204 ..............................414-291-7500

Ozaukee

Workforce Development CenterOzaukee County 5555 West Highland Road (P.O. Box 547) Mequon, WI 53092 Phone..................262-238-2880 FAX......................262-238-2890

Walworth

Walworth Job Center 10 E. Centralia Street Elkhorn, WI 53121 Phone..................262-741-5180 FAX......................262-741-5275

Washington

Workforce Development Center Washington County 2200 Green Tree Road West Bend, WI 53095 Phone..................262-335-5300 FAX......................262-335-5321

Waukesha

Workforce Development Center Waukesha County 892 Main Street Pewaukee, WI 53072 Phone..................262-695-7800 FAX......................262-695-7890

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iLOCAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

For individuals 55 years of age and older call: Southeastern Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Attn: Older Worker Coordinator 125 N. Executive Drive, Suite 102 Brookfield, WI 53005 Phone:................ 262-821-4444 Southeastern Area Agency on Aging serves all four counties. They also have a caregiver support program that can supply additional information. iContact your local county resource for Family Caregivers for employment or caregiver reimbursement options.

ELDER ABUSE

Wisconsin Statute 46.90 states that “Elder adult at risk” means any person age 60 or older who has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse: Physical Abuse Emotional Abuse Sexual Abuse Treatment without Consent Unreasonable Confinement or Restraint Financial Exploitation Neglect Self-Neglect For Definitions of each of the above: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aps/ public/definitions.htm#adultatrisk To report a suspected case of elder abuse or neglect, call your county resource center.i For Milwaukee County call the Aging Resource Center at ....................................414-289-6874 www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aps/index.htm

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FAITH/SPIRITUALITY

iFor information on how to talk with your loved one about funeral arrangements, contact your local county resource for Family Caregivers.

As a caregiver you may draw your strength each day from your church, synagogue, mosque or other faith based groups to help you Talk with your funeral home of manage your daily caregiving chal- choice about the burial assistance lenges. program offered through your county. iContact your local county resource iFor more information, contact your for Family Caregivers for Caregiver Retreat Information or to find out about respite options that would allow the caregiver to attend church.

FINANCIAL ISSUES

As seniors age, many struggle to keep up with their finances. Some pay their bills late or forget entirely. It is uncomfortable for children— no matter if they are 30, 40 or 50— to ask if their parents are struggling to pay their bills. Below is a list of tools and resources available that will assist the caregiver with financial issues.

iContact your local county

resource for a list of Care Managers in your area.

Consumers may locate geriatric care managers throughout the Untied States by visiting www.aginglifecare.org

GRANDPARENTS AND local county resources. OTHER RELATIVES In Milwaukee contact the Benefit RAISING MINORS

Researchers tell us that grandSpecialists of Legal Action for burial parents and other relatives raising trust information......414-278-7722 children 18 and under are one of GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT the fastest growing types of families Progressive memory loss, a in America. This is due to a number decline in eating or isolation from of reasons - death, divorce, mental family or friends is not a normal health, crime/jail, drugs and alpart of the aging process, and of- cohol. The courts would prefer to ten family members are the first remove a child from their biologto notice that something is wrong. ical parent(s) and place them with Early detection and intervention is a family member if at all possible. crucial as many symptoms are re- This situation knows no racial or versible. A Geriatric Assessment economic boundaries. It is estioffers a comprehensive approach to mated that 1 in 12 children are bedealing with the problems, which ing raised by a ‘grandparent’. The include a multidisciplinary team National Family Caregiver Proto diagnose and treat all types of gram has been asked to work with memory and health issues. Below Grandparents 55+.

For information on services that may be available through Medicare and Medicaid and information on all benefit programs in Milwaukee County, contact Senior Law Benefit is a list of geriatric clinics or talk Specialist of Legal Action at ....................................414-278-1222 with your family physician about options available in your area. iContact your local county resource for Family Caregivers or for Froedtert Memory Disorders Benefit Specialists in other counties. Program ....................414-805-3666

Money management services are Aurora Center for Senior Health available through Aurora Center ....................................414-219-7300 for Financial Wellness at ....................................414-482-8801 GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT FUNERAL AND BURIAL Geriatric Care managers Preplanning a funeral allows can provide coordinated care an individual to express their views management for caregivers who in the selection of services that live near or far. They have extenbest fit their beliefs and desires. sive knowledge about quality, costs, Preplanning can save a family 50% and availability of services in your or more on funeral and burial ar- community and can connect you rangements. with the services that will be right for you or a loved one. Professional Geriatric Care Managers generally charge a fee and can be found throughout the country.

iContact your County Aging / Family Caregiver Program for possible respite options, support groups, workshops and other local resources.

iLOCAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

GRIEF RESOURCES

It is natural to grieve the death of a loved one before, during and after the actual time of their passing. The process of accepting the unacceptable is what grieving is all about. For support groups and to learn about resources for anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, grief at death, chronic illness and loss, symptoms and stages of grief and helping those who are grieving, visit: www.cargiver.org

Caregiver Education Fact Sheets; caregiving issues and strategies; grief and loss. If you have been involved with a hospice program, take advantage of their grief education and support. Or contact Horizon Home Care and Hospice Grief Resource Center ....................................414-586-8383

HEALTH CARE CLINICS

Many times individuals earn just enough income to be ineligible Grandparents Support Group ....................................414-220-8600 for Medicaid coverage, yet do not receive health insurance through Kids Matter ....................................414-344-1220 their employers and cannot afford to pay for “out of pocket” health www.kidsmatterinc.org Legal and social service information insurance. Often, these individuals are forced to seek treatment at local AARP w w w. a a r p . o r g / f a m i l i e s / emergency rooms and become saddled with medical bills that they are grandparents not able to afford. Free or reduced Parenting Network Helpline fee medical clinics fill the gap in ....................................414-671-0566 healthcare access for the uninsured. www.theparentingnetwork.org iFor a list of free or reduced fee The Women’s Center - Waukesha clinics in your area contact your county ....................................262-547-4600 aging services or 211. For a list of free medical clinics in your area contact www.freemedicalcamps.com

Also in Milwaukee, contact:

OCTOBER 2017

HEARING RESOURCES

HOMEMAKING AND At least 25% of individuals over HEALTHCARE

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social workers, home health aides, iLOCAL RESOURCE clergy, therapists and trained vol- FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS Milwaukee County...................................414-220-8600 the age of 65 report problems with Today’s older adult wants to unteers care for you. Ozaukee County......................................262-238-8120 hearing. Persistent failure to un- grow old at home, the place he/she iSee your local yellow pages under ...........................................................................262-284-8120 “Hospice” or talk with your County Walworth County......................................262-741-3400 derstand what is being said can lead feels most comfortable. Assistance resource. Washington County.................................877-306-3030 Waukesha County...................................262-548-7848 to frustration, discouragement and with homemaking, personal needs Waukesha County Toll Free..............866-677-2372 embarrassment. Two of the most and transportation can help an older HOUSING State Wide Toll Free..............................866-843-9810 common consequences of hearing adult maintain independence. Southeastern Wisconsin has 700 West Michigan Street, impairment in the elderly are dea wide variety of housing options. Suite 350, 53233 pression and withdrawal. iContact your county resource to Contact your county resource to ....................................414-291-5360 discuss options or for resources for discuss the options available to you. homemaking and healthcare providers. Contact the Center for CommuniContact the County Resource Information on car, home (non cation, Hearing and Deafness for – Living Options Services for infor- Medicare) health and renters’ HOARDING information on the wide variety of Hoarding is generally charac- mation on all types of living options insurance. Hours are Mon. 1:00 services offered................................... terized as obtaining and refusing for older adults p.m-4:00 p.m. Tues.- Thurs.8:00 414-604-2200 to throw out a large number of ....................................414-220-8600 a.m.-4:00 p.m. items that would normally appear ................................ 1-800-449-4481 HOME MAINTENANCE / www.living-options.org to be worthless, hazardous, or unRailroad Retirement Board CHORES sanitary. Living spaces become 310 West Wisconsin Avenue Although the average elderly significantly cluttered and prevent Contact United States Suite 1300 individual would prefer to remain activities for which those spaces Department of Housing and Urban 53203 in their own home; frailty, chronic were designed. Hoarding can be Development (HUD) for area ....................................877-772-5772 illness, and disability often prevent a contentious issue among family information on low income housing. Retirement unemployment and this dream from materializing. Be- members adding stress and frus- ....................................414-297-3214 sickness program low is a list of programs available tration to an already sensitive issue. to help the elderly remain in their While the exact underlying causes For information on housing Senior Care............ 1-800-657-2038 homes. available for individuals with Prescription drug assistance proof hoarding are unknown, there are Volunteer chore services and some underlying factors including: disabilities contact Independence gram for Wisconsin residents 65+ resource information: OCD, ADHD, Psychosis, and De- First at .......................414-291-7520 who meet eligibility criteria. Independence First (main office) i mentia. ....................................414-291-7520 Catholic Charities in Home iSee your local yellow pages under Veterans’ Insurance Information ....... For volunteering see older adult Support Program......414-771-2881 “Hospice” or talk with your county ................................ 1-800-669-8477 resource. services on page 15B. Covers Milwaukee and WaukeVeterans’ Affairs Regional sha Counties. INSURANCE - MEDICARE Office iA resource serving people with disabilities in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, For information on different 5000 W. National, iContact your local county Washington, Waukesha Counties: resouce for assistance. types of insurance options, see the Milwaukee, WI 53295 Your county resource may have other .............................. 1-800-827-1000 For information, resources and list: options available to you. professional tools visit www.milwaukeehoarding.wee- Medicare information, ordering Wisconsin Medicaid HOME SAFETY bly.com Medicare booklets, and information For assistance with Title 19 and Each year older adults are inSSI-E applications and financial about health plans, contact jured in and around their homes. ................................ 1-800-633-4223 assistance for individuals 60 and Many of these injuries result from HOSPICE older, contact the Benefit Specialist The hospice philosophy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week hazards that are easy to overlook through your County resource. recognizes death as the final stage but easy to fix. of life and seeks to enable patients Medigap / HMO Hotline / Spousal to continue an alert, pain-free Impoverishment................................. LEGAL MATTERS iContact your county resource for a There are a variety of personal list of agencies that will do home safe- life and to manage other symp- ................................ 1-800-242-1060 ty assessments and offer home safety toms so that their last days may Provides Information on Medi- legal matters regarding health and check lists. be spent with dignity and quality, care Insurance, Long Term Care finances which need to be taken surrounded by their loved ones. Insurance Home Health Care Insur- care of. This can best be done by Contact the family caregiver Hospice care can be given in the ance and other health insurance that an Elder Law Attorney. Elder Law support network website at www. patient’s home, a hospital, nursing might be available prior to Medicare. Attorneys specialize in age related caregiversupportnetwork.org for home, or private hospice facility. Community Insurance legal matters and problems includa home safety check list. ing qualifying for public benefit Typically, an interdisciplinary Information Center programs, long term care, estate health care team of doctors, nurses,

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OCTOBER 2017

planning, advance directives and guardianship issues. Your local county resource may have a list or call: Milwaukee Bar Association’s Referral Service....... 414-274-6768

agency for listing of other monitoring services offered as well. iContact your county resource for more options.

LONG-DISTANCE May discuss legal matters and CAREGIVING www.findmilwaukeelawyers.org

If you are providing care or or seek a referral to an attorney assistance to a person who lives in Milwaukee and surrounding an hour or more away, you are counties. “long-distance caregiving”. You National Academy of Elder Law may be paying bills on line, arrangAttorneys...................703-942-5711 ing for services and appointments over the phone, communicating www.naela.com with service providers; a care center, the bank, a pharmacy, neighLGBT CAREGIVING As American’s live longer, bors, friends, relatives or even greater attention is being paid to driving or flying in when there the concerns facing aging adults are appointments or “emergenand caregivers. Some unique con- cies”. Please know that you are not siderations arise for Lesbian, Gay, alone in your efforts. There may be Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) as many as 7 million people carepeople dealing with aging. For in- giving at a distance in the US. Proformation on topics such as finding grams and services are growing in supportive health service provid- the understanding of your efforts ers, dealing with your employer, and dilemmas. Don’t be afraid to and caring for an LGBT spouse, seek out the National Family Caredomestic partner or friend, the fol- giver Support Program (NFCSP) in your community or the community lowing resources may be helpful: of your care receiver for informaThe Milwaukee LGBT Community tion, assistance to access services, Center........................414-271-2656 education, support, respite and ...................................292-3070(SAGE) supplemental services. www.mkelgbt.org/programs/ Wisconsin Caregiving adults ................................ 1-866-843-9810 www.caregiver.com www.wisconsincaregiver.org Under caregiver education fact sheets, “Special Concerns of LGBT Eldercare Locater ................................ 1-800-677-1116 Caregivers” www.eldercare.gov Publication: So Far Away LIFELINES National Institute on Aging # 10MEDICAL ALARMS Telephone monitoring systems 5496............................800-222-2225 www.nia.nih.gov (search for assist seniors in their home in case of a medical emergency. When a So Far Away) subscriber activates a monitoring Geriatric Care Managers www.caremanager.org pendant, the monitoring agency immediately contacts the subscriber as to inquire the type of assistance needed. Emergency Medical Technicians and personal emergency contacts are notified if the subscriber is unable to respond. Contact telephone monitoring

iContact your local county

resource for NFCSP services, additional suggestions and assistance in seeking help to move someone closer to you.

MEDICAID/ T-19

ments, advocacy, information and For assistance with Title referral, and equipment trials are 19 and SSI-E applications and services available through this profinancial assistance for individuals gram. 60 and older, contact the Benefit Specialist through your county iContact your county resource for more options. Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). For those 18-59 contact your ADRC. See MENTAL HEALTH AND “Older Adult Services ” ADRC COUNSELING For both the caregiver and or section in this directory. the care receiver. You may apply for Medicaid by Nearly 20% of those who are 55 mail, telephone or in person. To years and older experience mental obtain an application or apply in disorders that are not part of norperson, contact your county aging mal aging. Most common disorservice number. For information on the Medic- ders are anxiety, severe cognitive aid program contact their website impairment and mood disorders. The rate of suicide is highest among at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/med- older adults compared to any other icaid/index.htm age group. Nearly one out of every four If you are unsure of where or how U.S. households provides care to a to obtain an application or need relative or friend aged 50 or older. help in completing an application, Studies show that caregivers expecall Recipient Services at................. . rience a sense of burden and esti................................ 1-800-362-3002 mated 46% are clinically depressed.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

The Independence First Mobility Store, formerly Wheelchair Recycling Program (WRP), is a non-profit program that offers low cost, refurbished and sanitized mobility and medical equipment to those who lack the resources to acquire new equipment. It also offers a selection of low-cost new equipment.

Center for Psychological Services ....................................414-288-3487 at Marquette University Mental Health Association in Milwaukee County.........414-276-3122 Resources for prevention in mental health.

NAMI Wisconsin, Inc. Greater Milwaukee Office ....................................414-344-0447 Greater Milwaukee Area, State Office............ 1-800-236-2988 3720 N. 124th Street, Unit F Waukesha Office.......262-524-8886 Wauwatosa www.NAMIwisconsin.org ..............................414-988-5333 NAMI is an advocacy, refergma@ifmobility.org ral and support group, founded Independence First Assistive for people with mental Illness and their families. NAMI also has edTechnology ....................................414-291-7520 ucational programs. Everything is free of charge. www.independencefirst.org Experienced staff has informa- iContact your local county resource Family Caregivers for other countion on assistive technology and for seling services within your community. adaptive equipment. The Try-AGadget Center offers 700+ items to try. Formal and informal assess-

OCTOBER 2017

NURSING HOMES

Nursing Homes and Health Care Centers are skilled nursing facilities designed to meet the needs of persons convalescing from illness or surgery or to provide longterm care which is not appropriate for a hospital or available through other alternatives. All persons entering a nursing home do so under physicians’ orders. Their care is supervised by nurses and other professionals under the direction of a physician. Facilities may offer special programs in rehabilitation, mental health, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s, hospice and subacute care. Along with meeting long term care needs they may offer outpatient services for rehabilitation, respite care (1-28 days) and short term or recuperative care (190 days). Family Caregiver Support Network: Living Options services ....................................414-220-8600 ................................ 1-800-449-4481 Assists when exploring options or needing to select a facility by providing Federal and State inspection report information, touring check lists and more information on facilities (size, rates, smoking, a religious affiliation) in southeastern Wisconsin. Ombudsman Program – State of Wisconsin.............. 1-800-815-0015 “Ombudsman” means ‘advocate’. Ombudsman acts as advocate in licensed facilities such as nursing homes on behalf of residents and/or their families. Leave a message including the facility name so that your call can be routed to an Ombudsman assigned to the facility you are referring to. State of Wisconsin Office of Quality Assurance................. 414-227-5000 Call to ask questions about nursing home regulations or to file a formal complaint about a facility in southeastern Wisconsin. Medigap Hotline

................................ 1-800-242-1060 Information on spousal impoverishment, nursing home insurance and other ways nursing home care may be paid for.

people understand the various long term care options available to them, helps people apply for programs and benefits, and serves as the access point for publicly-funded long term care. These services Nursing home inspection reports/ can be provided at the ADRC, via provider search website telephone, or through a home viswww.dhs.wisconsin.gov/bqa- it, whichever is more convenient to consumer/search.htm the individual seeking help. www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/ NUTRITION-DIETICIANS, MEALS ON WHEELS/ Milwaukee County HOME DELIVERED MEALS DRC............................414-289-6660 A significant number of elder(age 18-59) ly fail to get the amounts and types ARC............................414-289-6874 of food necessary to meet essential (age 60+) energy and nutrient needs. There is Ozaukee County.......262-284-8120 evidence that good nutrition pro- Walworth County.....262-741-3400 motes vitality and independence Washington County whereas poor nutrition can prolong ....................................262-335-4497 recovery from illness and lead to a Waukesha County....262-548-7848 lesser quality of life. For aging and caregiver resources anywhere in the country iContact your county resource 211 contact or Milwaukee County 414-289-6874 the Eldercare Locater for a list of meal sites and providers of ................................ 1-800-677-1116 home delivered meals. www.eldercare.gov Outside Milwaukee

For aging and caregiver resources anywhere in the country contact the Eldercare Locater number at ............. 1-800-677-1116 www.eldercare.gov www.wisconsincaregiver.org ....................................866-843-9810 OLDER ADULT SERVICES ADRC AND VOLUNTEER Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) provide accurate, unbiased information on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability. ADRCs are friendly, welcoming places where anyone - individuals, concerned families or friends, or professionals working with issues related to aging or disabilities - can go for information tailored to their situation. The ADRC provides information on a broad range of programs and services (home care/chores, home delivered meals, transportation, housing, financial assistance, elder abuse and much more), helps

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Wisconsin InterFaith In Action Network www.wifian.org

PODIATRY

Foot care is of utmost importance in older adults because of the need for ambulation and mobility. Circulation to the lower portions of the body tends to decrease with age. Decreased circulation, coupled with diminished sensation, can lead to skin breakdown and infections. Older adults are less agile and may experience difficulty in maintaining good hygiene of the feet. Many times podiatry services are covered by insurance, depending upon your medical condition. At home services are also available. iContact your county resource for more information or talk with your primary care physician.

PUBLICATIONS

AARP - American Association of Retired Persons Yearly membership & receive the monthly newsletter “Bulletin” and OLDER ADULT SERVICES the “Modern Maturity” magazine, BY VOLUNTEERS There has been a long stand- free brochures & discounts. Membership Processing Center ing tradition of “neighbor helping P. O. Box 199 neighbor” in Wisconsin. Because Long Beach, CA 90801 of active lifestyles, it is often volunteers who assist with friendly visits, 50 Plus News Magazine phone calls, transportation, shopP. O. Box 230 ping, chores and other “neighborHartland WI 53029 ly” activities. Organized through ..............................262-367-5303 churches and other community groups, older adults are assisted Today’s Caregiver to remain independent in their ..............................800-829-2734 homes. A bi-monthly publication prowww.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/ Milwaukee - Interfaith Older viding information, support and guidance for family and professional Adults Program ....................................414-291-7500 caregivers. Ozaukee - Interfaith Caregivers of iContact your local county resource Ozaukee County for Family Caregivers to subscribe to ....................................262-376-5362 a free caregiver newsletter within your Waukesha - Interfaith Senior community. Programs ....................................262-549-3348 Washington County - Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County ....................................262-365-0902

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OCTOBER 2017

RELOCATION/MOVING

needs. Care is provided 24 hours a TRANSPORTATION Without effective transportaMaking the decision to relocate day, seven days a week for up tion, many individuals cannot ac(move) can be a welcome decision to 20 days. Reservations accepted. cess medical appointments, shop or a traumatic one. Many procrasfor necessities and may be isolated tinate because the thought of all the SILVER ALERT PROGRAM Wisconsin’s Silver Alert law in their home. This presents health work to move, even where to move, (Act 264) took affect August 2015. and safety risks for some and may is overwhelming. There is a complete series of resources available to Similar to an Amber Alert, Silver result in the elderly being forced provide assistance all along the way. Alerts will go out by e-mail, cell from their homes before they need County social workers and other phone, text, or fax through the to be, solely because of the lack of professionals can help determine Wisconsin Crime Alert Network to transportation. the best level of care. Placement notify the public that an adult with services, most of which do not Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other iContact your county resource for charge a fee, can assist in finding a permanent cognitive impairment transportation options in your area. new ‘home’. A number of realtors is missing. Anyone may subscribe have chosen to be certified as a Se- on-line to receive Silver Alerts and VETERANS’ BENEFITS Eligibility for most VA benefits nior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Crime Alerts for free by e-mail, cell, is based upon discharge from active and other companies are available text or fax. Visit military service under other than www.wisconsincrimealert.gov to assist with packing, and all the dishonorable conditions. Active details of moving. SOCIALIZATION service means full-time service as Exposure to social and phys- a member of the Army, Navy, Air iContact your county resource. ical activity improves cognitive Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Family Caregiver Support Network performance and sleep quality in Guard. Generally, men and women the elderly. Maintenance of social veterans with similar service may – Living Options Service ....................................414-220-8600 engagement and avoidance of so- be entitled to the same VA benefits. ................................ 1-800-449-4481 cial isolation are important factors Benefits will also be based on conin maintaining cognitive vitality in flict, time served and if a sustained old age. There are many opportu- injury had occurred. RESPITE CARE Respite service allows caregiv- nities for social interaction which ers to have free time for themselves include adult day programs, senior Kenosha County Veteran’s while their loved ones receive assis- centers, friendly visitors, and tele- Service Office tance when needed. Respite ser- phone reassurance, to name a few. 8600 Sheridan Rd., Suite 700 vices are available in a variety of op- iContact your county resource to Kenosha, WI 53143-6516 appropriate options or for a list tions, ranging from a few hours to discuss ....................................262-605-6690 of programs in your area. several weeks. They can be offered Milwaukee County Veteran’s within the home, group home or Service Office SUPPORT GROUPS nursing home, depending upon the For both the caregiver and the VA Hospital Grounds, Bldg. 6 level of care needed. Each service care receiver, support groups can 6419 W. Greenfield Ave. has a different rate of cost; some help with the well being of one’s West Allis, WI 53214 services offer a sliding scale fee. physical and mental health. A sup- ....................................414-266-1234 port group is one way to share your Ozaukee County Veteran’s iContact your county resource for retroubles, exchange ideas and gain Service Office spite services and or a list of facilities new information. It can offer an 121 W. Main St., Rm 237 that offer respite. Facilities that offer respite, you atmosphere of understanding and PO Box 994 Port Washington, WI do not need to live in Milwaukee support. 53074-0994 County. ....................................262-238-8326 iContact your local county resource Racine County Veteran’s for information on the many support St. Ann Center for Intergenerationgroups in your area. Service Office al Care 1717 Taylor Ave. ....................................414-977-5000 Alzheimer’s Support Groups Racine, WI 53403 Based on assessment, provides ....................................800-272-3900 ....................................262-638-6702 both adult day and overnight serwww.alz.org/sewi Walworth County Veteran’s vices to people 18 years and older Service Office who have disabilities and special PO Box 1001, 100 W. Walworth

Elkhorn, WI 53121 ....................................262-741-4222 Washington County Veteran’s Service Office 432 E. Washington St. Rm 2006 West Bend, WI 53095 ....................................262-335-4457 ....................................800-616-0446 Waukesha County Veteran’s Service Office 500 Riverview Ave., Rm. G138 Waukesha, WI 53188-3680 ....................................262-548-7732

VISION RESOURCES

As we age, the quality of our vision diminishes naturally. Most changes typically are not severe, and a new prescription for glasses or a few adaptations, such as improved lighting, may be all that is needed. Eye care is important. Only a doctor can detect certain vision changes when you cannot—before symptoms become noticeable. Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped ....................................414-286-3045 ................................ 1-800-242-8822 Sends books postage free, loans cassette players and much more at no charge. Vision Forward ....................................414-615-0100 Local outlet for equipment, offers advocacy and organizations for the blind. iContact your County resource for services in your area.

WEBSITES

Interfaith www.interfaithmilw.org (support for family caregivers tab) Family Caregiver Support Network www.caregiversupportnetwork. org County Aging Services:

Milwaukee

www.county.milwaukee.gov/Aging

OCTOBER 2017

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Staying at Home Responsibly Cost Sheet/Expenses Family Caregiver Support Network For Family Members and Friends Who Help or Care For Older Adults Compare the costs of bringing private pay services into the Home vs. Assisted Living at $2,200-$5,000 a month and Nursing Home care at $5,000+ per month.

Service Provided* Home Delivered Meals (1-2x/day, 7 days a week)

Cost Per Day/Hour/Service

$6.00/Meal

Cost Per Week

Total $57.00-$99.00 $57.00-$78.00

$168.00-$336.00 +$60.00 Shipping (If shipped weekly) Total $228.00-$396.00 $228.00-$312.00

$18.00-$34.00

$72.00-$136.00

Transportation Using $7.00 Round Trip (Taxi Rides Milwaukee County’s Transit May Exceed This Amount) Plus (2x/week) (414) 343-1700

$14.00

$56.00

Adult Day Service (2x/week)

$50.00-$70.00/Day

$100.00-$150.00

$400.00-$600.00

Life Line Alert Service

1x Installation Fee of $50.00-$99.00 (Sometimes Waived) $10.00-$25.00

$7.00-$9.00

$35.00-$45.00

$10.00-$25.00

$40.00-$100.00

1x Installation Fee of $99.00

$12.50

$50.00

$275.50-$421.50

$1,109.00-$1,695.00

Homemaking and/or Personal $19.00-$26.00 Care (1x/week) (Usually 3 hr. Minimum) Bathing Service (1x/week)

Chore Service for Snow, Leaves etc. (1x/week) Medication Monitoring Systemthrough Life Line

$18.00-$34.00/Bath

Grand Totals

$42.00-$84.00 + $15.00 shipping/week

Cost Per Month

Don’t forget to add up the other costs of living at home such as utilities, taxes, home maintenance etc. in addition to these supportive services. Then compare the total to a facility that offers it all under one roof. The Family Caregiver Support Network’s Living at Home Expense Sheet (Next Page) can be helpful in adding up the costs you already incur living at home.

Remember that with supportive in-home services you can adjust the type and amount of care to your needs. Your monthly totals may be different than the example above based on which services, how many and how much you choose or can afford to use. *There may be government assisted or volunteer services available to help offset the costs of some of these services. Contact the Family Caregiver Support Network (414) 220-8600, or the local Aging Resource Center of Milwaukee County (414) 289-6874 for more information on what may be available. **As supportive care needs increase to skilled care needs or if 24-hour care becomes necessary, a higher skilled assisted living or nursing facility may be a viable alternative to meet the senior’s needs safely.

Ozaukee

www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/Aging/

Walworth

www.co.walworth.wi.us

Washington

www.co.washington.wi.us/adrc

Waukesha

www.waukeshacounty.gov/adrc Living Options

www.living-options.org Elder Locator www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/ Public/Home.asp Social Security www.ssa.gov Medicare www.medicare.gov/caregivers AARP

www.aarp.org/families/caregiving National Alliance for Caregiving www.caregiving.org National Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org Wisconsin Caregiver www.wisconsincaregiver.org

NOTES

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OCTOBER 2017