Resources
If you haven't found what you're looking for on our website, call and speak with one of our Specialists at 800.699.6704
Below you'll find a list of common resources that might be helpful, arranged alphabetically, with toll-free numbers and websites that offer additional information as well.
Abuse/Neglect Resources
WI Guardianship Support Center, 800.488.2596
Adult Protective Services, to report concerns of suspected physical, material or financial abuse, neglect or self-neglect, contact your local APS worker within the county Departments of Social Services in the Northwoods region. See below for Social Service agency numbers. After hours, contact local law enforcement for emergency situations and welfare checks.
Elder Abuse Fact Sheet. June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and this publication answers some tough questions about the problem and what can be done about it.
Advocacy Resources
AARP National Memberships, 800.424.3410
WI Legislative Hotline, 800.362.9472
How to Find & Contact Your WI Legislators, http://legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting Rights & Resources.
Board on Aging & Long-Term Care (BOALTC), 800.242.1060
Coalition of WI Aging Groups (CWAG), 800.488.2596
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. 800.815.0015
Complaints about Health Care or Residential Care in Wisconsin. This fact sheet provides information on how to file a complaint with the Division of Quality Assurance against a provider, agency or regulated long-term care facility.
Aging Agencies in the Northwoods
Forest County Office on Aging, 715.478.3256
Taylor County Commission on Aging, 715.748.1491
Alzheimer's/Dementia Resources
Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org, 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900
National Alzheimer's Association, 800.621.0379
WI Music & Memory Program. An Innovative Approach to Dementia Care, bringing personalized music to those suffering from dementia. Meet Henry!
ASPESTOS
People 65 and older comprise 60% of all cancer patients. To raise awareness, there is a Seniors Guide to Cancer that covers topics like wellness tips, the importance of seeing a doctor, and preventive measures:
https://www.asbestos.com/cancer/senior-cancer-guide
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/causes
Since seniors make up around 80% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma and it takes anywhere from 20-50 years after exposure to occur, the Mesothelioma Center has created a great guide for mesothelioma as well:
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma
Caregiving Resources
Discharge Planning Checklist, a Medicare publication that assists family and caregivers in preparing for your loved one's return home from a hospital, nursing home or other care setting. Here is another Long Term Care Discharge Planning Guide published by the Wisconsin Ombudsman Program.
Eldercare Locator, 800.677.1116
Respite Care Association, www.respitecarewi.org, is a not-for-profit agency serving as the central point of contact for Lifespan Respite Care Programs across the state. This system identifies and coordinates respite care options for families regardless of age, special need, or other characteristic of the person needing care.
Family Caregiver Alliance, program provides financial support to purchase goods and services related to the care of someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.
Consumer Resources
Client Assistance Program (complaints from Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Incependent Living Center clients), 800.362.1290
Banking Complaints and Information, 800.452.3328
Consumer Product Safety Commission Hotline, 800.638.2772
WI Dept of Agriculture Consumer Complaints, 800.422.7128
WI No-Call List, 866.966.2255,
National Do Not Call Registry, www.donotcall.gov
USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline, 888.574.6854
Consumer Complaints - WI, 800.422.7128
Disability Resources
Americans with Disabilities Act Information, 800.232.9675
Mid-State Independent Living Center, 800.382.8484
Job Accommodation Network, 800.232.9675
Disability Rights, helps people across WI to gain access to services and opportunity through its advocacy and legal expertise, regularly challenging systems and society to create positive change and improve the lives of people with disabilities.
WI FACETS, www.wifacets.org, serving children and adults with disabilities, their families, and others who support them.
WI FACETS Brochure.
The Human Service Center, 715.369.2215
Disability Accommodation Cost Guides http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/disability-accommodation
Thriving in Trade School with a Disability http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/vocational-trade-school/people-with-disabilities
Discrimination And Addiction: How To Overcome Prejudice Without Relying On Drugs Or Alcohol http://www.treehouserehab.org/discrimination-and-addiction
Accessibility and Employment: http://www.peatworks.org/content/accessibility-and-employment-what-people-disabilities-need-know
Wheelchair and Handicap Ramp Cost Guide http://www.improvenet.com/r/costs-and-prices/handicap-ramp-cost
12 Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities: What to Do When Emergency Weather Strikes https://www.redfin.com/blog/disaster-safety-for-people-with-disabilities
Social skills for adolescents and adults with autism http://www.autism.org.uk/socialskills
When Blind or Visually Impaired -- From Single and Ready to Mingle to off the Market http://www.visionaware.org/blog/visually-impaired-now-what/dating-when-blind-or-visually-impaired-%E2%80%93-from-single-and-ready-to-mingle-to-off-the-market/12
Employment Resources
Experience Works, www.experienceworks.org, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of older people through training, community service, and employment
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Wisconsin, Services for job seekers with disabilities, or you can reach us by phone at 800-442-3477 (Toll Free), 608-266-1133 (FAX), or 888-877-5939 (TTY).
Employment Resources, Inc (ERI) provides employment, benefits, and financial counseling services to people with disabilities who are considering or pursuing employment. We also works with transition-aged youth and young adults to explore career options and opportunities. We also offer skill development and financial empowerment training to individuals or groups.
EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER COUNSELING: ERI provides support to people with
disabilities who want to become employed, maintain current employment, increase earnings, or advance in the world of work. Our unique and comprehensive approach connects people to community resources while providing assistance to explore individualized employment goals in a supportive, reflective environment.
BENEFITS COUNSELING: ERI answers questions about benefits and working.
Our Benefits Specialists will talk with you about your situation and answer your questions and help you explore options. We explain benefits programs so you can make informed choices about your work and money goals.
FINANCIAL COUNSELING: ERI provides tools to assist with daily money management. We can also help you to access financial resources and programs that will help you to achieve better financial security.
You can reach us by: Web:http://eri-wi.org; Email:ERI@ERI-WI.ORG; Phone:608-246-3444; Fax:608-246-3445
Financial Resources
IRS - Federal Tax Help, 800.829.1040
Social Security, www.ssa.gov, 800.772.1213
Hearing/Vision Resources
WI Telecommunications Relay System (TTY), 711 or 800.947.3529
WI Telecommunications Relay System (Voice), 711 or 800.947.6644
WI Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 855.359.5252
WI Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, 800.783.5213
Health Resources
AIDS Hotline, 800.232.4636
American Cancer Society, 800.227.2345
American Fund - Last Resort for Funds for Kidney Failure, 800.638.8299
American Heart Association, 800.242.8721
American Lung Association, 800.586.4872
Arthritis Foundation, 800.333.1380
Diabetes Association, 800.342.2383
Epilepsy Foundation, 800.693.2287
National Cancer Institute, 800.422.6237
National Multiple Sclerosis Society - WI Chapter, 800.242.3358
National Health Information Service, 800.336.4797
National Kidney Foundation, 800.543.6393
Poison Information Center, 800.815.8855
The Living Bank for Organ & Tissue Registry, 800.528.2971
WI Parkinson's Association, 800.972.5455
Housing Resources
Making the Right Choice: Choosing a Residential Facility. Booklet produced by the Wisconsin Board on Aging & Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Includes a checklist of questions to ask and things to consider when looking at a residential care facility.
Home Safety Checklist. Use this checklist to help determine if your senior's home is safe from hazards that pose a risk to safety, well-being and independence.
HUD Housing Discrimination Hotline, 800.669.9777
Low Income Housing - (WISCAP) Wisconsin Community Action Program Association is the statewide association for Wisconsin’s sixteen (16) Community Action Agencies (CAP Agencies) and two single-purpose agencies with statewide focus: the Foundation for Rural Housing and United Migrant Opportunities Services (UMOS).
How do I pay for nursing home care? - Information about how Nursing Home stays can be paid for including Medicare, Medicaid, and private payments.
Insurance/Prescription Resources
SeniorCare Fact Sheet. SeniorCare is a drug assistance program for Wisconsin residents who are 65 or older who meet enrollment rules and is designed to help seniors with prescription drug costs.
SeniorCare Application Form. SeniorCare Prescription Drug Hotline, 800.657.2038
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of WI, Insurance Complaint Hotline, 800.236.8517
AARP United Healthcare Insurance, 800.523.5800
Legal Resources
Advanced Directives. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has advanced directive forms available online. These forms are designed to be completed without the assistance of an attorney. Given your particular circumstances or concerns, however, you may want to seek legal advice from an attorney.
Judicare - Free Legal Assistance, www.judicare.org, 800.472.1638
Lawyer Referral Service & Assistance with Legal Problems, 800.362.9082
State Bar of Wisconsin, 800.362.8096
Medicaid Resources
Health Care Fraud Hotline - Medicare & Medicaid, 800.447.8477 or visit www.medicarefraud.gov
Medicaid Member Services, 800.362.3002
Medicaid Managed Care (HMO's) Enrollment Service Center, 800.291.2002
ACCESS.wi.gov, Your online tool for getting and managing your Health, Nutrition, Child Care benefits and more. For questions, please call 1.700.362.3002
Medicaid Fact Sheet: Planning for Funeral and Burial Expenses (GWAAR) Information on setting up an irrevocable burial trust to arrange for final expenses and allow you to reduce your available assets to meet MA eligibility requirements.
Family Care/IRIS 2.0 - FAQ - Information on and Frequently Asked Questions regarding Family Care/IRIS 2.0 from the Department of Health Services
Medicare Resources
Health Care Fraud Hotline - Medicare & Medicaid, 800.447.8477 or visit www.medicarefraud.gov
Medicare Part D Helpline, 855.677.2783
Medicare Hotline, Hours: Mon - Fri, 9am - 3 pm, 800.633.4227
Medigap Helpline for Long-Term Care/The Wisconsin SHIP, Help with Insurance Needs, 800.242.1060
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) 877.808.2468 or visit www.stopmedicarefraud.org
Mental Health/Addiction Resources
Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse, 800.248.9244
National Mental Health Association, 800.969.6642
National Suicide Hotline, 800.273.8255
Tobacco Quit Line, 877.270.7867
Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, 800.236.1222
Gambling - WI Council on Problem Gambling, 800.426.2535
The Human Service Center, 715.369.2215
Nutrition Resources
FoodShare Wisconsin Brochure.
FoodShare Fact Sheet for the Elderly & Disabled.
Other Helpful Resources
Directory Assistance for Toll-Free Numbers, 800.555.1212
Social Services Departments in the Northwoods
Forest County Department of Social Services, 715.478.3351
Taylor County Human Services Department, 715.748.3332
Transportation Resources
Road Conditions in WI, 800.762.3947
Senior Drivers is a AAA website that is for senior drivers and their families that offers tools to measure a senior's current skills and needs, provides education and training to improve and offers plans for continued mobility once a senior "retires" from driving.
WI Department of Transportation, www.dot.state.wi.us
Disabled American Veteran's Van Transportation, for reservations call 715.369.6227
Veterans Resources
Department of Veterans Affairs, 800.827.1000
Disabled American Veteran's Van Transportation, for reservations call 715.369.6227
Veteran's Service Office, Crandon, Forest County, 715.478.3755
Veteran's Service Office, Medford, Taylor County, 715.748.1488
***Be advised that the ADRC of the Northwoods works hard to keep all their resources updated, however, there may be times that the information provided escapes our regular reviews and/or may have changed without our knowledge. We apologize if this has caused any inconvenience for our customers.***
