Home › Wisconsin › How-To Guide
Wisconsin · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level (Wisconsin has 11 AAAs) / Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Medicaid Services and Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources (state level)
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging; 211wisconsin.org; forwardhealth.wi.gov; access.wi.gov WHERE TO GO: Your local ADRC or AAA; local senior center; 211 Wisconsin; DHS local office
Online Option
dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging; 211wisconsin.org; forwardhealth.wi.gov; access.wi.gov
Where to Go
Your local ADRC or AAA; local senior center; 211 Wisconsin; DHS local office
County-specific variations apply

Wisconsin's 11 AAAs reflect the state's regional diversity. Milwaukee County (Milwaukee metro), Dane County (Madison), Waukesha County, Brown County (Green Bay), Outagamie County (Appleton), and Racine County have the most robust urban senior services. Wisconsin's rural northern counties (Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas, Washburn counties) face geographic isolation and limited resources. Wisconsin's Native American reservations (Bad River, Bay Mills, Fond du Lac, Ho-Chunk, Lac Courte Oreilles, Lac du Flambeau, Menominee, Mole Lake, Oneida, Potawatomi, Red Cliff, Stockbridge-Munsee) have tribal elder programs operating independently.

Wisconsin Notes

Important state-specific details

  • ADRC NETWORK: Wisconsin's Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) combine aging and disability services in most counties; one-stop resource; find your ADRC at dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc.
  • FAMILY CARE: Wisconsin's primary Medicaid HCBS managed care program for elderly and disabled; covers nursing home alternatives; apply through ADRC.
  • IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct): Wisconsin's self-directed Medicaid HCBS option; apply through ADRC.
  • HOMESTEAD CREDIT: Income-based property tax credit for 62+ and disabled; up to ~$1,168; filed on WI state income tax return; does not appear on property tax bill.
  • LOTTERY CREDIT: Applied directly to property tax bill for primary owner-occupied residences; automatic; verify it appears on your bill.
  • LIHEAP: Energy assistance; critical given Wisconsin's cold winters; apply through Community Action Agencies or 211.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through DHS APS statewide at (608) 266-2536 or local county APS.
  • Legal Action of Wisconsin: legalaction.org | (414) 274-3400 (Milwaukee) - civil legal aid for qualifying low-income WI residents.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
WI DHS, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources - dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging | (608) 266-2536; WI SHIP: (608) 266-2536; APS: local county APS or (608) 266-2536; Legal Action of Wisconsin: legalaction.org | (414) 274-3400; 211 Wisconsin: dial 211