When you or a loved one are faced with questions or difficult decisions regarding aging and long term care programs and supports, consider consulting the following resources, publications, and supports to better understand your options.
Advance Directives
The Guardianship Support Center provides legal information, case consultation and referrals. They also publish The Guardian Newsletter on a quarterly basis.
You may contact the Center at:
1414 MacArthur Road
Suite # 306
Madison, WI 53714
Telephone:
(855) 409-9410
Fax:
(866) 561-2652
Department of Health Services
State of Wisconsin forms for Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney for Finance and Property, and Authorization for Final Disposition.
Guardianship of Adults: A decision-making guideQuestions about guardianship are raised by people with disabilities, spouses, relatives, friends, advocates and providers of residential, vocational, medical and other services. This handbook provides an overview of guardianship and also tries to respond to questions that are often asked about the nature, purpose and effects of guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, and ways to tailor guardianships to individual needs.
This website provides information and support for caregivers. It also includes a listing of services available on a state by state basis.
The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives. This site also provides information in understanding Medicare benefits.
This organization provides information to long term care consumers. The Consumer Voice is made up of consumers and advocates who define and achieve quality for people with long term care needs. Quality of care and quality of life is promoted through: informed and empowered consumers; effective citizen groups and ombudsman programs; the promotion of best practices in care delivery; public policy that is responsive to consumer needs; and the enforcement of consumer-directed standards.
Disability Rights Wisconsin is a private nonprofit organization which was founded in 1977. Designated by the governor to ensure the rights of all state citizens with disabilities through individual advocacy and system change, DRW is part of a national system of federally mandated independent disability agencies. Disability Rights helps people across Wisconsin gain access to services and opportunity through its advocacy and legal expertise.
Choosing a Facility
An overview of the different types of long term care settings.
State regulatory profiles of assisted living facilities.
This tool provides an easy and fast method for consumers to find health and residential care providers in Wisconsin.
Medicare.gov
Find and compare nursing homes, hospitals and other providers near you.
Culture Change
Advancing HealthCare ExcellenceAdvancing Excellence is a coalition-based campaign to improve the quality of life for residents and staff in America's nursing homes.
Pioneer Network is dedicated to making fundamental changes in values and practices to create a culture of aging that is life-affirming, satisfying, humane and meaningful.
Facility Listings
The Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is responsible for assuring the safety, welfare and health of persons using health community care provider services in Wisconsin. They regulate various health care entities including those listed below.
A place where adults who are not related to the operator reside and receive care, treatment or services that are above the level of room and board and that may include up to seven hours per week of nursing care per resident. The minimum age requirement for residing in an AFH is 18 years.
A place where adults who are not related to the operator or administrator reside and receive care, treatment or services that are above the level of room and board and that may include up to three hours per week of nursing care per resident. Adults residing in a CBRF should not require care above intermediate level nursing care.
Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC)
Five or more adults residing in a complex with independent apartments that have a lockable entrance and exit. The apartment must include a kitchen, living area, bedroom and private bathroom. Must provide up to 28 hours per week of supportive, personal and nursing services.
A nursing home is a facility that provides 24-hour nursing services, including room and board to five or more unrelated persons. Usually individuals living in a nursing home require access to 24-hour nursing services due to their physical or mental condition.
Chapter DHS 88, Wisconsin Administrative Code
Chapter DHS 83, Wisconsin Administrative Code
Chapter DHS 89, Wisconsin Administrative Code
42 CFR 483.5, 42 CFR 483.10 through 483.75 (Code of Federal Regulations)
Chapter DHS 132, Wisconsin Administrative Code
Assisted Living Survey Guide Useful Sites Referencing Standards of Practice.
DHS = Department of Health Services
Other Resources
the Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.
The experienced staff of the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) understands that every person touched by Alzheimer’s or other dementia will need support to help them navigate the course of the disease.
Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Eldercare Locator is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community.
The Family Caregiver Support Network (FCSN), offers personal support and information for family caregivers of older adults.
A place where adults who are not related to the operator reside and receive care, treatment or services that are above the level of room and board and that may include up to seven hours per week of nursing care per resident. The minimum age requirement for residing in an AFH is 18 years.
A place where adults who are not related to the operator or administrator reside and receive care, treatment or services that are above the level of room and board and that may include up to three hours per week of nursing care per resident. Adults residing in a CBRF should not require care above intermediate level nursing care.
Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC)
Five or more adults residing in a complex with independent apartments that have a lockable entrance and exit. The apartment must include a kitchen, living area, bedroom and private bathroom. Must provide up to 28 hours per week of supportive, personal and nursing services.
A nursing home is a facility that provides 24-hour nursing services, including room and board to five or more unrelated persons. Usually individuals living in a nursing home require access to 24-hour nursing services due to their physical or mental condition.
The information contained in this document expresses the understanding of the law being
discussed and the position of the agency respecting that law.
Recommendations for Addressing Resident Relationships
This document provides guidance to facilities suggesting what might be included in a Resident
Relationships Policy that addresses intimacy and sexuality issues.
A guide for facilities to obtain information about a resident’s intimacy and sexuality history.
Practical suggestions and guidance in how to begin to assess a resident’s ability to consent to physical sexual expression.
Long term care facility staff has a responsibility to assist residents in exercising their right to vote.
Ideas for consumer protections in assisted living.
