A Wisconsin ADRC is one of the best first calls when a family needs local options.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers provide free, unbiased information about programs and services and can help families understand choices without requiring a particular income level to ask for help.
Written and reviewed by Nicola Davidson, OTR/LLicensed occupational therapistPublished July 14, 2026
Families often call an ADRC before they know the name of the service they need. That is exactly the point. A caller can describe the person, the county, and what has become difficult; the counselor can explain the local programs, benefits, care options, and next calls that fit the situation.
In brief
The main points
- 01ADRCs serve older adults, people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and people considering assisted living or nursing care.
- 02They can explain local services, public benefits, long-term care options, transportation, meals, and caregiver support.
- 03Information and options counseling are unbiased; specific program eligibility still varies.
- 04Call 844-WIS-ADRC or use the Wisconsin DHS directory to reach the center serving the person’s county or tribe.
Call when you know the problem but not the program name
Families do not need to know whether they are looking for a waiver, meal program, transportation service, caregiver support, personal care, or a residential option. Describe the person, county, daily need, urgency, and current support. The ADRC can explain which local or statewide paths may be relevant.
- Help at home with personal care, meals, transportation, or household tasks
- Caregiver support, respite, education, or support groups
- Benefits and long-term care program information
- Assisted living, nursing home, or other housing questions
- A change after a fall, hospitalization, or loss of a caregiver
Prepare a five-minute description
Have the older adult’s county, age, main daily difficulties, current helpers, insurance, and the reason for calling. If discharge is approaching or a caregiver cannot continue, say that at the beginning. With permission, include the older adult in the call.
Write down the program or provider names, contact information, eligibility steps, documents needed, expected timing, and what the family should do if help is not available soon enough.
Use options counseling for a stay-home or move decision
Wisconsin DHS explains that ADRC professionals can help people compare staying home, moving, service options, funding, and costs. They do not choose for the family. Bring the weekly care schedule, the gaps that remain, the older adult’s preferences, and the costs already being paid or carried by family.
Keep medical and emergency needs on the right path
An ADRC is not emergency response and does not replace a clinician. Call emergency services for immediate danger or serious symptoms. Contact the person’s health care provider for a sudden decline, new confusion, injury, or a clinical question. Use the ADRC for the local service and support system around those needs.
Statewide starting point
Call 844-WIS-ADRC (844-947-2372) or visit the Wisconsin DHS ADRC page for current contact information. Phone hours and local processes may change.
Sources and further reading
These links lead to the health, Medicare, and Wisconsin information used here. Check the original source for the latest safety, coverage, and eligibility details.
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