Caring for an aging loved one is one of the hardest jobs there is — and you shouldn't have to do it alone. Below are 30 verified Wisconsin programs offering emotional support, respite, training, financial help, peer groups, and legal planning — most of them completely free.
Last updated July 2026
Start here in Wisconsin
Wisconsin ADRC — Aging and Disability Resource Centers
One call connects Wisconsin family caregivers to free counseling, respite, training, and support groups through their local Area Agency on Aging.
Wisconsin ADRC — Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Free
Statewide — 72 ADRCs covering all 72 counties and 12 Tribal ADRS partners
Wisconsin's primary caregiver entry point. Free, unbiased information and decision-making support through 72 county ADRCs and 12 Tribal Aging & Disability Resource Services. Call 844-WIS-ADRC (844-947-2372) or visit FindMyADRC.org. Available in Arabic, Chinese, Hmong, Laotian, Russian, Serbian, Somali, and Spanish.
844-WIS-ADRC (844-947-2372) | FindMyADRC.org. Wisconsin has 72 ADRCs — one per county — plus 12 Tribal ADRS partners. Dementia Care Specialists available at ADRCs statewide
Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter — 24/7 Helpline
Free
Statewide — Milwaukee HQ with offices in Madison, Green Bay, Wausau, Chippewa Falls, and other locations
Around the clock emotional support, crisis assistance, and care consultations for dementia caregivers. WI Chapter serves all 72 counties. 110,900+ Wisconsinites living with Alzheimer's; 205,000 caregivers providing 297 million hours of unpaid care annually. 27 Walks across WI each fall.
WI Chapter: 414-479-8800. Five regional offices. Annual Wisconsin State Conference attracts hundreds — 2026 early-bird tickets sold through March 31. Also: ADAW (www.alz.org/wi) is Madison-based dementia nonprofit
Statewide — through 72 ADRCs and local aging units
Wisconsin's NFCSP and Alzheimer's Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP) both accessible through DHS. WI State Plan on Aging FFY2026-2028 and State Plan for Dementia 2024-2028 guide expanded caregiver supports. 1,085,000 Wisconsin caregivers (23% of adults).
Contact ADRC at 844-947-2372 or visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/caregiver.htm. Wisconsin is one of 13 states in NASHP 2025-2026 Family Caregiving State Policy Learning Collaborative
Free 24/7 connection to local health and human services including emotional support, crisis intervention, and caregiver resource referrals across all 72 Wisconsin counties.
Call or text 211 anytime — also available online at 211wisconsin.org. Available in multiple languages reflecting Wisconsin's diverse communities
Respite Care Association of Wisconsin — CRGP Grants
Free
Statewide
Unique Wisconsin program providing small respite grants to family caregivers who cannot access timely or adequate support through other programs — including those on waiver waiting lists or with exhausted funding. Updated February 9, 2026: eligible caregivers may reapply every 90 days. Caregiver completes eligibility form; ADRC professional completes supporting documentation.
Free grants — reapply every 90 days as of Feb 2026. ADRC must complete supporting documentation form. Visit respitecarewi.org for current application. Critical resource for caregivers waiting for waivers
Alzheimer's Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP)
Free
Statewide — through 72 ADRCs and local aging units
Wisconsin's unique state-funded program providing up to $4,000/year in direct financial support to purchase goods and services for caregivers of adults with Alzheimer's diagnosis. Income limit $48,000/year (care recipient and spouse). Covers in-home care, respite, adult day, transportation, home-delivered meals, and specialized equipment.
Up to $4,000/year — unique WI program. Income limit $48,000/year. Contact ADRC at 844-947-2372. Availability varies by county funding. Apply through local aging unit
Statewide — through 72 ADRCs and local aging units
NFCSP-funded temporary respite care for family caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's. In-home and adult day respite options statewide. Contact your local ADRC or aging unit.
Contact ADRC at 844-947-2372 — respite availability and types vary by county across WI's 72 ADRCs
At least 30 days annual respite for caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Madison VA, Milwaukee VA, Tomah VA, and Iron Mountain VA (Upper MI/WI) serve Wisconsin veterans.
Must be caring for veteran enrolled in VA healthcare — Madison VA: 608-256-1901 | Milwaukee VA: 414-384-2000 | Tomah VA: 608-372-3971
Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin — Education Programs
Free
Statewide — five offices and virtual
Free education programs for dementia caregivers across all 72 WI counties. Annual Wisconsin State Conference, ALZ Talks webinars, Savvy Caregiver workshops, and care consultations. 27 Walk locations across WI each fall.
Virtual options available statewide — call helpline or visit chapter website. Annual Wisconsin State Conference 2026 — largest WI conference dedicated to Alzheimer's and dementia
Trualta — Free Caregiver Training (Re-Launched 2025)
Free
Statewide — all Wisconsin caregivers
Trualta free online caregiver training platform re-launched in Wisconsin in 2025 after a gap. Available FREE to all Wisconsin caregivers — 100+ modules on personal care, dementia care, medication management, and self-care. Access through ADRC or DHS caregiver page.
Free to all WI caregivers — access through local ADRC at 844-947-2372 or visit wisconsincaregiver.org. GWAAR and DHS relaunched in 2025 — exciting resource for rural WI caregivers
Wisconsin Caregiver Support Alliance — Caregiver Resources
Free
Statewide
Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance (WFACSA) maintained by Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR). Free online and in-person events, HR CareKit for employers, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, and comprehensive resource directory statewide.
Free resources at wisconsincaregiver.org — includes employer HR CareKit helping workplaces support caregiving employees. Powered by GWAAR with ACL federal grant
Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute — Caregiver Education
Free
Statewide — UW-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison Alzheimer's Institute provides dementia caregiver education, professional training, and research resources statewide. Dementia Friendly Too video training series. Partners with WI ADRC network and DHS on statewide dementia education initiatives.
Free resources at wai.wisc.edu — Dementia Friendly Too video series available free online. UW-Madison ADRC focuses on early detection and risk factors
Comprehensive caregiver education library including fact sheets, online programs, and WI-specific resource directory. Especially valuable for rural northern and western Wisconsin caregivers.
No registration required for most online resources
Free caregiver tools, guides, and education. AARP WI reports 1,085,000 family caregivers (23% of WI adults). AARP Care Guide available in English and Spanish. AARP WI active on IRIS/Family Care waiver preservation amid federal Medicaid changes.
AARP membership not required — AARP WI active on IRIS and Family Care waiver protection amid 2026 federal Medicaid cuts. HR CareKit available for working caregivers
Wisconsin's self-directed Medicaid waiver (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) allowing participants to hire and direct their own caregivers including some family members. Spouses may be eligible in certain circumstances. Income limit $2,982/month in 2026. IRIS and Family Care waivers flagged for potential rate pressure following 2026 federal Medicaid cuts.
Spouses may be eligible — contact ADRC at 844-947-2372 for eligibility screening. IRIS is one of WI's most flexible waiver programs. Federal Medicaid cuts may affect availability — verify current status
Family Care Waiver — Consumer-Directed Paid Caregiver
Free
Statewide
Wisconsin's Medicaid managed long-term care program allowing consumer direction of personal care. Family members can be paid as caregivers through MCO consumer direction option. Spouses eligible in some circumstances. Income limit $2,982/month 2026. Subject to rate pressure following federal Medicaid cuts.
Contact ADRC at 844-947-2372 — MCO consumer direction option allows family caregiver hiring. Federal Medicaid cuts flagged as risk — verify current enrollment status with ADRC
Alzheimer's Family Caregiver Support Program — $4,000/year
Free
Statewide — through 72 ADRCs
Wisconsin's unique non-Medicaid state-funded program providing up to $4,000/year to purchase care goods and services for families caring for adults with Alzheimer's or related dementia. Income limit $48,000/year. Covers respite, adult day, transportation, home safety equipment, and specialized dementia supplies.
Up to $4,000/year non-Medicaid — unique WI program. Income limit $48,000/year is much broader than Medicaid. Contact ADRC at 844-947-2372
Monthly stipend for caregivers of eligible veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Also includes CHAMPVA health insurance. VA legacy cohort protected through September 2028.
Must be caring for veteran with 70%+ service-connected disability rating
National Family Caregiver Support Program — Wisconsin
Free
Statewide — through 72 ADRCs
Federal program providing information, counseling, training, respite, and supplemental services to family caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's. Grandparent kinship caregiver services also available. 12 Tribal ADRS partners serve Wisconsin's tribal communities.
Contact ADRC at 844-947-2372 — WI has 12 federally recognized tribes with dedicated Tribal ADRS partners alongside county ADRCs
Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin — Support Groups
Free
Statewide — in person and virtual
Free caregiver support groups throughout Wisconsin from Milwaukee to Madison to Green Bay to Wausau. 27 Walk locations. Virtual groups available statewide. LGBTQ+ caregiver group in Wauwatosa. Female caregiver group in West Allis. ALZConnected online 24/7.
Call helpline or visit chapter website to find group by county — Wisconsin has one of the most extensive support group networks in the Midwest. Unique LGBTQ+ and female caregiver groups available
South-Central Wisconsin — Madison area with virtual statewide
Free dementia caregiver support groups throughout Wisconsin including groups for LGBTQ+ caregivers and female caregivers. The former ADAW (closed June 2023) transferred assets to ALZ Association WI, Cairasu, and UW Foundation. All ADAW programs now accessed through ALZ Association WI at www.alz.org/wi or 800-272-3900.
Free programs — Wisconsin-specific organization. Contact Jeff Hamm at Jeff.Hamm@alz.org/wi or 608-232-3400 ext 112. Social work services specifically serving Madison's African American community
Wisconsin Caregiver Support Alliance — Peer Resources
Free
Statewide
Online and in-person caregiver events, support groups, and peer resources through WisconsinCaregiver.org. GWAAR-maintained platform connecting caregivers statewide including rural communities. Trualta online community features also available.
Free at wisconsincaregiver.org — check online and in-person event calendar. GWAAR-maintained with ACL grant funding
Free online peer community of 25,000+ caregivers active 24/7. Especially valuable for Wisconsin caregivers in rural northern, central, or western WI communities where local groups may be limited.
AARP membership not required — virtual peer support 24/7
Northern and Western Wisconsin — offices in Wausau, Rhinelander, and other northern communities
Free civil legal services to low-income adults in northern/western Wisconsin including elder law, advance directives, powers of attorney, Medicaid planning, housing, and consumer protection. Covers Native American clients statewide. Southern WI served by Legal Action of Wisconsin.
Toll-free: 800-472-1638. Also: Legal Action of Wisconsin (608-256-3304) serves southern WI | Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee (414-278-7722) serves Milwaukee County. Tribal members served statewide
Wisconsin SHIP — State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Free
Statewide — Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling for Wisconsin beneficiaries and caregivers. Certified SHIP counselors help navigate Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D drug plans statewide. Also accessible through your local ADRC.
Unbiased — not affiliated with insurance industry. Also accessible through ADRC at 844-947-2372. Wisconsin SHIP available in multiple languages through interpreter services
Statewide — Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Free advocacy for caregivers with concerns about nursing home, assisted living, residential care apartment complex, or adult family home quality. Investigates complaints and protects residents' rights across all 72 Wisconsin counties.
Toll-free statewide 800-815-0015. Also accessible through ADRC at 844-947-2372. Wisconsin Ombudsman covers adult family homes — unique WI residential care model
Statewide — Madison, Milwaukee, and Rice Lake offices
Free legal advocacy for Wisconsin residents with disabilities and their caregivers. Wisconsin's federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency. Covers disability rights, Medicaid/IRIS/Family Care access, housing, and abuse/neglect. Medicare Part D help: 800-926-4862.
Madison: 800-928-8778 | Milwaukee: 800-708-3034 | Rice Lake: 877-338-3724. Free services statewide — also operates Medicare Part D helpline 800-926-4862 and Voting Rights helpline
Honest answers to what Wisconsin family caregivers ask most.
Most free caregiver help in Wisconsin flows through Wisconsin ADRC — Aging and Disability Resource Centers, which works hand-in-hand with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources and the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network. Call 844-947-2372 to be connected to your county's AAA or Aging and Disability Resource Center — they provide free caregiver counseling, support groups, respite vouchers, and caregiver education statewide. Wisconsin also runs Alzheimer's Family and Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP) — up to $4,000/yr per family, which is worth asking about by name.
In many cases, yes. The primary pathway is IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) and Family Care. Wisconsin's IRIS program is a fully self-directed Medicaid long-term care option that lets members hire family (other than a spouse) as paid caregivers. The care recipient must meet Wisconsin Medicaid's financial and functional eligibility rules. To apply or confirm what's currently available, call 844-947-2372 and ask specifically about Medicaid self-direction or consumer-directed personal-care services.
Free or low-cost respite in Wisconsin comes from three main places: (1) Wisconsin ADRC — Aging and Disability Resource Centers and your local Area Agency on Aging, which can issue respite vouchers under the National Family Caregiver Support Program — call 844-947-2372; (2) the VA Caregiver Support Program (1-855-260-3274) for caregivers of enrolled veterans; and (3) the ARCH National Respite Locator at archrespite.org, which lists licensed Wisconsin respite providers by ZIP code.
Wisconsin veteran caregivers can access two main VA programs. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a monthly stipend of roughly $1,750–$3,200 for caregivers of post-9/11 and (now expanded) earlier-era veterans with a 70%+ service-connected disability who need help with daily activities. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services offers free training, peer mentoring, and REACH VA stress coaching for caregivers of any era veteran enrolled in VA healthcare. Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 or visit caregiver.va.gov to apply.
Yes. The Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter runs in-person and virtual support groups across the state and operates a free 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 in English and Spanish. Local Area Agencies on Aging also coordinate dementia-specific groups through Wisconsin's family caregiver support program — Wisconsin ADRC — Aging and Disability Resource Centers can refer you. For broader caregiver support groups (not dementia-specific), the Family Caregiver Alliance and Well Spouse Association also serve Wisconsin families online.
Legal Action of Wisconsin / Wisconsin Judicare is the main free civil legal aid resource for income-eligible Wisconsin residents. They can help with advance directives, financial and healthcare powers of attorney, guardianship questions, Medicare and Medicaid appeals, and consumer or housing problems facing aging adults. Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care Ombudsman Program provides separate free advocacy specifically for residents (and their families) in Wisconsin nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care settings. Many Wisconsin bar associations also run lawyer-referral services with reduced rates for caregivers and seniors.
988 is the free, confidential 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available to anyone in the U.S., including Wisconsin family caregivers who feel overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless, or in emotional distress. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. For non-crisis support — finding food, transportation, rent help, or caregiver respite — dial 211 to reach a Wisconsin-trained United Way navigator who can route you to local programs.
Wisconsin's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network is the single point of entry for county-level caregiver services. Call 844-947-2372 and you'll be routed to the ADRC or AAA serving your county. They handle benefits screening, options counseling, and direct connections to counseling, respite, training, transportation, and financial-help programs. Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources oversees the network statewide and can also help if a local office is hard to reach.
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Source: LTCareNav.com research, updated on July 2026. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility rules change frequently — please verify contact information directly with each organization before referral. This page is informational and not legal, medical, or financial advice.