Caregiver Resources

Trualta

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR) have partnered with Trualta, a new free online educational tool for family caregivers across the state. Trualta can help individuals needing care live at home longer. The modules teach caregivers how to safely provide hands-on care, connect families with reliable support agencies, and offer information and video training from experienced professionals in a quick and easy format. Anyone caring for an older adult can benefit from Trualta’s support, whether they are seeking personal care training, safety and fall prevention tips, help caring for a person with dementia, caregiver wellness ideas, or other support. To sign up go to WisconsinCaregiver.org and click on the Trualta Banner to access Trualta's library of online resources at no cost.

Caring for the Caregiver

Dane County’s Caregiver Program, referred to as Caring for Caregivers, recognizes the critical role of families and friends in providing care to older adult family members, friends, and neighbors; and the role of older adults in raising grandchildren and caring for severely disabled adult children or relatives ages 18—59. Programs and services support and guide caregivers in their efforts to help their loved ones live at home as long as possible while caring for themselves in the process. Funded by the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), the Older Americans Act, and Dane County, it provides help to those caring for: persons age 60 and older; persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders regardless of age; children (under age 18) being raised by their grandparents or other relatives (age 55+); or disabled adults (age 18—59) receiving care from their parents, grandparents, or other relatives (age 55+). 

• Caregiver Chronicles Newsletter Monthly: Digital newsletter with information, educational articles, event listings, and links to caregiver resources and programs. Also available via regular mail. To subscribe, email debroux.jane@countyofdane.com or call (608) 261-5679. Past newsletters are available to download at the Caring for the Caregiver website.
• Caring for Caregivers Grants : Caregiving is challenging, and in order to care for others we need to be able to take a break and care for ourselves. NFCSP grants are available to provide respite and supplementary services. Funds may be used to provide self-care services for the caregiver. There is no means test for eligibility. 
• Referrals and Resources Assistance and problem-solving related to caregiving: Whether you need practical solutions, someone to talk to, or classes that help with your own self-care, we can help. 
• Resources for Employed Caregivers : Educational presentations and employer consultations are available. 
• Support Groups: A complete listing of caregiver support groups in Dane County, 
• Grandparents & Other Relatives as Parents Caregiver Program: Provides support, education, and resources for primary caregivers (ages 55+). Contracted through The Rainbow Project.
• Latinx Grandparents Group Offers monthly support group (in Spanish) for Latinx grandparents raising their grandchildren. Contracted through NewBridge Madison. 

Contact the Caregiver Program Coordinator, Jane Debroux for more information on any of these programs: (608) 261-5679 or debroux.jane@countyofdane.com 

Caring for the Caregiver Brochure