Many people don't think of themselves as caregivers, but if you provide direct care to someone (feeding, bathing, etc.), or provide supportive care and oversight such as rides, meals, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, etc., then you are a caregiver.

The ADRC of Rock County can help you find resources and may be able to connect you with respite care and grant programs.

What is respite care?

Respite care means providing caregivers temporary relief or rest from their caregiving activities. Typically, a respite care provider (either through an agency or family member/friend) will come to your home (or where the person you are caregiving for lives) and stay with the person needing care so that you can run errands, visit with friends, or just take a break from your caregiving duties (like taking a nap or going to the library).

There are two programs available to caregivers/families who are caregiving for loves ones to assist with the costs of respite and caregiving related expenses. They are the National Family Caregiver Support Program(NFCSP) and Alzheimer Family Caregiver Support Program(AFCSP).  Due to limited annual funding, a waiting list may exist for these programs. Every effort will be made to provide services as quickly as possible. 

For more information about these programs, please contact the Family Caregiver Support Specialist at 608-758-8455. 

I take care of my 80-year-old father and work fulltime. I just need some time on the weekends to do my own errands. Where can I get some help with his care?   Family Caregiver Support Specialist for resources and to see if you are eligible for our respite grant programs.

I just moved in with my mother to take care of her. She is awake much of the night. I just need some sleep. Where can I get some help?  Contact the Family Caregiver Support Specialist for resources and to see if you are eligible for our respite grant programs.

I recently was given custody of my eight-year-old grandson. I am 60 years old. Starting over with a young child is going to be hard. Where can I turn for help?  Contact the Family Caregiver Support Specialist for resources and to see if you are eligible for our respite grant program.

My husband and I are caregiving for his mother, who lives in her own home. We are over there every day. She is starting to show signs of Alzheimer’s. I don’t understand Alzheimer’s and why she does certain things. Where can I go for help? Contact the Family Caregiver Support Specialist for resources and to see if you are eligible for our respite grant programs. There is also local support groups that can provide peer support and resources.

I live in Rock County, but my mom lives in Florida. How can I find resources for her?
The US Administration on Aging provides a nationwide eldercare locator database.
Search for resources via their website, eldercare.acl.gov, or call them at 800-677-1116.