Program Contact

Lynn Karpinsky

The Caregiver Services Specialist assists people who are providing care and support to an older or disabled adult to enable them to remain as independent as possible in their own home. 

The Caregiver Specialist can help by providing support, education, referrals and services that someone might need on this journey.

These services may include things that have gotten harder such as housekeeping, bathing, time away from a loved one they are caring for or other needed services. These programs can be paid for privately or can be funded by a variety of state and national programs. To qualify for public funding there are different requirements as to age, income and diagnosis but all require that a person needs assistance with at least two activities of daily living – showering, getting in and out of bed, continence, managing medications or finances, doing heavy housework, etc. The Caregiver Specialist would assess eligibility for all programs during a phone or in person assessment. The funding for these programs is an annual allotment to the county, so available each year while they last. They include the Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP), National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), and IIIB Supportive Services. Click here to learn more about eligibility for these programs. 

Supporting Family Caregivers

A caregiver is  vital support for someone who is elderly or disabled and the backbone of our care system. Many individuals, if it were not for their caregiver, would find themselves in need of nursing home care or alternative care facilities.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Ozaukee County has a variety of outreach efforts to help support caregivers. These include online caregiver training, educational classes, support groups, respite options, and informative websites.

If you are a caregiver, consider using some of the options available please contact us at 262-284-8120 to speak with our Caregiver Specialist.

Trulata Online Caregiver Training

Trualta is an online portal that helps caregivers develop skills and find local resources, all from the comfort and safety of home.  Trualta gives you unlimited access to articles, videos, audio lessons, and printable tip sheets to improve your caregiving journey. You can develop skills and feel more confident in your ability to handle challenging care situations including those related to personal care, safety, brain health, and even your own wellness.  The lessons vary from 5 minutes to 2 hours, so you can pick what you want based on the time you have.  With Trualta, you have access to materials any time of the day and anywhere you are, so you don’t have to worry about fitting Trualta into your busy schedule.  Contact the Caregiver Specialist or visit the website to log in    https://wisconsincaregiver.trualta.com/login

Caregiver Respite Options

Respite care is a short break from caregiving duties that allows the care-giver an opportunity to rest, refresh, recharge, and take care of their own needs. These breaks are very important for someone to continue providing care. Below are a list of respite options available in Ozaukee County. Specific listings can be accessed in our directory or by calling the ADRC.

• Adult Day Services
• Community Based Residential Facilities / Nursing Homes 
• Homemaker / Companion Agencies 
• Interfaith Caregivers Volunteer Respite Program
  Ph: 262-376-5362

Additional information about respite care or becoming a respite care provider can also be accessed at the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin website https://respitecarewi.org/

Caregiver Connection of Ozaukee County

The Caregiver Connection is a group of current and past family caregivers and agencies that support family caregivers. Their vision is to empower family caregivers throughout Ozaukee County and improve their quality of life. They do this through 1:1 conversations, social events and caregiver coffees.

The Caregiver Coffees are held on a monthly basis at a variety of times and locations.  These coffees allow a caregiver to meet other caregivers in an informal setting. Some also offer care for their loved one in a supervised social environment.  Caregivers who have attended these coffees find the coffees to be a welcoming environment where one can share their thoughts and concerns with others who are walking in their shoes. Click here for a current list of coffees throughout Ozaukee. 

Caregiver Journey Series