Information and Assistance

Aging & Disability Resource Center staff provide customers with information and assistance regarding a wide variety of topics. Topics include, but are not limited to, housing, home care, how to apply for various benefits such as Social Security disability, information regarding benefits such as Medicare, transportation assistance, vocational/job resources, resources and support for caregivers… and the list goes on and on.

Sometimes, a phone call looking for information can lead to a much larger discussion. Especially for those with chronic health conditions and conditions that may get worse with time, meeting with an Options Counselor to hear about long-term care services may be in order.

What is an Options Counselor?

Options Counselors are Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) employees who assist adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders and their families as well as caregivers. They helpfully communicate the various long term care programs and services available. 

Options counseling is an interactive decision-support process, where individuals are assisted in evaluating and weighing their long term care service options. This process includes private pay services as well as publicly funded services. 

Long Term Care Services (Video)
  • In home support: Supportive home care, Skilled home care, Adaptive equipment/assistive technology, Nutrition services, Transportation

  • Living arrangements: Home/Apartment, ALF-Assisted Living Facility, SNF-Skilled Nursing Facility

  • Paying for Long Term Care (LTC): Private resources, Private long-term care insurance, Medicare, VA Benefits, Publicly funded long term care programs

  • Family caregiving:  National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP Grant), Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP Grant)

  • Advance care planning: POA Healthcare, POA Finance, Living Will, Guardianship, Do Not Resuscitate

  • Hospice / Palliative Care

 

Options Counseling Goal

To meet with customers early in their long term care decision making process to help prevent higher cost services and enable customers to stay financially independent for as long as possible.

How Can an Options Counselor Help You?

If you’re interested in remaining independent, have a current or future need for long term care services, consider meeting with an Options Counselor. 

  • Anyone interested in publicly funded long term care through Family Care or IRIS programs must talk with an Options Counselor. Functional eligibility determination for these programs are provided by an Options Counselor.

  • Disenrollment counseling is also provided for individuals wishing to change programs.

  • Advocacy assistance can be provided to help you understand your rights in relation to programs and benefits.

How do I contact an Options Counselor?

  • Call or visit the Aging & Disability Resource Center. 715-839-4735, 1-888-338-4636, tty: use Relay (711)

Appointments are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please feel free to request a home visit.