Planning for the Future
Planning for long-term care starts with understanding your options. Even if care isn’t needed right now, it might be in the future. Whether you need a little help at home or more ongoing support, the ADRC can connect you with the right services to meet your needs. On this page, you’ll find information about available programs, eligibility, and how to plan for care—so you can make confident decisions for yourself or someone you care about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Options counseling is a person-centered, interactive process that helps individuals make informed decisions about their care. It typically involves a face-to-face conversation and offers more than just a list of programs or service providers.
The ADRC provides options counseling to older adults, adults with disabilities, and their families, caregivers, or others seeking assistance on their behalf.
When discussing long-term care, the counseling is tailored to each person’s unique needs. It is not intended to influence someone toward a specific program, service, or care setting—nor should it withhold information about any appropriate options.
Long-term care is a service or support you may need to help with daily tasks, such as getting dressed or bathing, because of one or more of the following:
- You have a disability.
- You are age 65 or older.
- You have a lasting chronic condition.
There are many programs that can help with long-term care for those who live in Wisconsin. Medicaid funds some of these long-term care programs (also called Medicaid waiver programs), which include:
- Family Care: A program for older adults and adults with disabilities. Members get a range of long-term care services through one benefit program. Members continue to use their Medicaid card for health and medical services and prescription drugs. Providers in Waupaca County include:
- Community Care, Inc.
- Inclusa, Inc.
- Lakeland Care, Inc.
- Family Care Partnership: Similar to Family Care but also includes health and medical services and prescription drugs. Providers in Waupaca County include:
- Community Care
- IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct): A self-directed program for older adults and adults with disabilities. Participants decide what goods, supports, and services will help meet their needs. IRIS Providers in Waupaca County include:
- Advocates4U
- TMG
- Lutheran Social Services – Connections
- First Person Care Consultants
- Midstate Independent Living Choices
Fiscal Employer Agents serving Waupaca County include:
- Acumen Fiscal Agent
- GT Independence
- iLIFE Financial Management Services
- Premier Financial Management Services
The ADRC is the place to start to learn about and apply for Medicaid long-term care programs.
The application process is extensive and requires applicants to meet both functional and financial criteria.
The 5 steps to enroll:
- Contact the local ADRC
- Meet with an ADRC specialist to determine functional eligibility and complete a functional screen
- Determine financial eligibility
- Learn about the program options
- Finalize enrollment
The process of determining eligibility, gaining approval, and enrolling in a long-term care program through the ADRC can take 60 to 90 days from the time of initial contact.
This timeline allows for thorough screening, assessment, and coordination to ensure individuals are connected with the program that best meets their needs.
The transition from youth to adulthood is an important time—especially for young people with disabilities or long-term care needs.
The ADRC is here to help guide you through a smooth transition. For more information, visit our Youth Transitions page.