Supporting Caregivers All Year Long
This month we made a special point to celebrate and recognize caregivers for National Family Caregivers Month!
Caregivers in Wisconsin provide so much in care for their loved ones, year-round!
Did you know that Wisconsin has approximately 578,000 family caregivers who spend approximately 490 MILLION hours caregiving annually? This translates to about $7 BILLION dollars in uncompensated care every year.
Many people serve as caregivers and may not even recognize themselves as such. Common support roles that caregivers provide include:
- transportation to appointments, therapies, or daily activities;
- managing or paying finances and expenses; and
- daily care support like medication management, meal preparation, and household chores.
AARP Wisconsin, in collaboration with 211 / United Way of Wisconsin, is focused on navigating the care of caregivers as they serve in this role.
View a Facebook live hosted this summer with 211 WI Specialists who lead phone call connections with caregivers below.
In this outreach you can receive 1:1 phone calls with a dedicated and trained 211 Caregiving Specialist that provides:
- Supportive Listening
- Referrals to resources based on your request and needs
- Follow up calls regarding referrals to discuss any issues or additional needs
- Calls arranged to meet your schedule
If this feels like a fit for you, or if you would simply like to learn more, call 2-1-1 or 833-572-1599
to get connected to a 211 Specialist.
There are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.
Whomever you might be in this moment, this comes with deep appreciation for the ways in which care is both given and received.
If you're looking for more resources - check the AARP Wisconsin Caregiver Resource Guide.
With warm regards,
Deanna Schuette, United Way of Wisconsin
Sam Wilson, AARP Wisconsin
