Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
The following is a list of commonly asked questions relating to the Division of Aging and Disability Services affairs and services.
How can I help my elderly parent at home?
What transportation services are available to older/physically disabled adults?
Where can an older adult find affordable housing?
What is assisted living and does Medicare pay for it?
What is estate recovery?
What can I do if I believe an elderly/physically disabled person is being abused or neglected?
What type of assistance can APS provide to victims?
Can APS “force” a victim to accept help?
What is self-neglect?
Who is most likely to be the victim of elder abuse or neglect?
What is the profile of a perpetrator of elder abuse?
How can I help my elderly parent at home?
Services can be arranged to help elderly people maintain their independence in their homes. Help with bathing, dressing, homemaking, home delivered meals, transportation, shopping, emergency response systems, telephone reassurance, friendly visitor, adult day care are some of the services that can be arranged. Persons who need financial assistance may ask for a free assessment and eligibility determination. Professional staff is available to visit the elderly person in their homes to help determine what services and care options are available. Consultation visits are free.
What transportation services are available to older adults and adults with physical disabilities?
Care-A-Van provides door to door transportation by lift equipped vans and cars for medical appointments, personal business, and recreation. The service area is Kenosha County and the fare is $1.50 one way. Volunteer Escort Service provides transportation by car within and outside Kenosha County. A modest fare is charged to the rider. For other information on private transportation, bus service and taxicabs please see the Service Directory for Older Adults and Persons with Physical Disabilities or call the Aging & Disability Resource Center.
Where can an older adult find affordable housing?
There are 12 subsidized senior apartment building or complexes in Kenosha County for low income people’ age 62 or older. There are 3 rent assisted apartment building or complexes that are available in income qualified persons age 55 or older. For other information on housing issues, please see the Resource Database or call the Aging & Disability Resource Center.
What is assisted living and does Medicare pay for it?
Assisted living is designed to provide daily assistance to persons who are experiencing health problems or frailties that make it difficult to live independently. Assistance generally consists of meals, medication monitoring, personal care and supervision. Facility staff do not provide nursing or medical care. If an individual needs ongoing medical care, a skilled nursing facility may be more appropriate.
The state regulates two types of assisted living facilities: community based residential facilities (CBRF) and Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCAC). The monthly cost varies among facilities ranging from $2,500-$6,000 per month. CBRFs offer 24-hour supervision, meals, medication monitoring, personal care, and housekeeping. Some CBRFs offer specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. RCACs are independent apartment units for seniors with support services.
Individuals must anticipate paying for their care out of their personal funds. Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for assisted living facilities. Family Care and Partnership may include care in an assisted living as part of a person’s service plan. However, funding through these programs is never guaranteed and may not be an option. Please call the Aging & Disability Resource for more information.
What is estate recovery?
Through the Estate Recovery Program the state seeks repayment of certain long term care Medicaid benefits provided to recipients. Recovery is made from the estate of recipients and in some cases from liens placed on their homes. The money recovered is returned to the Medicaid Program and used to provide care to others in need. The state’s claim is not collected while there is a surviving spouse, a disabled or blind child under the age of 21.
What can I do if I believe an elderly or physically disabled person is being abused or neglected?
Report your concerns to the Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center by calling 262-605-6646. An Adult Protective Services worker will be assigned to investigate the situation in a manner that is not threatening to the alleged victim. Your identity will be kept confidential.
What type of assistance can APS provide to victims?
APS can provide information and support to help victims change their situation. APS can also link the victim to protective services. These services include in home and other supportive services that can replace the care provided by an abusive or neglectful caregiver. Other protective services are financial protection options, restraining orders, and housing options.
Can APS "force" a victim to accept help?
APS will seek the least restrictive intervention that will protect the victim. However, APS can’t force a capacitated adult to accept help. Under Wisconsin Statutes, involuntary intervention is allowed only when a victim is mentally incapacitated and at substantial risk.
What is self-neglect?
Wisconsin’s Elder and Adult-at-risk Abuse Statute, 46.90, defines self-neglect as a significant danger to an elder person’s physical or mental health because the elder person is unable or fails to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing medical or dental care.
Who is most likely to be the victim of elder abuse or neglect?
The National Center on Elder Abuse recently published a study establishing that female elders are abused at a higher rate than males, even after accounting for their larger proportion in the aging population. Persons 80 years and older are abused and neglected at two to three time their proportion in the aging population.
What is the profile of a perpetrator of elder abuse?
Approximately 90% of the reported abusers in Wisconsin are family members.