The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County is here to help older people and adults with disabilities secure needed services and benefits, live with dignity and security, and achieve maximum independence and quality of life. Located in the county’s Government Center, the ADRC works with any Eau Claire County resident who needs help with issues relating to aging or living with a disability. We not only help the individual who is aging or who has a disability, but we also help their family members, caregivers, and other professionals in the community as well.

We not only help the individual who is aging or who has a disability, but we also help their family members, caregivers, and other professionals in the community as well.

The only requirement to receive assistance is that you are an Eau Claire County resident. It doesn’t matter to us what your income is or how much money you have. Anyone can connect with the ADRC. The only time your income or assets will matter is if we are helping you access a benefit or program that requires that type of information. However, income and assets make no difference when working with our staff.

So what is it, exactly, that we do? The short answer to that question is many things! Here are some of the highlights, but don’t hesitate to contact us if you are in need of assistance or –better yet – don’t need assistance now but are just planning for the future.

Options Counseling. Options counselors will work with individuals and families to understand your unique set of circumstances and goals and then provide you with the options that exist to meet your needs. Options counseling works best if done face-to-face, preferably in the person’s home. However, we will meet with individuals wherever they are most comfortable, and we regularly make visits to area hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools, and more.

Benefits Counseling. For all of those tough Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, etc., questions, our benefits specialists are here to help! We have benefit specialists who specialize in working with those ages 60 and older, and benefit specialists who specialize in working with those ages 18-59. For those who are 60 and older, Medicare is a very hot topic, while Social Security Disability is of most interest for those 18-59. Our benefit specialists have oversight from attorneys who assists when difficult appeal, denial, etc., situations arise but also keep our specialists informed of changing laws and regulations relating to benefits.

Health Promotion. Staying healthy and preventing injury and illness are important for us all. The ADRC offers a variety of health promotion and prevention programs for people to participate in. Our classes range from healthy eating to preventing falls to living well with chronic medical conditions. All of our classes are evidenced-based, which means they are proven to work!

Caregiver Support. Most people who are caregivers don’t even realize that they are. A caregiver is anyone who is assisting someone else with their affairs such as writing out checks to pay bills, providing transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping on someone’s behalf – the list goes on and on. Supporting those who support our older adults and adults with disabilities is crucial, especially so they can take a break from time to time. The ADRC offers a wide array of programs, services, and tips for caregivers.

Nutrition. The ADRC operates the Meals on Wheels program for Eau Claire County’s homebound seniors in need of warm, nutritious meals delivered to them at home. We also partner with the Augusta Senior Center, L.E. Phillips Senior Center, St. John’s Apartments, and Lynn’s Chatterbox Café to offer meals and opportunities for seniors to congregate over lunch or dinner.

Community Outreach AND Education. The ADRC participates in many community events and will provide presentations on a wide array of topics to civic groups, businesses, church groups, etc. If you are looking for a speaker for an upcoming event, we would love to hear from you! The best time to learn about issues related to aging or living with a disability is when you aren’t in the heat of needing assistance. Educating yourself early is the key to lowering stress in a time of need.

Not from Eau Claire County? Don’t worry! ADRCs exist in all 72 counties, as well for Native American tribes, throughout the state of Wisconsin. Contact your local ADRC for assistance or to learn more about the variety of services they offer in your community.

Jennifer Owen is director of the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County.

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTERS

Eau Claire County
721 Oxford Ave., Room 1130,
Eau Claire, WI 54703
(715) 839-4735
adrc@co.eau-claire.wi.us
tinyurl.com/EauClaireADRC

Dunn County
3001 U.S. Highway 12 East, Suite 160
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 232-4006
adrc@co.dunn.wi.us
www.co.dunn.wi.us/ADRC

Chippewa County
711 N. Bridge St., Room 118
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 726-7777
adrc@co.chippewa.wi.us
www.co.chippewa.wi.us/government/aging-disability-resource-center-adrc

Statewide Information (from the state Department of Health Services)
www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/

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