History and Future of ADRCs
If you are used to spending time at your local ADRC or have perhaps worked with an Information and Assistance Specialist or a Benefit Specialist, it may surprise you to learn that ADRCs are relatively new to Wisconsin. The first ADRCs opened as part of a pilot program in 1998. Since then, additional “waves” of ADRCs have opened their doors throughout the state to serve older adults and adults with disabilities by providing accurate, unbiased information on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability. Our own Brown County ADRC was part of the second “wave” of ADRCs and started serving customers in the fall of 2005.
As ADRCs opened, the state was not able to provide the same level of funding, resulting in some ADRCs struggling to provide services. Furthermore, while the number of older adults and people eligible for and using ADRC services has grown substantially over the last 20 years, funding has not increased since 2006.
Looking to the future, the population of older adults in Wisconsin will grow significantly over the next 20 years. By 2040, it is estimated that over 30% of Wisconsin’s residents will be over the age of 55. For counties in northern Wisconsin, the percentage of older adults is projected to be even higher. To put it simply, Wisconsin’s population is aging.
To address this issue, in 2017, an advisory group was created to figure out how to redistribute the money the state awards to all ADRCs so the funding would be evenly distributed. Ultimately, this group concluded that with the money currently available, it would be impossible to fund required ADRC services statewide. Instead of attempting to reallocate existing funds, the advisory group developed a plan to reinvest in older adults and adults with disabilities throughout Wisconsin by addressing disparities and fully funding ADRCs throughout the state.
What Does This Proposal Contain?
The proposal has two parts. The first, is a request for approximately $27 million dollars and would allow all ADRCs to fully fund what are known as “core services.” Without this basic level of funding, ADRCs will continue to struggle to provide required programs.
The second part of the proposal would allow ADRCs to keep pace with Wisconsin’s growing aging population by providing additional funding of approximately $25 million dollars. This money would provide statewide expansion of ADRC services including Dementia Care Specialists, Elder Benefit Specialists, caregiver supports, health promotion services, care transition programs, tribal ADRCs, and statewide support systems.
How Can You Help?
As you read this, a budget is being developed that will set funding levels for state programs and services for the next two years. Throughout this process, your elected representatives want and need to hear from you. If ADRC services are important to you, consider reaching out to your local representatives to let them know that you value ADRCs and share how additional funding benefits you and older adults and adults with disabilities across the state. To find out who your legislators are, visit legis.wisconsin.gov and enter your home address in the “who are my legislators?” box. Thank you for your consideration!
