County Officially Opens New Aging and Disability Resource Center

November 19, 2012
Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive 608.267.8823 or cell, 608.843.8858

New Facility Will Provide Critical Services, Enhance Long Term Care for County’s Most Vulnerable Citizens and Their Families

 

Dane County is now home to an Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC) that will enhance long term care for older adults and adults with disabilities and their families, regardless of income, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility today.  The facility will start accepting phone calls on Wednesday, November 28th.

 

“Dane County is known for its unparalleled commitment to provide a strong safety net for older adults and adults with disabilities,” said Parisi.  “Our new ADRC is a tremendous resource that will further expand our services for the most vulnerable.”

 

The county’s ADRC is located on Madison’s Northside at the Northside TownCenter (formerly Sherman Plaza), 2865 North Sherman Avenue.  Creation of the facility has brought roughly 45 jobs to the area. 

 

The facility will provide individuals and their families with information and access to a broad range of community resources available for older adults and people with disabilities.  The Area Agency on Aging of Dane County will be co-located with the ADRC as well, further streamlining services for older adults.   

 

“The Area Agency on Aging and the ADRC will be collaborating in many ways.  We are thrilled to be co-located partners with the ADRC,”, said Cheryl Batterman, Manager, Area Agency on Aging of Dane County.

 

All ADRC services are voluntary.  Services will include outreach to identify people at risk and connect them to needed services; education that will enable individuals to make informed, cost-effective decisions about long term care; and support to promote health and independence, such as helping young people (age 17 ½ years) with disabilities transition from their school system to adult services.  ADRC services will be provided to individuals regardless of their health condition, long-term needs, or income.

 

People who call the ADRC will be connected with an Information and Assistance Specialist, who will answer callers’ questions.  Callers can disclose their identity or remain anonymous. 

 

If callers desire, the I&A Specialist will come to the individual’s home to better determine what service options would be most appropriate given the individual’s needs. 

 

“The ADRC is an important asset that will provide additional support for Dane County’s families who are caring for older adults or adults with disabilities,” said Health and Human Needs Chair and local Supervisor Melissa Sargent.  “Its location on Madison’s Northside is accessible and will contribute to our neighborhood’s revitalization efforts as well.” 

"As our population continues to age, the information and referral services provided by the new ADRC will be invaluable to the citizens of Dane County - especially those in the ‘sandwich generation’ who are taking care of their children and their parents at the same time,” said local Dane County Supervisor Paul Rusk.

 

Once the ADRC is open on November 28th, individuals wishing to access services should call 608 240-7400, email adrc@countyofdane.com, or come to the ADRC, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

Dane County pursued federal and state funding for the new ADRC and has been awarded $4-million per year to operate it.

 

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