Arrange senior care in Madison, WI

Describe the help before choosing a provider

Ask the older adult which routines they want to keep and where they want assistance. Describe the work: preparing lunch, helping with bathing, accompanying someone to an appointment or staying while a family caregiver takes a break. Record preferred visit times, communication needs and permission to enter the home.

For medication assistance, transfers or recovery after discharge, ask the treating clinician to clarify the help needed. Give each provider that description and ask which tasks its staff can accept, who supervises the work and how staff report changes. Avoid signing a general care package before discussing the actual tasks.

Dane County ADRC can help families sort through concerns about eating, medication routines and living alone. Staff also connect callers with caregiver resources and meal programs during recovery. Ask about these options before deciding how many private care visits to arrange. [1]

Check personal care arrangements and supervision

Wisconsin DHS regulates certain personal care agencies. Its consumer guide describes services that help with daily living needs, follow a doctor’s or certified personal care provider’s written orders, and involve workers whom a registered nurse supervises under a written care plan. Apply this description to the regulated agencies covered by the guide. [3]

The DHS guide provides access to an agency directory and Provider Search. Use those resources, then ask the agency to identify the organization you will contract with and explain its regulatory status. Ask who prepares the care plan, reviews changes and answers questions about supervision. [3]

Request an explanation of staff screening, training for your requested tasks and backup arrangements for absences. Ask for proof of insurance and the process for reporting missed visits or concerns. Choose a provider whose answers you understand, and put the agreed responsibilities in writing.

Confirm rides and appointment accompaniment separately

Dane County’s Older Adult Transportation Assistance program serves adults aged 60 and over and people with disabilities who live in their own homes or apartments. The county offers door-to-door and accessible vehicle service throughout Dane County. County staff determine access through the Transportation Call Center; funding is limited, copays depend on ability to pay, and the county describes the service as generally temporary. [2]

Family Care, Family Care Partnership and IRIS participants cannot use this program. People receiving Medical Assistance rides through Common Carrier Medical Assistance Transportation cannot use it for medical rides. Call (608) 242-6489 to discuss eligibility and existing ride coverage before relying on a county ride. [2]

Ask who will help the person leave home, enter the clinic and return after the appointment. Confirm whether you need a caregiver to stay during the visit. Request a separate quote for accompaniment and agree on the handoff with the transportation coordinator before removing hours from your care schedule.

Compare the full booking and prepare the first visit

Request an itemized quote showing hourly or visit charges, minimum bookings, weekend or overnight charges, travel expenses and cancellation terms. Ask about assessment and supervision fees. Compare the total for your proposed schedule and ask the provider to explain what happens if a visit runs longer than planned.

Before the first visit, agree on tasks, home access, emergency contacts and permission to share updates with family. Ask the older adult how they want the caregiver introduced. Set a review date to discuss comfort, unfinished work and changes in the help needed. Name the person responsible for contacting the provider when an agreed visit does not happen.

Published ages for two Dane County older-adult support pathways

Choose your next step

Your hiring checklist

1. Ask the older adult about preferred routines, visit times and communication needs.
2. Write one task list to share with each prospective provider.
3. Ask the treating clinician to clarify medication, transfer or recovery assistance.
4. Discuss care options, meal resources and caregiver support with Dane County ADRC.
5. Ask providers about regulatory status, supervision, staff screening and insurance.
6. Confirm ride eligibility and appointment accompaniment separately.
7. Request an itemized quote and written absence and cancellation policies.
8. Agree on home access, emergency contacts and a care review date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does free ADRC advice include free home care?

The ADRC provides information and assistance at no charge. Services it refers you to may charge fees. Ask each organization about eligibility, availability and your cost before arranging care. [1]

Can I discuss care options without visiting an office?

Yes. Dane County ADRC offers phone conversations and home visits, and staff can meet at a location you choose. Call (608) 240-7400 to discuss a suitable arrangement. [1]

How do I check a personal care agency?

Start with Wisconsin DHS’s consumer guide and its agency directory and Provider Search resources. Ask the provider to explain its regulatory status and, for the regulated care described in the guide, its written orders, care plan and registered-nurse supervision. [3]

Can a county ride replace caregiver accompaniment?

The county describes door-to-door and accessible vehicle service, subject to eligibility. Ask the call center what assistance the ride includes and arrange any clinic accompaniment you need before changing a caregiver booking. [2]