Aging Unit

 

The Lafayette County Commission on Aging Advisory Board is an arm of the Lafayette County Human Services Board designated as the focal point for aging services delivered in this County.  The Commission is made up of citizen and County Board Supervisors and is committed to affirm the dignity and value of older adults in the County by ensuring the availability and accessibility of services and resources that enable them to live in and give to their community.   In order to accomplish this mission, the department continues to work closely with the Greater Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging Resources, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and other State agencies that are part of the Aging Network in order to administer all programs which are funded with the Title III, under the Older Americans Act and the Department of Transportation s.85.21 funds.   The Aging Unit merged with Lafayette County Human Services on March 29, 2010.

 

Commission on Aging Advisory Committee

 

            *Leon Wolfe- Chairperson Susie Nelson                        *Bill Moody                Chris Parkinson

                           *John Bartels                                    Vicki Whitford                       Leean White

 

*Denotes Lafayette County Board of Supervisors

Programs and Services

 

Transportation/Bus

 

The availability of adequate transportation has long been a priority concern among Lafayette County seniors.  The Aging Unit offers two transportation programs.  The first program is for “Regular Trips” that are scheduled monthly.  Regular trips have a set schedule with approximate times for door to door pick up and drop off.  These trips offer shopping, nutrition, social gatherings, medical appointments and business purpose opportunities in Dubuque, Iowa, Madison, Monroe and Platteville, Wisconsin.  This program is funded through the Department of Transportation, program income and County funds.  For this program, donations are voluntary and confidential.  For the general public there is a set fee for service.   

 

This service is offered county wide with central pick up points based on the passenger list. 
These trips are also open to the public if there is space available.   

 

 

The second transportation program that we offer is “Charter Trips” for entertainment, socialization and quality of life.  These trips are scheduled each month and are advertised in our monthly newsletter the Upper Horizon.  The cost for the Charter Trips is based on actual cost of service including all expenses related to providing this service. 

 

Some of the events that were offered in 2010 were to see:

 

  • Senior Expo- Platteville, Wisconsin
  • Mel Tillus/ Crystal Grand Theater - Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
  • Miller Park/Brewer game – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Lafayette County Manor fishing – Yellowstone Park
  • County Board Orientation
  • Mount Carroll Playhouse- Mount Carroll, Illinois
  • Lake Geneva Mail boat ride- Lake Geneva, Illinois
  • Gays Mills apple and color ride- Gays Mills, Wisconsin
  • Shullsburg Home
  • Christmas light ride- Dubuque, Iowa
  • Lafayette County Manor light ride
  • Sienna Crest light ride – Dubuque, Iowa
  • Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County Tour of Homes  

 

 

Transportation/Driver Escort

 

Driver Escort is one of two transportation programs offered through the Aging Unit for elderly and disabled of this County. 
Our Driver Escort program enlists the aid of volunteer drivers to deliver medical and emergency transportation services.  Driver Escort is available to all elderly and disabled citizens who are
unable to drive or transport themselves.  Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles and are reimbursed at a rate of at least 50 cents per mile.  In 2010 we combined our Driver Escort program with the Human Services’ program to utilize the drivers and to provide more transportation opportunities for the drivers.  

 

Home Chore

 

The Home Chore program provides basic household chore services such as laundry, dishes, vacuuming, cleaning floors and bathrooms for most frail and vulnerable elderly.  This service is intended to help maintain seniors in their own home for as long as they are able and wish to do so.  Each client is offered an annual health assessment and the opportunity to have a safety check of their home to help prevent the risk of falling.  The service is supplemented by program income based on a sliding fee scale according to annual income.   

Contracted Services with Lafayette County Health Department

Personal Care Program

The Personal Care Program provides services for those elderly who need assistance with bathing and personal hygiene and have no other provider available to assist them.  A doctor’s order is required for this service.

 

Medication Management

The medication Management program is important as a prevention tool to help make sure that the appropriate medications are being taken according to directions.  The services provided include setting up medications, health assessments, and monitoring.

 

Health Day Clinics

The health day clinics provide cholesterol screening and foot care services in the County.

 

Family Caregiver Support Program

This program provides information on community services and resources, long-term care options counseling, community presentations, and funding for respite, home modification, and adaptive equipment for caregivers.  The “Coffee Hour” is a support group that is offered on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. 

 

Upper Horizon Newsletter

“Upper Horizon” is the Lafayette County Aging Unit’s monthly publication.  It informs older adults of services available, changes in benefit programs, and other pertinent matters. 

 

Other services that are provided by the Aging Unit: 

Household Sharps Collection Program and Homestead Taxes offered by AARP.

Aging Unit Staff:

Kate Chambers, Unit Manager, Susie Elzen, Bobby Long