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Paying for care in Wisconsin

Getting paid to care for a family member in Wisconsin

Yes. In Wisconsin, a family member can be paid to give care through IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct). Whether a spouse can be paid depends on conditions, which the page on getting paid sets out with their sources.

Respite care for family caregivers in Wisconsin

Yes. In Wisconsin, family caregivers can get respite through three programs on record: Respite (IRIS), National Family Caregiver Support Program and Alzheimer's Family and Caregiver Support Program.

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Programs on record

How to apply

IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct)

How to apply

Contact your local aging and disability resource center (ADRC) or Tribal aging and disability resource specialist. You complete the Long-Term Care Functional Screen with them and apply for Medicaid through an income maintenance agency (the ADRC can help). The ADRC then helps you choose an IRIS consultant agency and a fiscal employer agent.

Source: IRIS: How to Enroll (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)Checked

Phone

888-515-4747

IRIS Call Center, for people already in IRIS who need help.

Source: IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)Checked

Respite (IRIS)

How to apply

Respite is one of the services IRIS participants can choose, as long as the services on the plan fit within the budget. To join IRIS, contact your local aging and disability resource center (ADRC) or Tribal aging and disability resource specialist (ADRS), who can help you know if you might be eligible.

Source: IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)Checked

National Family Caregiver Support Program

How to apply

Call your local aging and disability resource center (ADRC) to find a caregiver program specialist in your area.

Source: Aging: Family Caregiver Support Programs (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)Checked

Alzheimer's Family and Caregiver Support Program

How to apply

Contact your county or Tribal aging office to learn more or apply.

Source: Aging: Alzheimer's Family and Caregiver Support Program (Wisconsin Department of Health Services, last revised December 5, 2025)Checked

Phone

608-266-2536

Wisconsin Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources.

Source: Aging: Alzheimer's Family and Caregiver Support Program (Wisconsin Department of Health Services, last revised December 5, 2025)Checked

Sources

How we verify explains these dates.