Commission on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center Board — Agenda Packet
Portage County · Portage County · Commission on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center Board · meeting of Oct 1, 2026 · Agenda packets
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PORTAGE COUNTY
MEETING AGENDA
COMMISSION ON AGING/AGING AND
DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER
BOARD
ADRC AT LINCOLN CENTER
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM OR VIA
REMOTE CONNECTION
1519 WATER STREET
STEVENS POINT, WI 54481
Thursday, October 1, 2026 4:00 PM
REMOTE ATTENDANCE & COMMENT
To attend this meeting by telephone : dial 1-872-242-7813, after dialing the number you will then be asked to enter in a
meeting number. Use the following meeting number: 787 674 127, then press #
To attend this meeting by video: Join the meeting now
Page 1 of 2
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Members enter Per Diem and Mileage
REPORTS
1. Special Meeting Attendance Reports (Portage County Ordinance 3.1.47 & 3.1.48)
2. Finance - Budget Reports, August 2026
3. Resource Center - August Report
4. Nutrition Program
• August Snapshot
• Nourishing Bites Newsletter, October
5. Advocacy
6. Reframing Aging - article
7. Directors Report
• Event Recap
• Upcoming Events
• Staffing
PRESENTATION
8. Caregiver Support Services Program Review
PUBLIC NOTICE
Members of the public who wish to address the Committee on specific agenda items must register their request at this time,
with such comments subject to the public comment ordinance and the reasonable control of the Committee Chair as set forth
in Robert’s Rules of Order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
9. September 3, 2026
DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION
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Commission on Aging/Aging and Disability
Resource Center Board
Meeting Agenda October 1, 2026
Page 2 of 2
10. RSVP & FGP Reorginization
NEXT MEETING DATE
11. Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 4 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Notice: Any person who has special needs and plans on attending this meeting in-person or remotely should contact the Facilities
Office at 715-346-1598 as soon as possible to ensure that reasonable accommodations can be made.
NoticeNotice: Remote comment by the public during the meeting will be at the discretion of the Chair.
Notice: A quorum of the Portage County Board of Supervisors, or any committee thereof, may be present at this meeting.
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Information and Assistance (I&A) Specialists
Community Resources Report August 2026
501 Encounters in August233 Unduplicated Customers Served 364 hours were spent on these encounters
Thank you for helping me out!
Disenrollment, 2%Enrollment 9%I&A 22%
Functional Screen36%Medicaid Application 6%Options Counseling 11%Other 12%Additional time 2%PERCENTAGE OF HOURS BY SERVICE TYPEInformation and Assistance Specialists
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August 2026 Community Resources Report, Continued
Disability Benefit Specialists
Elder Benefit Specialists
Long Term Care Enrollments This Month:
Case Development25%Communication5%General Info, Assistance, or ReferralConsultation 3%Other, 0%DBS, 59%134 Encounters in August ( 67 Unduplicated)PERCENTAGE OF HOURS BY SERVICE TYPE
Case Development2%Communication81%General Info, Assistance, or Referral 12%Consultation2%Other, 1%121 Encounters in August (50 Unduplicated)PERCENTAGE OF HOURS BY SERVICE TYPE
Inclusa: 704Lakeland: 83Managed Care OrganizationsAdvocates 4U: 2Connections: 10MILC: 32TMG: 62IRIS Consultant Agencies
Page 6 of 25
Volunteers
------------------
135 gave
1095 hours
Serving Days
----------------------
21 days
Total Meals
4064
---------------------
CONG 1603
HD 2461
2 visits
----------------------
Home
Visits
13 calls
--------------------
Wellness
Calls
SFMNP
14
Stock Box
84
---------------------
Hunger
Relief
Donations
--------------------
$8,892
1 Events
302 Served
----------------------
Pop Up
Events
Quotes:
Excellent service.
Excellent Meals
Nutrition Program
August 2026 Snapshot
Page 7 of 25
Vaccines are especially important for older
adults. As you get older, the immune system
weakens and it can be more difficult to
fight off infections. One may be more likely
to get diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and
shingles — and to have complications that can lead to long-term
illness and hospitalization. Ongoing health conditions such as
diabetes or heart disease can make one especially vulnerable.
Did you know that almost 1 in 3 people in the United States
will develop shingles in their lifetime? Your risk of shingles
increases as you grow older, in fact half of the population who lives
to age 85 will experience shingles. Additionally, over 60% of
seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and
older. This is why, in addition to flu (influenza), Respiratory
Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and
pertussis), you should also get:
Shingles vaccine -protects against shingles and complications
from the disease (recommended for healthy adults 50 years+).
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20) - protects
against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia
(recommended for all adults 65 years + who have never
received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine).
COVID vaccine - protects against COVID.
Talk with a doctor or pharmacist about which vaccines you need.
Make sure to protect yourself as much as possible by keeping your
vaccinations up to date.
I ' m s i c k , c a n I s t i l l g e t m y
m e a l ?
P r o g r a m N e w s
N u t r i t i o n i s i m p o r t a n t e s p e c i a l l y w h e n y o u a r e s i c k . I f y o u a r e
f e e l i n g u n w e l l a n d u n a b l e t o e a t y o u r m e a l , y o u c a n p u t y o u r m e a l s
o n h o l d u n t i l y o u a r e f e e l i n g b e t t e r . I n t h e e v e n t y o u a r e i l l a n d
w o u l d s t i l l l i k e y o u r m e a l , p l e a s e c a l l u s . C o n t a c t l e s s d e l i v e r y
m a y b e a n o p t i o n . W e w a n t t o k e e p y o u a n d o u r v o l u n t e e r s s a f e .
R e m e m b e r i t t a k e s t i m e t o m o d i f y y o u r d e l i v e r y . L e t u s k n o w o f a n y
u p c o m i n g a p p o i n t m e n t s o r a n y c h a n g e s i n y o u r s c h e d u l e a s s o o n a s
p o s s i b l e - 2 4 h o u r s i n a d v a n c e i s p r e f e r r e d , o r a t t h e v e r y l a t e s t ,
8 :0 0 a .m . o n t h e d a y o f s e r v i c e .
P a r t n e r A g e n c y
N O U R I S H I N G
B I T E S
S u p p o r t i n g S e n i o r s i n
P o r t a g e C o u n t y T h r o u g h
N u t r i t i o n
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4
M e a l s o n W h e e l s O f f i c e
7 1 5 - 3 4 1 - 0 0 8 1
m e a l s @ m e a l s o n w h e e l s s p . c o m
E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r
T a s h a B e e s t m a n
P r o g r a m A s s i s t a n t
K a i t l y n B a r t e n
S h a r o n R o w e l l
L o r i Y e n t e r
B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s
A d r i a n n e B o n g a r d , P r e s i d e n t
S t e v e B i e r m a n , S e c r e t a r y
T e r r i e T a u f e r n e r , T r e a s u r e r
K a t h y F a n d r e
D a n i e l l K u c h a r z a k
R e k e t a H a t t e r
G a i l S a w y e r
P a m S t a r z i n s k i
M y k e e r a h Z a r a z u a
N O U R I S H I N G
B I T E S
S u p p o r t i n g S e n i o r s i n
P o r t a g e C o u n t y T h r o u g h
N u t r i t i o n
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6
A D R C o f P o r t a g e C o u n t y
7 1 5 - 3 4 6 - 1 4 0 1
a d r c @ c o . p o r t a g e . w i . g o v
N u t r i t i o n P r o g r a m M a n a g e r
R o c h e l l e D r e x l e r
P r o g r a m N u t r i t i o n i s t
A s h l e y C h r i s i n g e r
S i t e M a n a g e r s
J e n n y S t u c z y n s k i
L i s a B e y
P r o g r a m A s s i s t a n t
C i n d y S w a n
K i t c h e n
J e a n n i e G l o d o w s k i
C h e r y l K o n o p a c k y
A d v i s o r y C o u n c i l
D i a n e G a l l e n b e r g
M a u r e e n G i b l i n
J u d i e P f i f f n e r
M a r y J o R e e d
M a r y S c h a e f e r
M a r y S c h w e i t z e r
M a d e l i n e S t o c k b r i d g e
Page 8 of 25
This Chicken Soup can help keep your body feeling strong and energized year
round! (Photo and recipe adapted from the roastedroot.net)
Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive oil 1/4 C diced onion 2 C carrots chopped
1 C celery chopped 2 C chicken chopped 3 C chicken broth
1 lg parsnip chopped 2 tsp dried parsley 2/3 C canned coconut milk
1 tsp ground turmeric 1 small head kale chopped
1/2 tsp each black pepper, ground ginger, salt
Instructions
Heat oil in large pot oven over medium heat. Sauté onion
until translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes, add carrots, parsnips,
celery & garlic and continue cooking until vegetables start to
soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add chicken and cook until meat
starts to brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the remaining
ingredients, stir well and cover. Cook at a gentle simmer,
stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes (ideally one hour).
Taste soup for flavor and add more sea salt if desired. Enjoy!
D o n ' t F o r g e t - S e n i o r F a r m e r s M a r k e t
G i v e i t a T r y ! I m m u n i t y - B o o s t i n g
T u r m e r i c C h i c k e n S o u p
E a t W e l l , A g e W e l l . . .
O c t o b e r 2 0 2 6
A l l S e n i o r F a r m e r s M a r k e t N u t r i t i o n P r o g r a m ( S F M N P ) v o u c h e r s n e e d t o
b e u s e d t h i s m o n t h . V o u c h e r s n e e d t o b e u s e d b y O c t o b e r 3 1 , 2 0 2 6 .
Q u e s t i o n s ? P l e a s e c a l l t h e A D R C N u t r i t i o n P r o g r a m a t 7 1 5 - 3 4 6 - 1 4 0 1 .
C a r r o t W o r d
S e a r c h
s p r i n g h e a l t h y
v e g e t a b l e p l a n t
o r a n g e r a b b i t
b u n n y s e e d s
g r e e n s o i l
c a r r o t g r e e n
d i r t g a r d e n
The home delivered meal program is about
more than delivering a nutritious meal.
Each visit also provides an important safety
check and friendly connection. In our most
recent survey, 93% of respondents said
receiving meals helps them live safely where
they choose, and 67% said the program
helps them feel that people care. Our
volunteers are an important part of that
support, they notice when something
doesn’t seem right and make sure concerns
are followed up on.
That is why it is important to let our office
know if you will not be home for delivery.
When someone is unexpectedly not home or
does not answer, we try to reach them and,
if needed, contact an emergency contact to
make sure they are safe. If you have an
appointment or will not be home, please let
us know. A quick phone call lets us know
you are safe and helps us recognize when
someone may truly need assistance.
Page 9 of 25
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
S t e v e n s P o i n t - L i n c o l n C e n t e r @ 1 5 1 9 W a t e r S t r e e t
S e r v i n g 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . - 1 2 : 1 5 p . m . M o n d a y - F r i d a y
B i n g o - a f t e r l u n c h a t 1 2 : 3 0 p . m . , W e d n e s d a y s
B i l l a n d J o e M u s i c S h o w - 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . - 1 2 : 1 5 p . m . , T h u r s d a y s
B l o o d P r e s s u r e C h e c k s 1 0 : 0 0 a . m . - 1 2 : 0 0 p . m . , T h u r s d a y 1 0 / 1 5
O c t o b e r B i r t h d a y C e l e b r a t i o n - 1 0 / 2 2
H a l l o w e e n / C o s t u m e P a r t y - 1 0 / 2 9
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
A m h e r s t - J e n s e n C e n t e r @ 4 8 7 N o r t h M a i n S t r e e t
S e r v i n g a t 1 2 : 0 0 ( n o o n ) e v e r y W e d n e s d a y w i t h B I N G O a f t e r
H a l l o w e e n C e l e b r a t i o n - w e a r y o u r f a v o r i t e c o s t u m e a n d e n j o y s p o o k t a c u l a r t r e a t s - 1 0 / 2 8
B l o o d P r e s s u r e C h e c k s 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . - 1 0 / 2 8
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
J u n c t i o n C i t y - P a r k L o d g e @ 2 2 4 C a s e A v e n u e
S e r v i n g a t 1 1 : 4 5 a . m . T h u r s d a y O c t o b e r 1 s t
C l o s e d T h u r s d a y O c t o b e r 1 5 t h
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
P l o v e r - M u n i c i p a l B u i l d i n g @ 2 4 0 0 P o s t R o a d
S e r v i n g a t 1 2 : 0 0 ( n o o n ) e v e r y T u e s d a y
S e n i o r C l u b B i n g o a f t e r l u n c h - 1 0 / 6
B i n g o a f t e r l u n c h - 1 0 / 1 3 , 1 0 / 2 0 , a n d 1 0 / 2 7
T h e P l o v e r D i n i n g S i t e w i l l b e r e l o c a t e d d u e t o e l e c t i o n s o n 1 0 / 2 0 , 1 0 / 2 7 , a n d 1 1 / 3 - c a l l L i s a f o r l o c a t i o n s a n d d e t a i l s .
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
R o s h o l t - L e g i o n H a l l @ 2 9 0 G r a n d A v e
S e r v i n g a t 1 2 : 0 0 ( n o o n ) 2 n d a n d 4 t h T h u r s d a y s ( 1 0 / 8 a n d 1 0 / 2 2 )
w i t h B I N G O a n d o t h e r g a m e s a f t e r l u n c h
H a l l o w e e n C e l e b r a t i o n - w e a r y o u r f a v o r i t e c o s t u m e a n d e n j o y s p o o k t a c u l a r t r e a t s - 1 0 / 2 2
B l o o d P r e s s u r e C h e c k s 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . - 1 0 / 2 2
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
N U T R I T I O N P O P U P E V E N T S
C e n t r a l W a t e r s B r e w i n g C o m p a n y
C e n t r a l W a t e r s B r e w i n g C o m p a n y ( 3 5 1 A l l e n S t r e e t , A m h e r s t ) i s o n e o f t h e m o s t
e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y s u s t a i n a b l e b r e w e r i e s i n t h e n a t i o n . T h e y c o n s i d e r e v e r y a s p e c t i n m a n a g i n g t h e i r
e n v i r o n m e n t a l f o o t p r i n t - f r o m u p s t r e a m p r o d u c t s o u r c i n g t o d o w n s t r e a m m a n a g e m e n t . L u n c h w i l l b e
s e r v e d a t 1 2 : 3 0 p . m . f o l l o w e d b y a t o u r o f t h e b r e w e r y . D o n a t i o n s o f $ 5 . 0 0 p e r m e a l a r e a p p r e c i a t e d t o h e l p
s u p p o r t t h e N u t r i t i o n P r o g r a m .
R e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d . C a l l L i s a a t 7 1 5 - 3 4 7 - 4 8 5 6 b y O c t o b e r 3 0 t h t o r e s e r v e y o u r s p o t .
S e r v i n g U p T h i s M o n t h : O C T O B E R
L o c a t i o n s a n d s e r v i n g d a y s l i s t e d b e l o w
C a l l t o r e s e r v e a m e a l o n e o r m o r e d a y s i n a d v a n c e .
S i t e M a n a g e r s :
J e n n y S t u c z y n s k i - L i n c o l n C e n t e r ( 7 1 5 ) 3 4 6 - 1 4 2 1
L i s a B e y - A l l o t h e r s i t e s ( 7 1 5 ) 3 4 7 - 4 8 5 6
Page 10 of 25
Want to continue living at home as you age? Here's what to consider I Well actually I The Guardian
Well actually
Want to continue living at home as you
age? Here's what to consider
Safety concerns, caregiving needs, and, of course, finances
all come into play when considering aging-in-place at home
O Ninety-three per cent of Americans who are 65+ live on
their own and prefer to age in place. Composite: The
Guardian/Getty Images
Laura House
Wed 24 Jun 202612.00 EDT
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2026/jun/24/ageing-at-home-cost-renovations-tips
y mom is the model boomer. At 77 years old, she runs her interior
design business, organizes a book club, plays pickleball and dominates
in mah jong. She is the picture of health; good luck matching the pace
on her 5 mile walks. As is the trend for her generation, mom and her
83-year-old husband have chosen to continue living right where they
are at home.
Circumstances led her to make age-in-place plans well ahead of her
peers. When my dad died unexpectedly 22 years ago, my mom found
herself widowed at 55 and living alone in a two-story, four-bedroom
home. Mom wanted to remain in her community, so she downsized
into a smart townhouse with a first-floor bedroom and bath, and
nearby shops.
According to a February Pew Research Survey, 93% of older adults in
the US (65+) say they currently live in their own home or apartment
and that they would prefer to age in place there. How attainable is
that for the boomer generation?
Page 11 of 25
Want to continue living at home as you age? Here's what to consider I Well actually I The Guardian
The reality of living independently hinges on a number o f factors. Even if in good
health now, people 65 and older have a 69% chance of needing some type of care and
support as they age. Is the home adapted for safety, particularly mobility issues and
fall reduction? Could living independently make one more vulnerable to loneliness?
It's impossible to predict the future, but here are some of the factors to consider when
de
ciding whether you or a loved one wil l continu e to live at home.
What does ag eing in place mean to you?
Everyone has different needs an d resources; these might include proximity to family
and friends, access to shops or services and vary ing budgets. In order to help clients
plan, Kate Granigan, a geriatr ic social worker a nd CEO at Alder, a life care management
practice in Boston, cre ated a talk titled Should I Stay or Should I Go? (a nod to the
Clash, also boomers). Some things she encourages them to consider: Will you remain
in your current home and modify it? Is it time to do wnsize and mo ve? If so, w hat are
the options for independent and community-modeled living?
"
We talk a bout their choices as the y age, their options, and share all of the ins and
outs of that. There's a lot of nuances;' Granigan says.
Whatever housing
decision is right for you, Granigan notes that it should be part of
pulling together a larger set of directives, including a healthcare proxy, power of
attorney, financial and estate affairs. Designate your care and support team - adult
children, a partner, a friend - and bring them into the conversation now.
"
You want to make sure that those things are lined up, articulated early, and
reviewed often;' Granigan says. "This is about letting your wishes be known, because
then people can follow through;'
W
hat will your health and support needs be?
The choice to stay or go "really depends on your state of health and the available
support that you have, whether you have a spouse or children living nearby", says
Francisco Lasta, a Chicago-based occupational therapist and inclusive design lead at
GFT, an architecture, engineering and construction firm. "Are you going to be a
ble to
go to the grocery store independently without having somebody assist you
significantly? Or do you have a chronic condition that might really limit your ability
to interact with your environment?"
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2026/jun/24/ageing-at-home-cost-renovations-tips
Page 12 of 25
Want to continue living at home as you age? Here's what to consider I Well actually I The Guardian
Think about h ow to meet practical needs and social-emotional needs. Older adults are
at increased risk o f social isolation and loneliness, which have been linked to a number
of health concerns, including dementia, depression, heart disease and stroke. Safety
within the home is also impo rtant, as is access to ex ternal locations like the grocery
store,
pharmacy, hair salon or place of worship.
Nursing or skilled care might be required. Factor in temporary home health aid after
surgery o
r brief illness, as well as longer-term round-the-clock skilled nurs ing care
should mobility or cognitive shifts occur. Acco rding to a 2025 survey by CareScout, a
care provider network, non-medical home services average $35 an hour or $80,000
annually in the US. Skilled nursing or private nursing is about $90 per hour - nearly
$
206,000 annually.
"That is actually a plac e where a lot of people hit a tipping point of hav ing to leave, not
just by choice, b ut by funding issues;' Granigan says.
Granigan advises c lients to have other housing options on their radar, since health,
finances and housing wishes can shif t. She also recommends discussing pla ns earlier
than you think. That way, you and your family can make an inf armed choice instead of
having to react quickly in a crisis.
What modifications will your home need?
Take a top-to-bottom review of your home. "Make sure that whenever you're
moving around your home, you're safe the entire time:' Lasta advises.
When assessing safety, number one on Lasta's checklist is no stairs or barriers
between rooms, to allow access for a wheelchair or walker. Stairs can be modified
with a ramp or stair
lift, but ideally, all rooms would be located on one floor.
Additionally, plan for
wheelchair or walker access when considering the width of
doorframes, walk-in (no tub or curb) shower stalls and countertop access in a
kitchen.
Lasta encourages people to think about whether your environment would still suit
you if your body or mobility changes: "Would I still be
able to get things from the
kitchen cabinet? Would I still be able to take a shower by myself?"
Falls are the leading cause of injury for those 65 or older. Task lighting and non-skid
flooring can make spaces safer. And if budget and space allow, a n additional room
can be remodeled to accommodate a caregiver if needed.
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2026/jun/24/ageing-at-home-cost-renovations-tips
Page 13 of 25
Want to continue living at home as you age? Here's what to consider I Well actually I The Guardian
No matter the job, tap a professional. Modifications can range from a simple
addition of grab bars in the shower or lighting improvements to costlier
updates such as bathroom renovation or installing a motorized stair lift.
Work with a certified-ageing-in-place specialist with credentials through the
National Association of Home Builders program or the University of
Southern California, advises Emily Nabors, the associate director of
innovation at the Center for Healthy Aging at the National Council on Aging.
Is a renovation right for you?
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2026/jun/24/ageing-at-home-cost-renovations-tips
"A lot of people have this vision of the home they're in currently being the
forever home;' Granigan says. But you may not want to adapt your home;
alternatively, your home may not be appropriate for the adjustments you
need. Say you own a home with beautiful period-specific features. "One of
the first things we want to talk about is if that home is adapted - if we have to
install grab bars, and expand a bathroom or a bedroom on the first floor for
access, and widen doorways for mobility issues - is it still going to be the
home you love?" says Granigan. If not, moving may be a better option.
If you rent, many basic accessibility accommodations are protected under
the Fair Housing Act, including requests to install a handrail or ramp,
permission for a service animal or an accessible parking space (if available).
How much will renovations cost?
Citing a report by Fixr, a home-improvement platform, Nabors shared that
costs range from $3,000 to $15,000 (the national average is $9,500) to adapt a
home for age-in-place needs that may include lighting, grab bar installation,
widening hallways or installing comfortable-height toilets. If major
renovations are required in the kitchen (average $so,ooo), bathroom
($25,000), bedroom ($12,000) or to stairs ($45,000), it starts to add up.
"There are safety net programs to help offset modification costs;' says
Nabors. She recommends state ageing agencies and non-profits like
Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity.
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Want to continue living at home as you age? Here's what to consider I Well actually I The Guardian
What relocation options are there?
If kicking up renovation dust is not for you, other housing options are
available. Lasta noted the rise in "granny pods" or accessory dwelling units
(ADUs), small units that can be built on existing property (average cost
$180,000). Commun
ity-based models, including the Village to Village
Network
, enable people to remain in their homes and establish loca l support
networks w ithin their larger community . Senior Cohousing is a senior
community that blends independent housing and shared social spaces, and
the shared housing model matches seniors with open rooms in homes.
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) offer access to various
levels of care as needed. For instance, yo u could start in an independent
living apartment, then move to assisted l iving. These include dining and
social spaces and planned activities, as well as nursing care. The costs are
higher (initial buy-in $402,000).
Laura House is a reporter, editor and founder of the How’s Your
Boomer? podcast and newsletter.
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2026/jun/24/ageing-at-home-cost-renovations-tips
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9/28/2026
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Caregiver Support Services
Overview / MissionCSS oversees funding for Caregivers, the Dementia Care Specialist, and the Adult Day CenterCSS Team:Manager: Tonia SimmonsDementia Care Specialist: Carley ProchaskaADC Supervisor: Donna KostkaADC Aides: Christine Keck, Chrissy Miller, Reena Miller, & Sandi Walkush
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2
Caregiver Coalition Mission
Our Mission: The Portage County CARES (Caregiving, Advocacy, Resources, Education, Support/Services) Coalition is a network of organizations dedicated to assisting caregivers, as well as each other, with identifying needs and providing support through education, resources, services & advocacy.
Caregiver Services Provides:
Service(s) Navigation (Caregiver Roadmap Tool)Support GroupsFinancial Assistance (NFCSP/AFCSP)Dementia Friendly Community OutreachCaregiver Training (Powerful Tools for Caregivers)Respite (Adult Day Center)Dementia Awareness WeekCaregiver Resource Fair4
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3
CSS / Caregiver RoadmapCaring Community Partners of Central WisconsinAging and Disability Resource CenterAssisted LivingPlanning ServicesEnd of LifeSkilled Nursing HomeHome CareClinicFirst Stop for ALL caregiversFrom birth on it is recommended to have a primary care provider. A partner for your journey.Supportive CareHome HealthRespiteRehab CenterSkilled Nursing FacilityHospice CareFuneral HomesSenior HousingAssisted Living FacilityCBRF/ Memory CareAdvance DirectivesFinancial PlanningReal Estate
Additional Dementia ServicesMemory Café:Memory Screening:Wander Programs:(Safe & Sound)Dementia Education:
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4
Adult Day Center (ADC)The ADC offers supervised programming for those who need extra care to remain living in the community as independently as possible. This state-licensed program offers opportunities for exercise, meals, socialization, and entertainment.
Adult Day Center (ADC) Overview
Located in the ADRC (Lincoln Center)
Located in the ADRC (Lincoln Center)
Open Monday Through Friday 8:00-4:00
Open Monday Through Friday 8:00-4:00
State Licensed for 40 individuals
State Licensed for 40 individuals
Designed for older adults and adults with disabilities
Designed for older adults and adults with disabilities
‘New’ emphasis on caregivers (including working, long-distance, Adult Family Home), assistance with navigating resources (Caregiver Roadmap), Support Groups/Class referrals
‘New’ emphasis on caregivers (including working, long-distance, Adult Family Home), assistance with navigating resources (Caregiver Roadmap), Support Groups/Class referrals
Funding sources: Private pay, Family Care, United Way, Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program grant, Home & Community-Based grant, donations
Funding sources: Private pay, Family Care, United Way, Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program grant, Home & Community-Based grant, donations
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We provide:
Showers
Pawsome Partners Summer School Program
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Caregiver Assistance
Programs Are Supported By:CSSAlzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program (State)National Family Caregiver Support Program (Federal)United Way (Local)DCSADRC Dept of Health Services ContractDonationsADCUnited WayPrivate PayManaged Care OrganizationsAFCSPDonations
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Lincoln Center
1519 Water Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Voice 715 346 1401 or 1-866-920-2525
Fax 715-346-1418 Email adrc@co.portage.wi.gov
www.co.portage.wi.gov/adrc
TO: Laura Belanger Tess, Human Resources Director
Jennifer Jossie, Finance Director
FROM: Cindy Piotrowski, Interim ADRC Director
DATE: September 29, 2026
RE: Proposed RSVP & FGP Program Reorganization 2026
This outlines the personnel changes included in a reorganization proposed as part of
the 2027 Budget Process and to save money in 2026.
This proposal adjusts positions, duties, and staffing levels for the RSVP Program & the
Foster Grandparent section at the ADRC. This is in response to reduced participants in
FGP and the ability to have a part-time coordinator for RSVP for the first time. Both
programs would have one staff person who would put 50% of her time into both
positions.
Julie Rekowski has been working in both positions for several months, since the
resignation of the previous RSVP Manager in March. The current amount of time is not
sufficient to meet the obligations of the position, but we believe that those would be
met with a part-time 50% position. We have a waiver from AmeriCorps Senior to do this.
This combination of positions will save some of the levy that is currently in the RSVP
program. It is my understanding that this is how the 2027 budget was prepared.
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Source: Portage County website. First collected Oct 1, 2026.