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Dane County Department of Human Services

Older Adult Programs & Services Changes due to COVID-19

Although AAA staff are working remotely, we are available by calling our work phones or emailing us. This page provides updates on AAA direct services and contracted programs that are affected by COVID-19.

For more information on the coronavirus please visit the following websites:

Dane County COVID-19 Aging Network Status

Food Resources

Older adults (age 60+) are offered food resources through many avenues. If you are looking to enjoy a congregate meal at one of our meal sites or are interested in receiving home-delivered meals, please contact your area Senior Focal Point for the latest information about meal service.

Learn more about the Dane County Nutrition Program.

Nutrition Counseling

Free nutrition counseling is available by phone, video Zoom calls, or home visits to anyone 60 years or older. This service is for those seeking information on ways to improve their overall health. Proper nutrition is essential in maintaining strength, immune system, and energy during this difficult time. For more information, contact registered dietitian Shannon Gabriel at 608-261-5678 or Gabriel.Shannon@danecounty.gov.

Case Management Services

Services are returning to pre-pandemic operations. Case managers are available by phone, email, and in-person (wearing masks). Older adults should contact their case manager or Senior Focal Point if they have any questions or concerns.

Caregiver Program

The 2022 Caring for Caregivers Grants funded by the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) are currently on waitlist status; contact Caregiver Specialist Jane De Broux 608-261-5679 or DeBroux.Jane@danecounty.gov for more information.

Trualta is an online platform that helps caregivers build skills to manage care at home for their aging loved ones.  Contact Caregiver Specialist Jane De Broux 608-261-5679 or DeBroux.Jane@danecounty.gov to register for this free resource.

Elder Benefit Specialist (EBS) Program

Services are returning to pre-pandemic operations. EBS staff are available by phone, email, Zoom, and in-person outside or in the client’s home. Masks will be worn if the client is not vaccinated or requests it. Starting 6/13/22, EBS staff will be available to meet with clients in the AAA offices. Referrals are provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC). EBS staff closely monitor changes to State & Federal benefits due to COVID-19. 

FREE Welcome to Medicare Seminars offered virtually. Prior registration required. Click here (see attachment) for more details.

Click here for more information about the Dane County Elder Benefit Specialist Program and Additional Benefit Resources, including a Medicare educational series.

 

Social Isolation Programs

  • Through phone calls or emails, staff and volunteers from Focal Points and RSVP are offering a variety of opportunities to address social isolation. Older adults should contact their Senior Focal Point or RSVP at 608-238-7787 to learn more about these efforts.
  • Updated Social Isolation Resource Guide is a tool to help combat social isolation and loneliness in older adults.

 

Transportation

  • Transportation Call Center  (608) 242-6489  Monday-Friday

    • Providing rides for clinic appointments and surgeries. Riders should call the Call Center and leave their name & phone number. Riders must wear masks during rides (mandated by Federal Transportation Association (FTA) through 1/18/22).
    • A second Transportation Call Center is open for ride requests for COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm Call (608) 310-7281 to request rides. Riders must be age 18+ and have no other transportation options. All MA use Veyo 1-866-907-1493. The Call Center is with RSVP.

 

  • Transit Solutions and Care Van Service (Group Access Service & Rural Senior Group)
    • All riders are required to wear masks while traveling on Dane County group nutrition, shopping, and activity buses/vans--mandated by Federal Transportation Association (FTA) through 1/18/22.
    • Fares for transportation have resumed: $.50 nutrition, $1.00 in town shopping, $1.50 out of town shopping.
    • RSVP services are open.
    • Metro Transit: Charging fares; masks required. No capacity limitations—no standing allowed. Routes redesigned as Metro reopened routes.

 

Learn more about RSVP Programs
Learn more about Dane County Transportation Programs