We're not just starting a generic respite workgroup; we're creating a high-impact, statewide "Expanding Respite Options" workgroup under the Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance (WFACSA) with the added muscle of Wisconsin's Area Agencies on Aging, State of Wisconsin, and RCAW's resources and connections.

We Are Forming an

Expanding Respite Options Workgroup!

Promise: Meetings will be energizing and action-oriented, resulting in tangible next steps, valuable connections, and new resources you can use today. We also promise to:

Keep meetings to 60 minutes: 15 min updates, 35 min working session, 10 min commitments
Rotate facilitation to keep voices fresh and ensure shared leadership
Visual progress tracking using a shared dashboard
Quick wins: Start with something that can be achieved in 60 days, so we build momentum!

Purpose: To accelerate access to diverse, high-quality respite options for Wisconsin's family caregivers and their loved ones—through collaboration, innovation, and action. We are looking to build a powerhouse workgroup. We want decision-makers, doers, drivers, and diversity to make up our workgroup, including:

Family caregiver voices (urban, rural, diverse cultural backgrounds)
Providers (nonprofit respite programs, in-home care, adult day services, camps, faith-based)
System players (ADRC directors, Aging Units, DHS reps, county human services)
Workforce pipelines (tech colleges, nursing schools, volunteer corps)
Innovators (co-op developers, app developers, cultural connectors)
Researchers and Data Analysts

Plan for Sustainability

Have a core steering team of 5–7 who keep things moving between meetings
Rotate small task forces for projects, so no one feels overburdened
Celebrate annually (at the Wisconsin Respite Summit) with recognition awards

Goals:

Identify underserved areas through a comprehensive environmental scan to better target caregiver support.
Promote existing services so more caregivers know about and use available support.
Develop innovative solutions to meet the greatest unmet caregiver needs.
Build a data dashboard to track respite services and outcomes.
Expand National Respite Care Provider Training (NRCPT) uptake to strengthen the respite care workforce.

Questions? Contact RCAW's Executive Director, Lisa Schneider: [email protected].

Expanding Respite Options Workgroup Application

Objective: This form is for individuals who are committed to taking action to help the Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance's Expanding Respite Options Workgroup achieve its goals. Please fill out the form completely so we can understand your background and how you can contribute.

1. Personal Information:

Date of Application: *

Full Name *

Email *

Phone *

2. Professional Information:

Company/Organization: *

Job Title: *

3. Interest and Motivation:

Why are you interested in joining this workgroup? (e.g., project relevance, skill development, networking) *

Which of the workgroup's objectives are you most passionate about? (Check all that apply) *

Identify underserved areas through a comprehensive environmental scan to better target caregiver support.

Promote existing services so more caregivers know about and use available support.

Develop innovative solutions to meet the greatest unmet caregiver needs.

Build a data dashboard to track respite services and outcomes.

Expand National Respite Care Provider Training (NRCPT) uptake to strengthen the respite care workforce.

4. Skills and Experience:

Please list any skills or experience relevant to this workgroup's goals (e.g., project management, data analysis, graphic design, specific software expertise). *

What specific contribution do you hope to make to the workgroup? *

5. Signature and Agreement

By signing below, I confirm that the information provided is accurate and that I understand the commitment required to participate in the Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance's Expanding Respite Options Workgroup. *

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