DHS to Expand Family Care and IRIS Statewide

On July 28, the Department of Health Services announced the expansion of Family Care and IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) program statewide. In their press release, DHS stated that the expansion will be completed by the first quarter of 2018.

Currently the Family Care and IRIS programs provide long-term care services to frail elders, and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in most, but not all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. This expansion will bring these services to the final seven counties, including Adams, Dane, Florence, Forest, Oneida, Taylor, and Vilas counties.

The statewide expansion of Family and IRIS was included in the governor’s 2015-17 state budget. According to DHS’ statement, the expansion will eliminate the wait list of more than 500 adults in the seven counties.