MADISON (WKOW) — The University of Wisconsin–Madison will launch a clinic next week aimed at supporting unpaid caregivers at the UW Health East Terrace Drive Medical Center.
The Badger Caregiving Clinic will bring together students, faculty and staff from several of UW–Madison’s health and social care programs to provide hands-on support and resources for caregivers, according to a news release.
The clinic will be located at the UW Health E Terrace Drive Medical Center. The clinic will exclusively serve existing UW Health patients who currently receive care at E Terrace Drive Medical Center. UW Health patients who receive care at other clinics or sites will not be able to access clinic services at this time, according to a UW-Madison spokesperson.
“We believe caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system, and too often they are invisible,” said Beth Fields, clinic co-director and associate professor of occupational therapy at the UW–Madison School of Education. “We are working to build a future in which caregivers are seen and empowered to promote the health of their family and friends — and themselves.”
The clinic will provide in-person and telehealth services at no cost in a primary care setting. Services will include tailored education on caregiving best practices, caregiving plans that draw on expertise across health and social care disciplines, and emotional and social support resources.
Caregivers will also receive take-home resources to help them obtain needed respite and equipment, including grab bars and shower chairs.
UW–Madison graduate students will provide services at the clinic with support and guidance from faculty and staff. Participating disciplines include nutritional dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and rehabilitation psychology.
“Our goal is to provide proactive support and resources to help caregivers before they burn out or experience a crisis,” said Jennifer Timm, clinic co-director, director of the UW–Madison Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education and clinical associate professor in the UW–Madison School of Nursing.
More than than 1 million people in Wisconsin provide unpaid care to a family member or friend, according to UW-Madison.
Support for the clinic was provided by the UW–Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research with funding from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.