DHHS Division on Aging

OATS is available for eligible Milwaukee County residents that are 60 years or older. Vans provide transportation to medical or dental appointments, grocery shopping and voting, as well as county-owned or sponsored senior centers, cultural sites, senior dining sites, and wellness programs within Milwaukee County. Rides are $3 each way for medical and dental appointments, and a voluntary contribution of $3 per ride is encouraged for other destinations. Rides must be scheduled 3 business days in advance. Call (414) 289-6874.

For a full list of eligible destinations and complete service details see the OATS Service Guide.

The Reduced Fare Card is available for financially eligible individuals 65 years or older and persons with disabilities. MCTS buses can take you throughout the county. This pass reduces the MCTS bus fare to $1.10 per bus ride. Call (414) 937-3218.

The GO Pass is available for eligible seniors or persons with disabilities. MCTS buses can take you throughout the county. The pass allows eligible riders one-day, unlimited rides for $2 on MCTS buses. Call (414) 289-6874.

GO Pass Program Flyer

Transit Plus is available for individuals with a physical or cognitive disability that prevent them from using public transit. Transit Plus vans provide accessible transportation to any location in Milwaukee County. Rides through Transit Plus cost $4 each way and must be scheduled 24 hours in advanced. Call (414) 343-1700.

VEYO provides Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for Wisconsin Medicaid (including IRIS) and BadgerCare Plus members. Rides are free or reimbursed and must be scheduled 2 business days in advanced. Call (866) 907-1493.

The Disabled American Veterans offers rides to and from the Milwaukee VA Medical Center for veterans. Rides are free and must be scheduled two weeks before your appointment. Call (414) 384-2000 ext. 45715.

Eras Senior Network volunteer drivers are available for Milwaukee County residents 60 years or older. Eras provides rides to meet basic needs, such as to the doctor or dentist appointments, or trips to the pharmacy, grocery store, or bank. Rides are free and must be scheduled 7 days in advance. Call (414) 488-6500.

The Boost Your Brain & Memory Program is a evidenced based program that takes a holistic approach to improving brain health. This program was designed for adults 55 and older and is an eight week program meeting once a week for one hour. This program focuses on the concept of cognitive research through: physical activity, emotional health, intellectual activity, nutrition, spiritual activity and social engagement.

Virtual Offering - Hosted by Milwaukee County Dementia Care Specialist
Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
August 24 - October 12
To register call (414) 289-6259 or email dcs@milwaukeecountywi.gov

This workshop is designed to help adults  who have on-going, persistent pain learn self-management skills to manage their pain and maintain active and fulfilling lives.  Former workshop participants have reported improved health, health behavior, and a sense of confidence in managing their chronic pain. The workshop meets once a week for six weeks for 2-1/2 hours each session.

This workshop is designed to help adults with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes or living with someone with diabetes, learn self-management skills and increase their confidence in managing their diabetes. Individuals that attend the workshop learn techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, learn about appropriate exercise, use of medication and healthy eating strategies. Former workshop participants have reported improved health, health behavior, and a sense of confidence in managing their diabetes. The workshop meets once a week for six weeks for 2-1/2 hours each session.

Living Well With Chronic Conditions is an evidence-based workshop for people who have one or more chronic conditions. A chronic condition is an ongoing health problem or disease such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other long-term problems. The workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders in a classroom style, but most of the learning comes from sharing and helping others with similar challenges. Workshops meet for 2-1/2 hours a week for six weeks.

Virtual Workshop - Hosted Online by Alzheimer's Association
Tuesdays, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
October 4 - November 15
There is no cost for participation
To register call: (800) 272-3900 

Mind Over Matter is a one month (once a week every other week) program designed to help older women prevent or improve their bladder or bowel incontinence.  It is researched and proven to improve bladder leakage for 71% of women and bowel leakage for 55% of women.

Physical Activity for Lifelong Success (PALS) is a program specifically designed for older adults who either don't exercise or haven't exercised in a long while. Gathering with your peers and going at your own pace, PALS has been researched and proven to improve walking speed and distance in participants. The program meets 3 times a week for 10 weeks, followed by 6 months of coaching sessions (calls or in person) to facilitate behavior change and improve physical activity levels of participants.

This workshop is designed to help caregivers cope with the challenges that come up while they are providing care. Individuals who attend the workshop learn to reduce stress, guilt, anger and depression; manage their time, set goals and solve problems; make tough decisions; communicate more effectively; and master care-giving transitions. The workshop meets once a week for six weeks for 2-1/2 hours each session.

McGovern Park Senior Center
Wednesdays, 11:30 - 1:00 pm
August 3rd - Sept 7th 
4500 West Custer Avenue, Milwaukee
Participation is Free and Respite Care is Available
To register call: (414) 479-8800 ext. 1947 ask for Martha Loew

Workshop Flyer

Savvy Caregiver is a workshop for family caregivers of a person with dementia. Savvy Caregiver helps family caregivers acquire and strengthen knowledge, skills and attitudes to empower them to be more intentional, strategic and responsive in their care role. Gain knowledge to manage daily care, skills to adjust your approach and confidence to set and achieve caregiving goals.

Virtual Workshop - Hosted Online by Milwaukee County Dementia Care Specialists
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
November 1 - December 6
To register email dcs@milwaukeecountywi.gov or call (414) 289-6259

Savvy Caregiver Workshop Flyer

This workshop is designed to help adults reduce sitting time by standing up and moving more. Sessions take place in a group setting where participants identify barriers to standing more and discuss strategies to increase their standing time. Based on a researched and tested program, Stand Up is shown to: reduce sedentary behavior by 68 minutes per day, reduce problems performing daily activities, reduce pain interference and intensity, improve functional performance, improve vitality and improve general overall health.  The program meets once a week for four weeks, followed by a Booster Session at Week 8.

New Location: New Perspectives-Franklin
Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
June 7 - June 28 with Booster Session on July 26
7220 S. Ballpark Drive, Franklin WI 53132
To register call: 414-425-9101

Greenfield City Hall
Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
June 22 - July 13
7325 West Forest Home Avenue, Greenfield
There is no cost to participate
To register call: (414) 329-5270

Stepping On is a program proven to reduce falls and build confidence in older people. Participants gain specific knowledge and skills to prevent falls in community settings. It is designed specifically for people who are: at risk of falling, have a fear of falling, or who have fallen one or more times.

Workshops are facilitated by trained leaders as well as professional guest speakers including: physical therapists, pharmacists, vision specialists and safety specialists. Stepping On workshops meet for two hours a week for seven weeks.

Aurora Research Institute - Steigleder Auditorium
Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
June 30 - August 11
960 North 12th Street, Milwaukee
There is no cost to particpate
To register call: (414) 219-5241

Aurora Research Institute - Steigleder Auditorium
Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
October 6 - November 17
960 North 12th Street, Milwaukee
There is no cost to participate
To register call; (414) 219-5241 

Workshops Offered in Spanish

Workshops Offered in Spanish

Walk with Ease is designed to help people living with arthritis better manage their pain. People without arthritis who want to make walking a regular habit can benefit too. Participants meet for 1 hour, 3 times a week for 6 weeks and are guided by a certified leader who provides information, support and the tools needed to help participants set and reach their goals.

Walk with Ease is an evidence-based intervention that builds confidence to be physically active, reduces pain from arthritis and increases balance, strength and walking pace.