What is an Area Agency on Aging?
What is an Area Agency on Aging?
Area Agencies on Aging were set up under the federal Older Americans Act. Each state designates agencies to serve the older adults in a region, such as a county or group of counties. Some are part of county government; others are nonprofits. Their names vary: "Council on Aging," "Senior Services," or "Aging and Disability Resource Center" are common.
AAAs coordinate and offer services that help older adults stay in their homes if they wish. For a stressed family, they are often the best first phone call.
Think of it as the local front door to the public aging network. When you don't know where to start, an AAA can tell you which programs your parent might qualify for, what local providers exist, and how long waitlists are.
Services an Area Agency on Aging may offer
- Information and referral to local programs and providers.
- Home-delivered and group meals.
- In-home help: homemaker, chore and personal care services.
- Transportation to medical appointments and errands.
- Family caregiver support: respite, counseling, training and support groups through the National Family Caregiver Support Program.
- Legal assistance for people 60 and older.
- Medicare counseling: many AAAs host the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
- Case management and help applying for Medicaid home care programs in some states.
- Evidence-based programs for fall prevention and managing chronic conditions.
- Long-term care ombudsman services in some areas.
Services differ by location.
Many AAAs also act as or work alongside an Aging and Disability Resource Center, a single place to get information about long-term care options and public programs, and some offer options counseling to help families plan.
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Find licensed care near youWho can use an Area Agency on Aging
Older Americans Act services generally serve people 60 and older and their family caregivers. Family caregivers of any age can call for help on behalf of a parent. Many services have no income test, though agencies give priority to people with the greatest economic or social need, and some services ask for voluntary contributions or use a sliding scale. Some programs, like Medicaid home care, have their own eligibility rules.
Demand can be high, so some services have waitlists. Ask to be added even if there's a wait.
Family caregivers can also get help for themselves. Through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, AAAs offer information, counseling, support groups, training and respite to adults caring for an older family member.
What an Area Agency on Aging can't do
It helps to have realistic expectations. Area Agencies on Aging:
- Usually can't provide full-time or 24-hour care; most in-home help programs offer limited hours.
- Don't pay for assisted living or nursing home room and board.
- Can't decide Medicaid eligibility; the state Medicaid agency does that.
- Don't replace a doctor's care plan or an attorney's legal advice, though they can refer you.
Even so, AAA staff know the local programs, waitlists and providers better than almost anyone, and one call can save hours of searching.
If the first person you reach can't help, ask to speak with an information and assistance specialist or a caregiver support coordinator, and ask for a callback number.
How to find and use your local agency
- Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, or search at eldercare.acl.gov, using your parent's ZIP code (the agency where your parent lives serves them, even if you live elsewhere).
- Before calling, list your parent's needs, income range, health conditions and who helps now.
- Ask: "What services could help my parent stay safely at home?" and "Can someone do an assessment?"
- Ask about caregiver support and respite for yourself.
- Write down names, dates and next steps.
Alongside your AAA's referrals, seniorcare.si can show licensed home care, assisted living and other providers near your ZIP code.
Common questions
Do Area Agencies on Aging cost anything?
Information and many services are free. Some services ask for voluntary donations or use a sliding fee scale.
Can I call the Area Agency on Aging for a parent who lives in another state?
Yes. Contact the agency that serves your parent's ZIP code; it can work with you by phone.
Is an Area Agency on Aging the same as Adult Protective Services?
No. Adult Protective Services investigates abuse, neglect and exploitation. An AAA connects people to services, though it can help you find how to report concerns.