Find Help from Your Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Trusted, local support for older adults and caregivers. We help you find meals, in‑home care, transportation, benefits counseling, and more—often at little or no cost.
Key takeaways
Area Agencies on Aging are local organizations that connect adults age 60+ and their caregivers to services funded under the Older Americans Act and other programs. AAAs plan, coordinate, and often manage senior services across cities, counties, or multi‑county regions.
What AAAs help with
Meals: Home‑delivered meals and community dining sites
In‑home support: Help with bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and respite for caregivers
Transportation: Rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and community centers
Care coordination: Case management and care planning
Benefits counseling: Medicare/Medicaid, prescription savings, and insurance options (often through SHIP)
Caregiver support: Training, support groups, and respite services
Legal and safety: Legal assistance, elder rights, and protective services referrals
Long‑term care ombudsman: Support for nursing home and assisted living residents
Social connection: Wellness checks, friendly calls, and evidence‑based health programs
Who qualifies
Most services focus on adults age 60+; some also support younger adults with disabilities and family caregivers
Priority is given to people with the greatest social and economic need, including those with low income, limited support, or health challenges
Cost
Many services are free or low‑cost; donations are welcomed but not required
Some programs (like in‑home care via Medicaid waivers) depend on eligibility
How to get help (3 simple steps)
Find your AAA
Use the Find my local AAA tool or call 800) 989-8137 (Eldercare Locator)
Share your needs
Be ready with your ZIP code, age, contact info, insurance (Medicare/Medicaid), and the help you need
Get connected
A specialist may screen for eligibility and connect you to services or set up an assessment
Why names can be confusing
Your local AAA might not use “Area Agency on Aging” in its name. You may see terms like Aging and Adult Services, Senior Resources, Council of Governments, Regional Planning Commission, or Senior Resource Alliance. No matter the name, AAAs offer the same core services under national aging programs.
Who runs AAAs
About two‑thirds are public agencies (cities, counties, councils of government)
About one‑third are nonprofit organizations
Many also manage programs funded by Medicaid waivers, state home‑care programs, transportation grants, and community donations
How services are provided
AAAs coordinate a large network of local providers (both nonprofit and for‑profit) and volunteers
In some cases, AAAs deliver services directly, especially information & assistance, case management, nutrition, or in‑home help
What to expect after you contact a AAA
A brief phone screening to understand your needs
Referrals to services and, if needed, an in‑home or virtual assessment
Support with applications, benefits, and scheduling services
Follow‑up to make sure services meet your needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are services free?
Many Older Americans Act services are free or donation‑based. Some supports may have fees or depend on eligibility (for example, Medicaid waiver services).
How long does it take to start services?
Some help (like information, referrals, or benefits counseling) can begin right away. In‑home support may require an assessment and, in some areas, there could be a waitlist.
Do caregivers qualify for help?
Yes. Caregivers often qualify for respite, training, support groups, and help finding resources.
Is my AAA a government agency?
AAAs can be part of local government or independent nonprofits. Either way, they follow the same core standards under the Older Americans Act.
Do AAAs manage Medicaid home‑care waivers?
Many AAAs coordinate or help access Medicaid home and community‑based services, depending on state rules.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes. AAAs follow strict privacy rules and only share information to coordinate your care with your permission.
