What is an Area Agency on Aging?

An Area Agency on Aging, or AAA, is a local organization that helps older adults live independently in their homes and communities and supports family caregivers. USAging says AAAs were established under the Older Americans Act in 1973, and that there are more than 600 across the United States, each assessing its own community's needs and shaping its services to meet them.

An Area Agency on Aging assesses local needs, plans and funds services for older adults and caregivers, and connects people to them. USAging explains that every AAA educates people about local resources, serves as a portal to care through assessments and eligibility checks, and develops and coordinates services. Most contract out meals, transportation and in-home help, and provide information, case management and benefits counseling directly.

Core services include in-home help with bathing, dressing and housekeeping, rides to medical appointments, home-delivered and group meals, health and fall prevention programs, and help with Medicare and Medicaid. For family caregivers, USAging says AAAs offer respite care, training, support groups and counseling, and referrals to local resources. The National Institute on Aging adds that AAA officials may provide legal advice or help.

Area Agencies on Aging are part of a network set up by the Older Americans Act, which runs from the federal government through 56 state units on aging to more than 600 AAAs, which in turn contract with local service providers. USAging notes that AAAs also tap other funding streams to serve more people, and increasingly contract with health care organizations such as medical providers.

Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find your local Area Agency on Aging. USAging describes it as a free national service funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living and run by USAging, and you can phone, text, use video phone, email or start an online chat at eldercare.acl.gov. A specialist will guide you to services available near you.