Area Agencies on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA’s) were established in 1973 by the Older Americans Act (OAA) in response to the growing needs of America’s aging population. Since that time, AAA’s have been staunch advocates for services and resources for both aging and disabled adults. Providing the elderly with information regarding senior home care and community-based services is just one of the many services offered by AAA’s throughout the nation. One of the goals of these agencies is to help people over age 60 secure senior home care that allows them to remain in their homes, as well as their communities, for as long as possible. These agencies provide older adults with a range of options from which to choose.

There are many senior home care and community care services available to older adults and family caregivers. AAA’s provide information on services such as: adult day care, elder abuse prevention programs, financial assistance, nutrition services, and senior housing options. These are just a few of the services for which AAA’s can provide information. Through the Eldercare Locator, which is a public service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging, elderly adults and their family members can obtain information on senior home care programs available in their community. To contact the Eldercare Locator to find out more about available services, call 1-800-677-1116 or go to their website.

In addition, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) lists the names and locations of services and resources by state. The n4a may also be reached by telephone at (202) 872-0888 or their staff may be contacted by e-mail. Brochures and booklets can be requested, although there is a fee for some information. An individual can order up to five brochures free of charge. Available brochures include Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults, and Transportation Options for Older Adults: Choices for Mobility Independence. Booklets include Housing Options for Older Adults: A Guide for Making Housing Decisions.

In addition to providing information regarding senior home care and community-based services and resources, AAA’s and the n4a are involved in advocacy campaigns, such as Project 2020: Building on the Promise of Home and Community-Based Services, Promoting the Health, Security and Well-Being of Older Adults and Livable Communities. These agencies provide their members with information regarding policy updates and news. They also hold trainings and events, such as the n4a Aging Policy Briefing and the n4a 34th Annual Conference and Trade Show.