Not sure what to look for? Here’s a brief overview of prominent agencies and programs
available in most states. Note that names may vary by state.
|
Agency or program name |
How it can help |
|
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) |
Offered in many counties to provide a single point of access for public support
programs and benefits for the elderly and disabled. |
|
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) |
AAAs plan, coordinate, and provide services that help older adults remain independent,
including community-based and in-home care, transportation, housing, and elder rights. |
|
Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) |
A program administered by AAAs that works to help elderly people stay in their homes. |
|
Department or Office of Aging, Health and Human Services, Medicaid, Mental Health,
Elderly Affairs, Public Health, Social Services, or Senior Services. |
Names vary by state, but in general, these offices administer services to the elderly,
including Medicaid assistance. They may also assist with caregiver support. |
|
Department of Veterans Affairs |
Local VA medical centers offer medical and long term care to service people. Contact
your local VA center to determine eligibility. |
|
Medicaid Aged and Disabled or Home and Community-Based Service Waiver Program |
Program names vary by state. These programs provide respite care, training, and
family counseling. Qualifying caregivers may receive payment for delivering “extraordinary”
care.
|
|
National Family Caregiver Support Program |
Offered through AAAs, these programs provide family caregivers with support, information,
referrals, decision-support training, and respite. |
|
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) |
Offered through Medicare and Medicaid in certain states, these programs combine
medical, social, and long term care services. PACE programs enable recipients to
remain at home while receiving all medically necessary services, including prescription
drugs. |
|
Quality Improvement Organization |
These programs help consumers with Medicare complaints, notices, and appeals, helping
to ensure that care provided to Medicare beneficiaries meets professionally recognized
standards of care.
|
|
Social Security Administration |
Provides income to those who qualify, as well as supplemental security income and
financial assistance for medications. |
|
State Council on Developmental Disabilities
|
These programs provide training, support, and community education to encourage the
independence and community integration of people with developmental disabilities. |
|
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) |
SHIPs provide free Medicare guidance, including buying coverage, appeals, denials,
complaints about care, rights and protections, and choosing the right plan.
|
