Area Agencies on Aging were established in local communities under the Older Americans Act in 1973. All persons age 60 and older are eligible for services under Older Americans Act programs.

Services available through the aging agencies fall into five broad categories: information and access services, community-based services, in-home services, housing, and elder rights. Available services are determined by the needs of older persons within a regional service area, the funding available, and the availability of providers.

These agencies often serve as portals to care, meaning that they do not necessarily provide direct service to the elderly. Instead, they may assess the need and eligibility for service, authorize or purchase services, and monitor the appropriateness and cost effectiveness of services. To find out if your elderly parent is eligible for services through the Area Agencies on Aging, apply to the agency nearest your parent's home. You can locate the nearest agency and the services offered by calling the nationwide toll-free Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, or you can visit www.n4a.org/locator/.

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