State programs
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
An Aging and Disability Resource Center is a local point of contact where older adults, people with disabilities, and families can learn about long-term services and supports. ADRCs are part of the No Wrong Door model. The goal is that a person gets help no matter which agency they contact first.
Why it matters for your family
The Administration for Community Living began funding ADRCs in 2003. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Veterans Health Administration also support the model. Each state builds its own system, and names differ. Some states call the local office an ADRC, others use another name. A common mistake is to call several agencies and repeat the story each time. An ADRC can screen for programs and make the referral for you. Use the ACL No Wrong Door state list to find the contact for your state. Staff can also help a family compare programs and learn what documents to gather.
Source: acl.gov
Related terms
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA)An Area Agency on Aging is a public or private nonprofit agency that a state designates to meet the needs of older adults in a local area.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)A State Health Insurance Assistance Program is a free, state-run counseling service for people with Medicare and their families.
- Home and community-based services (HCBS) waiverA home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver is a Medicaid program that pays for care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home.
- Care assessmentA care assessment is a review of a person's health, abilities, home and support to decide what help they need.
- Care coordinatorA care coordinator is a person who organizes a person's care among doctors, agencies, and family.
- Medicaid eligibilityMedicaid eligibility for long-term care depends on need, income, and assets.
