---
title: "What Is Area Agency on Aging? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "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. It might cover a..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/area-agency-on-aging/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

State programs

# 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. It might cover a city, a county, or several counties. The agency is part of the Older Americans Act system. Local names may differ.

## Why it matters for your family

An Area Agency on Aging is often the best first call for a family. Staff can explain local services such as home-delivered meals and homemaker help. Many also help families find Medicaid waiver programs and caregiver support. AAAs coordinate services, and they may not deliver them all. In Michigan, some waiver agencies for MI Choice are Area Agencies on Aging. A common mistake is to skip the call because the family expects to pay privately. The call is free and can reveal options. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find yours.

Source: [acl.gov](https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-aging)

[Read more: Paying for care](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/paying-for-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**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.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/aging-and-disability-resource-center/)
-   [**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.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/state-health-insurance-assistance-program/)
-   [**MI Choice Waiver**The MI Choice Waiver is Michigan's Medicaid home and community-based services waiver for adults age 65 or older and adults 18 or older with a disability.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mi-choice-waiver/)
-   [**PASSPORT Medicaid waiver (Ohio)**PASSPORT is an Ohio Medicaid waiver that helps older adults get care at home instead of in a nursing home.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/passport-medicaid-waiver/)
-   [**Medicaid waiver waitlist**A Medicaid waiver waitlist is a list of people who qualify for a home and community-based waiver but cannot enroll yet because the state has no open slot.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/medicaid-waiver-waitlist/)
-   [**Family caregiver**A family caregiver is a relative, partner, friend, or neighbor who gives unpaid help to someone with an illness, disability, or age-related needs.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/family-caregiver/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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