Agencies and Articles on Aging

Agencies on aging are federal, state, or local agencies that focus on the legal, health care, and planning needs of older adults, families, and caretakers.

Most agencies on aging are funded according to the Older Americans Act and provide a wide range of services in the areas of:

  • Home care assistance
  • Retirement planning
  • Legal and financial help
  • Social services
  • Counseling
  • Education training
  • Advocacy
  • Abuse prevention

If you or a loved one needs help with an age-related matter -- such as health care, social security, or Medicare -- there are both national and state agencies that may provide helpful assistance.

Individual Agencies

Check with the individual agencies listed below for more information:

  • Alzheimer's Association - A network of more than 280 chapters nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association provides support groups for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's, connects caregivers to resources to increase patient care, and funds research efforts toward a cure for Alzheimer's.
  • American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) - Probably the best-known older adult advocacy group, AARP provides members with publications on all topics related to older adult issues and advocates for legislation to improve older adult lives.
  • National Council on Aging - The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit advocacy group working to help older individuals be financially independent and improve their health.
  • Children of Aging Parents - A branch of the Family Service Association, Children of Aging Parents offers support groups for adult children who act as caregivers to their parents.
  • National Institute on Aging - The National Institute on Aging is the federal government's agency providing research and policy proposals to serve older adult Americans.
  • America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) - A trade association for insurance providers, AHIP provides information on the types of health insurance plans available to Americans, young and old, and discusses laws affecting health insurance coverage and eligibility requirements.
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys - This organization founded by attorneys focusing on legal issues specifically affecting older adult individuals provides an attorney directory, information about recent legislation, and updates on recent court cases affecting older Americans.
  • American Society on Aging (ASA) - The ASA works to educate older adults about the legal, healthcare, and social issues they may face as they age. The ASA also has an expanded network of branches focusing on specific groups within the older adult community, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adults and those with specific cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
  • Medicare - Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program for older adults and other eligible individuals. In addition to providing resources online, Medicare also offers a hotline for individuals to obtain information at 1-800-MEDICARE.
  • Social Security Office - The Social Security Administration provides benefits to older adults at a certain age and can connect individuals to other services, such as healthcare and disability benefits.
  • National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) - This nonprofit organization provides education and support for home care and hospice providers.
  • National Association of Area Agencies on Aging - Established by the Older Americans Act, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is a national organization aiding local and community-based agencies in delivering older adult care services. The organization also provides a care locator to help older adults find the services and support they need.
  • Caregiver Action Network - This national organization provides support and advocacy for family caregivers, whether adult children caring for their aging parents or older adults caring for their spouses after suffering a debilitating injury or illness.

Helpful Older Adult Law Articles

Articles on Older Adult Abuse

  • Older Adult Abuse and Neglect - Covers older adult abuse, signs of older adult abuse, reasons abuse occurs, and more. (American Psychological Association)

Long-Term Care Articles

Articles on Residential Care Facilities

If you have an older adult law concern or other legal concerns about your loved one, start by talking with an attorney. Many offer a free consultation to understand your situation.

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • An attorney is on your side during complicated decisions
  • Cases with government benefits are rarely cut and dry
  • Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions
  • Many attorneys offer free consultations

 If you need an attorney, find one right now.