Missourians now have access to a new resource phone line to get connected to their local Area Agency on Aging.
Residents in every Missouri county have an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that operates to serve them. The phone line was recently launched by the Division of Senior & Disability Services, a division of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, to help people connect to the AAA that serves where they live. By calling 1-800-235-5503 and entering your zip code, you’ll be transferred to your local agency where you can get information on various services near you.
Area Agencies on Aging have staff trained in information and assistance that answer the calls, do an intake assessment, and assure the caller is getting all of the appropriate services needed. The core program services offered by AAAs are:
- Information and assistance (helping to provide information to connect people to the programs and services to meet their needs).
- In-home service (Personal care, homemaker, and respite services for residents who do not qualify for assistance through Medicaid).
- Transportation.
- Senior legal assistance.
- Nutrition (both home-delivered and congregate meals).
- Disease prevention and health promotion programs (programs designed to help older adults stay healthy and address any diseases they may have).
- Family caregiver support (caregiver respite, support groups, training, supplemental supplies like incontinence supplies, liquid nutrition, durable medical equipment, etc.).
- Long-term care ombudsman services working to improve the quality of life for residents of long-term care through advocacy and education.
Additional services may be offered by a AAA (e.g., bus pass assistance, minor home repair) or other community partners. These services are available free to anyone over the age 60 regardless of income. Family caregiver services can support any caregiver over the age of 18. In the City of St. Louis, the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging is responsible for managing these services. They serve older residents (60 years and older), caregivers, and residents with disabilities (18-59 years).
Learn more about Missouri’s senior and disability services at health.mo.gov/seniors. Learn more about the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging at slaaa.org.