What does AAAD mean in DISABILITY

Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities (AAADs) are community-based organizations that provide services and support to older individuals, people with disabilities, and their families. AAADs serve as a single point of entry into the long-term care system, providing information and referrals to services including home health, adult day care, transportation, meals programs, respite care, housing options and more.

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (naaainc.org) has an online tool that allows you to search for your local AAAD by zip code or city/state. You can also find information about your local area agency through your state government's website.

Individuals who are age 60 or older or have a physical or mental disability may qualify for services provided by an AAAD. Services may include home health care, adult day care, transportation assistance, meals programs, respite care, housing options and more depending on the individual’s needs.

Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities (AAADs) provide many different types of services tailored to meet the needs of both older adults and people with disabilities. These services may include home health care; adult day care; transportation assistance; meals programs; respite care; housing options; caregiver support groups; medical reminders; legal assistance; guardianship services; psychosocial counseling; case management referral assistance; education & advocacy programs.

Accessing services from an Area Agency on Aging and Disability starts with identifying a need for help in one’s daily living activities – whether it’s meal preparation assistance or transportation help – then contacting the local AAAD office directly to discuss what specific services may be available. In some cases, a referral from another provider may be needed before any assistance can be offered. It is also important to research all available resources before starting the process in order to determine which option is best suited for the individual's specific needs and circumstances.

Depending on individual eligibility requirements and type of service being requested, there may be associated fees for certain types of programs offered through local Area Agencies on Aging & Disability offices such as adult day care or home delivered meals programs. Other types of assistance such as information & referral or legal advice may not require any payment at all in order to use these forms of support.

Many Area Agencies on Aging & Disability offices offer volunteer opportunities that range from assisting in community outreach efforts to serving as peer mentors for persons living with disabilities. Contact your local AAA&D office directly in order to find out more about what volunteer opportunities they have available.