Eldercare Locator: Finding Local Services

Eldercare Locator: Your Guide to Finding Local Services

The Eldercare Locator is a national directory of senior services — from home care to senior centers to legal assistance. It's one of the best-kept secrets in aging services.

What Is the Eldercare Locator?

The Eldercare Locator is a free, confidential helpline (800-677-1116) run by the Administration on Aging that connects you with local aging services in your community.

You can reach them:

• Phone: 800-677-1116 (toll-free, available weekdays 9am–8pm Eastern)
• Website: eldercare.acl.gov
• Email: Through the website

The service is available in all 50 states.

Who Can Use It?

Anyone seeking information about:

• Aging services for themselves
• Services for a parent or older relative
• Resources for a friend
• Senior services in a new community or state

What Services Can Eldercare Locator Help You Find?

Care and Daily Living

• Home care and home health services
• Adult day programs
• Meal programs (Meals on Wheels, congregate dining)
• Transportation services
• Housekeeping and home maintenance
• Assistive devices and equipment

Healthcare

• Senior health clinics
• Mental health and counseling services
• Medication management programs
• Vision and hearing services

Housing and Living

• Assisted living facilities
• Nursing homes
• Independent living communities
• Senior housing options
• Affordable housing programs

Nutrition and Wellness

• Nutrition counseling
• Meal delivery programs
• Senior centers with fitness programs

Legal and Financial

• Legal aid for seniors
• Financial counseling
• Medicaid information
• Medicare counseling
• Elder fraud reporting

Caregiver Support

• Support groups for family caregivers
• Respite care
• Caregiver training and education

Community and Recreation

• Senior centers
• Recreation programs
• Volunteer opportunities
• Educational classes

How to Use the Service

By Phone

1. Call 800-677-1116
2. Have your ZIP code ready
3. Tell the operator what services you're looking for
4. They'll provide local referrals and contact information
5. Ask for multiple options so you can compare

Online

1. Visit eldercare.acl.gov
2. Enter your ZIP code
3. Browse available services by category
4. Get contact information and hours

What to Expect

The service is:

• Free (no cost to call or use)
• Confidential (they don't require personal information)
• Unbiased (they provide referrals to all available options, not just preferred providers)
• Informative (staff can answer questions about aging services)

They can:

• Provide referrals to local services
• Explain program eligibility requirements
• Answer questions about aging services
• Help you understand your options

They cannot:

• Provide legal or medical advice
• Make specific recommendations (they provide options)
• Arrange services directly (you contact providers)

Sample Questions to Ask

• "My mom needs help with housekeeping. What services are available in [ZIP code]?"
• "Are there adult day programs near [location]? Which ones accept Medicaid?"
• "Where can I find a geriatric care manager?"
• "What's the process for applying for Medicaid for long-term care?"
• "Are there caregiver support groups in our area?"
• "How do I find home health care that accepts Medicare?"

Tips for Getting the Most Out of It

1. Have your ZIP code ready and the area code of the city you're asking about
2. Be specific about needs ("help with housekeeping" not just "help")
3. Ask about multiple options so you can compare
4. Get contact information and hours so you can call directly
5. Ask about costs and payment (Medicaid, Medicare, private pay)
6. Get referrals to local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) for more in-depth planning

Related Resources

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): ADRCs provide more detailed counseling about long-term care options and help with applications. Eldercare Locator can refer you to your local ADRC.

Medicare.gov: Find Medicare-approved providers and check ratings.

Medicaid.gov: Understand Medicaid eligibility and covered services in your state.

State Departments of Aging: Your state's aging agency can provide state-specific resources.

Common Searches

"I need help now"

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Contact Adult Protective Services for elder abuse
• Call Eldercare Locator for immediate resource information

"I'm planning ahead"

• Use Eldercare Locator to explore options
• Meet with a geriatric care manager
• Consult an elder law attorney

"I'm overwhelmed"

• Contact your local ADRC (Eldercare Locator can refer you)
• Work with a social worker or geriatric care manager
• Reach out to caregiver support groups

CareGrade and Eldercare Locator

While CareGrade profiles specific senior living communities, Eldercare Locator helps you find all types of services in your area. Using both together gives you comprehensive information for planning care.