---
title: "Area Agencies on Aging: What They Do and How to Reach Yours"
description: "What an Area Agency on Aging does, what it can connect you with, and how to reach yours, including Kansas City area agencies and the Eldercare Locator."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/area-agency-on-aging/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

For families

# Area Agencies on Aging: free local help for older adults and families

Every part of the country is served by an Area Agency on Aging. It's often the best free first call when you don't know where to start.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a local public or nonprofit agency that plans and connects older adults and caregivers to services such as meals, transportation, in-home help, caregiver support and benefits counseling. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. In the Kansas City area, Johnson County Aging and Human Services serves Johnson County, Kansas, and MARC Aging and Adult Services serves the Missouri side. In Kansas you can also call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-855-200-2372.

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

**On this page**

1. [ What an Area Agency on Aging can help with](#g-what-an-area-agency-on-aging-can-help-wi)
2. [Kansas City area contacts](#g-kansas-city-area-contacts)
3. [How to make the most of the call](#g-how-to-make-the-most-of-the-call)
4. [How we fit in](#g-how-we-fit-in)
5. [Questions](#g-faq)

## What an Area Agency on Aging can help with

- Information and referral to local services.
- Home-delivered and group meals.
- Transportation for older adults.
- In-home help and case management, depending on the area.
- Family caregiver support, including respite and training.
- Help understanding Medicare, Medicaid and other benefits.
- Connections to legal aid and elder abuse resources.

Services and waiting lists differ by agency.

## Kansas City area contacts

| Area | Agency |
|---|---|
| Johnson County, Kansas | Johnson County Aging and Human Services |
| Missouri side (Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass and Ray counties) | MARC Aging and Adult Services |
| Anywhere in Kansas | Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1-855-200-2372 |
| Anywhere in the U.S. | Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116 |

## How to make the most of the call

1. Have your parent's age, city, health needs and income range ready.
2. Describe the problem: "Mom isn't eating well and can't drive."
3. Ask what's available and any waiting lists.
4. Ask about caregiver support for you.

## How we fit in

We're a free referral service for senior living, care at home and moving help. Many families call both: the Area Agency on Aging for public programs, and us for help comparing private options.

### Want help comparing options?

We'll help you sort senior living, home care and moving help near Kansas City. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### What is an Area Agency on Aging?

A local agency that connects older adults and caregivers with services like meals, transportation, in-home help and caregiver support.

### How do I find my Area Agency on Aging?

Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

### Are Area Agency on Aging services free?

Many are free or low cost, though some have waiting lists or ask for contributions.

### Which agency serves Kansas City, Missouri?

MARC Aging and Adult Services.

## Sources

- [Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living), 1-800-677-1116](https://eldercare.acl.gov/)
- [ACL: National Family Caregiver Support Program](https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program)
- [Johnson County Aging and Human Services](https://www.jocogov.org/department/aging-and-human-services)
- [Mid-America Regional Council Area Agency on Aging (Kansas City, Missouri side)](https://www.marc.org/aging)
- [KDADS: Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1-855-200-2372](https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/aging-and-disability-resource-center)

## Related guides

- [For families](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/)
- [Caring for elderly parents](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/caring-for-elderly-parents/)
- [Family caregivers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/family-caregiver/)
- [Paying for it](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/)
- [Low income senior housing](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-apartments/low-income-senior-housing/)
- [Long-distance caregiving](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/long-distance-caregiving/)
- [When a parent refuses help](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/parent-refuses-help/)
- [Power of attorney](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/power-of-attorney/)

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