In short
Cowley County, Kansas is served by South Central Kansas AAA. The county's Area Agency on Aging handles options counseling, caregiver support, Meals on Wheels and Medicare counseling and can be reached at 800-362-0264. Adult Protective Services accepts reports of elder abuse at the state hotline. Call (800) 614-8388 for free, local senior transition help.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Cowley County
Every Kansas and Missouri county is served by an Area Agency on Aging that provides free options counseling, caregiver support, home-delivered meals, transportation, Medicare counseling (SHICK in Kansas), and referrals to local programs. The AAA for Cowley County is:
South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging
- Phone
- 620-442-0268
Toll-free: 800-362-0264 - Address
- 304 S. Summit, PO Box 1122, Arkansas City, KS 67005
Services your AAA provides
Area Agencies on Aging offer a range of free or low-cost services for older adults and caregivers. The exact programs vary by region, but most include:
- Options counseling — a trained counselor helps you understand your situation and available choices
- Caregiver support — respite, support groups, training, and information for family caregivers
- Nutrition programs — home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) and congregate meal sites
- Transportation — rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and senior centers
- Medicare counseling — free, unbiased help comparing plans and understanding coverage (SHICK program in Kansas)
- Long-term care ombudsman — advocacy for residents of nursing homes and assisted living
- Benefits enrollment — help applying for Medicare savings programs, food assistance, and property tax rebates
Adult Protective Services
The Kansas Protection Report Center accepts reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults ages 18-59 who have a disability, and adults age 60 or older.
Kansas Adult Protective Services
- Phone
- 1-800-922-5330
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you believe an older adult is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and other adult care homes. Regional ombudsmen cover every Kansas county.
Kansas Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
- Phone
- 1-877-662-8362
Local: 785-296-3017 - Address
- 900 SW Jackson, Suite 1041, Topeka, KS 66612
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Free options counseling, waiver assessments, and referrals for older Kansans and people with disabilities.
Phone: 1-855-200-2372
Still figuring out next steps?
County resource directories are helpful, but every family's situation is different. Tell us what you are facing and we will help you sort out the options — for free, with no obligation.
Questions about county resources
What does the Area Agency on Aging do?
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a local public or nonprofit agency that plans and coordinates services for older adults — meals, transportation, in-home help, caregiver support, Medicare counseling, and benefits enrollment. Services are free or low-cost. The AAA does not charge a fee, but some programs may have income guidelines.
Can I call the AAA even if I am not sure what I need?
Yes. Options counseling is designed for exactly this: a trained person listens to your situation and lays out what is available. You are not committing to anything by calling.
What's the difference between APS and the Ombudsman?
Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities — whether they live at home or in a facility. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates specifically for residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and other licensed care facilities. Both are free and confidential.
How do I check a facility's inspection record in Kansas?
Kansas inspection records are available through the KDADS online facilities directory at kdads.ks.gov, which lists every licensed adult care home with a link to its inspection results. For nursing homes, Medicare's Care Compare also posts star ratings and deficiency data.