Area Agencies on Aging in Wyoming
Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Wyoming (2026)
Last updated:
If You Need Emergency Help
Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.
For urgent aging or disability assistance:
- Wyoming Aging Division: (800) 442-2766 – Statewide hotline for seniors and disabilities
- Adult Protective Services: (307) 777-6137 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential support
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
For immediate assistance:
- 211 Wyoming – Dial 2-1-1 or call (888) 425-7138 for local emergency resources
- Contact your local senior center for emergency food and assistance programs
Key Takeaways
- Wyoming operates a centralized aging system through the Wyoming Department of Health’s Aging Division serving all 23 counties
- The Wyoming Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) serves as your single entry point for services statewide
- All core services are free or low-cost for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
- Call (800) 442-2766 to connect with aging services – this number works from anywhere in Wyoming
- Services are delivered through local senior centers located throughout the state
- No income requirements for information and assistance services
- Community Choices Waiver program helps eligible seniors stay in their homes instead of nursing facilities
- Wyoming’s rural geography requires flexible service delivery adapted to long distances and sparse population
What Is Wyoming’s Aging Services System?
Wyoming takes a unique approach to aging services compared to other states. Rather than having multiple regional Area Agencies on Aging, Wyoming operates through a centralized state system coordinated by the Wyoming Department of Health’s Aging Division, with services delivered locally through senior centers and community partners.
The Aging Division serves as the state’s designated Area Agency on Aging under the federal Older Americans Act. This centralized model ensures consistent service standards across Wyoming’s vast geography while allowing for local adaptation to meet community needs.
Wyoming’s system recognizes the challenges of serving a rural state with the lowest population density in the nation. The state has developed innovative approaches including mobile services, volunteer networks, and technology solutions to reach seniors in remote areas.
The Wyoming Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) operates as the “No Wrong Door” entry point, ensuring that regardless of where you call from or what your needs are, you’ll be connected to appropriate services and supports.
Wyoming’s Centralized Aging Services System
Wyoming Department of Health – Aging Division
Primary Contact Information:
- Address: 2300 Capitol Avenue, 4th Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002
- Phone: (307) 777-7995
- Toll-Free: (800) 442-2766
- Fax: (307) 777-5340
- Service Area: All 23 counties in Wyoming
Mission: To provide care, ensure safety, and promote independent choices for Wyoming’s older adults.
Wyoming Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
The ADRC serves as Wyoming’s single entry point for aging and disability services. Staff provide information, assistance, and referrals for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers throughout the state.
What Makes Wyoming’s System Unique:
- Statewide coordination ensures consistent service quality
- Direct partnerships with all 23 counties
- Specialized programs for Wyoming’s rural challenges
- Integration with tribal services for the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes
- Coordination with university research through the Wyoming Center on Aging
Core Services Provided Statewide
Information and Assistance
The ADRC provides comprehensive information and assistance to help Wyoming residents understand available options and navigate services. This includes:
- Detailed information about local services and programs
- Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security
- Assistance understanding eligibility requirements
- Connections to appropriate service providers
- Crisis intervention and emergency planning
- Resource navigation for caregivers
Information and assistance is available to anyone regardless of age, income, or county of residence.
Nutrition Programs
Wyoming operates nutrition programs through local senior centers and community partners to address food security and social isolation.
Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at senior centers throughout Wyoming. These programs provide more than nutrition – they offer social interaction, wellness checks, and information about other services. Suggested donation is typically $3-5 for seniors 60+, but no one is turned away for inability to pay.
Home-Delivered Meals: For seniors who cannot travel to meal sites due to illness, disability, or transportation barriers. Volunteers deliver meals directly to homes, often providing the only regular contact some seniors have. Priority goes to those who are homebound and have limited support systems.
Emergency Food Programs: Many senior centers maintain food pantries and provide emergency food assistance during crises such as severe weather that affects deliveries in remote areas.
Wyoming Reality: Due to the state’s geography, meal delivery may involve significant travel time for volunteers. Some areas receive frozen meals to ensure consistent nutrition when weather prevents regular delivery.
Transportation Services
Transportation is one of the biggest challenges for Wyoming seniors due to vast distances between communities and limited public transit options.
Medical Transportation: Priority service for healthcare appointments, dialysis, physical therapy, and other medical needs. This may include long-distance transportation to specialists in larger cities.
General Transportation: Scheduled service for shopping, banking, social activities, and appointments. Due to distances involved, transportation is typically scheduled weekly or bi-weekly rather than daily.
Volunteer Driver Programs: Many communities rely on volunteer drivers to provide transportation, especially for medical appointments requiring travel to Cheyenne, Casper, or other regional centers.
Transportation Innovations: Some areas use voucher systems for taxi services, coordination with medical transport companies, and group transportation for multiple appointments.
Service Reality: Transportation often requires advance scheduling of several days to a week. Emergency transportation may not be available in all areas, and weather conditions can significantly impact service availability.
Legal Assistance
Wyoming provides free legal assistance for seniors through Legal Aid of Wyoming and other partners, addressing civil legal issues that affect older adults.
Services Include:
- Medicare and Medicaid appeals and problems
- Social Security disability and benefit issues
- Consumer protection against scams and fraud
- Housing issues including landlord-tenant problems
- Estate planning assistance (basic wills, advance directives)
- Healthcare decision-making rights
- Family law issues affecting seniors
Legal Aid of Wyoming Offices:
- Cheyenne: (307) 432-0808
- Lander: (307) 332-3517
- Gillette: (307) 459-5765
Family Caregiver Support
The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides assistance to family members caring for older adults and grandparents raising grandchildren.
Support Services:
- Educational workshops on caregiving techniques
- Support groups (in-person and virtual)
- Respite care to give caregivers breaks
- Information about caring for persons with dementia
- Assistance accessing other support services
- Emergency respite during crises
Wyoming Senior Citizens, Inc. provides caregiver support services in Big Horn, Carbon, Converse, Fremont, Goshen, Hot Springs, Laramie, and Natrona counties.
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Programs designed to help seniors maintain their health and independence through education, screening, and wellness activities.
Programs Include:
- Chronic disease self-management education
- Fall prevention classes
- Medication management education
- Nutrition counseling
- Physical activity programs adapted for seniors
- Health screenings and wellness checks
- Mental health promotion activities
The Wyoming Center on Aging at the University of Wyoming provides specialized health promotion programming and research.
Wyoming’s Medicaid Waiver Programs
Wyoming offers home and community-based services through Medicaid waiver programs to help eligible individuals avoid nursing home placement.
Community Choices Waiver (CCW)
The Community Choices Waiver serves Wyoming residents age 65+ and adults ages 19-64 with qualifying disabilities who need nursing home level care but prefer to remain in their homes or communities.
Services Provided:
- Personal care assistance with daily living activities
- Homemaker services (light housekeeping, meal preparation)
- Adult day care programs
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Personal emergency response systems
- Skilled nursing services
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Home modifications and assistive technology
- Companion services
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be eligible for Wyoming Medicaid
- Must need nursing facility level of care
- Must be able to be safely served in home or community setting
- Income limit: $2,901/month (2025)
- Asset limit: $2,000 for individuals
Self-Direction Option: CCW participants can choose to self-direct their care, including hiring family members as paid caregivers in some circumstances.
Application Process:
- Apply for Medicaid if not already eligible
- Contact Benefits and Eligibility Specialist at (855) 203-2936
- Complete level of care assessment with Public Health Nurse
- If eligible, select services and providers
Important Note: CCW is not an entitlement program. There are approximately 3,669 waiver slots available, and when full, there may be a waiting list.
Developmental Disabilities Waivers
Wyoming operates two waivers for individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, or acquired brain injuries:
Supports Waiver: Provides supportive services for individuals who need limited assistance to remain in the community.
Comprehensive Waiver: Offers more intensive services for individuals with higher support needs.
Both waivers serve individuals of all ages and include services like case management, personal care, day services, employment support, respite care, and residential services.
Service Delivery Through Local Senior Centers
Wyoming delivers aging services through a network of senior centers located throughout the state. Each center serves its local community and surrounding rural areas.
Representative Senior Centers by Region
Southeast Wyoming:
- Laramie County Senior Services (Cheyenne): (307) 635-2435
- Pine Bluffs Senior Center: (307) 245-3816
- Eppson Center for Seniors (Laramie): (307) 745-5116
Central Wyoming:
- Campbell County Senior Center (Gillette): (307) 686-0804
- Hot Springs County Senior Citizens Center (Thermopolis): (307) 864-2151
- Lander Senior Citizens Center: (307) 332-2746
Western Wyoming:
- Senior Center of Jackson Hole: (307) 733-7300
- High Country Senior Citizens (Dubois): (307) 455-2990
Northwestern Wyoming:
- Services coordinated through regional partnerships and mobile programs
Note: Contact information may change. Always verify current details by calling (800) 442-2766.
Special Population Services
Rural and Frontier Seniors
Wyoming’s geography presents unique challenges, with some areas having fewer than 2 people per square mile. The state has adapted its services to meet rural needs:
Rural Adaptations:
- Mobile service delivery bringing programs to remote areas
- Extended volunteer networks covering large geographic areas
- Technology-based services including telehealth and virtual programming
- Seasonal service adjustments for winter weather conditions
- Coordination with ranching and agricultural communities
- Emergency preparedness specifically designed for isolated areas
Native American Elders
Wyoming is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes on the Wind River Reservation. Tribal and state aging services coordinate to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Wind River Reservation Services:
- Northern Arapaho Tribe – Black Coal Senior Center (Arapahoe): (307) 463-4445
- Integration with state aging services for specialized needs
- Culturally appropriate programming
- Coordination between tribal and state Medicaid programs
Veterans
Wyoming has a high percentage of veterans among its senior population. The state coordinates with VA services to ensure comprehensive support.
Veteran-Specific Resources:
- Veterans’ Home of Wyoming (Buffalo): State-operated long-term care facility
- Transportation to VA medical centers in Cheyenne and regional facilities
- Assistance with VA benefit applications
- Coordination between VA and Medicaid programs
- Honor guard services coordinated through senior centers
Seniors with Disabilities
All Wyoming aging services are available to adults with disabilities of any age, not just those 60+. The ADRC serves as the entry point for both aging and disability services.
Disability-Specific Services:
- Assistive technology assessments and training
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Independent living skills development
- Benefits counseling for disability programs
- Transportation with wheelchair accessibility where available
How to Access Services in Wyoming
Step 1: Call the Statewide Number
Dial (800) 442-2766 from anywhere in Wyoming. This connects you to the ADRC, which serves as the entry point for all aging and disability services in the state. Live staff are available Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.
Step 2: Initial Assessment
ADRC staff will gather information about:
- Your location and county of residence
- Type of assistance needed
- Current living situation and support system
- Urgency of needs
- Basic eligibility factors
Step 3: Referral and Connection
Based on your needs, staff will:
- Connect you with your local senior center
- Provide information about available services
- Help you understand eligibility requirements
- Make referrals to appropriate providers
- Schedule assessments if needed for complex services
Step 4: Local Service Coordination
Your local senior center will:
- Conduct more detailed assessments if needed
- Help you apply for services
- Coordinate with local providers
- Provide ongoing case management if appropriate
- Connect you with volunteers and community resources
Step 5: Ongoing Support
The system provides:
- Regular check-ins to assess changing needs
- Help accessing new services as situations change
- Advocacy when service problems arise
- Emergency assistance during crises
Costs and Financial Assistance
Free Services
Available at no cost to eligible participants:
- Information and assistance through ADRC
- Benefits counseling and application assistance
- Legal consultations through Legal Aid
- Case management services
- Caregiver education and support
Donation-Based Services
Suggested donations help sustain programs but you cannot be denied services for inability to pay:
- Congregate meals ($3-5 suggested donation)
- Home-delivered meals ($3-6 suggested donation)
- Transportation services ($2-10 suggested donation depending on distance)
Income-Based Services
Some services use sliding fee scales:
- Adult day care programs
- Intensive case management
- Home modification services
- Extended transportation services
Insurance and Medicaid Coverage
Many services can be covered through:
- Wyoming Medicaid and Community Choices Waiver
- Medicare for medically necessary services
- Private insurance
- VA benefits for eligible veterans
- Other federal and state programs
Financial Reality in Wyoming: Limited funding and geographic challenges mean services may have waiting lists, especially for transportation and in-home services. Donations and volunteer support are crucial for maintaining service levels.
Quality and Accountability
Program Standards
All aging services in Wyoming must meet:
- Federal Older Americans Act requirements
- State of Wyoming quality standards
- Professional licensing requirements where applicable
- Background check requirements for all direct service staff
- Training requirements specific to serving older adults
Oversight and Monitoring
Wyoming’s aging services are monitored by:
- Wyoming Department of Health
- Federal Administration for Community Living
- Independent auditors
- Local senior center advisory councils
- Participant satisfaction surveys
Complaint Process
If you have concerns about services:
- Contact your local senior center first – Most issues can be resolved at the local level
- Call the Aging Division – (307) 777-7995 for state-level review
- Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – (800) 442-2766 for nursing home and care facility issues
- File complaints with appropriate licensing boards for professional service issues
Your Rights as a Service Recipient
You have the right to:
- Receive services without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability
- Have your personal information kept confidential
- Participate in decisions about your care and services
- File complaints without fear of retaliation
- Receive services that meet established quality standards
- Be treated with dignity and respect
Wyoming State Facilities
The Wyoming Aging Division operates three state facilities providing residential care:
Wyoming Pioneer Home (Thermopolis)
- Skilled nursing and residential care
- Medicaid and private pay accepted
- Specialized programming for residents with dementia
Wyoming Retirement Center (Basin)
- Independent and assisted living options
- Affordable housing for seniors
- Activity and wellness programs
Veterans’ Home of Wyoming (Buffalo)
- Specialized care for eligible veterans
- Skilled nursing and memory care
- VA benefits coordination
Application and admission information available through the Aging Division at (307) 777-7995.
Resources by Geographic Region
Given Wyoming’s geography, services are often organized by proximity to larger population centers:
Southeast Wyoming (Cheyenne Area)
- Strengths: Most comprehensive services, closest to medical specialists
- Challenges: Serving rural Laramie County areas
Central Wyoming (Casper Area)
- Strengths: Central location for statewide coordination
- Challenges: Serving large geographic area with scattered communities
Western Wyoming (Jackson Area)
- Strengths: Tourist economy provides some additional resources
- Challenges: High cost of living, seasonal population changes
Northwestern Wyoming (Sheridan/Gillette Area)
- Strengths: Oil and gas industry provides economic base
- Challenges: Boom-bust economic cycles affect service funding
Eastern Wyoming
- Strengths: Wind River Reservation provides some tribal services
- Challenges: Very sparse population, long distances to services
Southwestern Wyoming
- Strengths: Some coordination with Utah and Colorado services
- Challenges: Most isolated region, limited local resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I qualify for services if I live on a ranch or in a very remote area?
Yes, Wyoming’s aging services are designed specifically to serve rural and remote areas. While service delivery may look different than in towns (such as mobile services or less frequent visits), you are entitled to the same services as other Wyoming residents. The ADRC can work with you to develop creative solutions for your remote location.
How does winter weather affect services in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s aging services system is designed around the reality of severe winter weather. Emergency protocols include stockpiling of supplies, alternative communication methods, and priority snow removal for essential services. Home-delivered meals may switch to weekly delivery of frozen meals during severe weather, and transportation services may be suspended during blizzards for safety.
Can I receive services if I spend part of the year in another state?
Wyoming requires that you maintain Wyoming as your primary residence to receive ongoing services. However, the ADRC can help coordinate with aging services in other states if you spend part of the year elsewhere. Emergency services are available to any Wyoming resident temporarily in the state.
What if the nearest senior center is 100 miles away?
Distance is a common challenge in Wyoming. Services are adapted through mobile programs, volunteer networks, telephone check-ins, and coordination with local organizations like churches or community centers. The ADRC will work with you to identify all available resources in your area, which may include services you weren’t aware of.
Do Wyoming aging services coordinate with Colorado, Utah, or other neighboring states?
Yes, especially for specialized medical services not available in Wyoming. Transportation assistance may include trips to medical centers in Denver, Salt Lake City, or Billings. The ADRC can help coordinate with out-of-state providers when necessary and ensure continuity of care.
How are services different on the Wind River Reservation?
The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes operate some of their own aging services while also coordinating with state services. Tribal members can access both tribal and state programs. The ADRC works closely with tribal aging coordinators to ensure comprehensive coverage and culturally appropriate services.
What happens if I need more help than my local senior center can provide?
Wyoming’s system is designed to connect you with resources throughout the state when local options are insufficient. This might include referrals to specialists in larger cities, connections to statewide programs, or coordination with regional service providers. The centralized system helps ensure you don’t fall through cracks.
Are there services specifically for family caregivers in Wyoming’s rural areas?
Yes, recognizing that family caregivers are especially important in rural Wyoming, the state provides telephone support groups, online education, emergency respite services, and coordination with volunteer networks. The National Family Caregiver Support Program is adapted for Wyoming’s geography with telephone counseling and flexible respite options.
How do I access services if I don’t have internet or reliable phone service?
The aging services system recognizes that communication challenges are part of rural living. Services can be accessed through local post offices, churches, community centers, and neighbor networks. Mobile service teams also conduct regular outreach to remote areas. Emergency communication protocols include coordination with local emergency services.
What if I need services that aren’t available anywhere in Wyoming?
For specialized services not available in Wyoming, the ADRC can help coordinate access to services in neighboring states, assist with transportation arrangements, explore telehealth options, or connect you with specialists who travel to Wyoming. The goal is to ensure you receive needed services regardless of Wyoming’s limitations.
Disclaimer
Service availability, contact information, and program details can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current information available as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the Wyoming Aging Division or your local senior center before making decisions or applying for services.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.
For the most current information, contact:
- Wyoming ADRC: (800) 442-2766
- Wyoming Department of Health – Aging Division: (307) 777-7995
- Your local senior center
About This Guide
Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors
This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking assistance programs.
Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including the Wyoming Department of Health, federal agency websites (HHS, Administration for Community Living, CMS), state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.
Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and service availability.
Information Currency:
• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: April 2026
Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.
Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.
This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available assistance programs in Wyoming.
