Area Agencies on Aging in Arkansas

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Arkansas (2026)

Last updated: January 16, 2026

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:

• Arkansas Adult Protective Services: 1-800-482-8988 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Arkansas Crisis Line: 1-888-274-7472 – 24/7 mental health and suicide prevention support
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Crisis intervention and emotional support
• Arkansas 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 – Connect with local emergency resources and assistance

For immediate food assistance:

• Arkansas SNAP Hotline: 1-800-482-8988 – Apply for food assistance benefits
• Arkansas Foodbank: 501-565-8121 – Locate food pantries and emergency food
• Contact your local AAA for emergency meal delivery programs

For natural disaster assistance:

• Arkansas Emergency Management: 501-683-6700 – During floods, tornadoes, or severe weather
• American Red Cross Arkansas: 501-748-1021 – Emergency shelter and relief services

Key Takeaways

• Arkansas has 8 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serving all 75 counties across the state
• All basic services are free for adults 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• Arkansas ranks among the top 5 states for senior food insecurity – AAAs provide crucial nutrition programs
• Rural transportation challenges are addressed through innovative volunteer and community programs
• Medicaid waiver programs have waiting lists, but basic AAA services are immediately available
• Strong focus on keeping seniors in their homes rather than institutional care
• Veteran-friendly services throughout the state with specialized programs
• SNAP benefits available with special considerations for elderly and disabled residents

Understanding Arkansas’s Aging Network

Arkansas’s aging services system reflects the state’s predominantly rural character, with creative solutions for serving scattered populations across mountainous regions, river deltas, and small towns. The state recognizes that many seniors live in areas with limited resources and infrastructure, requiring flexible and community-based approaches to service delivery.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services provides state oversight and funding coordination. Eight regional AAAs deliver direct services, each adapting programs to meet their area’s unique geography and demographics.

Arkansas faces particular challenges including high poverty rates among seniors, significant food insecurity, limited transportation options in rural areas, and an aging population that often lacks family support nearby. The AAA system has evolved to address these realities through volunteer programs, faith-based partnerships, and innovative service delivery methods.

The state also recognizes its veterans population and has developed strong partnerships between AAAs and veteran service organizations to ensure comprehensive support for military retirees and their families.

Arkansas’s 8 Area Agencies on Aging

Note: Contact information may change. Always verify current phone numbers and addresses when seeking services.

Core Services Provided by Arkansas AAAs

Information and Assistance Services

Every AAA provides comprehensive information and assistance to help Arkansans navigate aging services and address rural living challenges. Services include:

• Resource Navigation: Help connecting with local, state, and federal programs appropriate for your situation and location
• Benefits Counseling: Assistance with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, SNAP, and other programs seniors may be eligible for
• Crisis Intervention: Immediate help during emergencies including natural disasters, family crises, or urgent safety concerns
• Referral Services: Connections to healthcare providers, legal assistance, housing resources, and community organizations
• Rural Service Coordination: Special assistance for seniors in remote areas with limited access to services

This service is completely free and available to anyone regardless of age, income, or county of residence.

Nutrition Programs

Arkansas AAAs operate comprehensive nutrition programs to address the state’s significant senior food insecurity challenges.

Congregate Meals: Nutritious hot meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and other gathering locations throughout Arkansas. These programs serve more than food – they provide social interaction, health monitoring, and information sharing. Meals typically cost $3-5 for seniors 60+, but no one is denied service for inability to pay.

Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels): Critical service for homebound seniors who cannot safely prepare meals or get to congregate sites. Volunteer drivers deliver hot or frozen meals directly to homes, often providing the only daily human contact for isolated seniors. Priority is given to seniors with greatest nutritional risk and those without family support.

Emergency Food Assistance: During natural disasters, power outages, or personal crises, AAAs coordinate emergency food distribution and temporary meal services.

Food Pantry Coordination: Many AAAs partner with local food banks and pantries to provide supplemental food assistance, including senior-specific food boxes with appropriate nutritional content.

Reality Check: Arkansas ranks in the top 5 states for senior food insecurity. Nearly 16% of Arkansas seniors face food insecurity, making nutrition programs critically important for health and survival.

Transportation Services

Transportation in rural Arkansas presents significant challenges, addressed through creative community-based solutions.

Medical Transportation: Priority service for healthcare appointments, dialysis, chemotherapy, and other medical needs. Services may include volunteer driver programs, medical vouchers, or scheduled van services. Some AAAs coordinate long-distance transportation to specialty care in larger cities.

Essential Services Transportation: Scheduled trips to grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and government offices. Many programs operate on fixed schedules with multiple stops to serve rural areas efficiently.

Volunteer Driver Programs: Community volunteers provide transportation using their personal vehicles, often the most flexible option for rural seniors. Volunteers receive training, insurance coverage, and mileage reimbursement.

Emergency Transportation: Crisis transportation for urgent situations, including coordination with emergency medical services and social services.

Rural Reality: In many Arkansas counties, the nearest hospital may be 30+ miles away, and public transportation is non-existent. AAA transportation services often provide the only option for seniors without family nearby.

Case Management and Care Coordination

Arkansas AAAs provide intensive case management for seniors with complex needs, particularly those at risk of nursing home placement.

ARChoices Coordination: Help navigating Arkansas’s home and community-based services waiver program, including application assistance and service coordination.

Crisis Management: Immediate response to situations threatening a senior’s safety or independence, including coordination with adult protective services, healthcare providers, and family members.

Discharge Planning: Working with hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to ensure safe transitions home with appropriate support services in place.

Family Caregiver Support: Assistance for family members providing care, including education, respite services, and connections to support groups.

Legal Assistance

Free legal help for seniors 60+ in civil matters, with Arkansas-specific expertise including:

• Estate planning and will preparation
• Healthcare directives and power of attorney documents
• Social Security and Medicare appeals and applications
• Consumer protection including scam prevention and debt collection issues
• Housing issues including landlord-tenant disputes and home repairs
• Family law matters affecting seniors
• Public benefits applications and appeals

In-Home Services

AAAs coordinate various in-home services to help seniors remain safely in their homes:

Personal Care Services: Assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management, and other activities of daily living through trained caregivers.

Homemaker Services: Help with cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, and other household tasks that become difficult with aging.

Chore Services: Assistance with heavy cleaning, yard work, minor home repairs, and seasonal tasks like weatherization.

Home Safety Assessments: Evaluation of homes for safety hazards and recommendations for modifications to prevent falls and accidents.

Arkansas Medicaid Waiver Programs

Arkansas operates several Medicaid waiver programs that provide alternatives to nursing home care. Demand continuously exceeds the number of available slots, resulting in ongoing waiting lists.

ARChoices in Homecare Waiver

This is Arkansas’s primary waiver program for seniors and adults with physical disabilities who require a nursing facility level of care but prefer to remain in their communities.

Services Include:

• Personal care assistance with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, etc.)
• Homemaker services for household management (cleaning, laundry)
• Adult day services providing supervision and social activities
• Home-delivered meals for nutritional support
• Respite care to give family caregivers temporary breaks
• Personal emergency response systems (PERS) for safety monitoring
• Environmental modifications to improve home safety and accessibility (eg, ramps, grab bars)
• Specialized medical equipment and supplies

Eligibility Requirements (2026):

• Age/Disability: Age 65+ OR age 21–64 with a qualifying physical disability.
• Residency: Must be a resident of Arkansas.
• Income Limit (Individual): $2,982/month (Increased from $2,901 in 2025).
  • Note: If married and both spouses apply, the limit is $5,964/month (combined).
• Asset Limit: $2,000 for an individual (excluding primary home and one vehicle).
  • Note: If married with a non-applicant spouse, the spouse remains in the community may keep up to $162,660 in assets.
• Level of Care: Must require an intermediate level of care comparable to a nursing facility.
• Placement: Must choose to receive services at home rather than in a facility.

Current Reality: ARChoices continues to have a waiting list due to enrollment caps. Applicants are prioritized based on need rather than a strict “first-come, first-served” basis. While wait times vary significantly by region and urgency of need, typical waits can still range from 1 to 3 years.

Independent Choices Program

A consumer-directed option within ARChoices that allows participants to hire, train, and manage their own caregivers, including family members.

How It Works:

• Participants receive a monthly budget for personal care services
• They can hire anyone they choose as their caregiver (with background check requirements)
• Participants have more control over when and how services are provided
• Fiscal intermediary handles payroll and tax responsibilities

Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver

Provides Medicaid coverage for assisted living facility care for eligible seniors who need supervision and personal care but not skilled nursing.

Services Include:

• Room and board in licensed assisted living facilities
• Personal care assistance
• Medication management
• 24-hour supervision and emergency response
• Social and recreational activities
• Transportation to medical appointments

Community and Employment Support (CES) Waiver

Serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, including seniors who developed disabilities before age 22.

Current Waiting List Reality: Arkansas has over 2,800 people on CES Waiver waiting lists, with average wait times of 8-10 years.

Special Population Services

Rural Seniors

The majority of Arkansas seniors live in rural areas with unique challenges and service adaptations.

Rural-Specific Services:

• Mobile service delivery bringing services to remote communities on rotating schedules
• Volunteer networks utilizing community members to provide transportation, friendly visits, and emergency assistance
• Faith-based partnerships working with churches and religious organizations to deliver services and identify seniors in need
• Telecommunications programs including telephone reassurance and telehealth coordination
• Seasonal service delivery adjusting for weather, harvest seasons, and agricultural cycles

Rural Challenges:

• Limited internet and cell phone coverage in some areas
• Nearest services may be 50+ miles away
• Limited healthcare provider networks
• Higher poverty rates and lower income levels
• Seasonal access issues during floods or severe weather

Veteran Seniors

Arkansas has a significant veteran population, with AAAs providing specialized coordination with veteran services.

Veteran-Specific Services:

• VA benefits assistance helping veterans access federal benefits and healthcare
• Transportation to VA medical centers in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and other locations
• Emergency financial assistance through veteran organizations and AAA emergency funds
• Housing assistance for homeless or at-risk veterans
• Family support services for veteran spouses and dependents

Arkansas Veteran Resources:

• Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs: (501) 370-3820
• John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital (Little Rock): (501) 257-1000
• Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center (North Little Rock): (501) 257-1000
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1)

Low-Income Seniors

Arkansas has high poverty rates among seniors, requiring extensive financial assistance and benefit coordination.

Financial Assistance Programs:

• SNAP (food assistance) application help and ongoing support
• Utility assistance programs to help with heating and cooling costs
• Medicare Savings Programs to help pay Medicare premiums and cost-sharing
• Prescription assistance programs to reduce medication costs
• Emergency financial assistance for crisis situations

SNAP for Seniors in Arkansas: Arkansas seniors may qualify for SNAP with special consideration for:

• Medical expenses that can be deducted from income
• Simplified application processes for seniors
• No asset limits for households with members 60+
• Expedited processing for emergency situations

Family Caregivers

Arkansas AAAs recognize that family caregivers provide the majority of care for aging Arkansans and offer extensive support.

Caregiver Support Services:

• Education and training on caregiving techniques and safety
• Support groups for emotional support and information sharing
• Respite care to give caregivers temporary breaks
• Counseling services for stress management and depression
• Resource coordination to help access services for care recipients
• Emergency assistance when primary caregivers become ill or unavailable

LGBTQ+ Seniors

While Arkansas’s LGBTQ+ senior services are limited, AAAs work to ensure inclusive and non-discriminatory service delivery.

Available Support:

• Non-discrimination policies in all AAA services
• Culturally sensitive staff training on LGBTQ+ issues
• Referrals to supportive providers when available
• Privacy protections for confidential information
• Family of choice recognition in service planning

Challenges:

• Limited LGBTQ+-specific resources in rural areas
• Religious and cultural conservatism may create barriers
• Legal limitations on same-sex relationships in some contexts
• Need for safe and welcoming senior housing options

How to Access Services

Step 1: Contact Your Regional AAA

Call your regional AAA directly using the contact information provided earlier, or dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Arkansas to be connected with your local AAA.

Step 2: Initial Intake and Assessment

AAA staff will conduct an initial intake covering:

• Your current living situation and immediate needs
• Safety concerns and risk factors
• Current healthcare providers and services
• Family and community support systems
• Financial situation and insurance coverage
• Transportation needs and limitations
• Cultural and language preferences

Step 3: Service Planning

Based on your assessment, AAA staff will:

• Explain available services and eligibility requirements in plain language
• Help you apply for appropriate benefits and programs
• Coordinate services from multiple providers
• Develop a service plan tailored to your needs and preferences
• Connect you with community resources and volunteer programs

Step 4: Ongoing Support and Monitoring

• Regular check-ins to assess changing needs
• Annual reassessments for waiver programs
• Crisis intervention during emergencies
• Updates about new services and program changes
• Advocacy with service providers when problems arise

Resources by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the waiting list for ARChoices waiver services, and what can I do while waiting?

ARChoices waiting lists typically range from 1-3 years depending on your region and level of need. While waiting, you can access free AAA services like case management, nutrition programs, and transportation. Apply for other programs like SNAP, Medicare Savings Programs, and prescription assistance. Your AAA case manager will help coordinate available services and monitor your situation for any changes that might qualify you for emergency placement.

I live in a very rural area with no nearby services. How can the AAA help me?

Rural Arkansas seniors are a priority for AAAs. Services include mobile programs that come to your area on scheduled visits, volunteer driver programs for essential trips, telephone reassurance programs for daily contact, coordination with local churches and community organizations, and emergency response planning. Many AAAs have “circuit riders” who visit rural areas regularly to provide services and assess needs.

My family member has dementia and I’m the only caregiver. What help is available?

Arkansas AAAs provide extensive family caregiver support including respite care to give you breaks, education about dementia care techniques, support groups with other caregivers, help applying for ARChoices or other waiver services, coordination with healthcare providers, and emergency planning for crisis situations. The Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas Chapter (501-224-0021) also provides specialized support.

Can I get help paying for groceries if my Social Security doesn’t cover my expenses?

Yes, Arkansas seniors may qualify for SNAP (food assistance) even with Social Security income. Special rules for seniors include deducting medical expenses from income calculations, no asset limits for households with members 60+, and simplified application processes. AAAs can help you apply and calculate your potential benefits. Local food pantries and senior nutrition programs also provide additional food assistance.

I’m a veteran living in rural Arkansas. How can I access VA services?

Arkansas AAAs coordinate extensively with VA services. They can provide transportation to VA medical centers, help you apply for VA benefits you may not know about, coordinate with local VA representatives, connect you with veteran service organizations, and provide emergency assistance while VA applications are processed. The nearest VA medical centers are in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Texarkana, but local clinics and telehealth services are also available.

What happens during severe weather or natural disasters like tornadoes or floods?

Arkansas AAAs have emergency protocols including wellness checks on high-risk seniors, coordination with emergency management agencies, emergency food and supply distribution, temporary shelter assistance, and help navigating disaster assistance programs. Many AAAs maintain emergency contact lists and work with local emergency responders to prioritize seniors during evacuations or rescue operations.

I can’t afford my medications and Medicare doesn’t cover everything. What options do I have?

AAAs can help with several prescription assistance options including Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help), pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs, state pharmacy assistance programs, Medicare Savings Programs that help with drug costs, and generic medication programs at local pharmacies. The SenioRx program specifically helps Arkansas seniors access free or low-cost medications.

My spouse died and I’m having trouble managing everything alone. Where do I start?

AAAs provide comprehensive support for newly widowed seniors including help with Social Security survivor benefits, Medicare changes and enrollment, estate and legal matters through legal assistance programs, grief counseling and support groups, home safety assessments and modifications, and connections to widow/widower support groups. Case managers can help prioritize what needs to be done first and guide you through each step.

Are there services available if I don’t meet the income requirements for Medicaid waiver programs?

Yes, many AAA services are available regardless of income including information and assistance, nutrition programs (with suggested donations), transportation services, legal assistance, family caregiver support, and volunteer services. Private pay home care options are also available, and AAAs can help you find reliable providers. Some services use sliding fee scales based on your ability to pay.

I want to stay in my home but my children live far away and worry about my safety. What can help us both feel more secure?

Arkansas AAAs offer several safety and independence programs including personal emergency response systems (medical alert devices), regular phone check-in programs, home safety assessments and modifications, coordination with neighbors and community volunteers, family communication facilitation, and emergency planning. These services help you maintain independence while giving family members peace of mind about your safety and well-being.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice. Arkansas’s rural geography and weather patterns can affect service availability and delivery methods. While this guide uses the most current available information as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the relevant Area Agency on Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Arkansas’s rural conditions, economic factors, and limited infrastructure create special considerations that may affect service availability. Always consult with qualified professionals familiar with Arkansas conditions for advice specific to your situation.

For the most current information, contact:

• Arkansas 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 – Statewide information and referral
• Arkansas Department of Human Services: (501) 682-1001
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

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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, with special attention to Arkansas’s rural character and unique challenges.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, USDA, SSA, CMS), Arkansas state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources serving Arkansas.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status in Arkansas, verifying contact information for rural service areas, and confirming eligibility requirements and service delivery methods adapted for Arkansas’s geography and demographics.

Information Currency:

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: May 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice, and Arkansas’s rural geography and severe weather events can affect service availability. 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, especially those specific to Arkansas’s rural communities, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Arkansas’s rural conditions, limited infrastructure, and economic factors require specialized guidance. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.

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This resource is independently researched to help Arkansas seniors access available assistance programs adapted for rural living and community-based care.