The Eldercare Locator is the federal front door to local senior services. Here is the number and what it can do for you.
What is the Eldercare Locator and what does it offer?
The Eldercare Locator, reachable at 1-800-677-1116, is a free public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living. It connects older adults and their families to trustworthy local resources, including home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, in-home care, caregiver support, legal aid, elder abuse prevention, and benefits counseling. Specialists can refer you to your local Area Agency on Aging, which coordinates services in your community. The service is available nationwide and operates Monday through Friday during business hours; you can also use the online locator anytime.
When should you call the Eldercare Locator versus 1-800-MEDIGAP?
Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 when you need local, non-medical support such as meals, rides, housing help, or a caregiver referral. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) when your questions involve Medicare coverage, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug costs, or screening for benefits like Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help. Many seniors need both, and the team at 1-800-MEDIGAP can help you sort out which agency to contact for each need so nothing falls through the cracks.