How to apply for Iowa family caregiver support through the Area Agencies on Aging

Who it's for

Iowa's Area Agencies on Aging help family members who care for an older adult or a person with a disability. Help can include information about services such as chore help, home-delivered meals, and adult day care; help figuring out what services are needed; referrals to local providers; family caregiver counseling to help with decisions and problems in the caregiver role; respite care, which gives the caregiver a break, plus help finding ways to pay for it; and caregiver support groups. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging, or call Iowa Compass, a partner of Iowa's Aging and Disability Resource Center network, at 1-800-779-2001.

What you'll need

• Call to ask what to bring

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Iowa family caregiver support through the Area Agencies on Aging. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need call to ask what to bring — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Call 1-800-779-2001 or apply online to contact Iowa's Area Agencies on Aging for family caregiver support.
2. Ask what documents or information you need before you apply.
3. Explain your caregiving situation and the kind of help you need.
4. Complete any application or screening steps the local Area Agency on Aging gives you.
5. Follow up with the local agency if you have questions about available services, waiting lists, or any cost-sharing.

What to expect: After you apply, the local Area Agency on Aging reviews your situation and tells you what help may be available. Services can include information and referrals, help planning care, counseling, respite care, and support groups. Services, waiting lists, and any cost-sharing depend on the local Area Agency on Aging and its funding, and the agency decides what help it can offer. There is no renewal requirement.

Renewals

none