Which area agency on aging serves my parent's county?
Jefferson County is served by the United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, Walker and Chilton counties by the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A), and Bibb County by the West Alabama Regional Commission's AAA.
| Area agency on aging | Counties (of our seven) | Main phone | Toll-free / ADRC |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County (UWAAA) | Jefferson | (205) 458-3330 | 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) |
| Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A) | Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, Walker, Chilton | 205-670-5770 | 1-866-570-2998 |
| West Alabama Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging (WARC) | Bibb | 205-333-2990 | 1-800-432-5030 |
What is 1-800-AGE-LINE?
1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) connects callers anywhere in Alabama to their local Aging and Disability Resource Center for information, screening and referral to programs such as the E&D Waiver, SHIP Medicare counseling and caregiver support.
It is the simplest first call if you are not sure which county office to reach.
Who gives free Medicare counseling in Birmingham?
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors at the area agencies on aging compare Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap options and help with Medicare Savings Program applications for free.
Open enrollment for Medicare plans runs October 15 to December 7 each year.
Who do I call about abuse or neglect of an older adult?
Call Alabama DHR's Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214, or 911 if someone is in immediate danger; for problems inside a facility, also call ADPH (1-866-873-0366 for assisted living, 1-800-356-9596 for nursing homes).
What does the long-term care ombudsman do?
The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living who helps resolve complaints, explains rights and attends care or discharge meetings at the resident's request.
Each area agency on aging runs the ombudsman program for its counties.
Where do Bibb County families get aging services?
Bibb County is served by the West Alabama Regional Commission's area agency on aging (205-333-2990 or 800-432-5030), not by a Birmingham-area agency, so ADRC, SHIP and ombudsman services come from that office.
1-800-AGE-LINE also connects Bibb County callers to the right office.
Who answers Medicare questions for Walker, Blount and St. Clair counties?
M4A's SHIP counselors cover Walker, Blount, St. Clair, Shelby and Chilton counties; call 205-670-5770 or 1-866-570-2998 to reach the office in Alabaster, which can also arrange help closer to home.
Bring your Medicare card, current plan information and a full list of prescriptions with doses so the counselor can compare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans for your pharmacy and ZIP code.
