Little Rock Senior AdvisorWho is the area agency on aging for Little Rock?
CareLink, the Central Arkansas Area Agency on Aging, at 706 W. 4th St. in North Little Rock, (501) 372-5300, serving Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, Lonoke, Prairie and Monroe counties.
| County | Area agency on aging |
|---|---|
| Pulaski | CareLink, North Little Rock, (501) 372-5300 |
| Saline | CareLink, North Little Rock, (501) 372-5300 |
| Faulkner | CareLink, North Little Rock, (501) 372-5300 |
| Lonoke | CareLink, North Little Rock, (501) 372-5300 |
| Grant | Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas, Pine Bluff |
| Perry | Regional area agency on aging office, Russellville |
Who helps with a problem in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
The long-term care ombudsman for free advocacy, the Office of Long Term Care at 1-800-582-4887 for complaints, and the Adult Maltreatment Hotline at 1-800-482-8049 for suspected abuse.
Where do we apply for Medicaid long-term care?
Through Access Arkansas at access.arkansas.gov or 1-855-372-1084; DAABHS answers waiver questions at 1-866-801-3435.
Nursing home business offices and hospital case managers help with applications every week.
Where do veterans get help?
The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System for health care, and accredited veterans service officers for pension and Aid and Attendance claims.
Service officers do not charge for help with VA claims.
Who helps with Medicare questions in Arkansas?
Arkansas's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, run by the Arkansas Insurance Department, gives free, unbiased Medicare counseling, including help comparing drug plans during open enrollment.
Counselors can explain what Medicare will and won't pay in a nursing home, which is a common source of confusion after a hospital stay.
Where can Little Rock caregivers find support groups?
CareLink's caregiver programs, the Alzheimer's Association's central Arkansas office and helpline at 1-800-272-3900, and many churches and hospitals host caregiver groups.
Hospital social workers at UAMS, Baptist Health and CHI St. Vincent often keep lists of current groups.
What does a long-term care ombudsman do for families?
An ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes, assisted living and residential care facilities, helps resolve problems, explains residents' rights and can attend care-plan meetings, all at no charge.
Who helps with legal planning around Little Rock?
Elder law attorneys handle powers of attorney, guardianship and Medicaid planning, including Qualified Income Trusts; Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services help people with low incomes.
Ask an attorney for a flat-fee quote for powers of attorney and a separate one for Medicaid planning.
Sources: Arkansas Office of Long Term Care assisted living rules, the Health Services Permit Agency's Bed Need Book, Arkansas DHS waiver and PACE fact sheets, CMS, CareScout and VA rate tables, each cited in the text. Our editorial standards explain how we check them.
