When my family needed help and direction in caring for our parents, the Area Agency on Aging was our top go-to resource.

Elder care is complicated, and the long-term care system is hard to navigate. Most caregivers don't know the first thing about giving care to an older adult. It's hard to know what a relative needs, where to go to receive the help, how to pay for it, and how to deliver better care at home.Long-term care services create confusion such as what services does my loved one need, and where to go to access help? For the past nine years, I've heard these questions from hundreds of family members. They're starting to plan for a grandparent's, aunt's, uncle's, mom's or dad's long-term care and they don't know where to begin.My answer every time: "The local Area Agency on Aging." It's a no-brainer.Agency employees are experts on all aspects of aging, and their vision captures the spirit: To help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.The local and regional offices, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, serve as single points of entry into the long-term services and supports system for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, veterans, and families.The resource centers:• Take on a crucial information and referral role, connect families with local providers who can help create a caregiving plan, solve challenges, and identify support services.• Provide direct support to caregivers such as respite care, individual counseling and support groups, education classes/training; and emergency assistance.• Develop transition strategies with the family to improve planning, transportation, in-home care services and case management.• Play a significant role in detecting and preventing elder abuse.• Offer programs to help older adults and their caregivers better manage their health.• Coordinate home-based-community services.The mission in every community is to be the trusted source of information where people of all incomes and ages can access for long-term support options and benefits. The agencies rely on the work of volunteers.Local Area Agency on Aging offices may be reached at:Carbon County: 401 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, 610-824-7830Schuylkill County: 110 E. Laurel Blvd., Pottsville, 570-622-3103Monroe County: 724 Phillips St., Stroudsburg, 570-420-3735Lehigh County: 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown, 610-782-3034Northampton County: 45 N. Second St., Easton, 610-559-3245If you can donate your time to help people in need, please reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging office or visit Eldercare.gov.