Area Agency on Aging

Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas: Supporting Independent Living in the River Valley and Beyond

Since 1974, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas (AAAWA) has served as a trusted leader in senior services across western Arkansas. With the heartfelt motto "Our heart is in your home," the organization is dedicated to helping medically frail individuals of all ages maintain their desired lifestyles through accessible, affordable, and individually tailored in-home care and community-based support.

AAAWA focuses on underserved populations, prioritizing those with the greatest economic need—particularly low-income minority individuals and older adults in rural areas—while providing services without regard to race, religion, color, sex, creed, national origin, age, or physical/mental handicap.

Operating as a designated Area Agency on Aging (part of Arkansas's network under the Department of Human Services), AAAWA delivers a comprehensive range of programs designed to promote independence, health, and quality of life. Core offerings include:

• In-Home Care: 24-hour personalized home health services, including personal care, homemaker assistance, and hospice support. They bill Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and accept private pay or donations.
• Nutrition Programs: Congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels-style) to combat food insecurity among seniors.
• Senior Activity Centers: 19 centers throughout the region provide socialization, recreation, transportation, information and assistance, and opportunities for community engagement.
• Support Services: Caregiver programs, case management, health promotion, elder housing assistance, support for elder victims of crime, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (advocating for nursing home residents), and information/referral resources.
• Transportation and More: Reliable rides to appointments, activities, and essential errands, plus broader caregiver respite and education.

AAAWA serves western Arkansas from three main offices: the corporate headquarters in Fort Smith (3600 Wheeler Avenue, Suite 2, PO Box 1724, Fort Smith, AR 72902), plus locations in Paris and Mena. This coverage extends to counties including Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Polk, Scott, and others in Region VIII, ensuring rural communities have access to vital aging resources.

The agency's emphasis on home-based care reflects a commitment to keeping seniors in familiar environments rather than institutional settings. They also maintain an active online presence with a blog offering practical articles and tips on healthy aging, caregiver challenges, spotting health issues like strokes or Alzheimer's, and combating isolation. Donations via PayPal help fund meals, in-home care, and independent living initiatives, while a compliance hotline and complaint forms ensure accountability.

Booneville, Logan County, or nearby, AAAWA represents a one-stop resource for navigating senior needs—from daily meals and rides to long-term caregiver support.

Contact Area Agency on Aging

Local Residents Call 479-783-4500

Toll-free: 800-320-6667; TDD/TDY: 866-235-7995)

Monday - Friday 8 AM–5 PM