Information, Referral & Assistance

Finding the right community service can be challenging. The Area Agency on Aging of the Coastal Bend Information, Referral & Assistance (IR&A) Program helps older adults, family members, and caregivers identify services and resources that may meet their needs.

Information and Assistance staff listen to your concerns, help identify your needs, provide information about available community resources, and make referrals to appropriate programs or organizations. When appropriate, staff may also help connect you to a service or identify other resources when the service you need is not available.

How Information, Referral & Assistance Works

Information, Referral & Assistance is more than providing a telephone number. Staff use a person-centered approach to understand what you need and provide information to help you make an informed choice.

Depending on your needs, an Information and Assistance Specialist may:

  • Discuss your current needs and concerns.

  • Help clarify the type of service or assistance you are looking for.

  • Identify appropriate community programs, benefits, and service providers.

  • Provide information about available options so you can make an informed choice.

  • Identify alternative resources when a requested service is unavailable.

  • Help connect you with an Area Agency on Aging program or community organization when appropriate.

  • Provide additional assistance or follow-up when appropriate.

Who Can Contact Us?

Area Agency on Aging services are available to adults age 60 and older, their family members, and caregivers. You may contact us for yourself, a family member, or someone you are helping.

The Coastal Bend Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) also provides information, referral, and assistance for people with disabilities, family caregivers, veterans, families with children with disabilities, and individuals planning for future long-term services and supports.

Resources We Can Help You Explore

Information and Assistance staff can help identify resources based on your individual circumstances. Topics may include:

  • Activities of daily living and assistance with remaining independent at home

  • Caregiver services, education, support groups, and respite resources

  • Congregate and home-delivered meals

  • Senior centers and community activities

  • Transportation

  • Housing and accessible housing resources

  • Home safety and minor home modification resources

  • In-home services and supports

  • Medicare, Medicaid, and public benefits information

  • Prescription assistance resources

  • Legal assistance and individual rights

  • Long-term services and supports

  • Long-term care facility information and resident advocacy

  • Utility and other community assistance programs

  • Services for people with disabilities

  • Volunteer opportunities

Programs have different eligibility requirements, funding, and availability. Information and Assistance staff can help identify resources that may be appropriate for your situation.

Long-Term Services and Supports

Long-term services and supports, often called LTSS, include services and resources that may help a person with ongoing needs related to living independently and participating in the community.

Through the Coastal Bend Aging and Disability Resource Center, Information, Referral & Assistance specialists provide current information about LTSS resources available in the community. Staff use a person-centered approach to understand an individual's needs and circumstances and provide objective information to assist with informed decision-making.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

The Coastal Bend Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) works with the Area Agency on Aging to help people navigate community services and long-term services and supports.

ADRC services include specialized Information, Referral & Assistance and may include options counseling and referrals to community resources based on the individual's needs.

Featured Resources

External links are provided as informational resources. Programs, eligibility requirements, and service availability may change.

Serving the Coastal Bend

The Area Agency on Aging of the Coastal Bend serves Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio counties.

Information and Assistance helps connect residents with community services and supports while promoting informed choice, independence, and access to appropriate resources.

Contact Information, Referral & Assistance

If you are not sure which program you need, start with Information, Referral & Assistance. Tell us what you are looking for, and staff can help identify available resources and appropriate next steps.

Area Agency on Aging of the Coastal Bend
2910 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78408
Phone: (361) 883-3935
Toll-Free: 1-800-252-9240