The Area Agencies on Aging are dedicated to building a community that supports older residents and allows them to age in place with dignity, security, and enhanced quality of life. The range of services provided includes, but is not limited to congregate meals, home-delivered meals, benefits counseling, care coordination, legal assistance, nutrition and counseling and training, caregiver support, and transportation services.
Programs
Aging and Disability Resource Center
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) helps provide access to long-term services and resources for older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, and their families. The ADRC is supported by the Resource & Referral Call Center Specialists. These Call Center Specialists will provide assistance information and referrals to services for individuals who are 60 years of age or older, as well as individuals of any age who are eligible for Medicare.
Assistance Information and Referrals to Services include:
- Activities of Daily Living
- Prescription Assistance Programs
- Individual Rights
- Housing
- Transportation
- Institutional/Facility Care
- Nutrition/Senior Citizens Sites
- Utility Assistance
- Provider Services
- Support Groups
- Volunteer Opportunities
Alamo Service Connection
The Alamo Service Connection (ASC) is an information, referral, and assistance system for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and their families in the 13-county AACOG region. ASC helps them navigate the complex system of services offered by government agencies, nonprofits, and other service providers. With ASC’s extensive website database, a system navigator in the ADRC will assist callers in exploring options and recommend resources for problems related to aging and disability.
Region’s supported by our ADRC through ASC:
Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina and Wilson Counties
You can access our assistance & information referral system by contacting an ADRC Call Center Specialist at (855) 937-2372 or (210) 477-3275.
Benefits Counseling
Benefits Counseling
Provides information, counseling and advocacy to qualifying adults and Medicare beneficiaries of any age, on their public benefits and program entitlements.
We want all Texans as well as Medicare-eligible people with disabilities of any age to have ready access to trained and certified benefits counselors.
The Benefits Counseling program provides information, counseling, and advocacy to older adults, and Medicare beneficiaries of any age, on their public benefits, entitlements, and legal rights. Benefits Counselors also provide public education on a variety of topics impacting seniors.
Benefits Counselors consult on topics such as:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
- Social Security
- Senior Medicare Fraud/Scams
- Medicare and Medicaid Appeals/Hearings
- Legal Assistance
Assistance to older adults and persons with disabilities in the completion and submission of public assistance applications in the following programs.
- Medicaid
- State Long Term Care Services
- Medicare Cost Sharing
- Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Legal Services to older adults over 60:
- Wills
- Power of Attorney
- Advanced Directives
- Divorce – uncontested
- TODD – Transfer on Death Deed
- Adult Guardianship
- QIT – Qualified Income Trust – for the purpose of Medicaid Eligibility
- ** Adoptions and Custody for children being raised by a relative over the age of 55 **
You can access our services by contacting the Alamo Service Connection at 210-477-3275 or 1-866-231-4922.
Bexar County residents, call the Alamo Service Connection at (210) 477-3275 to speak with a Benefits Counselor. For residents in the 12 rural counties of the AACOG region (Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, and Wilson Counties), call (866) 231-4922. For anywhere in Texas call 1-800-252-9240.

Care Coordination
Assessing The Needs Of Adults 60 Years Of Age And Older
Care Coordination is the process of assessing the needs of an individual 60 years of age and older by planning, arranging, and coordinating local resources to support independent living. Priority is given to those who have recently suffered a major illness or health crisis, or those who have recently been hospitalized and need additional attention during the recovery process.
Care Coordination Services Include
- Income Support – assistance with utilities, propane, etc.
- Health Maintenance – eye glasses, dental, incontinence supplies, etc.
- Residential Repairs – minor repair or modification of home
- Homemaker – housekeeping and home management services
- Personal Assistance Service – assistance with activities of daily living
- Emergency Response Services – installation of electronic monitoring systems
The Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) coordinates services for older adults who reside in Bexar and the 12 surrounding, rural counties.
You can access Income Support, Respite Services, Caregiver Education & Training, Home Delivered & Congregate Meals, Wellness Classes, and more by contacting the Alamo Service Connection.
Caregiver Services
Does someone rely on you for care? If they do, you may be a Caregiver
Do you help an older adult with:
- Personal care?
- Shopping?
- Going to doctor's appointments?
- Managing money or bills?
- Other problems or questions they have?
Caring for a relative or friend may be something you never expected to do.
Regardless of your age, you are a Caregiver if you provide routine assistance to a loved one 60 years of age or older who is frail, disabled, or has a chronic illness.
- 2020 National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP
What we are: Area Agencies on Aging National Family Caregiver Support Program (also called Alamo Caregiver Empowerment – ACE)
Supported by: The Older Americans Act
The Caregiver Support program provides:
- Information about available services
- Assistance in gaining access to services
- Support groups, and training to assist caregiver in making decisions and solving problems.
- Respite care to temporarily relieve caregivers of their caregiving duties and responsibilities
- Limited supplemental services that complement the care provided by caregivers, such as:
- Health Maintenance
- Income Support
- Residential Repair
- Emergency Response Systems
- Chore Maintenance
- Mental Health Counseling
You can access our services by contacting the Alamo Service Connection at 210-477-3275 or 1-866-231-4922.
Health & Wellness
Health and Wellness Facilitators
Volunteer Facilitators teach older adults evidence-based intervention classes at local senior centers, churches, and community centers. Training, materials, and technical support are provided for those interested in facilitating. Classes offered are focused on falls prevention, healthy eating, and increased mobility for the older adult. Our goal is to teach older adults timely and evidence-based information and skills to ensure a more active, comfortable, and independent lifestyle.
Texercise Select
Originally developed by the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), this program focuses on interactive educational discussions and physical activities. It is designed to help individuals increase their knowledge about the value of physical activity and healthy eating; increase their ability to engage in healthy behaviors, physical activity and good diet; and to improve their mobility to make sitting, standing and walking easier. This program meets twice per week for 10 weeks. Source: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/food-fitness/texercise
A Matter of Balance
A class designed to reduce the fear of falling, stop the fear of falling cycle, and improve activity levels among community-dwelling older adults. The program includes eight 2-hour classes where participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable; to set realistic goals for increasing activity; to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors; and to promote exercise to increase strength and balance. Participants find they have a significant level of improvement regarding management and control of falls and an increase in their level of exercise and social activities. Source: http://www.mainehealth.org/PFHA
Bingocize
Bingocize is an evidence-based 10-week program that combines a bingo-like game with exercise and health education. Participants play Bingocize for one hour 2 times per week. Because the game is fun, familiar, and done in a group setting the unique addition of bingo addresses many of the barriers to older adults’ participation in physical activity. The program has been shown to increase older adults’ functional fitness, health knowledge, and social engagement in a variety of settings. https://www.wku.edu/bingocize/
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Responsibilities
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman means "being an advocate for residents." A Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman listens to and addresses the concerns of nursing home and assisted living residents. At all times, residents decide on the LTC Ombudsman's level of involvement. They can be counted on to respect residents' privacy and confidentiality. Some of the ways in which LTC Ombudsman serve residents include telling residents about their rights and empowering and supporting residents and their families to discuss concerns with staff. An LTC Ombudsman completes State-supported training and is certified by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Services
An LTC Ombudsman:
- Advocates for quality of life and quality care
- Explains Resident Rights
- Supports resident directed care
- Helps to ensure residents are treated with dignity
- Identifies and resolves concerns that affect residents
Volunteers
If you have a passion for helping others, a caring spirit and a willingness to learn, we need you! Become an LTC Ombudsman and help improve the quality of life and care for residents in a facility near you. We provide training, tools and ongoing support. People who live in nursing homes and assisted living communities may have little or no contact with the outside world. Many feel they lack control over their lives. A volunteer LTC Ombudsman who visits regularly can be the highlight of a resident's day and ensure residents get good care. Volunteer with us today! (Download fillable application; print and mail or scan/email to the respective program.)
For more information in Bexar County:
Call: 210-362-5236
Email: Bexar.Ombudsman@aacog.com
For more information in the Alamo Region:
Call: 210-362-5209
Email: Alamo.Ombudsman@aacog.com
Nutrition
This program provides a nutritionally balanced noontime meal, delivered to an individual 60 years and older who is assessed to be home-bound. A home visit to determine eligibility must be conducted by the area nutrition provider contracted by Area Agency on Aging.
Home Delivered Meals provide an opportunity for a home-bound individual to have face-to-face contact with a caring individual, such as the delivery driver, who can also provide a valuable assessment of the individuals health and well being.
A Congregate Meal is a nutritionally balanced meal that is served in a specific location, such as a senior or community center near home. Congregate meal service is provided to adults 60 years and older, who are mobile.
The setting allows for older adults to meet and socialize with others and participate in scheduled activities prior to the meal.
In order to qualify for the program, individuals must be 60 years and older and must complete an enrollment form.
Senior Volunteer Programs
Senior Companion Program
The Senior Companion Program helps make independence a reality by helping older adults age in place. The program provides companionship to anyone 60 or older. The volunteers are able to assist the older adult with sorting mail, playing games, running errands, walking together, small chores around the house and making phone calls to name a few. To volunteer you must be 55 and older and meet the income eligibility for the program. As a volunteer, you can receive a stipend and mileage reimbursement, training, paid personal leave, paid Holidays and make lifelong friends!
Please contact: Celina Wilt at 210-362-5200.

Additional Aging Volunteer Opportunities
Additional volunteer positions are available from time to time, as needed, in Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, and Wilson Counties.
Warm Hearts, Warm Homes
Showing our Community We Care About Their Safety
The Warm Hearts, Warm Homes program is a locally-funded project that delivers a free space heater to older adults or veterans who have no safe source of heat inside their homes.
Thanks to the continued generosity and contributions from our fellow citizens - since 2009, the Warm Hearts program has been able to support over 100 homes, every year, across our 13-County service area.
Donations
Every $50 donation will buy a safe, affordable heater for a home in need. Because all program costs come from locally-raised funds, we welcome support to safely warm homes this winter season, and help reduce the number of home-fires and casualties caused by using open flame heating sources.
Please consider making a donation to:
AADC - "Warm Hearts, Warm Homes"
Attn: Alamo Service Connection
2700 NE Loop 410, Suite 101
San Antonio, Texas 78217
Donations are tax-deductible. Acknowledgment letters will be provided.
Eligibility
To qualify, persons must be 60 years of age or older and a resident of one of the 13 counties in the AACOG Region. The recipient must also have no current, safe means of heating in their home, or the existing heating source is not working. A stove or oven is not considered a safe and adequate source of heating a home, as this regularly leads to numerous fires and casualties in our community.
For more information, or to request a heater, call the Alamo Service Connection at (210) 477-3275 (or toll free at 866-231-4922) or email for details. To make a monetary contribution to the Warm Hearts, Warm Homes program, please contact (210) 362-5315.
The Alamo Service Connection (ASC), part of the AACOG Area Agency on Aging, is the community clearing house for assistance, information, and referrals for older adults, persons with disabilities, and veterans around the AACOG Region.
Resources
Administration for Community Living
202-401-4634 | acl.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
hhs.gov
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service
800-633-4227 (800-MEDICARE) | cms.gov or medicare.gov
Area Agencies on Aging
800-252-9240 | apps.hhs.texas.gov/contact/aaa.cfm
Aging and Disability Resource Centers
hhs.texas.gov/adrc
Benefits CheckUp of the National Council on Aging
benefitscheckup.org
Texas Legal Services Center
800-622-2520 | tlsc.org
ACEWings - Caregiver Support
Caregiver Resource Centers in the Alamo Region
The Alamo Area Agency on Aging announces that the following Caregiver Resource Centers are now open in the rural counties, providing videos, books, and handouts on a variety of topics for caregivers.
Atascosa County
Atascosa County Lytle Public Library
Cassandra Cortez
Library Director
Pleasanton Public Library
Dorothy Steelman
Library Director
Poteet Public Library
Gloria Solis
Library Director
Bandera County Bandera Public Library
John Hegemier
Director
Comal County
Comal County Citizens Center Foundation
Ken Lowery
Executive Director
Frio County
Dilley Public Library
Norma Herrera
Library Director
Pearsall Public Library
David Medrano
Library Director
Gillespie County
Golden Hub Senior Center
Denise Usener
Director
Guadalupe County
Marion ISD Community Library
Maryellen Hiti
Community Library Director
Schertz Area Senior Center
Cathy Slocke
Center Director
Schertz Area Senior Center
Cathy Slocke
Center Director
Karnes County
Kenedy Public Library
Sylvia Pena
Library Director
Runge Public Library
Betty Plant
Library Director
Kendall County
Kerr County
Medina County
Castroville Public Library
Kim Davis
Library Director
Wilson County
Sam Fore, Jr. Wilson County Library
Nicki Stohr
Library Director
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resources
Transportation & Mobility App
Alamo Regional Transit (ART)
Alamo Regional Transit (ART) provides transportation to the general public in the eleven rural counties in the AACOG Region. Service to and from Bexar County and San Antonio is also provided.
Ecolane Mobility App - #ARTonDemand
The use of smart devices, especially to secure transportation, has become more frequent in recent years. In an effort to offer an efficient, demand response, curb-to-curb transportation service, Alamo Regional Transit (ART) now offers the Ecolane Mobility App.
To begin using the app, residents in the 13-county service area can:
1. Call 1-866-889-7433 to register for an account with one of our phone operators.
2. Upon registering, users will receive an email with login information and a link to download the mobile app.
3. After downloading the Ecolane App, login and select "Alamo Area" as your location.
4. Once logged in, residents may begin using the app to schedule, view the status of, and cancel on-demand service with the click of a button.
*Please note: You can book using your phone or personal computer.
Service Area
Alamo Regional Transit (ART) serves 12 rural counties - Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, McMullen, and Wilson.
Services
- Demand response
- Curb-to-curb transportation service
- Door-to-door service (may be requested for those customers needing additional mobility assistance)
- Medical (ART helps the public get to their medical appointments. Examples of medical appointments can be for routine dialysis, routine checkup, dental, physical therapy, and many other types of medical needs.)
- Senior (ART transports riders that are retired and no longer drive. ART picks the rider up at their home and takes them to the grocery store, medical appointments, to pay bills, to the local senior center for lunch and activities, or to a friend's house to visit.)
ART offers Individual and Group Trip Service to be used for the public and during our normal hours of operation.
Fees
- In Town - $2.00
- In County - $6.00
- 1 County Over - $8.00
- 2 County Over - $12.00
Hours
Monday - Friday, 7am - 6pm
Usage
- Senior outings
- Child Daycare outings
- Event trips
- Shopping trips
- And more!
Charter & Shuttle Services
ART's Charter Service is available for the exclusive use of our vehicles, during and/or outside of our normal operating hours and/or days. This service is different than the Group Trips Service in that this will secure the service only for the selected group and/or more daily/hourly availability.
Rates
Hourly Rate: $100.00 not including charge for driving to pick-up location and vehicle cleaning after use.
Usage
- Parking lot shuttles
- Event site shuttles
- Group trips outside of our region
- Weekend group trips
- Weekend events
- And more!
Take advantage of these services using our Ecolane Mobility App!
- Call 1-866-889-7433 to register for an account with one of our phone operators.
- Upon registering, users will receive an email with login information and a link to download the mobile app.
- After downloading the Ecolane App, login and select "Alamo Area" as your location.
- Once logged in, residents may begin using the app to schedule, view the status of, and cancel on-demand service with the click of a button.
Schedule A Ride
To schedule a ride, call dispatch at least 24 hours in advance and by noon the previous business day. Trips can be booked up to 30 days in advance and are on a first come basis.
ART drivers may assist with small packages and may escort passengers to and from the front door of their home or destination within reason. Drivers may also assist passengers up and down the stairs of the ART bus.
- Step No. 1: Call Dispatch
Call the ART Dispatch Center at 1-866-889-7433. Reservations must be made by noon the day before you need to travel. You may schedule up to 30 days in advance. Please schedule your ride as early as possible as reservations are on a first come, first served basis. Upon scheduling your reservation, the ART Dispatch Center will provide you with an approximate pick up time. - Step No. 2: Meet Your ART Driver
Be ready to meet the ART driver at the agreed pick up location. ART drivers will wait for 10 minutes after arrival. Once boarding the ART bus, pay the driver the exact fare and you are on your way to your destination! Please note that ART drivers are not allowed to give change or enter the customer’s home. - Step No. 3: Schedule Your Return Trip
The third and final step is to schedule your return trip. Your return trip must be scheduled after your initial reservation or appointment for your first ride. To schedule your return trip, please call the ART Dispatch Center at 1-866-889-7433. You will be picked up within one hour. Please note that drivers are not expected to look for passengers who are not at the agreed pick up location.
Title VI & ADA
Complaints
Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice regarding ART’s programs has a right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint must be in writing and submitted to Title VI Complaint Coordinator within 180 days following the date of the alleged occurrence. For more information regarding civil rights complaints, please contact: ART, 2700 N E Loop 410, Suite #101, San Antonio, TX 78217-6228 or by Tele: (210) 832-5037.
Title VI
The Alamo Regional Transit (ART) hereby gives public notice of its policy to uphold and assure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and all related Federal and State statutes. Title VI and related statutes prohibiting discrimination in federally assisted programs require that no person in the United States of America shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
ADA
The American's with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities. ALAMO REGIONAL TRANSIT is committed to
- ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of disability.
- Ensuring that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to disability;
- Preventing the denial, reduction or delay in benefits related to programs and activities that benefit those with a disability; and
- Ensuring meaningful access to programs and activities by persons with disabilities.
Management and all employees share the responsibility for carrying out commitment to the provisions of the American's with Disabilities Act of 1990. The ALAMO REGIONAL TRANSIT Safety is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the program and receives and investigates ADA complaints that come through the complaint process.
The ADA complaint form may be mailed or sent via email
Alamo Regional Transit Service
Attn: Clifford Herberg, General Counsel and/or Pamela Vann, Safety
A copy of the ADA Complaint Form may also be obtained by calling the Alamo Regional Transit
Operations Manager at 210-380-4971. Alamo Regional Transit will provide appropriate assistance to
complainants who are limited in their ability to communicate in English.
For additional information on Alamo Regional Transit's nondiscrimination obligations, please contact
the Alamo Regional Transit Safety at 210-832-5037.
FAQ's
Who does AACOG's Area Agencies on Aging serve?
AACOG has two Area Agencies on Aging. Bexar Area Agency on Aging (Bexar AAA) serves Bexar County, and Alamo Area Agency on Aging (Alamo AAA) serves those residing in the AACOG region outside of Bexar County. (Those counties include: Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina and Wilson.) Residents served include those who are 60 years or older or who are family caregivers of those 60 and older, grandparents (or older relative caregivers) who are 55 or older and raising grandchildren/kin.
AACOG's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Alamo Service Connection, serves residents who are 60 and older, disabled adults of any age, and their friends or family who are helping them. All persons in these categories are assisted regardless of income. Alamo and Bexar AAA place a priority on assisting people who are low-income and 85 years or older who are considered higher-risk.
How does the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) help?
Among AAA’s services are:
- Home visits
- Service coordination
- Information and referral
- Community education on aging issues
- Counseling on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security
- Legal assistance
- Health and Wellness classes
- Transportation coordination
- Medication management
- Assistance with in-home services and repairs for home-bound seniors
- Family caregiver support groups
- Respite for family caregivers
- Grandparents raising grandchildren support groups
- Transportation, hot lunches, and home-delivered meals for seniors in coordination with community partners
For more information about the services the AAA provides, please call (210) 477-3275 or (866) 231-4922.
What is the cost for services?
Services are provided at no charge. Donations are welcomed to provide for additional needs.
Does the Area Agency on Aging have an advisory board?
Alamo Senior Advisory Committee (ASAC)
Meetings
10:00 am
Second Thursday of the odd months
2700 NE Loop 410
Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
Bexar Senior Advisory Committee (BSAC)
Meetings
10:00 am
Second Friday of each month
2700 NE Loop 410
Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
What do I do if I need a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?
What you need to know:
https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/news_info/ombudsman/how_it_works.html#p7AP3_1