Finding help for an older relative in Fresno means distinguishing a referral from an approved benefit or a contracted service. Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging (FMAAA) is the regional entry point for publicly funded nutrition and care coordination; Fresno County administers In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and Valley Caregiver Resource Center supports unpaid caregivers. These options can complement one another, but each screens for different conditions.
FMAAA serves Fresno and Madera Counties. Its information line helps callers find congregate meals, home delivery, Linkages care management, and MSSP. Home-delivered meals are intended for people age 60 and older who cannot leave home because of illness or disability and lack sufficient family support; a waiting list may apply when capacity is limited. Linkages and MSSP also require assessment; MSSP serves adults 60 and older with Medi-Cal, frail health, and risk of nursing-home placement. The FMAAA profile explains programs and contacts.
IHSS may authorize household assistance for people age 65 or older, blind, or disabled who meet residence, income, and Medi-Cal rules. The county requires medical certification and conducts a home assessment; a later notice states whether the case is approved, which tasks are covered, and how many hours are authorized. Applications are free and can begin online or by calling 559-600-6666, option 1. The Kings Canyon office is a service location, although an in-person visit is not required to apply. See IHSS contact details and steps.
Caregivers need support too. Valley Caregiver Resource Center offers family consultations, short-term counseling, groups, training, and, in some cases, respite subsidies. Eligibility varies by program, relationship to the person receiving care, diagnosis, and county; the network serves Fresno and several Central Valley counties. Its Fresno office is on North Fresno Street, with satellite offices listed in Bakersfield and Modesto. Its profile lists services, coverage, and official social accounts.
To move forward efficiently, gather the address, age, diagnosis or functional limitations, health coverage, tasks that need support, and availability for an in-home assessment. Ask which documents to submit, whether a wait is expected, and who will provide the service. FMAAA helps locate regional options; IHSS makes individual benefit determinations, and the caregiver center does not replace medical assessment or guarantee respite hours.
Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging — Fresno County
2520 West Shaw Lane, Suite 101A, Fresno, CA 93711
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging (FMAAA) coordinates Older Americans Act programs for older adults and people with disabilities in Fresno and Madera Counties. Its office is at 2520 West Shaw Lane, Suite 101A; the information line is 559-214-0299 and the toll-free number is 800-510-2020. The agency
Administers Older Americans Act programs in Fresno and Madera Counties, including meals, care management, information services, and caregiver training through WeCare.
Fresno County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
5693 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727
Fresno County’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program helps older, blind, or disabled residents remain in their own homes when they need help with daily activities. It is a public program linked to Medi-Cal and a needs assessment; applying is free. The county line is 559-600-6666, option 1, and
Medi-Cal-linked assistance for older, blind, or disabled residents who need help at home, including household tasks, personal care, and protective supervision after assessment.
Valley Caregiver Resource Center — Fresno
5363 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93710
Valley Caregiver Resource Center (VCRC) supports relatives and friends who provide unpaid care to an adult. The center works with caregivers of people with a cognitive-impairing condition—such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, or Parkinson’s—and with people assisting an adult age 60 or older
Supports unpaid caregivers with family consultations, counseling, groups, training, and respite subsidies in Fresno and other Central Valley counties.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging — Fresno County ↗
Primary source
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging — Fresno County ↗
Primary source
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging — Fresno County ↗
Primary source
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging — Fresno County ↗
Primary source
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Fresno County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) ↗
Primary source
County of Fresno · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Fresno County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) ↗
Primary source
County of Fresno · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Fresno County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) ↗
Primary source
County of Fresno · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Valley Caregiver Resource Center — Fresno ↗
Primary source
Valley Caregiver Resource Center · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Valley Caregiver Resource Center — Fresno ↗
Primary source
Valley Caregiver Resource Center · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Valley Caregiver Resource Center — Fresno ↗
Primary source
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
County of Fresno · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
County of Fresno · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Valley Caregiver Resource Center · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging — Fresno County ↗
Primary source
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Valley Caregiver Resource Center — Fresno ↗
Primary source
Valley Caregiver Resource Center · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.