Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging

The Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging is a regional entry point for adults age 60 and older and their families when a need goes beyond an occasional meal. Administered by the Rio Grande Council of Governments and funded under the Older Americans Act through Texas Health and Human Services, it covers El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Presidio, and Brewster counties. Its local office is listed at 8037 Lockheed, Suite 100; the main number is (915) 533-0998 and the toll-free line is 1-800-333-7082.

Its work begins with information, referrals, and assessment. Subject to eligibility and available resources, care coordination can arrange home-delivered or congregate meals, personal and homemaker help, caregiver respite, adult day activity, transportation, minor repairs or home modifications, medical equipment, and assistance with hearing aids, eyeglasses, or dental services. The agency also purchases services from local providers, so its office is a contact point rather than the place where every benefit is delivered.

For relatives providing daily care, the website lists groups, education and training, temporary respite, home modifications, and equipment. The first conversation can be specific: which tasks are difficult, how many hours of support may be needed, whether the person lives alone, which languages they understand, and what insurance or income they have. The agency helps identify options and coordinate services; it does not publish a guaranteed opening or one fee that applies to everyone.

Benefits counselors help people compare Medicare, Medicare Advantage, prescription plans, Medicare Savings Programs, Social Security, and other public benefits. For residents of care facilities, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman receives concerns about rights, quality of life, or treatment and may mediate with a facility. These are different pathways; when calling, ask for the team that handles the issue instead of assuming every operator processes every application.

The agency identifies A Matter of Balance as an eight-week evidence-based program intended to reduce fear and risk of falls while increasing physical activity. It also coordinates healthy-aging resources and can explain the local Senior Fund when other supports do not meet a special need. These special awards depend on applications, available funding, and program criteria; the agency asks people to contact it directly about an individual situation.

A clear first call can prevent unnecessary referrals. Give the county and ZIP code, age, whether the person can leave home, preferred language, most urgent need, and a safe contact number. Ask for the program name, next steps, documents, possible contributions, and who will follow up. For a medical emergency, call 911; the Area Agency on Aging is a support and coordination agency, not an emergency-response line.

Locations and contact points

• Oficina de Rio Grande Council of Governments: 8037 Lockheed, Suite 100, El Paso, TX 79925 · Phone (915) 533-0998 · Directions

Official program information