Senior Care Help in Houston & Harris County: Who to Call
When a family needs help with senior care, the first difficulty is often knowing which organization handles the problem. Benefits advice, caregiver relief, residential care, meals and a concern about an existing facility may require different contacts.
In the Houston area, start with the person’s actual county and the help needed. A “Greater Houston” label does not identify one universal aging-services office.
Choose the starting point by address and need
| Situation | A starting resource | Published contact |
|---|---|---|
| Harris County older adult or caregiver seeking aging services | Harris County Area Agency on Aging | 832-393-4301 |
| Harris County resident needing aging or disability resource navigation | Care Connection ADRC | 832-393-5500 |
| Older adult in a county served by H-GAC’s aging agency | Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging | 800-437-7396 |
| Unsure which aging/disability resource center serves the address | Texas ADRC access line | 855-937-2372 |
The contacts above were checked against the agencies’ published pages on September 30, 2026. Programs, eligibility and capacity can change; contact an agency before relying on a particular service.
Harris County Area Agency on Aging
The Houston Health Department’s Harris County Area Agency on Aging page describes support for adults 60 and older and caregivers, including benefits counseling, information and referral, caregiver support and nutrition services. It lists 832-393-4301.
When you call, describe the immediate problem rather than asking only for “senior help.” For example: “My mother lives in Harris County, needs help with meals and bathing, and I need to understand which assessments or programs to ask about.”
Ask what the agency can provide directly, what requires a referral and whether a separate application is necessary. Being referred is not the same as being accepted for a funded service.
Care Connection Aging and Disability Resource Center
Care Connection ADRC describes free, confidential information and referral for older adults, veterans and people of all ages with disabilities in Harris County. Its local number is 832-393-5500, and it also lists 855-937-2372.
This is a useful starting point when a person needs help navigating several systems or is not served solely by an age-based program. Explain the person’s location, age, disability-related needs where relevant, current living arrangement and the main obstacle.
Ask for the exact name of the receiving program, its contact and the next step. Keep a note of whether you should call or whether the referral will be sent for you.
Nearby counties are not all served by Harris County’s agency
H-GAC’s Area Agency on Aging lists Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller and Wharton counties. Its aging-services contact is 800-437-7396.
That list does not include Harris County. Before calling, verify the residence or proposed facility address instead of assuming that every Houston-area location is covered by the same office.
For a family considering a move across county lines, ask both the current and receiving resource offices whether the move affects service coordination. Do not assume that an existing arrangement follows automatically.
Prepare a clear first-call summary
Write down the current situation, the assistance needed, the timeline and the main question. Useful details include whether the person is at home, in a hospital, in rehabilitation or already in residential care; whether a caregiver is available; and whether the concern is care, coverage, housing or safety.
You do not need to diagnose the person or determine eligibility before asking for help. Describe what is happening. Ask which documents are required and how to send them securely.
Keep sensitive account information out of an initial general inquiry. Use the agency’s designated process for benefits or financial documents.
Separate advice, approval and provider acceptance
A counselor may explain a benefit while a different agency or health plan decides eligibility or authorizes services. A provider then has to confirm that it participates and can meet the person’s needs.
For assisted living payment questions, our Texas Medicaid guide explains the statewide STAR+PLUS background. A local referral should not be mistaken for confirmation that a particular apartment, service or residential bill will be covered.
For private-pay arrangements, request a written assessment-based quote and contract terms. Do not use an agency directory or public referral as proof that a provider has a current opening.
When the problem is with a current facility
The Harris County aging-services page includes long-term care ombudsman support. The Texas ombudsman locator helps identify the appropriate program for a resident’s area.
Ask which concerns belong with an ombudsman and which require a regulatory complaint or another reporting route. An ombudsman is not an emergency service. For immediate danger, call 911.
For a care search, browse Houston senior care options or request help finding care. NHP’s directory is a starting point; verify services, licensure, payment participation and availability independently.
For statewide context on Texas care types, licensing, costs, Medicaid, and family decision-making, see Senior Care in Texas: A Complete Guide for Families.
Frequently asked questions
Is H-GAC the aging agency for Harris County?
Its published aging-service county list excludes Harris County. Harris County residents can start with the Houston Health Department’s aging agency or Care Connection ADRC.
Does an information call guarantee free care?
No. Information and referral, program eligibility, service authorization and available capacity are separate issues. Ask the agency to explain each step.
Can these contacts help someone younger than 60?
Care Connection describes services for people of all ages with disabilities. Other programs have specific age and eligibility rules; ask about the person’s circumstances rather than assuming eligibility.
Reviewed September 30, 2026. This guide provides general information, not an individual medical, legal or benefits determination. Confirm current program rules and provider details before making arrangements.
