Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) in DC
Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) in DC
When you're trying to figure out where to start with an aging parent's care in DC, DACL — the Department of Aging and Community Living — is the front door. It's the municipal agency responsible for coordinating services for older adults and people with disabilities in the District.
More practically, it's where you go to begin the EPD Waiver application, connect with a case manager, and find out what help actually exists.
What DACL Does
DACL runs and coordinates a range of aging services across the District:
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). This is DACL's intake hub — a single point of entry for families trying to navigate long-term care options. ADRC staff provide options counseling, help you understand which programs your parent qualifies for, and connect you with the right next step. For EPD Waiver applications specifically, ADRC manages the clinical enrollment tracking.
EPD Waiver intake. The DACL Medicaid Services Enrollment Unit processes the initial clinical referral for the EPD Waiver. You submit the physician-signed Prescription Order Form (POF) to DACL, which then coordinates the Liberty Healthcare face-to-face assessment. Contact them at (202) 724-5626 or [email protected].
Case management coordination. Once your parent is enrolled in the EPD Waiver, DACL-affiliated case managers coordinate the delivery of services — personal care aides, homemaker services, adult day health, and other covered supports.
Senior wellness centers. DACL operates community-based wellness centers across DC's wards that offer congregate meals, fitness programs, social activities, and health screenings.
Caregiver support. DACL administers the National Family Caregiver Support Program locally, providing respite care, support groups, and resource referrals for family caregivers.
DACL vs. DHCF vs. DHS: Who Does What
The most confusing part of DC's aging services system is that three agencies are involved in long-term care Medicaid, each handling a different piece:
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| DACL | Clinical intake, EPD Waiver enrollment, options counseling, service coordination |
| DHS (Economic Security Administration) | Financial eligibility determination — reviews assets, income, and lookback transactions |
| DHCF | Overall Medicaid program administration, policy, and estate recovery |
You start with DACL for clinical services and options counseling. DHS handles the financial side. DHCF sets the rules both agencies follow. Understanding which agency handles which piece prevents the frustration of calling the wrong office and being told "that's not our department."
How to Contact DACL
The most effective starting point is the ADRC. Call (202) 724-5626 for intake and options counseling, or email [email protected] for EPD Waiver-specific inquiries. Walk-in services are available at DACL's office and at ward-based senior wellness centers.
For families starting from zero — unsure whether their parent needs Medicaid, a waiver, or something else entirely — an ADRC options counseling session is the right first step. It's free, it covers all available programs, and it gives you a clear map of which agencies you'll need to work with.
The DC Medicaid Long-Term Care Guide includes a DACL intake preparation script and a list of every document you'll need for the initial appointment.
Get Your Free District of Columbia — Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility Checklist
Download the District of Columbia — Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.