Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services: What They Do for Dementia Families

You have been told to "contact aging services" by the hospital social worker, by your parent's doctor, and by a well-meaning neighbor. But what exactly does that mean? Utah has both a state-level division and 12 regional offices, and knowing which one to call — and what to ask for — can save you weeks of being bounced between agencies.

The State vs. Local Structure

The Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is the state-level agency housed under the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. It sets policy, administers funding, and oversees statewide programs including the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Adult Protective Services, and the Aging Waiver.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are the 12 regional offices that deliver services directly to families. Each AAA covers a specific set of counties and serves as the front door for accessing community-based support. When someone tells you to "call aging services," they usually mean your regional AAA.

Utah's 12 AAAs cover the entire state, from the Wasatch Front to rural southern and eastern Utah. Your AAA assignment depends on which county your parent lives in. Utah 211 can identify the correct office immediately.

Programs That Matter for Dementia Families

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) respite. This is one of the most underused programs available. NFCSP provides grants for respite care — temporary relief for family caregivers through in-home aides or short-term facility stays. There is no income test. Eligibility is based on being a primary family caregiver for someone aged 60 or older.

Aging Waiver coordination. The regional AAA conducts the clinical assessment for the Aging Waiver using the interRAI Minimum Data Set. A registered nurse evaluates your parent's functional abilities in their home. If your parent meets the Nursing Facility Level of Care standard (requiring significant help with at least two activities of daily living, or having severe cognitive and orientation deficits), the waiver can fund in-home personal care, adult day services, home modifications, and respite care.

Adult Protective Services. If you suspect your parent is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited — whether at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility — DAAS operates the statewide intake portal. Reports can be made 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-371-7897.

Case management and information. AAA staff serve as navigators. They cannot file Medicaid applications for you, but they can explain the process, connect you with the Department of Workforce Services, and help you understand which programs your parent may qualify for.

What to Ask When You Call

When you first contact your regional AAA, have this information ready:

• Your parent's age, diagnosis, and current living situation
• A brief description of the care challenges you are facing
• Whether your parent is currently receiving any formal services

Then ask specifically about:

1. NFCSP caregiver respite grant availability and any current waitlist
2. Scheduling an in-home needs and safety assessment
3. Adult day care programs in your parent's area
4. Whether your parent might qualify for the Aging Waiver
5. Any upcoming caregiver education workshops or support groups

The Limits of What AAAs Can Do

AAA staff are knowledgeable navigators, but they operate within defined boundaries. They cannot file Medicaid applications or draft legal documents on your behalf. They cannot place your parent in a facility or provide customized legal or financial advice. For Medicaid applications, you work directly with the Department of Workforce Services. For legal authority (powers of attorney, guardianship), you need the Utah Courts system or an attorney.

Understanding both the capabilities and limits of these agencies prevents frustration and helps you build the right team of support. The AAA is your navigator and connector — the first call, not the only call.

How DAAS and AAAs Fit into the Bigger Picture

For most dementia families, the care journey involves multiple agencies working in parallel. The AAA coordinates community-based support and conducts the clinical assessment for the Aging Waiver. The Department of Workforce Services handles Medicaid financial eligibility. The DHHS Medical Review Board verifies clinical eligibility for the New Choices Waiver and Nursing Home Medicaid. The Office of Licensing regulates the facilities where your parent may eventually live.

No single agency covers every step, which is why families often feel bounced between offices. Starting with your regional AAA gives you an informed guide who understands how these agencies connect and can help you approach them in the right sequence.

For the full Utah dementia care roadmap — including AAA contact strategies, Medicaid waiver applications, and legal planning checklists — the Utah Dementia & Memory Care Guide covers everything in sequence.

See more Utah guides →