Map of Alabama

Alabama · Resources

The numbers you actually need — Alabama.

Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.

If you need help right now

Report elder abuse

1-800-458-7214

Alabama APS, 24/7

Medicare questions

1-800-633-4227

1-800-MEDICARE, federal

Local community help

211

2-1-1 — food, transport, rent, anything

State Medicaid agency

The office that determines eligibility and runs the program

Alabama Medicaid Agency

Single state Medicaid agency. Administers long-term care eligibility, the Elderly & Disabled Waiver, and nursing facility Medicaid.

Aging services — your entry point

Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging

Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS)

Statewide AgeLine. Connects callers to Area Agencies on Aging serving each of Alabama's 13 planning and service areas.

Adult Protective Services

If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number

Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)

Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan

Alabama SHIP — State Health Insurance Assistance Program

Free Medicare counseling through the Alabama Department of Senior Services. Volunteer counselors statewide.

State health department

Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities

Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)

Licenses nursing facilities, assisted living, and specialty care assisted living facilities through the Bureau of Health Provider Standards.

Finding a lawyer

Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service

Legal Services Alabama

Statewide nonprofit providing free civil legal aid to low-income Alabamians, including elder law and Medicaid appeals.

Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice

Statewide advocacy and impact-litigation nonprofit focused on civil and economic justice.

Alabama State Bar — Volunteer Lawyers Program

Pro bono referral program for income-eligible Alabamians.

Nonprofits worth knowing

State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state

Alzheimer's Association — Alabama Chapter

24/7 helpline, caregiver support groups, education across Alabama.

AARP Alabama

Statewide advocacy and caregiver resources.

Alabama Council on Aging Affiliates Network

Network of local councils on aging coordinating senior services.

Other hotlines

Numbers worth saving in your phone

  • Medicare (federal)

    1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7 federal Medicare helpline.

    1-800-633-4227
  • Alabama AgeLine

    Single statewide entry point for elder services and SHIP counseling.

    1-800-243-5463
  • 211 Connects Alabama

    Community-resource referrals 24/7.

    211

Forms & templates

Official Alabama document references

  • Alabama Durable Power of Attorney

    Governed by the Alabama Uniform Power of Attorney Act, Ala. Code §26-1A-101 et seq. Notarization required; witness recommended.

  • Alabama Advance Directive for Health Care (Living Will + Health Care Proxy)

    Combined statutory form under Ala. Code §22-8A-1 et seq. (Natural Death Act). Two witnesses required.

  • Alabama POST (Portable Order for Scope of Treatment)

    Alabama's POLST-equivalent medical order form for advanced illness. Completed with a clinician.

  • Alabama Homestead Exemption Application

    Filed with the county tax assessor. Seniors 65+ and disabled homeowners may qualify for enhanced exemptions.

Key statutes we cite

Alabama laws referenced across our topic guides

CitationSubject
Ala. Code §26-1A-101 et seq.Alabama Uniform Power of Attorney Act (2012)
Ala. Code §22-8A-1 et seq.Alabama Natural Death Act (Advance Directive)
Ala. Code §38-9-1 et seq.Adult Protective Services Act
Ala. Code §6-10-2Homestead Exemption (real property)
Ala. Code §40-9-19Property Tax Homestead Exemptions (including seniors 65+)
Ala. Code §43-2-690 et seq.Alabama Small Estate Summary Distribution (small-estate process)
Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-5-4Assisted Living Facility licensing (ADPH)
Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-5-10Nursing Facility licensing (ADPH)

More from Alabama

Phone numbers, websites, and statute citations on this page are verified at publication and re-reviewed quarterly. If something looks wrong, please tell us.