Refer Someone to NACOLG: A Guide for Community Partners
Helping someone find support should start with a clear next step. If you work with a church, library, medical office, local government or community organization, this guide can help you connect residents with the appropriate NACOLG team.
Our aging and disability resources serve Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties. Eligibility and availability vary by program. Transportation coverage must be checked for each pickup address and destination.
Not Sure Which Program to Contact?
Start with our Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Our ADRC team helps older adults, people with disabilities, families and caregivers understand available services and connect with appropriate programs or local resources. You do not need to know the program name before calling.
Explain the person’s main concern, such as difficulty preparing meals, caregiver stress, transportation needs or questions about support at home.
Call our ADRC team: 256-389-0528 or 256-389-0530.
Explore our Aging and Disability Resource Center
Help With Meals, Caregiving or Support at Home
If someone needs help finding meals, caregiver resources or services that may support independence at home, our ADRC team can help identify where to start.
Tell us which county and community the person lives in and what is becoming difficult. We can explain relevant resources and direct you to the appropriate program.
Available assistance depends on the person’s needs, location and program requirements. Contacting us does not automatically establish eligibility or guarantee services.
Start with ADRC: 256-389-0528 or 256-389-0530.
Help With Medicare Questions
Our SHIP team provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling for beneficiaries, family members and caregivers. Counselors do not sell insurance.
Someone may need help understanding coverage choices, prescription coverage, enrollment questions or programs that could reduce healthcare costs. Our SHIP/SMP team also assists with questions about suspected Medicare fraud or billing errors.
Call 256-389-0538 or 800-838-5845.
Learn about SHIP and Senior Medicare Patrol
Help Requesting Transportation
Contact our Dial-a-Ride scheduling team to ask whether a particular trip can be served.
Have the pickup address, destination, travel date, appointment time and return-trip needs ready. Explain any mobility equipment or accessibility needs when discussing the trip.
Service depends on coverage, scheduling requirements and vehicle availability. Confirm the fare and travel arrangements before relying on transportation. A submitted request is not a confirmed reservation.
Call 256-314-0047 or toll-free at 833-314-0047.
Review Public Transit information
Before Helping Someone Contact Us
Ask whether the person would like your help. When possible, help them make the call so they can explain their needs and ask questions directly.
Useful starting information includes:
Their county and community.
The main concern or type of help needed.
A reliable way to contact them.
Any communication or accessibility needs.
Whether they are asking for themselves or helping someone else.
Program staff can explain which additional information or documents are needed. Avoid sending Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, medical records or financial documents through social media or an ordinary website inquiry.
What Happens Next?
The appropriate team can explain available options, application steps or other resources worth contacting. Some programs require an application, assessment or eligibility review.
Ask which department handles the next step, what information is needed and how to follow up. A referral connects someone with a resource; it does not guarantee enrollment, a confirmed ride or services from another organization.
Help Starts With a Conversation
You do not have to solve every problem before reaching out. Help the person describe what they need, and we can help identify the appropriate next step.
Not sure where to begin? Call our ADRC team at 256-389-0528 or 256-389-0530.
Department Contacts:
Hayse, Ryan - Program Manager, Transportation Planning & IT Director
rhayse@nacolg.org
256-389-0514
Robert (Beau) Cooper - Regional Planner
rcooper@nacolg.org
256-389-0595
Community Partner Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use this community partner guide?
This guide is for churches, libraries, medical offices, local governments, community organizations and anyone helping a resident find support. Families and caregivers can also use it to identify the appropriate NACOLG contact.
Who should I contact if I do not know which program someone needs?
Start with our Aging and Disability Resource Center if the concern involves aging, disability, caregiving or long-term support. Explain the person's situation, and our team can help identify appropriate programs or local resources.
Call 256-389-0528 or 256-389-0530. You can also learn more about our ADRC.
Which counties do your aging and disability resources serve?
Our aging and disability resources serve Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties. Eligibility and availability depend on the particular program. Transportation coverage must be checked for each pickup address and destination.
Can I help someone contact NACOLG?
Yes. Family members, caregivers and professionals helping an older adult or person with a disability may contact our ADRC for information. Ask whether the person would like your help and, when possible, help them make the call so they can explain their needs directly.
If you need to share personal information on someone's behalf, ask our program staff about the appropriate process first.
What information is helpful for the first conversation?
Be ready to explain the person's county and community, the main concern, a reliable contact method and any communication or accessibility needs. Program staff can explain which additional information or documents are needed for the particular service.
Avoid sending Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, medical records or financial documents through social media or an ordinary website inquiry. Ask staff how to provide sensitive information if it is required.
Who should someone call for Medicare counseling?
Our SHIP team provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling for beneficiaries, families and caregivers. Call 256-389-0538 or 800-838-5845.
Visit our SHIP/SMP page for information about Medicare counseling and assistance with suspected Medicare fraud or billing errors.
Who should someone call to request transportation?
Call our Dial-a-Ride scheduling team at 256-314-0047 or toll-free at 833-314-0047. Have the pickup address, destination, travel date and return-trip needs ready. Explain any mobility equipment or accessibility needs.
Confirm coverage, availability, the fare and travel arrangements with staff. Read our Public Transit information before requesting a trip.
Does contacting NACOLG guarantee eligibility or services?
No. Contacting us is a starting point for understanding available options. Some programs require an application, assessment or eligibility review. A referral does not guarantee enrollment, transportation or acceptance by another service provider.
Is an online transportation request a confirmed reservation?
No. A ride request is not the same as a confirmed reservation. Confirm your pickup, destination, travel times, return arrangements and fare with our scheduling team before relying on transportation.