Aging and Disability Resource Centers in a 

No Wrong Door System

 

BACKGROUND

Finding the right long-term services and supports can be a difficult task for individuals and their 

family members. While there are many options currently available in home, residential, and 

institutional settings, navigating the maze of this fragmented system can be overwhelming for 

families. This is especially true when they are dealing with disability, a health crisis, or an injury 

in a loved one. 

The current system for long-term services and supports involves multiple agencies and numerous 

funding streams. Each agency has unique intake forms and assessment procedures. Dismayed by 

the bureaucratic complexity of finding the right services, many families inadvertently choose 

expensive options—most notably institutional care—which can quickly drain resources and 

negatively impact quality of life. 

THE NO WRONG DOOR SYSTEM 

No Wrong Door, a coordinated access system to long-term services and supports, offers a more 

streamlined approach. It provides information and assistance to individuals needing either public 

or private resources, professionals seeking assistance on behalf of clients, and people planning 

for their future long-term care. The No Wrong Door system is a collaborative effort of the 

Administration for Community Living, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the 

Veterans Health Administration. It supports state efforts to streamline access to long-term 

services and supports for all populations and all payers. The system also serves as the entry point 

to public programs, including those funded under Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, the 

Veterans Health Administration, and state revenue sources. 

No Wrong Door activities are available in communities across the country. They are 

recognizable, trusted places where people of all ages, incomes, and abilities can go for 

information and one-on-one counseling about the full range of available options. The goals of the 

No Wrong Door system include: 

 Creating a person-centered, community-based environment that promotes independence 

and dignity for individuals; 

 Providing easy access to information and one-on-one counseling to assist consumers in 

exploring a full range of long-term support options; and 

 Providing resources and services that support the needs of family caregivers. 

The No Wrong Door model is designed to address the frustrations many consumers and their 

families experience when they need long-term services and supports. By building on the 
strengths of the existing care-provider network, which includes the Area Agencies on Aging and 

the Centers for Independent Living, the No Wrong Door system provides a coordinated network 

of information and access for all persons seeking long-term support. The system empowers 

families to make informed decisions by increasing public awareness of available options; and 

providing objective information and assistance to people who need both public and private long 

term supports and services. In addition, because the No Wrong Door system is open to anyone, 

regardless of income, it can help families use their private resources more efficiently, which can 

delay or prevent “spend-down” to Medicaid or unnecessary institutionalization. 

 

FUNCTIONS OF NO WRONG DOOR 

The No Wrong Door system functions include: 

 Public outreach and coordination with key referral sources: To be a recognizable 

source of individualized counseling and help with accessing long-term services and 

supports, the No Wrong Door system proactively engages in public education to promote 

broad public awareness of the resources that are available. 

 Person-centered counseling: Through the use of person-centered counseling, the No 

Wrong Door system empowers individuals to make informed choices about their longterm services and supports options consistent with their personal goals, and to 

successfully navigate the various organizations, agencies, and other resources in their 

communities that provide services. 

 Streamlined access to public long-term services and supports: Through efficient 

information sharing, all the processes and requirements associated with conducting 

formal assessments and determining eligibility for public programs are simplified so each 

individual only needs to apply for help once. 

 State governance and administration: The governance and administration of a No 

Wrong Door system involves a collaborative effort among multiple state agencies. 

No single state agency has the authority or expertise to carry out all of the functions 

involved in a No Wrong Door system. Instead, it exists to serve all populations and all 

payers. 

NATIONAL IMPACT OF THE NO WRONG DOOR SYSTEM 

 535 No Wrong Door sites have been established across 53 states, territories, and 

Washington, D.C. 

 42 states and territories with Aging and Disability Resource Center program sites 

currently conduct care transitions through formal intervention. 

 At least 41 states and territories offer a No Wrong Door website for consumers. 

 133 No Wrong Door sites in 29 states and territories reported serving clients with 

institutional transitions from nursing facilities using both Money Follows the Person 

(MFP) and non-MFP-related protocols; 97 sites in 24 states or territories reported serving 

clients with institutional transitions from nursing facilities using MFP; and 99 sites in 25 

states or territories reported serving clients with institutional transitions using MFP 

program funding.
See what people are saying about No Wrong Door:

 “I am using this agency for my Dad who is unable to take care of himself... Your 

agency has been wonderful and a godsend. I would truly recommend this agency to all 

my friends that have older parents that need help and assistance to help “rid” the 

burden of doing it all by themselves.”

 “My brother has never been happier in his life! Thank you so much!”

 “Thanks for going the extra mile. I was at the end of my rope in terms of what I could 

do [for this client]. It’s great to have an agency like yours to turn to when we’re out of 

options.”

 “I never knew that this could be so easy and pleasant. I was expecting something far 

more bureaucratic and difficult!”

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT NO WRONG DOOR 

Aging and Disability Resource Center Technical Assistance Exchange Website 

http://www.adrc-tae.org

This online resource provides information about state efforts to streamline access to long-term 

services and supports; single point of entry systems; long-term care options counseling; outreach 

and marketing; and much more. 

Eldercare Locator 

http://www.eldercare.gov

In addition, individuals can find information about long-term services and supports for older 

adults through the Eldercare Locator website or by calling 1-800-677-1116. 

For more information about ACL 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Administration for Community Living 

Washington DC 20201 

Phone: (202) 619 – 0724

Fax: (202) 357 – 3555

Email: ACLinfo@acl.hhs.gov

Web: http://www.ACL.gov