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Georgia · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level / Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services (state level) / County Senior Services
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale based on income ONLINE OPTION: Yes - aging.georgia.gov; gateway.ga.gov (benefits enrollment); georgiacares.com (Medicare counseling) WHERE TO GO: Your regional Area Agency on Aging; county senior center; 2-1-1 Georgia; GeorgiaCares SHIP
Online Option
Yes - aging.georgia.gov; gateway.ga.gov (benefits enrollment); georgiacares.com (Medicare counseling)
Where to Go
Your regional Area Agency on Aging; county senior center; 2-1-1 Georgia; GeorgiaCares SHIP
County-specific variations apply

Georgia's 12 AAA regions each serve multiple counties. Service availability varies dramatically between metro Atlanta (extensive network) and rural Georgia (more limited). Most counties have a Senior Center or Senior Services department - contact your county government for local programs. Urban counties (Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Richmond, Bibb) have comprehensive senior service systems; rural counties may have limited local services and rely heavily on regional AAA support.

Georgia Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Community Care Services Program (CCSP): Georgia's Medicaid home and community-based waiver - allows qualifying seniors to receive home care instead of nursing home placement; apply through DFCS or AAA; significant waitlists in many areas.
  • SOURCE (Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment): alternative Georgia Medicaid waiver program managed by select AAAs - provides integrated medical and support services.
  • GeorgiaCares (SHIP): free, unbiased Medicare counseling statewide - contact at (800) 669-8387 or georgiacares.com.
  • Senior school tax exemptions: many Georgia counties offer significant property tax relief for seniors 62+ or 65+ - varies by county; contact County Tax Commissioner.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation at (888) 774-0152 (APS 24-hour hotline) or through 911 for emergencies.
  • Georgia Senior Legal Hotline: (888) 257-9519 (legal assistance for seniors).
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Georgia Division of Aging Services - aging.georgia.gov | (866) 552-4464; GeorgiaCares SHIP: (800) 669-8387; APS: (888) 774-0152