Fayetteville and the Atlanta area administrate several programs to enhance the lives of older area residents. Some programs help seniors apply for government benefits and health care, while others focus on improving their physical health and increasing their opportunities for socialization. Many of these organizations offer their services for free.
Resource
Contact
Description
Northwest Georgia Agency on Aging
800-759-2963
This is a state-funded agency with the mission of helping seniors preserve their independence by offering help with transportation and meal delivery. It runs health screenings and seminars about topics that affect seniors, including early warning signs of dementia and signs of a heart attack or stroke. Other programs include resources to prevent fraud and elder abuse. It also funds senior citizens centers and offers respite services and training for caregivers.
Georgia Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
(866) 552-4464
The long-term care ombudsman service advocates for the needs of residents in long-term homes, including assisted living. They take complaints filed by residents and address these concerns. Ombudspersons also help seniors and their families evaluate the merits of different assisted living communities in their area.
Atlanta Legal Aid Society
(404) 524-5811
Local attorneys offer free or low-cost legal assistance in civil matters to seniors who qualify. They can handle cases of elder abuse or neglect and fraud as well as landlord-tenant disputes. Other matters include helping seniors file for divorce or bankruptcy and draft wills, living wills, trusts and durable powers of attorney.
Georgia Department of Veterans Services
(404) 656-2300
Military veterans and their surviving spouses can receive help obtaining their benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. VA representatives can help vets file for benefits, including the Aid & Attendance grant, which can help pay for assisted living. They can also help veterans file claims with the VA and appeal decisions made by that body.
Focus GA Equipment Lending Service
(770) 234-9111
Seniors who need durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or showering chairs, may indefinitely borrow from the lending service. This is an association of different agencies that have loan closets of lightly used, donated items.Â