DHR’S Partnership with Area Agencies on Aging Benefits Older Georgians

The Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services partners with the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to respond to the needs of seniors, families, caregivers, service provider agencies and community programs throughout the state.

AAAs are part of a comprehensive nationwide information and referral system that was established under the Older Americans Act to assist adults aged 60 and older in every community across the nation.

In Georgia, there are 12 AAAs serving different parts of the state. They are responsible for planning, developing, implementing and coordinating the delivery of service to seniors. They are also responsible for identifying resources in their respective geographic areas.

Some of the services available through local AAAs include connecting persons to health-related programs, transportation, housing options and financial assistance; funding a variety of services provided at the community level that support the health, well-being and independence of older citizens and their caregivers; providing home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) as well as meals provided at senior centers or other designated sites; helping protect the basic needs of the most vulnerable elderly through programs such as the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, elder abuse prevention and legal assistance services through the Elderly Legal

Assistance Program (ELAP); and funding Senior Community Service Employment Programs that help low-income seniors age 55 and older obtain paid employment.

The 12 local AAAs serve the following regions: Coosa Valley/Northwest Georgia AAA (Rome); Georgia Mountains Legacy Link, Inc. (Gainesville); Atlanta Regional Commission (Metro Atlanta); Southern Crescent AAA (Franklin); Northeast Georgia AAA (Athens); Lower Chattahoochee AAA (Columbus); Middle Georgia AAA (Macon); Central Savannah River Area AAA (Augusta); Heart of Georgia Altamaha AAA (Baxley); Southwest Georgia AAA (Albany); Southeast Georgia AAA (Waycross) and Coastal Georgia AAA (Brunswick).

“We value our partnership with the Aging Network and the Area Agencies on Aging for their assistance in helping us serve older Georgians,” said Maria Greene, director of the Georgia Division of Aging Services. “The AAAs play a vital role in helping us accomplish our mission of assisting older individuals, at-risk adults and persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers to achieve safe, independent and self-reliant lives.”

For more information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

For additional media information:
Edna Jackson; 404-657-1386
edjackson@dhr.state.ga.us