Area Agencies on Aging in Georgia

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Georgia (2026)

Last updated: January 14, 2026

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• Georgia ADRC: 1-866-552-4464 – Statewide Aging and Disability Resource Connections
• Adult Protective Services: 1-888-774-0152 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation (24/7)
• Georgia Crisis and Access Line: 1-800-715-4225 – Mental health crisis support (24/7)
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 – National suicide prevention and crisis support

For immediate food assistance:

• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for emergency food programs
• 211 Georgia – Dial 2-1-1 for comprehensive emergency resources and assistance

Key Takeaways

• Georgia has 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serving all 159 counties across the state
• All services are free or sliding scale for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• Call 1-866-552-4464 to connect with your local AAA through Georgia’s ADRC system
• All AAAs operate as Aging & Disability Resource Connections (ADRCs) providing comprehensive assistance
• No income requirements for information and assistance services
• Community Care Services Program (CCSP) and SOURCE Program provide home and community-based services
• Georgia serves over 1.7 million seniors with rapid growth in metro Atlanta and other urban areas
• Rural agricultural communities and urban metro areas require specialized service delivery approaches

What Are Area Agencies on Aging?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are regional organizations that coordinate and provide essential services for older adults and people with disabilities throughout the Peach State. Created under the federal Older Americans Act, these agencies serve as the foundation of Georgia’s aging services network.

Your local AAA functions as a comprehensive resource center designed specifically for Georgia’s unique characteristics. They coordinate services across diverse communities from the mountains of North Georgia to the coastal plains, from the urban sprawl of metro Atlanta to rural farming communities, and from historic Savannah to the pine forests of South Georgia. Each AAA works with local nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare systems, and community organizations to deliver services where you live.

Georgia’s 12 AAAs serve a rapidly growing senior population, with metro Atlanta being one of the fastest-aging regions in the country. The state’s unique challenges include serving both dense urban populations and sparse rural areas, addressing the needs of diverse communities including significant African American populations, and coordinating services across varying economic conditions from wealthy suburban counties to rural areas with limited resources.

The Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services oversees all AAAs in the state and provides funding through federal, state, and local sources. Each AAA develops area plans addressing unique regional needs, from addressing urban isolation in Atlanta to providing rural transportation in South Georgia.

Georgia’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging: Complete Directory

Note: Director names and some contact information may change. Always verify current details by calling 1-866-552-4464.

Core Services Provided by Georgia AAAs

Information and Assistance

Every Georgia AAA provides comprehensive information and assistance through the ADRC system to help you understand your options and connect with appropriate services. Staff members are specially trained to address Georgia-specific issues including:

• Rural transportation challenges and agricultural community support
• Atlanta metro area urban services and traffic-related issues
• Hurricane preparedness for coastal Georgia communities
• Heat emergency prevention during Georgia’s hot summers
• Agricultural worker support (peach, peanut, cotton, poultry industries)
• Military installation and veteran services coordination
• Culturally appropriate services for diverse Georgia communities
• Interstate coordination with neighboring states

You don’t need to qualify for any specific programs to receive information and assistance – this service is available to anyone who calls the Georgia ADRC.

Nutrition Programs

Georgia AAAs operate comprehensive nutrition programs designed to address the state’s diverse cultural preferences and rural/urban challenges.

Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and community halls throughout Georgia’s 159 counties. These programs provide social interaction opportunities crucial for combating isolation in both rural and urban settings. Meals typically have suggested donations of $3-5, though no one is refused service for inability to contribute. Many sites serve as cooling centers during extreme heat and emergency shelters during severe weather.

Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels): For seniors unable to shop or prepare meals, Georgia AAAs coordinate extensive home delivery programs that operate year-round, including during severe weather and heat emergencies. Volunteers navigate Georgia’s diverse geography from mountain roads to urban neighborhoods to rural farm areas. Programs include wellness checks and emergency meal delivery during disasters.

Cultural and Regional Meal Programs: Many AAAs offer culturally appropriate meals including traditional Southern cuisine, soul food options, and meals reflecting Georgia’s diverse ethnic communities.

Transportation Services

Transportation across Georgia’s vast rural areas and congested urban corridors presents unique challenges that AAAs address through innovative programs:

Medical Transportation: Priority service for getting to major medical centers including those in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Macon. Many programs coordinate long-distance trips within Georgia and to specialist centers in neighboring states like Birmingham or Jacksonville.

Rural Transportation: Specialized services for Georgia’s agricultural communities and isolated rural areas, including coordination with farm schedules and seasonal agricultural work patterns.

Metro Atlanta Transportation: Services that complement Georgia’s limited public transit systems with door-to-door assistance for seniors who cannot use MARTA or other public transportation, especially in suburban areas without transit access.

Reality Check: Transportation in Georgia faces unique challenges. Atlanta traffic can significantly delay medical appointments, rural areas may require hours of travel to reach medical specialists, severe weather can disrupt services statewide, and many areas lack any public transportation options.

Legal Assistance

Georgia AAAs provide free legal help for seniors 60+ in civil matters, with special emphasis on issues common in the Peach State:

• Agricultural land use and farm succession planning
• Timber rights and forestry management issues
• Hurricane insurance claims for coastal residents
• Military retiree benefits and veterans’ issues
• Social Security and Medicare benefit appeals
• Elder financial abuse and consumer protection
• Housing discrimination and fair housing issues
• Estate planning including Georgia-specific tax considerations
• Immigration and citizenship assistance for diverse populations

Legal assistance is provided by staff attorneys or volunteer lawyers familiar with Georgia law and the state’s agricultural and military communities.

Medicare and Insurance Counseling

Trained counselors help seniors understand Medicare options while addressing Georgia-specific insurance challenges:

• Coordination with Georgia’s major health systems and rural hospitals
• Military retiree health benefit coordination
• Agricultural and forestry industry insurance transitions
• Medicare coordination for frequent travel to Atlanta specialists
• Rural hospital access and closure impact assistance
• Prescription drug coverage for chronic conditions common in Southern climates

This counseling is completely unbiased – counselors don’t sell insurance and have no financial interest in your decisions.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For seniors with complex needs, Georgia AAAs provide case management services adapted to the state’s diverse geography and economy. Case managers work with you to:

• Assess needs considering Georgia’s climate and rural/urban differences
• Connect with specialists throughout Georgia’s healthcare system
• Coordinate with family members across multiple states
• Navigate Georgia’s CCSP and SOURCE waiver programs
• Plan for severe weather emergencies and hurricane evacuations
• Coordinate with agricultural work schedules and seasonal employment

Family Caregiver Support

Georgia AAAs operate comprehensive Family Caregiver Support Programs recognizing the challenges of caregiving in both rural isolation and urban stress:

Information and Education: Training on caregiving in extreme heat, rural caregiving challenges, managing care across long distances, and coordinating with Georgia’s agricultural and military communities.

Counseling and Support Groups: Individual counseling and peer support groups available throughout the state, including virtual options for isolated rural caregivers and culturally specific support for African American, Hispanic, and other communities.

Respite Care: Temporary care services including in-home companions, adult day programs, and emergency respite during severe weather or when family members cannot provide care due to work or travel obligations.

Emergency Caregiver Support: Backup caregiving during hurricanes, severe storms, or heat emergencies when regular caregivers cannot reach care recipients.

Georgia Medicaid Waiver Programs Through AAAs

Georgia offers comprehensive Medicaid waiver programs designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities receive care at home instead of institutional settings, with special considerations for the state’s rural geography and diverse communities.

Community Care Services Program (CCSP)

Georgia’s CCSP provides home and community-based services for people who would otherwise need nursing home care.

Services Include:

• Personal care assistance with cultural sensitivity training
• Homemaker services including emergency preparedness assistance
• Home-delivered meals with regional food preferences
• Adult day health programs with transportation coordination
• Respite care including emergency services during severe weather
• Emergency response systems with backup communication
• Home modifications for accessibility and storm protection
• Alternative living services in approved facilities

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be eligible for Georgia Medicaid
• Must need nursing facility level of care
• Must be age 65 or older (or meet disability requirements if younger)
• Financial limits: $2,000 in countable assets, income under $2,901/month (2025)

Georgia Reality: CCSP services may have waiting lists, with priority given based on level of impairment and unmet needs. Services are adapted to Georgia’s rural geography and cultural diversity.

Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE)

Georgia’s SOURCE Program serves individuals eligible for SSI Medicaid who need nursing facility level care.

How It Works:

• Available to SSI Medicaid recipients
• Lower income limits than CCSP but faster access
• Services provided through approved providers
• Personal care home residents pay $753/month toward room and board
• Integration with Georgia’s agricultural and rural communities

Enhanced Case Management

Available through both CCSP and SOURCE for individuals requiring coordination with primary care physicians and multiple services.

Georgia-Specific Features:

• Coordination with rural healthcare providers
• Integration with agricultural work schedules
• Military installation and veteran healthcare coordination
• Culturally appropriate services for diverse communities

Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP)

Serves adults aged 21-64 with severe physical disabilities, including traumatic brain injury.

State-Specific Services:

• Coordination with Georgia’s rehabilitation hospitals
• Rural service delivery adaptations
• Integration with vocational rehabilitation services
• Assistive technology and home modification services

Special Population Services

Rural Agricultural Community Seniors

Georgia’s significant agricultural economy creates specialized service needs for farm and rural seniors:

Agricultural-Specific Services:

• Farm safety assessments and equipment modification for aging farmers
• Agricultural estate planning and farm succession assistance
• Seasonal worker support during harvest times (peaches, peanuts, cotton)
• Coordination with agricultural employers and farm organizations
• Rural transportation adapted for farm roads and agricultural schedules
• Drought and crop disaster assistance coordination

African American Seniors

Georgia has one of the nation’s largest African American senior populations, particularly in rural areas and metro Atlanta:

Culturally Appropriate Services:

• Historically Black Church partnerships and programming
• Soul food nutrition programs and culturally familiar meal options
• Hypertension and diabetes management programs
• Historical trauma-informed care approaches
• Faith-based programming and spiritual care coordination
• Civil rights history recognition and veteran services

Military Retirees and Veterans

Georgia has significant military installations and veteran communities throughout the state:

Military-Specific Services:

• Transportation to Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta
• Coordination with Fort Benning, Fort Gordon, Robins Air Force Base, and other installations
• Military retiree benefit coordination and advocacy
• Veterans service coordination with county veteran service officers
• Honor guard and military funeral coordination

Key Resources:

• Georgia Department of Veterans Service: 404-656-2300
• Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center: 706-733-0188
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
• Georgia National Guard Family Support: 678-569-6400

Coastal Georgia Residents

Georgia’s Atlantic coastline creates unique needs for seniors in coastal communities:

Coastal-Specific Services:

• Hurricane evacuation planning and transportation
• Flood insurance and storm damage recovery assistance
• Seasonal resident coordination for beach communities
• Saltwater environmental health concerns
• Coordination with coastal tourism industry
• Emergency planning for barrier island communities

Metro Atlanta Seniors

The Atlanta metropolitan area represents one of the fastest-aging regions in the country:

Urban-Specific Services:

• Public transportation coordination with MARTA
• Urban isolation and safety programming
• Coordination with major Atlanta healthcare systems
• Traffic and parking assistance for medical appointments
• Urban housing advocacy and assistance
• Cultural diversity programming for metro Atlanta’s diverse populations

Mountain Community Seniors

North Georgia’s mountain communities face unique geographic and access challenges:

Mountain Community Services:

• Winter weather emergency preparedness
• Mountain road transportation challenges
• Coordination with seasonal tourist economy employment
• Rural health clinic coordination
• Mountain recreational safety programming

Timber and Forestry Industry Retirees

Georgia’s extensive forestry industry creates unique retiree populations:

Forestry Industry Support:

• Timber rights and forestry management counseling
• Occupational health screening for forestry workers
• Workers’ compensation navigation for forestry injuries
• Estate planning for timberland ownership
• Environmental health assessment related to forestry work

How to Access Services

Step 1: Call the Statewide Number

Dial 1-866-552-4464 from anywhere in Georgia. This connects you to the Georgia ADRC system, which will route you to the appropriate local AAA based on your county of residence. The line operates Monday-Friday during business hours with voicemail available 24/7.

Step 2: Initial Screening

Georgia ADRC staff will ask basic questions about:

• Your county of residence and specific community
• Type of assistance you’re seeking
• Current living situation and family support
• Transportation needs and geographic accessibility
• Insurance coverage including Medicare and Medicaid status
• Emergency needs including weather-related concerns
• Cultural preferences and language needs
• Connection to Georgia’s agricultural, military, or other major industries

This initial conversation typically takes 10-15 minutes and helps staff understand how to best assist you within Georgia’s diverse service environment.

Step 3: Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services, you may need a detailed assessment that considers Georgia-specific factors:

• Over the phone for information and referral services
• In person at AAA offices throughout Georgia
• In your home with staff who understand Georgia’s rural and urban communities
• Via video conference for technology-comfortable seniors

Assessments evaluate your:

• Physical abilities considering Georgia’s climate and geography
• Emergency preparedness for severe weather and hurricanes
• Transportation capabilities across Georgia’s vast rural areas
• Social support including family and community connections
• Financial resources and benefit coordination
• Cultural preferences and community connections

Step 4: Service Planning

Based on your assessment, Georgia AAA staff will:

• Explain available services with consideration for your specific community and culture
• Help apply for relevant benefits including Georgia state programs
• Develop service plans including emergency preparedness protocols
• Make referrals throughout Georgia’s extensive service network
• Schedule ongoing services with consideration for weather and geographic challenges

Step 5: Follow-Up

Georgia AAAs provide ongoing support through:

• Regular check-ins with case managers familiar with your community
• Seasonal service adjustments for summer heat and severe weather seasons
• Annual reassessments for waiver programs
• Emergency response coordination during natural disasters
• Advocacy when service problems arise

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance through the Georgia ADRC system
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and veterans benefits
• Legal consultations and document preparation
• Case management and care coordination
• Family caregiver support and emergency assistance

Sliding Scale Services

These services operate on sliding fee scales or suggested donations:

• Congregate meals ($3-5 suggested donation)
• Transportation ($2-8 suggested donation depending on distance)
• Home-delivered meals ($3-6 suggested donation per meal)

Income-Based Services

Some services use income eligibility requirements:

• CCSP Program (Medicaid eligibility required, income up to $2,901/month)
• SOURCE Program (SSI Medicaid eligibility required, lower income limits)
• Adult day programs with extended services
• Home modifications and safety equipment

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered by:

• Georgia Medicaid through CCSP and SOURCE programs
• Medicare for medically necessary services
• State of Georgia employee health benefits
• Military retiree health benefits
• Veterans benefits through extensive Georgia VA system

Financial Reality: Georgia’s mix of urban wealth and rural poverty creates service challenges. This means:

• Services may vary significantly between wealthy suburban areas and rural counties
• Transportation costs are higher in rural areas due to long distances
• Urban areas may have more service options but higher costs
• Agricultural communities may have seasonal income variations affecting eligibility

Quality and Accountability

Program Standards

All Georgia AAAs must meet federal and state standards including:

• Emergency preparedness for hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe weather
• Cultural competency training for Georgia’s diverse populations
• Service delivery standards adapted to urban, suburban, and rural environments
• Quality assurance monitoring and consumer feedback systems
• Rural service delivery accessibility standards

Oversight and Monitoring

Georgia AAAs are monitored by:

• The Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent auditors with Georgia-specific expertise
• Consumer advisory councils representing diverse communities
• Local governing boards with community representation

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about services in Georgia:

1. Contact your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved quickly with direct communication
2. Call your local AAA – Each AAA has complaint procedures adapted to Georgia service delivery
3. Contact the Georgia Division of Aging Services – 404-657-5258 for state-level review
4. Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Available through your local AAA for nursing home and assisted living concerns

Your Rights

As a service recipient in Georgia, you have the right to:

• Receive services regardless of your rural or urban location
• Have cultural and religious preferences respected
• Receive emergency services during natural disasters
• Participate in decisions about your care and service delivery
• File complaints without fear of service reduction or retaliation
• Receive services that meet professional standards adapted to Georgia conditions

Resources by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do Georgia’s AAAs serve both the fast-growing metro Atlanta area and rural agricultural communities?

Georgia’s AAAs adapt services to local needs. Metro Atlanta’s ARC focuses on urban transportation, MARTA coordination, traffic challenges, and serving diverse urban populations. Rural AAAs emphasize agricultural community support, long-distance transportation, farm succession planning, and coordinating with seasonal agricultural work. All AAAs share resources through the statewide ADRC system to ensure consistent service standards.

What assistance is available for Georgia’s agricultural community seniors and farm families?

Georgia AAAs provide specialized agricultural services including farm safety assessments, agricultural estate planning, equipment modification for aging farmers, coordination with farm schedules during planting and harvest seasons, drought and crop disaster assistance, and timber/forestry management counseling. Case managers understand agricultural economics and seasonal income patterns.

How do services work during Georgia’s severe weather season, including hurricanes and tornadoes?

Georgia AAAs maintain comprehensive emergency protocols including evacuation transportation for coastal hurricanes, severe weather shelter coordination, emergency meal and medication delivery, backup power assistance for medical equipment, and post-storm recovery services. All AAAs participate in county emergency management and maintain emergency supply programs for vulnerable seniors.

What services are available for Georgia’s large African American senior population?

Georgia AAAs provide culturally competent services including partnerships with Historically Black Churches, soul food nutrition programs, culturally familiar meal options, hypertension and diabetes management programs adapted to African American communities, faith-based programming, and recognition of civil rights history and experiences. Many AAAs have specialized programming for African American seniors.

How do AAAs coordinate with Georgia’s military installations and veteran communities?

Georgia AAAs work closely with Fort Benning, Fort Gordon, Robins Air Force Base, and other installations to provide military retiree services, transportation to VA facilities, coordination with base family support services, military benefit counseling, and honor guard coordination. Many AAAs have veteran coordinators and participate in veteran-specific programming.

What transportation options exist for seniors in rural Georgia where public transit is limited?

Rural Georgia AAAs provide specialized transportation including medical transportation for long-distance trips to specialists, coordination with volunteer driver programs, rural route services adapted to farm roads and agricultural schedules, and emergency transportation during severe weather. Some areas use demand-response transportation and coordinate with regional medical centers for group transportation.

How do AAAs serve the diverse communities in metro Atlanta’s rapidly growing suburbs?

Metro Atlanta’s AAA provides culturally diverse programming, coordination with multiple public transit systems, urban isolation prevention services, traffic and parking assistance for medical appointments, coordination with major Atlanta healthcare systems, and specialized services for the area’s diverse ethnic communities including Hispanic, Asian, and Caribbean populations.

What assistance is available for Georgia’s coastal residents during hurricane season?

Coastal AAAs provide comprehensive hurricane services including evacuation planning and transportation, coordination with emergency management for barrier island residents, flood insurance assistance, storm damage recovery support, seasonal resident coordination, and post-hurricane recovery services. Emergency protocols include coordination with the Red Cross and other disaster response organizations.

How do AAAs help seniors navigate Georgia’s CCSP and SOURCE waiver programs?

Georgia AAAs serve as the entry point for waiver services through the ADRC system. Staff help determine eligibility for CCSP (higher income limits) vs. SOURCE (SSI recipients), assist with applications, coordinate assessments, and provide ongoing case management. They understand the differences between programs and help families choose the most appropriate option.

What services are available for Georgia’s timber and forestry industry retirees?

Georgia AAAs provide forestry-specific services including timber rights counseling, forestry estate planning, occupational health support for forestry workers, workers’ compensation assistance for forestry-related injuries, and environmental health assessment. Case managers understand forestry economics and the unique challenges facing timber industry retirees.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice due to severe weather damage, state budget changes, federal policy modifications, and emergency situations. While this guide uses the most current available information as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the relevant Area Agency on Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation, particularly regarding agricultural estate planning, military benefits, and Georgia-specific regulations.

For the most current information, contact:

• Georgia ADRC: 1-866-552-4464
• Georgia Division of Aging Services: 404-657-5258
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking grant opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, USDA, SSA, CMS), Georgia state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Information Currency:

• Last Updated: January 2026

• Sources Verified: January 2026

• Next Review: May 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice, particularly during severe weather seasons and legislative sessions. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying, and consider Georgia’s unique rural-urban mix, agricultural economy, and severe weather risks when planning service access.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available financial assistance programs across Georgia’s diverse communities from the mountains of North Georgia to the coastal plains, and from metro Atlanta’s urban neighborhoods to the agricultural communities of rural Georgia.v