Empowering older adults and individuals with disabilities to live independently.
Designated in 1977 by the Georgia Division of Aging Services, the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is dedicated to carrying out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Our primary role is to plan, develop, and administer a comprehensive service delivery system that promotes the well-being of older individuals, helping them live safely and independently in their homes and communities.
Who We Serve
We proudly serve a 17-county region, which includes: Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilcox counties.
Our programs are guided by an advisory council composed primarily of older adults representing each of the 17 counties, ensuring our services truly meet the needs of the communities we support.
Our Programs and Services
The Area Agency on Aging provides a wide variety of support programs, primarily designed for individuals aged 60 and older, caregivers aged 60+ (or those caring for someone 60+), and individuals of any age with a dementia diagnosis.
In-Home Services & Respite
- Homemaker Services: Assistance with preparing meals, shopping, managing money, and light housework.
- Personal Care: Support and supervision for basic daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Respite Care: Temporary relief for primary caregivers through in-home support.
Nutrition Programs
- Home Delivered Meals: Nutritious meals delivered to qualified individuals in their homes.
- Congregate Meals: Meals served in a group setting that meet Older Americans Act requirements.
Health & Wellness
- Bingocize: An evidence-based 10-week program combining the fun of bingo with health education and exercises focused on fall prevention, range of motion, and muscle strengthening.
- Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention: A program utilizing Sun style Tai Chi to improve relaxation, balance, stamina, and flexibility.
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications
- Assistive Technology: Access to a wide range of devices—from eyeglasses and hearing aids to high-tech equipment—designed to improve functional capabilities and reduce social isolation. We also offer a “try before you buy” loan program.
- Home Modifications: Housing improvements to promote safety and accessibility, such as child safety gates for Kinship Care or accessibility adjustments to help older adults remain safely at home.
Caregiver Support & Legal Assistance
- Caregiver Education: Instruction and workshops, including the "RCI Dealing with Dementia" four-hour workshop and workbook, designed to build confidence and knowledge for dementia caregivers.
- Elderly Legal Assistance Program: Free legal representation, advice, and counseling for individuals 60 and older, in partnership with Georgia Legal Services.
The Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP/CCSP)
For those needing a higher level of care, the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP), also known as CCSP, provides alternative community-based services for those who meet nursing home levels of care.
Important Eligibility Criteria for EDWP:
- Level of Care: Applicants must require a level of care consistent with nursing home eligibility, though they do not need to reside in one.
- Financial Limits: There is an individual monthly income cap of $2,901. If your gross income exceeds the SSI limit of $967/month, a cost share may apply based on your total income. Asset limits also apply, generally capped at $2,000 for an individual (including savings, stocks, second homes, etc.).
- Medicaid Guidelines: Because EDWP is a Medicaid waiver, there is a 5-year lookback period for asset transfers, which could affect eligibility. Services are also subject to estate recovery guidelines, though heirs may seek a hardship waiver.
Structured Family Caregiver Program
Under the EDWP, families are often interested in the Structured Family Caregiver option, which provides a stipend to family caregivers.
- Requirements: The caregiver must reside in the same home as the care recipient, must be at least 18, and must pass a background check.
- Restrictions: The caregiver cannot have any other employment (including teleworking or running a business). Spouses, legal guardians, and parents of minor children are not eligible to be the paid caregiver.
- Responsibilities: Caregivers must provide at least 5 hours of daily care, log daily electronic notes, and meet with a Health Coach monthly. Those receiving this service cannot simultaneously receive Home Delivered Meals or Personal Support Services from another provider.
How to Apply & Make a Referral
For Individuals and Families: To see if you qualify for services, complete a quick screening tool to assess high-priority needs. Our team aims to respond promptly to all referrals. If you have not been contacted within 48 hours, please call us at (888) 367-9913.
If you reside in one of our 17 counties and want to start an application specifically for the EDWP/CCSP program, please call (888) 367-9913. Please note: We are not currently accepting EDWP/CCSP web referrals directly; online applications must be submitted through the statewide portal. For services outside our 17-county area, please use the state's local assistance directory.
For Healthcare Providers: If you are a provider making a referral for a client in our region, please review the program information with them and ask the client or their family to contact the AAA directly at (888) 367-9913. Alternatively, providers can submit referrals online rather than having the family call. Please be advised that AAA staff will not provide third-party updates on referral statuses; providers must follow up directly with the family.
Heart of Georgia Altamaha Area Agency on Aging SFY 2027 AREA PLAN
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