Bridge Across Georgia

Benefits, Medicare & Caregiver Resources

Series 3 of 4

Connecting Communities. Sharing Resources.

Navigating Medicare, understanding benefits, and caring for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming—but you don't have to do it alone.

Athens is home to organizations that help older adults and caregivers understand their options, connect with available benefits, and access programs that support healthy, independent living. In this third installment of our Bridge Across Georgia series, we're highlighting trusted organizations that provide guidance, education, advocacy, and support for seniors and the family members who care for them.

Featured Organization

Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA)

The Athens Community Council on Aging is much more than a senior center. Through its caregiver programs, benefits counseling, education, and support services, ACCA helps older adults and their families make informed decisions while navigating the many challenges that come with aging. Athens Community Council on Aging

Services include:

• Caregiver education and support

• Geriatric Care Management

• Support groups

• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

• Senior Companion Program

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman

• Medicare counseling through Georgia SHIP partnerships

• Community resource navigation

Official Website: www.accaging.org

Medicare & Benefits Counseling

Georgia SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)

Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing. Georgia SHIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to help older adults and their caregivers understand Medicare, compare plans, enroll in coverage, and learn about programs that may reduce out-of-pocket costs. SHIP counselors do not sell insurance, making this an excellent place to receive trusted guidance. Georgia Aging Services

Official Website: aging.georgia.gov/georgia-ship-0

Georgia Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)

The Aging & Disability Resource Connection serves as a statewide gateway to long-term care information and benefits. Whether someone is looking for in-home services, disability resources, caregiver support, or Medicare assistance, ADRC helps connect individuals with the right programs through their local Area Agency on Aging. Georgia Aging Services

Official Website: aging.georgia.gov/programs-and-services/adrc

Caregiver Support

ACCA Caregiver Programs

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding.

ACCA offers:

• Caregiver education

• Family support groups

• Geriatric Care Management

• Care planning assistance

• Resource navigation

• Senior Companion Program

These services are designed to help caregivers feel supported while ensuring older adults receive the care they need. Athens Community Council on Aging

Official Website: www.accaging.org/services/caregiver-support/

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Many grandparents unexpectedly become full-time caregivers for their grandchildren. ACCA's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program provides case management, support groups, parenting education, emergency assistance, and family activities for eligible relative caregivers in the Athens area. Athens Community Council on Aging

Official Program Page: www.accaging.org/services/caregiver-support/grandparents-raising-grandchildren/

Regional Aging Services

Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging

The Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging serves as the regional connection to many state-funded aging programs.

Through the Area Agency on Aging, eligible older adults and caregivers may be connected with:

• Benefits counseling

• Caregiver respite

• Home and community-based services

• Long-term care information

• In-home support

• Employment resources

• Referrals to local providers

Many of Georgia's aging programs are administered through the Area Agencies on Aging, making this one of the best places to begin when you're unsure which services you may qualify for. Georgia Aging Services

Official Website: aging.georgia.gov

Employment Opportunities for Older Adults

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

For adults age 55 and older who are unemployed and looking to re-enter the workforce, the Senior Community Service Employment Program provides paid community-service training opportunities designed to build skills and help participants transition into permanent employment. The program serves eligible low-income older adults throughout much of Georgia. Georgia Department of Human Services

Official Website: dhs.georgia.gov/senior-community-service-employment-program

Before You Apply

Many benefits and assistance programs may request documentation such as:

• Proof of age

• Medicare or Medicaid information (if applicable)

• Proof of income

• Identification

• Documentation related to caregiving responsibilities (when applicable)

Having these documents organized ahead of time can make the application process easier and help you access services more quickly.

How The Bridge United Can Help

Understanding available benefits shouldn't be overwhelming.

The Bridge United helps connect older adults, caregivers, and families with trusted organizations that provide guidance, education, and support. While we don't administer these programs, we're happy to help you identify the best place to begin based on your individual needs.

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Coming Next

Series 4 of 4 Affordable Housing for Older Adults

In our final installment, we'll explore affordable senior housing, income-based housing, homeownership resources, property tax relief, housing stability programs, and organizations working to help older adults remain safely housed in Athens.