Georgia Consumer Assistance           (404) 656-2070

The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety  Fire Commissioner provides assistance to seniors who are having trouble with their Medicaid benefits. Representatives can  answer your questions and guide you in the right direction.

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Georgians for a Healthy Future

Seniors can access a free toolkit online, published by the nonprofit Georgians for a Health Future, that guides them through the Medicaid enrollment process.

Aid and Attendance           va.gov.                  

Veterans who receive a VA pension may  also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that  veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living.

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Reverse Mortgages              ftc.gov              

If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted  Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that  one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home’s equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.

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Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance        acl.gov      

Seniors who already have long-term care  insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends  on the specific policy terms. Note that  older  adults who are already in need of  Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman                 (866) 552-4464

Georgia’s Ombudsman Program is responsible for addressing complaints made by residents or other concerned parties regarding assisted living and other forms of long-term care. It inspects facilities, consults with families, coordinates care between agencies and advocates for the interest of seniors at the government level. Programs are operated by coordinators in six regions: North, South, East, West, Capital and Middle. Many of  the services provided by the Ombudsman Program are delivered by volunteers. The agency’s blog and newsletter are valuable  sources  of up-to-date information.

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Georgia SeniorLegal Hotline                  (404) 657-9915

In addition to wills, trusts and estate planning, the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline helps residents with senior issues, including assistance with  Medicare, Medicaid and other government  benefits. The hotline can also assist seniors with  debt relief, credit, financial fraud, bankruptcy and  other issues that affect the ability to pay for  assisted living.

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AARP Georgia                     (866) 295-7281

Affordable membership in the AARP offers Georgia seniors rewards and discounts at local establishments. In addition, the AARP hosts support groups and classes that can help families navigate their long-term care options. This includes Medicare seminars that ensure seniors get the most out of their government benefits.

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Department of  Veterans Services                   (404) 656-2300

Georgia’s Department of Veterans Services  does not directly give financial aid to veterans in the state who need help paying for assisted living, but representatives can help you get your pension  or sign up for Aid & Attendance benefits. The department can also provide information about  nursing homes and other end-of-life services  available to veterans and their surviving spouses.

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Georgia ADRC                     (866) 552-4464.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center for  Georgia connects seniors who need long-term care with the services and funding they require to continue living a healthy life and independent life,  including assisted living settings. Its resources include respite care, wellness  programs,  assistive technology and nursing home  transitions. Counselors work directly with  seniors to help them reach their goals.

• Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements

Within 14 days of admission, assisted living facilities must create  a written care plan that serves as a guide for the delivery of care and  services. These plans must include input from the residents themselves as well as family and anyone invested in the well-being of the resident, including physicians, therapists and  medical professionals. Each care plan must be reviewed  annually  and  amended whenever the needs of a resident change.

• Assisted Living  Admission Requirements  

To ensure that your needs are adequately met inside an assisted living facility, the staff must evaluate your history and  care requirements. This includes a physical evaluation, interview    with family and/or caregivers and criminal background check. Residents must also:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Not have tuberculosis
• Not have behavioral problems that endanger staff or other residents
• Be able to participate in social and leisure activities

Any information gathered during the admission process should be recorded and documented.

• Assisted Living  Scope of Care

Georgia law mandates that assisted living communities provide protective care and watchful oversight. In addition to helping with everyday, basic needs, the facility must provide  daily   mental, physical, and social activities that promote the  well-being of residents.

• Assisted Living Medicaid Policy 

Assisted living facilities can accept Medicaid payment for  certain support services and medical care, including skilled nursing care. Medicaid does not pay for room or board. These funds are available through waiver programs and in some cases  need to be directed by the residents themselves.

• Assisted Living  Facility Requirements 

All licensed assisted living facilities must incorporate a design that accounts for the health, safety, dignity, independence and privacy of residents. Facilities must include  common areas, including eating areas, which are accessible to all  residents and can be used without crowding. Common areas and private quarters need to adhere to all local fire, water and sewage regulations. Outdoor spaces must be conveniently located and accessible.

• Medication Management Regulations   

Trained assisted living staff can help with the self-administration of medication for residents with impairments. When a resident is unable to self-administer, certified medication aides administer medication according to a physician’s orders. These aides must be in good standing with the Georgia Certified Medication Aide Registry and pass regular competency checks, reviews and   observations.

• Staffing Requirements 

The minimum staffing requirements for assisted living facilities in Georgia are one direct caregiver for every 15 residents during  waking hours and one direct caregiver for every 20 residents during non-waking hours. A registered nurse must be available for a minimum of 8 hours per week or more depending on the number  of residents. There must also be an on-site manager who is at least 21 years of age.

• Staff Training Requirements

Any staff who directly interact with residents in an assisted living facility must be trained in the following areas within the first  60 days of their employment:

• Certified emergency first aid and CPR
• Medical and social needs of seniors, including those with dementia if applicable
• Residents’ rights
• Hygiene and resident safety

Staff must also be trained in any special duties to which they’re assigned. All staff must participate in 24 hours of continuing  education for each year they’re employed.

• Background Checks for Assisted Living

All assisted living facility owners, directors, administrators, managers and direct caregivers must pass a criminal background  check.

• Requirements for Reporting Abuse   

Staff must report missing persons, abuse, neglect, exploitation, accidents, injuries, disasters or other incidents affecting the  safety  of residents within 30 minutes to the appropriate authorities.

For more information: https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/georgia

Call :   (800) 973-1540