How to apply for Georgia Caregiver Support (National Family Caregiver Support Program)

Who it's for

Georgia's Caregiver Support services help family members and friends who care for an older adult. Through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Division of Aging Services and the local Area Agencies on Aging offer information and one-on-one help finding services, counseling and support groups, caregiver training, and respite care that gives a caregiver a needed break — including in-home personal care or homemaker help and adult day services. These supports are available to family caregivers of adults 60 and older, and to caregivers of people of any age living with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. There is generally no income test, though some respite services use a suggested cost-share. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Aging & Disability Resource Connection to get started.

What you'll need

• Proof of Georgia residency
• Basic information about the care recipient (age, or a dementia diagnosis)
• A description of the help needed (respite, supplies, counseling)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Georgia Caregiver Support (National Family Caregiver Support Program). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of Georgia residency, basic information about the care recipient (age, or a dementia diagnosis), a description of the help needed (respite, supplies, counseling) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you are a family member or informal caregiver for an adult age 60 or older, or for a person of any age living with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia.
2. Gather proof of Georgia residency for yourself, plus basic information about the person you care for — such as their age or a dementia diagnosis.
3. Think about the type of help you need, such as respite care, counseling, caregiver training, or help finding other services. Be ready to describe this when you reach out.
4. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection — either online or by calling 866-552-4464 — to start your request.
5. Complete an individual needs assessment with your local Area Agency on Aging. A staff member will review your situation and help match you with available services.

What to expect: After you reach out, a staff member from your local Area Agency on Aging will connect with you to learn more about your caregiving situation and the support you need. Most services have no income test, but the availability of respite care and supplemental services depends on local funding and the results of your individual needs assessment, so services can vary by location. Processing times vary — ask your local Area Agency on Aging for an estimate. There is no set renewal deadline; contact your Area Agency on Aging as your needs change or if you need to update your information.

Renewals

as needed