Athens-Clarke County, GA senior services
The front door to senior services in Athens-Clarke County is the Area Agency on Aging for Clarke County: free information and referral, home-delivered meals, rides and in-home help under the Older Americans Act. Below: how to reach it, plus every Medicare-certified care option that serves Athens-Clarke County, from the public record.
Who to call first
Eldercare Locator
A free service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living. Give them "Athens-Clarke County, GA" or a zip code and they connect you to the Area Agency on Aging for Clarke County: information and referral, home-delivered meals, rides, caregiver support and an in-home needs assessment, all under the Older Americans Act.
Paying for care in Georgia
Medicare pays for short-term skilled care: up to 100 days of nursing-home rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay, home health when a doctor certifies the need, and hospice in full. Medicaid, Georgia's Medicaid program, pays for long-term nursing home care once assets are spent down and, through home and community-based services waivers, for some help at home. The Area Agency on Aging and the state's SHIP Medicare counselors (free, through the Eldercare Locator) explain which applies.
Care options serving Athens-Clarke County
Staying at home in Athens-Clarke County
Most people would rather stay home. What makes that possible in Athens-Clarke County: the local aging agency, in-home help, Medicare home health, home modification programs and technology that keeps family in the loop between visits.
Common questions
Who do I call first for help for an older adult in Athens-Clarke County?
Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (a free service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living), which connects you to the Area Agency on Aging for Athens-Clarke County. The Area Agency on Aging does information and referral, arranges home-delivered meals, rides and in-home help under the Older Americans Act, and can explain how Medicaid home and community-based services work in Georgia.
How many nursing homes serve Athens-Clarke County?
7 Medicare-certified nursing homes are within 12 miles of Athens-Clarke County. Each is listed on this site with its CMS star ratings, bed count, ownership, staffing turnover and inspection date from Care Compare.
Does Medicare pay for home health care in Athens-Clarke County?
Yes, when a doctor certifies that the person is homebound and needs skilled nursing or therapy. Medicare covers it in full, and you may choose any of the 3 Medicare-certified home health agencies that serve Athens-Clarke County. Non-medical home care (companions, homemakers) is a separate, mostly private-pay service.
What does hospice cost in Athens-Clarke County?
The Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care in full, including medications and equipment for the terminal illness, usually at home. 12 Medicare-certified hospices serve Athens-Clarke County. Medicaid and most private insurance also cover hospice.
How should I read the CMS star ratings?
Look at the health inspection rating and the staffing rating before the overall rating; the quality-measure rating is self-reported by the facility. Read the latest inspection report on Medicare Care Compare before visiting, and visit unannounced at a mealtime.