We all love our grandparents. From their storytelling skills, to their warm hugs, and their love of their grandchildren, grandparents give so much back to the world and their families. So much so that, when President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation in 1978, he made Grandparents Day a national holiday! 

Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day every year. In honor of Grandparents Day for 2022, we at AgeWell Atlanta want to highlight the many ways we provide support services for grandparents and their adult children, not just today, but year-round.

AgeWell Atlanta Manager, Jennifer Curry, said that grandparents and their adult children are two of the biggest demographics that AgeWell Atlanta serves.

“Many of the calls we get are from people who want to move to Atlanta to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren,” said Jennifer Curry, AgeWell Atlanta Manager. “We also get a lot of calls from adult children from ‘the sandwich generation,’ who are raising younger children of their own while also caring for aging parents, looking for resources to help them support their parents.”

Those looking for support for their aging parents and/or grandparents typically call in at 1-866-AGEWELL (243-9355), or send questions by email. AgeWell Atlanta concierges are available to answer the line and provide information and resources for common needs like:

• Counseling and family support
• At-home care services
• Residential communities
• Care coordination
• Socialization opportunities for seniors

While we offer a network of resources through our partners, we answer the most commonly asked questions below:

How Can I Find Senior Housing in Atlanta for My Parent(s)?

Nothing is as essential as housing, and we have different facilities in our network, depending on where your senior is at in their journey. 

The Aviv Rehabilitation Center offers inpatient and outpatient services for those in need of short-term care after a hospitalization. Residents receive physical, occupational and speech therapy  in a beautiful facility, and have the opportunity to socialize with others through planned programs. Berman Commons is right across the street from the MJCCA, and offers engaging social activities as well as personalized care and memory care programs for residents who need them. The Cohen Home is an assisted living community in Johns Creek that also has memory care programs, and customized care that reduces isolation and facilitates independence. Finally, the William Breman Jewish Home has long-term skilled nursing care that is Medicare and Medicaid-certified, and takes a person-centered approach to overall care. 

Seniors who live a more independent life enjoy residency at the Jewish Tower and Zaban Tower. Both properties offer affordable housing options for lower income seniors, have the support and resources residents need for their overall mental and physical wellbeing, and have numerous social activities for all interests.

If you have questions about any of these communities, you can always call AgeWell Atlanta at 1-866-AGEWELL(243-9355), or send us your question(s) by email. We are happy to help you with any questions about these living options for older adults in Atlanta. 

What Activities Are There for Grandparents and Other Seniors in the Atlanta Area?

Seniors who live an active lifestyle and moving to a new area may not know where to begin to find activities and socialization opportunities near them. Through The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), AgeWell is able to provide  older adults with the right places to connect. Seniors can participate in fitness programs designed specifically for older persons, attend book clubs and discussion groups, enjoy cooking classes, and attend Jewish learning courses to strengthen their connection to Judaism. 

“I love sending people the AgeWell Atlanta newsletter, which tells everybody about upcoming events that AgeWell Atlanta Neighborhoods is hosting, both virtual and in person,” said Jennifer. “That way, they can join in on our virtual programs before they even move here, making friends and seeing how great Jewish Atlanta is!”  

In addition to the MJCCA’s many activities that support socialization in older adults, senior communities in our network are always hosting events that encourage grandparents to stay active. With fashion shows, fitness classes and music classes, tea parties, and dinners out with other residents, there’s always something fun going on!

Where Can I Find Resources in Atlanta for Aging in Place?

While senior communities are a great option for many, there are plenty of seniors who would prefer to age in the comfort of their own homes. AgeWell Atlanta partners Jewish HomeLife and Aviv Older Adult Services provide at-home care services in Atlanta for seniors who need it. Some of the at-home services they provide are:

• At-home care from private caregivers, anywhere from a few hours a week to 24/7 care
• In-home hospice, bereavement support for families, and comfort when facing end-of-life decisions 
• Palliative care, a Medicare-covered service that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing and treating suffering or for chronic conditions
• Home assessment care plans, including recommendations for assistive devices, safety supports, and comprehensive plans of assisted care 
• Family counseling and education to provide support during disagreements on level of care needed, and neutral mediation during family meetings to work towards resolutions
• A homeshare program that matches independent seniors and home providers in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties for affordable housing and companionship

Another way AgeWell Atlanta partners provide at-home care services in the Atlanta area is through the One Good Deed Program. The friendly visitor program from Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta (JF&CS) matches seniors looking for friendly companionship with a vetted volunteer who shares similar interests. Matches do everything together from weekly phone calls to making matzah balls together, and seniors enjoy connection and companionship in the comfort of their own homes and nearby area. One Good Deed operates in all AgeWell Atlanta Neighborhoods.

AgeWell Atlanta is happy to provide support and resources for grandparents and seniors alike through our network! If you need help with something that wasn’t mentioned in this post, or need any information clarified, please contact us today. We are happy to help you!