5022 Program Characteristics

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Aging Services
Access to Services Manual

Chapter:

5000 Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)

Effective Date:

02/02/2026

Section Title:

Program Characteristics

Reviewed or Updated in:

MT 2026-02

Section Number:

5022

Previous Update:

MT 2021-01

​Summary Statement

Services and activities which foster access to the aging/disability/long-term services and supports (LTSS) consists at a minimum of intake and applicant screening and the provision of information, assistance and referral services. A comprehensive access system extends to the provision of advocacy, outreach, ombudsman services, eligibility determination, assignment of levels of care, service authorization, participant assessment, options and benefits counseling, care planning and care coordination.

​Goal

The goal of the statewide aging network is to build, using the no wrong door (NWD) system description, the component services which are identified by the following characteristics:

  1. Flexibility: The services/activities are flexible; meaning they can meet individual client requirements and preferences to the furthest extent possible - provide brief information for some, assistance and service authorization for others, and options counseling to targeted individuals.

  2. Readily accessible: Individuals have complete access to a widely-promoted system of assistance.

  3. Neutrality: The services/activities are conducted independently and separately from the direct delivery of other services, to assure better coordination and avoid potential for conflicts of interest.

  4. Diversity: The services/assistance provided are responsive to racially, culturally, ethnically and socially diverse groups residing in the community, including hard-to-reach and underserved populations.

  5. Knowledgeably administered: Staff is knowledgeable of community services, including publicly funded, privately funded and non-traditional service options and is creative in arranging individuals' access to those services.

  6. Variety: Clients have choices about which of the available services they utilize, if any.

  7. Promote self-determination: Staff assists and encourage older adults, persons with disabilities, and/or their caregivers to act on their own behalf.

  8. Promote independence: Staff provide information and assistance which support individuals’ highest level of functioning in the least restrictive environments.

  9. Provide assistance: Staff provide/offer assistance and additional options counseling as needed, to any client upon request or to clients who agree to the counseling after ADRC staff identifies the possible need for options counseling.

  10. Person centered planning: So additional options can be explored, staff will ask questions of individuals to gather information on their wants, needs, preferences and values in the planning process.