1001 Overview of the Division of Aging Services | Administration 5600 Manual
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Georgia Division of Aging Services |
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Chapter: |
1000 Division of Aging Services Introduction |
Effective Date: |
10/01/2025 |
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Section Title: |
Overview of the Division of Aging Services |
Reviewed or Updated in: |
2026-02 |
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Section Number: |
1001 |
Previous Update: |
2023-06 |
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Summary Statement
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS) is the designated State Unit on Aging for Georgia.
DAS is designated by the Georgia General Assembly as the agency for federal programs, and for the development and coordination of state, local and interstate programs for aging.
Overview
The DHS/DAS is the State Unit on Aging for Georgia, as designated by the Governor in accordance with O.C.G.A §49-6-2.
DAS administers programs under the provisions of the Older Americans Act, as amended.
DAS administers state funded programs and initiatives as created in Georgia statutes and/or as funded through the Georgia General Assembly. Such programs include, but are not limited to:
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Nursing Home Transitions (NHT)
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Dementia Care Specialist Program (DCS)
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Adult Protective Services
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Adult Guardianship Program
DAS may partner with or subcontract with other state agencies for work on programs which further the Division’s goals. Such programs include, but are not limited to, being a subcontractor of the Department of Community Health contracts with the Division of Aging Service for the following initiatives:
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Money Follows the Person (MFP)
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Local Contact Agency for the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0, Section Q
Programs
DAS receives programmatic guidance and funds from federal and state sources to oversee a statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging and providers. Together, members of Georgia’s Aging Network plan, coordinate, and deliver comprehensive services to older adults, persons with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
DAS' Older Americans Act programs fall under the following broad categories:
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Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
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Supportive Services including Assistive Technology
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Case Management
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In-Home Services
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Disease Prevention and Health Promotion services
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Nutrition and Wellness
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Caregiver Programs
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Safety and Protection
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Senior Employment Training Program
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Elder Legal Assistance
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Long Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO)
Other federal programs administered by DAS include:
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SHIP – Medicare and Insurance Answers
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Elder Justice Act - Adult Protective Services
DAS state programs fall under the following broad categories:
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Investigation of reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of disabled adults or elder persons
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Serving as guardian of last resort
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Non-Medicaid transition assistance out of nursing facilities
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Dementia programs and services aimed at improving dementia awareness and preparedness of the aging network and driving brain health and early diagnosis.
| The above initiatives are not all inclusive. |
Authorizing Statutes in State Law
O.C.G.A §§49-6-1 through 49-6-7 Services for the Aging
O.C.G.A §§31-8-50 through 31-8-63 Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
O.C.G.A §30-5-1 et seq Protection of Disabled Adults and Elder Persons
O.C.G.A §29-4-1 et seq and specifically 29-4-3(b.1) Guardians of Adults
Policy Guidance
Federal
As a member of the nation’s aging services network, DAS must observe all laws set forth in the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended and the companion Federal Regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations.
The seven titles of the Act are listed below:
Title I – Declaration of Objectives; Definitions
Title II – Administration on Aging
Title III – Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging
Title IV – Activities for Health, Independence, and Longevity
Title V – Community Service Senior Opportunities Act
Title VI – Grants for Native Americans
Title VII – Allotments for Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities
The full unofficial compilation can be found at this link: www.congress.gov/crs-product/R43414
State
As a division of the Georgia Department of Human Services, DAS follows all policies established by its parent agency and laws set forth in the Official Code of Georgia.
Policy and Manual Management System (PAMMS): pamms.dhs.ga.gov/
Official Code of Georgia (OCGA): www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode
References
Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended by Public Law 116-131, 3/25/2020. (2020). Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2020-04/Older%20Americans%20Act%20Of%201965%20as%20amended%20by%20Public%20Law%20116-131%20on%2003-25-2020.pdf
Additional Resources
Official Code of Georgia (OCGA): www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode
Older Americans Act Regulations , 45 CFR Parts 1321, 1322, 1323 and 1324 (Section 1321.7 and 1324.303: 2024-01913.pdf (SECURED) (govinfo.gov)