Governor Deal’s 2017 state budget proposal announced Wednesday includes $4.2 million in new funding for a program deemed "critical" to Georgia’s 1.3 million seniors by a local official who deals with services for seniors everyday.
The program – Home and Community Based Services – reflects the budget recommendation made in the Fall of 2016 by Georgia’s Department of Human Services. Seniors from across Georgia voted this program as a top priority for the Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly. In addition, the Governor earmarked $750,000 in additional funding for meals to fight senior hunger.
“We applaud the Governor for listening to our seniors.” says Pat Freeman, Director of the Oakwood-based Legacy Link Area Agency on Aging. “This age group continues to grow dynamically in Georgia; in fact, we have the 11th fastest growing senior population in the nation. Our waiting lists are long; thousands of our seniors and their caregivers need these services.”
The HCBS funding covers home modifications and a myriad of other services, including home-delivered meals, adult day care, respite care, and more.
At this point, according to a press release from the Georgia Council on Aging, more than 9,000 Georgia seniors are on waiting lists for in-home services that would allow them to stay home with support and save significant taxpayer dollars.
