The Atlanta Regional Commission, as the Area Agency on Aging for the 10-county region, will hold a public hearing to hear from older adults, family caregivers and service providers on current and future service needs for older residents. The hearing is scheduled for Friday, December 5 at 9:30 AM at the Helene S. Mills Multipurpose Center, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak for up to three minutes each. Those wishing to speak may register beginning at 9:00 AM. Participants may also submit written comments that will be included as part of the official record.  Anyone not able to attend the December 5 hearing may post comments here.

ARC contracts with nearly two dozen county-based and specialized agencies to provide a continuum of home and community-based services designed to support older adults as the age and to help them remain in the community with a high quality of life. Older citizens and their families have many options, including information and referral services, case management, transportation, home-delivered meals, senior centers, legal services and more through this network of care.

Much of the funding for these services is provided under the Older Americans Act. The act identifies four priorities: increase the number of older people who have access to an integrated array of health and social supports; increase the number of older people who stay active and healthy; increase the number of families who are supported in their efforts to care for their loved ones at home and in the community; and increase the number of older people who benefit from programs that protect their rights and prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.