Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE OFFICE OF AGING?

The Office functions as an information and referral resource for seniors and the community. Effective July 1, 2003, the Office of Aging (OOA) serves as the designated County-Based Aging Program/Nutrition Services Provider. In this capacity, OOA provides Information & Assistance and coordinates with other agencies to provide the following services:

• Case Management
• In-Home Services
• Home-Delivered Meals
• Neighborhood Senior Center Operations to include Congregate Meals and Transportation.

WHAT SERVICES DOES THE OFFICE OF AGING ACTUALLY PROVIDE?

The Office of Aging provides the Information and Referral service from our location: 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia, GA 30058. The remaining services are all subcontracted through qualified and licensed providers in DeKalb County, Georgia. The Office of Aging is responsible for ensuring contract compliance and quality control. OA may be reached by calling (770) 322-2950.

HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT SERVICES FOR SENIORS IN DEKALB?

You may call contact the Office of Aging by calling the DeKalb Senior Link Line at (770) 322-2950, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for any questions you may have.

IS THERE A WEBSITE I CAN ACCESS FOR MORE INFORMATION?
For more information visit https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/senior-services/office-senior-affairs

WHERE ARE DEKALB COUNTY'S SENIOR CENTERS CURRENTLY LOCATED?
DeKalb County has four neighborhood senior centers located conveniently throughout the County. The locations are as follows:

• DeKalb/Atlanta Senior Center, 25 Warren Street, Atlanta | (404) 370-7297
• Lithonia Senior Center, 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia | (770) 482-0402
• North DeKalb Senior Center, 5238 Peachtree Road, Chamblee | (770) 455-7602
• South DeKalb Senior Center, 1931 Candler Road, Decatur | (404) 284-4865

WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION?

The Office of Aging is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Neighborhood Senior Centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Centers are closed on the following holidays:

• January 1st (New Year’s Day)
• 3rd Monday in January (MLK Holiday)
• 3rd Monday in February (President’s Day)
• Last Monday in May (Memorial Day)
• July 4th (Independence Day)
• 1st Monday in September (Labor Day)
• November 11 (Veterans’ Day)
• 4th Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day)
• 4th Friday in November (Day after Thanksgiving)
• December 25th (Christmas Day)

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED AT EACH LOCATION?

Each center has its own calendar of events. Typically, for eligible seniors, activities scheduled include but are not limited to:

• Nutrition Education and Counseling
• A Nutritious Noon Meal
• Arts and Crafts
• Field Trips
• Photography Classes
• Lifestyle Management
• Physical Activity (i.e. Tai Chi, Zumba, Bowling, etc.)
• Program Awareness/Prevention Courses (i.e. Health Talks, Medicare Forums, etc.)

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND A NEIGHBORHOOD SENIOR CENTER?

Any person age 60 or older, the spouse of that person, or a disabled relative residing with that person is eligible to attend. To enroll, please contact DeKalb Senior Link Line at (770) 322-2950 and we will refer you to the center in your area.

WHO IS THE PROVIDER FOR CONGREGATE MEALS AT THE CENTERS?

The DeKalb County Office of Aging subcontracts with Senior Connections, Inc., a non-profit organization with over 23 years experience operating senior centers in DeKalb, to provide congregate meals at each of its 4 neighborhood senior centers. The Office of Senior Affairs monitors contract compliance.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A "CONGREGATE MEAL?

This service provides a nutritious noon meal that meets one-third of the FDA's recommended dietary allowance requirements. It also provides the opportunity for seniors to socialize with their peers. Meals are served in the neighborhood senior centers cafeteria-style in the dining area. The menu cycle is posted at each center monthly, and participants must sign-up in advance for meals. Meals are provided at each center Monday through Friday, except when centers are closed.

WHO IS THE SUBCONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE CASE MANAGEMENT?

The DeKalb County Office of Aging subcontracts with Visiting Nurse Health Systems, a licensed non-profit and community-based home health agency serving metro Atlanta since 1948. Visiting Nurse Health Systems provides the case management services to DeKalb Seniors, and the Office of Aging monitors the contract compliance of these services.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CASE MANAGER FEELS THAT I NEED FULL-TIME CARE?

As long as you are of "sound mind" and can make decisions for yourself, your case manager cannot make decisions for you. If he/she feels that you need more care than the DeKalb County program can provide, he/she will look for other programs or services able to meet your needs. The case manager will work with you in making referrals that you approve.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I CAN TRUST THE VOLUNTEER/WORKER IN MY HOME?

All case management staff are screened for a criminal record or any fraudulent activities. By law, any worker providing services to the elderly must receive a criminal background check.

WHO IS THE CHOSEN PROVIDER FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES?

The State of Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) is contracted to provide transportation services for DeKalb County seniors. DHR contracts with Owl Inc. Transportation.

IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO NEIGHBORHOOD SENIOR CENTERS?

Yes, fixed-route transportation is provided to the neighborhood senior centers.

IS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO AND FROM DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS?

Yes, service includes demand-response trips to medical appointments depending on the senior’s eligibility. Please contact DeKalb Senior Link Line at (770) 322.2950 for more information.

WHAT KIND OF TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED?

Three types of transportation are provided:

1. Transportation to and from the neighborhood senior center for eligible seniors attending one of the County’s neighborhood senior centers.

2.  Medical transportation for eligible seniors, primarily trips to and from doctor’s appointments and to services such as dialysis.

3.  Group trips, including shopping, recreational, and special event trips, for seniors attending one of the County’s neighborhood senior centers.

IS THERE A COST FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES?

Passengers can choose to make a contribution to help defray the cost of transportation services.

IS THERE A WAITING LIST FOR TRANSPORTATION?

No. Please contact DeKalb Senior Link Line at (770) 322-2950 for more information.

WHO IS THE PROVIDER FOR HOME-DELIVERED MEALS?

The DeKalb County Office of Aging subcontracts with Senior Connections, Inc. to provide home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) to homebound, elderly residents of DeKalb County. Senior Connections, Inc. is responsible for preparing and distributing the meals, and the Office of Aging monitors the contract compliance.

IF I AM COMPLETELY HOMEBOUND, CAN I RECEIVE MY MEALS ON WEEKENDS OR HOLIDAYS?

Meals are provided to temporarily or permanently homebound older adults on weekdays, weekends and/or holidays if needed. The client is offered either a hot daily meal (for the noon time meal) or frozen meals packed according to the daily menu. The frozen meals offer a choice to those clients who are able to prepare the meals themselves.

WHAT IF A SENIOR HAS SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?

Senior Connections, Inc. can accommodate requests for therapeutic meals, such as diabetic meals. Your case manager will notify Senior Connections, Inc. of specia dietaryl needs.

WHO IS THE CHOSEN PROVIDER FOR IN-HOME SERVICES?

The DeKalb County Office of Aging, and In-Home Services subcontracts with Senior Connections, Inc. to provide In-Home Services to assist elderly individuals who are unable to perform basic activities of daily living. Senior Connections, Inc. provides the in-home services, and the Office of Aging monitors the contract compliance.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE "IN-HOME SERVICES?”

The In-Home Services includes Homemaking (light housekeeping, essential shopping, escort, preparation of light meals, laundry, etc.) as well as Personal Care (bathing, dressing and hair grooming etc.) and respite services for the family. Respite Care Services provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while their loved one continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR IN-HOME SERVICES?

Eligible seniors who have trouble performing essential living activities such as light housekeeping, laundry, personal care, essential shopping, light meal preparation, bathing, dressing and grooming etc.