The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia COMPLIMENTS OF

Find your nearest Arbor Company community at ArborCompany.com/Locations.

2 The Arbor Company CONTENTS

Introduction ...... 4

About Georgia ...... 5

Healthcare Options ...... 7

Senior Resources ...... 8

Things to Do in Georgia ...... 9

Getting Around ...... 17

Types of Senior Living in Georgia ...... 18

Where to Start Your Search for Senior Living ...... 21

The Cost of Senior Living ...... 22

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 3 INTRODUCTION

As the state with the largest land area east of the Mississippi River, Georgia boasts a temperate climate, a rich history, and a wide variety of cultures. To the north, the state is dominated by rocky mountain ranges and verdant hills. The middle of the state offers rich farmland with plenty of crops and lots of livestock. And to the south, Georgia is home to wetlands and lush beaches. If you’re considering retirement in Georgia, you have more options than you might realize.

Whether you choose the busy shops and delicious restaurants of a suburb such as Marietta, the bustling city life of Atlanta, or a quietly expanding farm area such as Canton, there is something for everyone in this huge state. Here’s how to choose the perfect senior living community for your needs.

4 The Arbor Company ABOUT GEORGIA

Much of Georgia was burned to the ground during the Civil War in General Sherman’s infamous March to the Sea. Sherman burned all of the buildings in Atlanta and in the middle of the state, but stopped the burning in Savannah. The result is a decidedly divided state. North of Savannah, everything is new. But once you hit Savannah, you’ll see old buildings and plenty of historic relics. Georgia isn’t a monolith with a single culture, climate, or environment. It boasts several distinct regions, including:

The rural Blue Ridge Mountains at the northwest end of the state. Here you’ll find hiking, camping, and lush mountain living.

The Appalachian Plateau on the northwest end of the state. This is the foot of the Appalachian Mountains and is a rocky, picturesque region that is sparsely populated.

The Ridge and Valley province of the rural northwest region of the state.

The Piedmont in the central region of the state. This includes Atlanta and its many suburbs, including Marietta, Stone Mountain, and Lithonia. This region is known for its museums and cultural life, and as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement.

The Coastal Plains of southern Georgia. The upper coastal plains includes many rural farming areas, as well as marshes and wetlands. The lower Coastal Plains include Savannah and Georgia’s barrier islands, which are full of wildlife and greenery. Cumberland Island also boasts an abundance of wildlife, including wild horses.

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 5 Georgia is home to more than a million seniors — more than the total population of some states. With so many seniors, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new friends, start meaningful organizations, and even find love. Yet Georgia is a large state, and seniors are often isolated from one another. According to the America’s Health Rankings 2018 survey, Georgia is one of the worst states for senior loneliness and isolation — ranked 39th of all states.

However, Georgia’s seniors are taking many steps toward good health. The same report found that Georgia seniors tend to see their doctor and dentist regularly, and that the state has a low rate of excessive senior drinking. This points to a positive health outlook. To reduce the risk of loneliness, many of Georgia’s seniors might benefit from the friendly, community-oriented environment of a senior living community. Georgia boasts some of the best senior living options in the nation.

With so many seniors, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new friends, start meaningful organizations, and even find love.

6 The Arbor Company HEALTHCARE OPTIONS

As the home of Atlanta’s sprawling metropolis, Georgia has grown steadily to accommodate its residents’ healthcare needs. Emory University Hospital is one of the nation’s top-ranked hospitals in many areas, including adult specialties and adult procedures. The hospital has also given birth to numerous satellite clinics, including the nationally respected Memory Clinic, which specializes in Alzheimer’s, dementia, and unusual cognitive conditions.

Seniors who live in the suburbs, on the coast, or in more rural regions of the state often travel to Emory for care. But there are many excellent hospitals closer to home, too. Those include:

• WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta is ranked fifth in the state. Kennestone boasts a wide range of clinics and a huge range of specialists, including in geriatric medicine.

• Northside Hospital Healthcare System is a network of medical facilities in the Metro Atlanta, Georgia, region, comprising three acute-care hospitals and more than 150 outpatient facilities to provide a full range of medical services.

• Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, the fourth-ranked hospital in the state of Georgia, which has an excellent cardiovascular surgery department and a strong roster of oncologists.

• Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, which consistently ranks highly for patient satisfaction.

As in all states, seniors in Georgia are eligible to choose from among the state’s Medicare programs.

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 7 SENIOR RESOURCES

Georgia’s Division of Aging Services boasts a number of resources for seniors and the people who love them. The agency has designed a unique blueprint for managing the state’s burgeoning dementia problem. You can read the full report and learn more about Georgia-specific senior resources here.

Much to the chagrin of caregivers and loved ones, elder abuse and neglect continues to be a problem in Georgia, as it does in most other states. Nationwide, about 10 percent of seniors face some form of abuse. Georgia’s Adult Protective Services takes elder abuse seriously. Not only does it investigate allegations, but it also offers numerous resources to seniors and their caregivers. To anonymously report abuse, click here.

Some other helpful senior resources in Georgia include:

• GeorgiaCares, the state’s health insurance assistance program

• How to fill out Georgia’s Advance Directives for Health Care

• 2018 Benefits Guide for Older Georgians

• Honor a Centenarian

• Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging

• Georgia senior centers

• Division of Aging Services’ guide to senior care options

8 The Arbor Company THINGS TO DO IN GEORGIA

Stereotypes about the South abound. Many people unfamiliar with Georgia believe there’s Atlanta, and then there’s everything else — and that “everything else” is nothing but a bunch of farms.

Although farms are abundant in Georgia, so too is so much else. It is a bustling hub of art and culture. Its music scene gave birth to international stars as diverse as Alan Jackson, Little Richard, and Outkast. Georgia is also home to a vibrant film and television industry, with many analysts calling it the Hollywood of the South.

So no matter what you’re interested in, there’s something to do in Georgia.

Although farms are abundant in Georgia, so too is so much else. It is a bustling hub of art and culture.

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 9 Here are some of the best options:

Shopping Shopping options in Georgia are virtually limitless, with interesting choices for every price point scattered across the state. Some of the best options include:

• Factory outlets such as North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville and Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove.

• Town squares across the state, which boast local artists and interesting boutiques. Check out the toy stores and children’s boutiques in Marietta Square. Explore art, antiques, and clothing in the Roswell Town Square. Comb through vintage offerings, handmade art, and hipster-inspired fashions in Little Five Points. Or enjoy an eclectic variety of art, toys, and even pet gifts in the Decatur Square.

• Georgia’s malls are the stuff of legend. Enjoy upscale shopping at Phipps Plaza, or enjoy designer shops, discount houses, and fine dining all under one roof at Lenox Square. It’s hard to beat Town Center in Kennesaw if you’re looking for a cozy, safe, walkable suburban mall. Or if you want a little bit of everything, head up to the Mall of Georgia.

• Some of the best shopping in Georgia is seasonal. Home to hundreds of festivals and markets, Georgia boasts a rotating roster of independent artisans and craft dealers. Some of the best festivals include the Inman Park Festival in the spring, the Indie Craft Experience in the winter, the Country Living Fair in the fall, and the Piedmont Park Arts Festival in the summer. Love reading? Then you can’t miss the Decatur Book Festival Labor Day weekend.

10 The Arbor Company • When fall rolls around, join in on apple picking in north Georgia. Hillcrest Orchards is family-owned and operated, and filled with fun for everyone. Pick your own apples during the Apple Pickin’ Jubilee each weekend. BJ Reece Orchards is one of the only orchards that offers U-Pick during the week. Their petting farm is open during the week, as well.

Dining Atlanta’s restaurant scene is among the best and most competitive in the nation. But it is not just Atlanta that offers amazing restaurants. Georgia is a highly diverse state, so a wide range of ethnic foods, vegetarian and vegan options, and old-fashioned Southern fare are available throughout the state. Here are some of the best options for quality dining:

• Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s key restaurant districts, boasting everything from fine dining to laid-back cafes. Check out the Atlanta Fish Market for world-class seafood year-round.

• Marietta is home to a wide range of chain restaurants and familiar comfort foods. It’s also home to the world-renowned Marietta Diner, with its 10-page menu, iconic lights, and homestyle pies.

• Decatur, an artsy suburb of grown-up hippies and young creatives, is home to a wide range of restaurants. Check out Raging Burrito for quality Tex-Mex, Leon’s Full Service for a trendy seasonal menu, or Parker’s on Ponce for elegant fine dining.

• Enjoy delicious wines and upscale bar food at Peachtree City’s Grinds and Wines. Or enjoy the best of Peachtree City’s seafood scene at the Georgia Shrimp Co.

• Visit downtown Canton for a surprisingly diverse restaurant scene. Check out the Riverstone Corner Bistro for delicious bistro-style food. Or enjoy a delicious steak at the Union Hill Grill.

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 11 Arts and Culture Atlanta is home to hundreds of museums, playhouses, symphonies, ballet companies, and other artistic and performing arts hubs. Some of the best include:

• The Academy of Dance Arts in Canton

• Dad’s Garage improv theater in Atlanta

• The Atlanta Ballet

• The Fox Theatre, which showcases musicians, comedians, dance companies, and a host of other acts

• The High Museum of Art

• Centennial Park, which memorializes the 1996 Olympic Games

• The Atlanta Opera

• Cherokee Arts Center

12 The Arbor Company History and Activism As the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the home of Jimmy Carter, Georgia has a long and rich history of activism. Check out the following history centers:

• The Carter Center

• Savannah History Museum

• Marietta Museum of History

• The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change

• The National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 13 Travel Georgia is full of great options for day trips, long weekends, and family pilgrimages. Some of the best options include:

• Visiting the historic exhibits and shops in Savannah. Savannah is just a quick car ride away from Tybee Island, a quiet and lovely beach town. As home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah is a great stop for burgeoning artists.

• Visiting the wildlife preserves and coastal wetlands at Cumberland, Jekyll, or one of Georgia’s other barrier islands. If you arrive at the right time, you might see sea turtles laying eggs.

• Visiting the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Try camping by the water. Or take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and spend the evening at a sleepy bed and breakfast.

• Visiting Stone Mountain Park. Built around the world’s largest granite mound, there’s something here for everyone — from camping and fishing to water sports and historic sites.

• Visiting the sacred Etowah Indian Mounds. This Native American burial ground showcases the oft-forgotten history of Georgia’s indigenous peoples.

Georgia is full of great options for day trips, long weekends, and family pilgrimages.

14 The Arbor Company Time with the Grandkids Georgia is a decidedly kid-friendly state, with something to do in every town and at every time of year. Some of the best options include:

• Southeastern Railway Museum. This train-themed museum features permanent train exhibits, train rides, and an ever-changing roster of seasonal events, such as breakfast with Santa.

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta. This hands-on museum features performances, interactive exhibits, and art stations for all ages.

• Center for Puppetry Arts. This performing arts center features puppetry that appeals to kids, and complex stories that can capture the attention of even puppet- skeptical adults.

• Little Shop of Stories. This children’s bookstore in Decatur offers adult-friendly books, too, as well as regular storytime and numerous kid-friendly events.

• Legoland Discovery Center. For little builders and Lego lovers, this museum and activity center is a slice of paradise.

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 15 Sports No matter where you live in Georgia or which sports you love, chances are there’s a sporting event you’ll enjoy nearby. Some of Georgia’s sports teams include:

• The Atlanta Braves, one of baseball’s most beloved teams

• The Atlanta Falcons, a venerable football team

• The Atlanta Hawks, a basketball team which will likely see significant improvements in the next few years

• Atlanta United, Atlanta’s new and rapidly growing soccer team

• The Atlanta Dream, Atlanta’s much-beloved women’s NBA team

• The Augusta GreenJackets, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the San Francisco Giants

• The Rome Braves, a minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves

• The Atlanta Blaze, Atlanta’s professional-level lacrosse team

• The Columbus Lions, a professional indoor football team

• The Atlanta Gladiators, a minor league hockey team

• Peachtree City MOBA, Peachtree City’s soccer team

Team sports are big business throughout Georgia. Many high school football teams are highly competitive, with entire communities coming out to support them. College sports are also popular, with the rivalry between Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia dominating many conversations in the fall.

16 The Arbor Company GETTING AROUND

Transportation options in Georgia, vary a lot depending on where you live. Seniors in Atlanta have ready access to MARTA, a bus and rail system that serves most areas inside the I-285 perimeter, as well as some suburbs. Seniors living in suburbs such as Marietta may be able to take a bus to MARTA. CobbLinc, for example, connects Marietta seniors to the MARTA system. ATLtransit offers additional transit options, as well as a comprehensive guide to travel within the Atlanta rail and bus system.

Seniors living in rural areas have less access to public transit, though there are some options. Seniors living in Canton and other areas of Cherokee County can access the Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS). The Athens Transit System, which is similar to MARTA, includes buses and rails and exclusively serves Athens and Clarke counties.

Georgia’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection can connect seniors to other transportation options, including private drivers, publicly funded buses, and services that may be covered by insurance.

Seniors living in rural areas have less access to public transit, though there are some options.

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 17 TYPES OF SENIOR LIVING IN GEORGIA

So what are your senior living options in Georgia? Senior living comes in many flavors, and the right option for you depends on your needs and health goals. The most popular options include:

Home Healthcare Home healthcare is assistance and care you receive in your home. It includes a broad continuum of services. Seniors with relatively few needs might get help preparing meals or bathing a few times a week. Those with more intensive needs and the means to pay for them might opt for 24/7 in-home nursing care. Home healthcare is a great option for seniors who are happy in their homes and have family nearby, but need a little extra help.

Adult Day Care Adult day care offers care, usually on an as-needed basis, for seniors during the day. Senior caregivers often use this option when they are working, tending to children, or otherwise unable to care for the seniors they love. In most cases, adult day care is for seniors with intensive needs. However, some adult day care programs offer activities and programs for seniors in relatively good health.

18 The Arbor Company Independent Living Independent living, just as the name implies, allows seniors to live independently in an active senior community. There is usually a wide range of activities such as social events and classes. Many independent living communities also offer transportation, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach. Seniors who are in basically good health often choose independent living when they feel isolated or bored, or when they worry about what might happen to them in the event of a medical emergency.

Assisted Living Assisted living offers additional assistance to seniors who need help with daily activities such as bathing or getting dressed. Seniors still retain significant independence and can often participate in a rotating list of community activities. Assisted living is ideal for seniors with serious health issues who hope to remain as independent as possible.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer progressive care based on the needs of their residents. Many seniors move into CCRCs when they are independent and healthy. As the senior’s needs change, the community offers more care, including assisted living and sometimes memory care. This is a good option for seniors who hope to age in place but worry about significant medical needs.

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 19 Personal Care Personal care homes offer care in a small, home-like setting. Seniors usually live with 4-6 other people, and care is tailored to their needs. Because personal care homes are small, they tend not to offer classes or socials, but often provide transportation. Seniors who choose personal care homes often say other residents feel like family.

Skilled Nursing Skilled nursing communities are for seniors with serious medical issues that require daily or recurring care. For example, a senior with a spinal cord injury might choose skilled nursing to get the care they need. These communities sometimes offer activities and socials, but the focus is on addressing a senior’s immediate health needs.

Assisted Living with Memory Care People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have complex needs. They may struggle with activities of daily living, anxiety, depression, and isolation. Memory or dementia care communities keep these seniors safe while offering fellowship, support, and lots of activities. These communities are ideal for seniors with mild or moderate dementia who need regular supervision but also need an outlet for their emotions and an antidote to boredom and loneliness.

20 The Arbor Company WHERE TO START YOUR SEARCH FOR SENIOR LIVING

The search for the right senior living community can take some time. Some great options for getting a recommendation include:

• Doctors or therapists

• Senior centers

• Loved ones

• Senior publications

• Social media

Research each community. Read online reviews and blog posts. Call if you have more questions. Then schedule a tour. This is your chance to see what life in the community is really like. Most seniors find that taking a loved one with them helps them digest information better and ask more questions. To get the most out of your tour, schedule it during a meal or other community event.

After your tour, try making a list of pros and cons. Narrow down your list and consider visiting your top choices again. Trust your gut, and choose the community that feels right to you. Just make sure you begin the search early enough to allow sufficient time. Seniors who have a chronic or progressive illness, for example, should consider beginning the search before they need care.

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 21 THE COST OF SENIOR LIVING

In a state as large and diverse as Georgia, senior living communities serve as hubs of community activity, socialization, and more. They bring seniors from distant locations together, offering a wide range of activities and hobbies tailored to the desires of the seniors they serve.

For many seniors, financial barriers are a major concern. At least 10 percent of seniors in Georgia live in poverty. Many more live on a fixed income or rely on small pensions and meager savings. Senior living, however, may be more affordable than you think. It rolls all of the costs of daily living into a single price tag, eliminates your mortgage, and removes unexpected expenses such as flooded basements or electrical issues.

Moreover, Medicaid, some private disability programs, employee assistance programs, long-term care insurance, veteran assistance programs, and some other programs may fund all or a portion of senior living. Some seniors even find they have more money in their pockets — and to spend on their families — after transitioning to a senior community.

For help calculating the costs of senior living, try our Senior Living Cost Calculator.

22 The Arbor Company NOTES

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Living in Georgia 23 Arbor Terrace would love to help you find a senior living community that meets your needs. To learn more or schedule a tour, give us a call. Or better yet, stop in for one of our many social activities! We would love to meet you!

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