_edited.png)
GCOA's Senior Issues Newsletter
Senior Issues Newsletter October 2023
Join Us at the October 2023 CO-AGE Meeting!
In this Issue:
CO-AGE members! Join us on Zoom for an exclusive panel discussion with our lawmakers on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 10am!
At the July CO-AGE meeting, we asked each of you to share one concern that you would want to put on the radars of your representatives and senators. We shared your feedback with some of our legislators and they will join us at the October CO-AGE meeting to address your concerns! Additionally, you will be updated on the progress that the 2024 CO-AGE priorities are making in the Work Groups as well as the latest news from the Georgia Division of Aging Services and the CO-AGE network.
We hope to see you there! Don't forget to wear your CO-AGE shirt!
Keep an eye on your email for registration details.
CO-AGE Announcements
Join a Work Group! Meetings are held via Zoom and last for an hour. This is a time to flesh out the issues, collect all the necessary data and information, and ultimately determine the best strategies to bring about change. CO-AGE priority Work Groups are critical to the success of our advocacy efforts as we prepare for the 2024 legislative session.
October Work Groups will meet on the following dates:
Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) Work Group- Tuesday, 10/10/2023 at 1pm
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Work Group- Thursday, 10/12/23 at 10am
Multidisciplinary Teams for Adult Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation Work Group- Thursday, 10/12/2023 at 1pm
To sign up for a work group, contact GCOA Communications Specialist, Patrice Parker, at patrice.parker1@gcoa.ga.gov
Read more about the issues HERE
The Georgia Council on Aging's Coalition of Advocates for Georgia's Elderly (CO-AGE) is meant to be:
-
a forum to identify and address concerns of older Georgians
-
a vehicle for bringing broad-based input on aging issues from across the state
-
a diverse group of organizations, individuals, consumers and providers interested in "aging specific" and inter-generational issues
-
a unifying force communicating the importance of providing supportive communities and adequate services & programs for older Georgians
Anyone interested in advocating with or on behalf of older adults can join CO-AGE. Individual Membership is only $10! Paid members have the distinctive ability to submit and vote on the issues that GCOA and CO-AGE take to the Capitol and reduced rates for CO-AGE events.
Join HERE!
If you are already a member, make sure that your list of CO-AGE organizational members is up-to-date. To report changes or updates to your membership, please contact patrice.parker1@gcoa.ga.gov.
Share Your Personal Stories
Budget funding and legislation are greatly influenced by the personal experiences of older Georgians. Legislators want to hear about how you are affected by the budget and current laws of the state. GCOA can't succeed without YOU!!
Please click HERE to see how to submit a good personal story.
National Observances
GA Division of Aging Services (DAS) Updates
By federal law, Georgia has to redetermine eligibility for 2.7 million Medicaid/PeachCare for Kids® members by May 2024. Georgians have options to stay covered and stay informed about their healthcare coverage. Visit staycovered.ga.gov to learn more.
Sponsor a Vulnerable Georgian. Click the flyer for more information.
GCOA in the Community
On September 19th, GCOA played a major role in the House Human Relations and Aging Committee meeting. GCOA Executive Director, Debra Stokes, was the first speaker, setting the stage for Council member, Vicki Johnson, followed by community partners from the Alzheimer's Association, LeadingAge, and Wesley Woods. A lot of insightful information was shared on the state of long term care for older adults, funding sources, and the need for alternative care models.
September was also a busy month of outreach for GCOA staff. They made their way around to communities in Walton County and Barrow County to a series of Senior Self-Care/Health Fairs at OneStreet communities. They enjoyed meeting and greeting with residents and informing them about the CO-AGE mission.
GCOA staff also attended the Douglas County Senior Services Health and Wellness Festival at Deer Lick Park. There were over 200 attendees, many of which stopped by the GCOA vender table throughout the day.
Save the Dates
News You Can Use
Georgia's first Vietnamese owned and operated senior day care
August 10, 2023
State secures federal approval to simplify Medicaid unwinding, keeping more Georgians covered
September 5, 2023
HUD housing with services pilot program shows promise for older adult residents
September 5, 2023
National Institutes on Aging, Heart Health and Aging: Expert Q&A
September 12, 2023
How a lawsuit in NJ could bring aid in dying to millions
September 16, 2023
Retired But Want To Work? Try These 10 Low-Stress Jobs for Seniors
September 20, 2023
Medical Bills Jump 20 percent for people over 65
September 22, 2023
Becoming 'The Village' for an Aging Population
September 26, 2023
‘Unprecedented’ season sees vaccines for all three viruses affecting seniors
September 26, 2023
Architecture for Preventing Cognitive Decline: Contributions from Neuroscience to Healthy Aging
September 27, 2023
© 2023 Georgia Council on Aging
47 Trinity Ave. SW, 1st Floor, Atlanta, GA 30334