Georgia Options | How to Receive Support

If you or someone you know needs support and is interested in learning more about supported living and Georgia Options, here is some necessary information:

Geographic area served
Georgia Options serves people in the following ten (10) counties:

Athens-Clarke; Barrow; Elbert; Greene; Jackson; Madison; Morgan; Oconee; Oglethorpe; Walton

Who we support
Georgia Options supports people with several types and degrees of disability, including people with cognitive disability, cerebral palsy, autism, traumatic brain injury, and other physical and mental disabilities. Because of our person-centered approach (planning for one person at a time instead of for programs), and because we support people in their own homes (not necessarily their families’ homes) instead of in group facilities, we are able to accommodate this wide range of needs. We serve adults with developmental disabilities primarily, though on occasion we have served children and teenagers. We do not serve people who acquire disabilities as a result of aging, though we successfully serve several people with developmental disabilities who are aging (i.e. we do not discontinue serving people because they are aging). We make a long-term commitment to support people through various life changes.

However, we are not medically trained. We do not hire nurses or doctors. Instead, we work collaboratively with local generic medical resources when people become sick or develop other medical needs. People choose their own doctors or home health agencies as needed. Our staff is trained in the specific personal care needs of the person they support and often receive additional training from home health nurses as people’s needs change.
Likewise, we are not mental health experts; but several people we serve have a dual diagnosis of mental illness and developmental disability. We collaborate with local mental health providers to meet these needs and to provide additional training to staff.

How people are selected
Because people are supported in their own homes and apartments, we do not have “vacant beds” or traditional waiting lists. However, some people want and need (for financial reasons) to share living space. In these instances, Georgia Options looks for people who would be a good match with the person already being supported. Considerations are similarities in age and interests. People are not indiscriminately “placed,” but all involved (including families when appropriate) are given opportunities to meet and decide together whether to go forward. All affected must be in favor before each unique partnership proceeds. The Georgia Options director must also ensure the new person’s needs can be met within available resources.

Funding
People selected must have available funding. While Georgia Options is open to private pay arrangements, the reality is personal support services are very expensive, especially when the person needs around-the-clock care or supervision. Most people needing services are referred to Georgia Options through the state Department of Human Resources, Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Addictive Disease. Referrals come through the Department’s regional office in Augusta. Typically the person has received approval for funding through a Medicaid waiver.
Click here to read about Medicaid waivers.

The front door to the system
Click here to find out whom to contact for information about eligibility for Medicaid waivers and other “front door” services to enter the state-supported system.

Still need help?
Contact Georgia Options

Page last updated: December 20, 2006