Skip to main content

Guidance for Families & Providers

Home Care Resources

Helpful information for families navigating home care decisions, Georgia waiver programs, and how to get started.

Serving Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Paulding & Polk counties.

Section 1

Getting Started With Home Care

Home care can feel like unfamiliar territory. Whether you are exploring options for a loved one or looking for support for yourself, it helps to understand what non-medical home care actually is, who it serves, and what to expect when you reach out to an agency.

What Is Non-Medical Home Care?

Non-medical home care provides assistance with daily living activities — things like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, companionship, and light housekeeping. It is not the same as skilled nursing or medical care. The goal is to help people remain in their own homes safely and comfortably, with the right level of support.

Who Is It For?

Home care may be appropriate for seniors who need help with daily tasks, individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, adults recovering from illness or surgery, and family caregivers who need periodic relief.

What Happens When You Call Us?

When you contact Asmart Home Care, you will speak with a real person who will listen to your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand what options may be available. We will not pressure you — our goal is to help you make the right decision for your family. We aim to respond to all inquiries within one business day.

Call Our Office → View Our Services
Asmart Home Care caregiver sitting with a senior client in a comfortable living room, discussing care options

Section 2

Georgia Medicaid Waiver Programs

Georgia Medicaid offers several waiver programs that may help eligible individuals access in-home care services without transitioning to a nursing facility. The information below provides a general overview. Eligibility is determined by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and your assigned case manager.

ICWP

Independent Care Waiver Program

The ICWP supports working-age adults with significant physical disabilities who need long-term services and supports to remain in the community. Services may include personal care, home modifications, and other support services as authorized in the individual’s service plan.

CCSP

Community Care Services Program

The CCSP supports older adults and adults with physical disabilities who are at risk of nursing home placement. It provides an array of community-based services designed to help individuals remain safely in their homes. Services may include personal care, home-delivered meals, and caregiver support.

NOW

New Options Waiver

The NOW supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who prefer to receive services in a community setting rather than a facility. It may include supported employment, community living support, respite, and other services as authorized in the person-centered support plan.

COMP

Community Optional Medicaid Program (Comprehensive Supports)

The COMP waiver serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who need a higher level of support. Like the NOW waiver, it provides community-based alternatives to facility care, with an emphasis on individualized, person-centered planning.

Important: This overview is for general informational purposes only. Asmart Home Care does not determine waiver eligibility. Eligibility and authorized services are determined by the Georgia Department of Community Health and your assigned case manager. Asmart accepts clients enrolled in these programs where services are authorized and available. Contact your case manager or the DCH directly to confirm eligibility. You may also visit medicaid.georgia.gov for official program information.

Questions about which waiver program applies to you or your client?

Contact Our Office →

Section 3

Caregiver & Family Planning

Being prepared before making your first call can help the process go smoothly. Here is what families and caregivers typically find helpful to know in advance.

Questions to Ask Before Starting Care

  • What specific tasks does my loved one need help with daily?
  • Are there any waiver programs in place, and what services are authorized?
  • Does the agency screen and train its caregivers?
  • What is the process if a scheduled caregiver cannot make it?
  • How does the agency communicate with family members?
  • Is the agency familiar with Georgia Medicaid waiver documentation requirements?

What to Have Ready Before You Call

  • Client’s name, address, and county of residence
  • A general description of daily care needs
  • Information about any active waiver program (ICWP, CCSP, NOW, COMP)
  • Name and contact of assigned case manager or support coordinator
  • Any known scheduling needs or preferences
  • Emergency contact information

How to Evaluate a Home Care Agency

  • Is the agency licensed by the State of Georgia?
  • Does the agency conduct thorough background checks on caregivers?
  • Can the agency describe its caregiver training process?
  • Does the agency have experience with your specific waiver program?
  • Will you have a consistent caregiver, or different staff each visit?
  • How are concerns or complaints handled?

Home Safety Checklist

A safer home reduces risk and improves quality of care. Consider:

  • Remove loose rugs or trip hazards from main walkways
  • Ensure adequate lighting in hallways, bathrooms, and stairways
  • Keep a current medication list accessible in the home
  • Post emergency contact numbers in a visible location
  • Consider grab bars in the bathroom if not already installed
  • Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working

Talking to a Loved One About Accepting Help

This conversation can be difficult. Seniors often worry that accepting help means losing independence. It helps to frame home care as a way to maintain independence — staying at home, in familiar surroundings, with choices about daily routines. Lead with empathy, listen to concerns, and involve your loved one in the decision whenever possible. We are happy to speak with both of you together.

Reach Out to Our Team →

Section 4

Understanding Home Care Services

There are often questions about what different types of home care include — and what they do not. Here is a plain-language guide to help you navigate the options.

Companion Care vs. Personal Care

Companion care focuses on social engagement, emotional support, and meaningful activities — conversation, outings, games, and simply being present. Personal care involves hands-on assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, hygiene, and other physical daily living tasks. Many clients benefit from both. Contact us and we will help you figure out the right combination.

When to Consider Respite Care

If a family member is serving as a primary caregiver — and that role is taking a toll on their health, work, or relationships — respite care may help. Planned, short-term support from a trained caregiver allows family caregivers to rest and recharge. Respite may be a covered benefit under some waiver programs. Ask your case manager.

What Non-Medical Home Care Includes

Non-medical home care includes daily living assistance (bathing, grooming, dressing), meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, medication reminders (not administration), safe mobility support (not physical therapy), and caregiver relief. It does not include skilled nursing, wound care, injections, or clinical treatments.

Not Sure What Level of Care You Need?

Call us and we will help you figure it out. No pressure, no jargon — just a real conversation about your situation.

Call (770) 489-9242 →

Section 5

Helpful Georgia Resources

These are Georgia-based and national organizations that may be helpful as you navigate home care, aging services, and disability support. All links open in a new window. Asmart Home Care is not affiliated with these organizations and does not control their content.

Georgia Division of Aging Services

State agency providing aging services, information on local Area Agencies on Aging, caregiver support, and community resources for older Georgians.
Georgia Medicaid Waiver Programs

Official information from the Georgia Department of Community Health on all Medicaid waiver programs, including ICWP, CCSP, NOW, and COMP.
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD)

Georgia’s federally mandated council working to promote policies and practices that support the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.
AARP Georgia

Georgia-specific resources from AARP including caregiver support, financial guides, advocacy, and information on local aging services and programs.
211 — Find Local Help

Free, confidential service connecting people to local community resources including housing, food, healthcare, mental health support, and senior services. Visit 211.org or simply call 2-1-1 from any phone.
Disclaimer: The external links above are provided as a convenience for informational purposes. Asmart Home Care Services, Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or responsible for the content of these external organizations. Links were reviewed at time of publishing. If you find a broken link, please let us know.

Section 6

For Providers & Case Managers

Asmart Home Care is built for partnership with case managers, support coordinators, and healthcare providers. Our referral process is designed to be fast, clear, and respectful of your time. We understand that every referral represents a real person with real needs.

How to Submit a Referral

You can reach us by phone at (770) 489-9242, by email at Asmart@asmarthomecare.com, or through our contact form. We aim to respond to all referral inquiries within one business day.

What Information Is Helpful

  • Client name, county, and address
  • Waiver program and authorized services
  • Summary of care needs and any relevant notes
  • Your contact information and preferred response method

Our Response Goal

We target a 24-hour response for all new referral inquiries. For urgent needs, calling us directly is always the fastest path: (770) 489-9242.

Full Provider Information → Contact Form
Asmart case manager communicating with a family about a referral and care plan