In metro Atlanta, a growing program is addressing the unique needs of older adults.
With about 40 members currently enrolled, Premier Care offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide essential support for older adults when family assistance is unavailable or when independent living begins to require additional plans in place.
Al Tousek and Lynne Merrick, a couple from Roswell, embody the reliance on such services.
Having cared for aging family members, the couple recognized the level of support they might eventually require.
When they first approached the concept of external care, they felt uncertain about where to find the right resources.
Now, in their 70s and 80s, they benefit from the assistance provided by Premier Care.
Merrick discovered the organization through a friend in her book club, and her attorney further confirmed the service’s reliability.
“I had no idea that existed,” she admits, highlighting the awareness gap many older adults face regarding available support options.
The reassurance of having a safety net is invaluable for Merrick.
She appreciates knowing that help is available for managing day-to-day tasks, such as paying bills, receiving physical care, attending medical appointments, and having an advocate to assist when necessary.
While service fees are billed based on time spent, an initial evaluation and retainer are part of the procedure.
“Right now, I don’t need any of those services, but it’s comforting to know that I am an established client and they are there when I need them,” Merrick shares.
The program initiates with a detailed in-person assessment, gathering critical information such as medical history, medications, allergies, insurance details, and emergency contacts into a secure report.
This comprehensive data is made accessible through a QR-code portal linked to a medical ID card, which can be vital in emergencies.
Johnson, a representative of Premier Care, stated, “It’s exactly what they would need should they be unconscious and need to go to a hospital.”
In one notable case, a client who anticipated not needing services for a decade faced an unexpected challenge when she broke her ankle while hiking shortly after her assessment.
Thanks to the swift action of Aging Solo, she received caregiver assistance, medication support, and meal delivery, facilitating her recovery and helping her regain independence.
Johnson emphasizes the importance of preplanning for care, especially for those who consider themselves healthy and active.
“All of them think they are never going to need care,” she remarks, underscoring the reality that circumstances can shift quickly.
Premier Care Management operates as a for-profit company in metro Atlanta with 37 care managers.
Their services encompass various needs ranging from dementia coaching and Parkinson’s support to medication management and consultations for assisted living or nursing care placements.
“We help families understand their options — the pros, the cons, and the financial considerations,” says Johnson.
She points out that many families are not aware of the full range of resources available to them.
Premier Care can facilitate connections with elder law attorneys, arrange Meals on Wheels, or coordinate in-home caregiver services as needed.
Billing is handled on an hourly basis, allowing for tailored conversations, as every client’s needs vary significantly.
“We’re very individualized,” Johnson affirms, stressing the importance of listening to clients and offering evidence-based recommendations for their unique situations.
Darlene Carr, director of care management services, maintains regular contact with clients according to their preferred schedule.
Some clients prefer monthly check-ins, whereas others need less or more frequent communication.
“This is preplanning for peace of mind, just like you would do for anything else in your life,” Carr explains.
She aims to be the familiar face and voice clients can rely on, offering personal touches through cards and letters when appropriate.
Experts caution seniors and their families to approach paid care services with diligence.
Madalyn Davis, an estate planning and probate attorney with Georgia Legacy Law Group, frequently refers older clients to Premier Care when they require assistance beyond legal services.
She insists on the necessity of understanding the scope of third-party services before engaging.
“There’s a huge aging population in Atlanta that is only growing, and they have so much independence,” Davis remarks.
She underscores the importance of a diverse support network, noting that caregivers, financial advisers, and CPAs each have different, indispensable roles.
Sarah Watchko, an estate planning adviser at BIP Wealth, echoes this sentiment, recognizing that aging care management addresses needs that conventional advisory firms cannot meet.
She underscores that many families remain unaware of the existence or benefit of such services.
To help expand awareness, additional resources and information about aging services are available through the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/2025/06/finding-support-when-family-isnt-nearby/
