Fulton County expands adult day health program to support employee caregivers

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives, primarily focusing on expanding the adult day health program offered by the Department of Senior Services. The meeting began with a motion to approve a resolution that would allow county employees, including those who may not reside in Fulton County, to access adult day care services. This initiative aims to support employees who are caregivers for elderly family members, particularly those nearing the end of life.

Chairman Pitts highlighted the importance of providing care options for employees, noting that many have utilized existing services through a contract with care.com, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal seeks to leverage current resources within the county's senior services, allowing for up to five slots per facility, potentially benefiting around 20 employees.

Director of Senior Services, Ladisa Onalago, supported the resolution, emphasizing the partnership with Human Resources since 2017 to assist caregivers in the workplace. The program is designed to operate within the existing budget, with no additional funding required, as the necessary personnel and operational costs are already allocated.

However, concerns were raised by Commissioner Arrington regarding the adequacy of services currently provided at senior centers, particularly in Fairburn, where complaints about insufficient programming and staffing have been reported. Onalago acknowledged these issues and assured the board that they are actively working to address them. She committed to providing a memorandum detailing the current staffing and programming levels across various facilities to clarify how the county is meeting the needs of existing clients.

The discussion underscored the balance between expanding services for employees and ensuring that current clients receive adequate care. The board expressed a commitment to resolving existing service gaps while moving forward with the new initiative to support county employees who are caregivers.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the county's efforts to enhance support for employees while addressing ongoing concerns about service delivery in senior centers. The board plans to follow up on these issues to ensure that all residents receive the necessary care and support.