AARP Georgia

Governor Nathan Deal recently announced the creation of Georgia’s Older Adults Cabinet, a committee working to enhance the state’s capacity to serve older adults. The Older Adults Cabinet seeks to identify ways for Georgia to improve the well-being of its older residents by bringing together state agency heads whose work supports older Georgians, as well as stakeholders in the business, philanthropic, and education communities.

AARP Georgia State President Lee Baker along with State Director Debra Tyler-Horton and Advocacy Director, Melissa Sinden visited this week with Senator David Perdue’s office. Lee discussed how AARP is fighting for the interests of older Georgians.

The Georgia Power of Attorney statute currently lacks specific language as to the fiduciary duties of the agent. Recently, Georgia State Representative Chuck Efstration introduced HB 221, which provides clearer language on legal rights of the person being represented, and protections for banks and third parties who accept the representation that there is a valid Power of Attorney in good faith. This proposed legislation will allow law enforcement and prosecutors further clarity for when someone is being financially exploited, which would help protect vulnerable adults and provide their caregivers with the tools they need to make important financial decisions. On Thursday, February 16 at 7:05pm, join our live discussion about important work taking place which will impact Power of Attorney law in Georgia. State Representative Chuck Efstration and other policy experts will discuss efforts to update this important effort. Click here to register for the event (registration is required for participation). Click here to contact your elected officials and urge them to support this important effort.

In 2016, Georgia became the 43 rd state to pass the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA), which helps family caregivers who are legal guardians save time and court costs by making sure specific adult guardianship laws are consistent and honored from state to state. Adult guardianship is a complex web of widely varying practices of multiple stakeholders that are frequently disconnected. Oftentimes with guardianship advocacy, stakeholders work in “silos” – or convene in groups to advance legislation, and then disassemble soon after enactment. One way to improve adult guardianship and highlight other options in your state is to have stakeholders work together consistently and collaboratively. This growing initiative is known as “Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianship Stakeholders” (WINGS).

Now through A pril 18, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 49th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, offering free tax preparation help to anyone, especially those who are 50 and older, who cannot afford a tax preparation service

At AARP, we believe Medicare is a deal with the American people that must not be broken.

Learn wherever you are, virtually, about tax-related identity theft and IRS imposter scams -- and what you can do about them -- in free webinars and other events during Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, January 30-February 3. Join the AARP Fraud Watch Network, AARP Foundation, and partners on tips.

For more than 60 years, AARP® has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age. AARP pursues these goals through advocacy led by the state offices. Our advocacy agenda works to enable individuals 50+ get the most out of life. AARP Georgia advocates on behalf of more than 1 million members across the state.

By Drew Jubera

The holidays are a time for joy and giving. Don’t let scammers ruin the season.