Forsyth County, Georgia, ranks second on a list of the best places to retire in the United States, according to SmartAsset.com. The website based its ranking on several factors including number of doctor’s offices, recreation centers, and retirement centers.
But seniors who live in this part of Georgia may not be aware of some of the many resources available to them in Forsyth County.
General Resources
Legacy Link is the regional office of the Area Agency on Aging. It’s a great place for seniors to get an overview of the wide range of services available. Call Legacy Link at 855-266-4283 to reach Aging and Disability Resource Center counselors. These trained intake specialists answer questions and provide referrals to appropriate senior resources available in Forsyth County, Northeast Georgia, and statewide.
Senior Centers
Forsyth County Senior Services, 770-781-2178 - For $60 a year, residents can get a Forsyth County Senior Services membership and stay active and engaged by taking part in activities at the county’s three senior centers.
- Center at Charles Place, 595 Dahlonega St., Cumming
- Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, 2115 Chloe Road, Cumming
- Hearthstone Lodge Community Center, 7305 Lanier Drive, Cumming
The Charles Place and Sexton Hall locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Hearthstone Lodge, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. They schedule a variety of activities including art, fitness, and computer classes. There are weekly card games and social clubs. The centers organize day trips to attractions nearby and in Atlanta. The Hearthstone Lodge Community Center also houses a fitness center and a heated pool that seniors can join for additional fees. For a complete schedule of activities, check out their newsletter.
Transportation
AARP sponsors a Smart Driver Course to help seniors brush up on their skills behind the wheel. As seniors age, their reaction time slows, and their hearing and vision may not be as good as when they were younger. Classes like this one help seniors incorporate safe driving practices, making it possible for them to keep their licenses longer.
Seniors who don’t drive anymore can take advantage of Forsyth County’s Ride Share program. This transportation service offers rides to seniors for $2 each way, after a one-time $15 dollar registration fee. You can register at any of the county’s senior centers.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels volunteers, in partnership with the Center at Charles Place, deliver hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors in Forsyth County. To find out if you are eligible to receive meals, call 770-781-2178.
Medicare Help
GeorgiaCares is a public-private partnership, administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. Counselors provide free assistance to seniors with questions about their Medicare plans and Medicare drug plan benefits. For more information, call 866-552-4464, and choose Option 4.
Senior Living
Senior living communities like Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek are great resources for Forsyth County seniors who want someone to help care for their needs, giving them more free time to spend doing things they enjoy.
Arbor Terrace keeps residents engaged with one another, gives them plenty to do, and provides them with three gourmet meals a day. The community also provides dementia care for residents who may someday need it. If you’d like to see everything Arbor Terrace South Forsyth has to offer, call 770-999-9577.
