We have after-hours phone coverage 24/7, 365 days a year.
When an older loved one in your life can't take care of themselves like they could in the past, you begin to worry. You worry about their safety and their health. You stay up at night thinking about their quality of life and how it can be improved. You may wonder whether you'll have enough time, energy, and patience to care for them while you balance your own family and work obligations. You've heard that most seniors - 94% according to Forbes - prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. But if the senior in your life can stay at home, what then?
For many families, home care in Talking Rock, GA, presents an affordable, compassionate answer to that question. Home care is quickly becoming the first choice for older seniors because it supports the family while allowing your loved one to age gracefully in the familiar, safe surroundings of their own home and community.
If you're trying to keep your mom, dad, or senior relative safe and happy in the home they love, it's time to connect with Opa Home Care for a consultation.
At Opa Home Care, our goal is to serve your senior loved one throughout their aging journey. We do so by prioritizing a continuing care model customized to your senior loved one's needs. We often begin this relationship by providing compassionate in-home care services for seniors who only need a little help around the house. When a senior is discharged from a hospital or facility after a fall or illness, we offer short-term care in the weeks that follow their return home. And when a senior receives hospice and palliative care, we supplement that care by staying with them around the clock.
Opa's continuum of care involves a comprehensive approach to delivering healthcare services that are tailored to an individual's evolving needs over time. This integrated system covers preventive care, primary care, acute treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term support, with a focus on ensuring smooth transitions between different levels and settings of care.
By promoting coordination and continuity among healthcare providers and settings, the continuum of care aims to improve health outcomes, enhance the patient experience, and make more efficient use of resources, ultimately raising the overall quality of care provided to individuals and communities.
Simply put, families choose Opa because our caregivers and staff members truly care about the senior loved one in your life. Some highlights of our senior care program include:
We're proud to have a team of over 14,000 credentialed caregivers, CNAs, and nurses who work with our experienced leadership team to provide a tailored, efficient experience for clients.
When you trust Opa as your home care provider, you won't ever have to worry about your senior going without care. In the unlikely event that your scheduled caregiver must miss a shift, we'll have another caregiver lined up and sent to your home ASAP.
As in-home care experts, we understand that the need for compassionate care doesn't follow a 9-5 schedule. When you reach out with questions or concerns, you'll always find a person on the other end of the line. We'll take as much time as needed to understand your situation and work hard to set up intake in a quick, efficient manner.
At Opa Home Care, we know that no two seniors have the same needs and budget requirements. As such, we customize every one of our care plans to cater to your desires, needs, and budget.
In-home care is a valuable option for seniors who want to age comfortably in their own homes. Cost is a major concern for many families, but in-home care is often more affordable than people expect. Hiring an in-home caregiver for a few hours a week can be cheaper than other long-term care options, even for seniors with more complex needs. At Opa Home Care, we'll work with you to create a Care Plan that meets your needs and fits your budget. After assessing your or your loved one's care requirements, we'll design an in-home care plan that's both suitable and affordable for you.
Other potential resources to help offset potential home care costs can include:
Our team understands the challenges that come with aging. That's why Opa is dedicated to providing personalized care that's easily accessible. You can get started by calling one of our locations in Georgia, where a team member will listen to you and explain our in-home care options. We make scheduling calls and meetings simple, bringing dignity to you and your loved ones by offering a flexible, straightforward care process from beginning to end.
"Home is where the heart is." This saying may sound a bit cliche, but it holds true for many seniors in America. When given the choice, most older adults prefer to age in their own homes. According to an AARP study, three out of four adults over 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they grow older.
When you consider why, it makes sense. A person's home represents a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity. Keeping seniors comfortable and healthy in their own homes as they receive care is the essence of aging in place. This approach ensures that, after spending time in a hospital or nursing facility, seniors can return home with the assistance of caregivers from home care agencies like Opa.
That's especially important because as we age, we often rely on others for assistance. When family members are too busy or live far away, in-home senior care becomes a practical solution. Home care services allow seniors to maintain personal independence while receiving reliable support from trained caregivers.
At Opa Home Care, we provide a comprehensive range of non-medical home care services to help seniors stay healthy while preserving their independence. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to express your love, especially if you live far away.
Some of the most common aging-in-place services we provide include:
If someone you care about is unable or unwilling to stay alone either during the day or overnight, our in-home caregiver services can provide the assistance they need. We understand that loneliness can have a significant impact on an individual's mental and physical health, and we are here to offer the necessary support to ensure their well-being.
Opa caregivers provide much-needed help with maintaining personal hygiene, dressing and eating, and aiding with mobility. We also provide transportation assistance, help facilitate communication, assist with medication management, offer support with home maintenance, and provide assistance with shopping and meal preparation.
Long-term spouses and partners rely on one another for companionship and love. That's why, at Opa, we can develop specialized care plans for aging couples who need home care in Talking Rock, GA.
Opa caregivers are here to help you or your elderly family member with running errands like getting to and from medical appointments, picking up prescriptions or groceries, and attending community activities to stay engaged and active.
Sometimes, seniors need around-the-clock in-home care. Our experienced caregivers are available to stay with your loved ones for an extended period to ensure they stay happy and healthy at home.
Short-term care, also known as post-acute care, typically takes place following a hospital or skilled nursing facility discharge, which often occurs after a surgical procedure or illness necessitating assistance during the recovery period. Short-term care for surgery or illness recovery typically lasts several weeks. Our experienced short-term caregivers will follow your hospital's guidelines and your personalized support plan to ensure your senior's recovery and healing stay on track.
Some of the most common short-term home care services we provide at Opa include:
Loneliness can greatly affect someone's mental and physical well-being. That's especially true after having a major surgery or illness. If your loved one cannot or does not want to be left alone after being discharged from a hospital or care facility, our short-term caregivers are ready to help.
Short-term caregivers from Opa can provide essential support with daily personal care, including grooming, getting dressed, eating, and getting around. Our services also include transportation, communication assistance, medication management, household upkeep, and help with shopping and meal preparation.
We offer stand-by assistance while your senior loved one takes a shower, goes to the bathroom, moves from room to room, and walks outdoors. We can also provide stand-by assistance while your senior completes exercises and activities prescribed by Physical and Occupational Therapists.
Hospice care is not tied to a specific location; it's more about the approach to care itself. Most people who are nearing the end of their lives express a strong wish to spend their final months at home. This type of care involves a comprehensive team that considers the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of the individual. Hospice focuses on providing comfort rather than pursuing curative treatments, without hastening the dying process.
While the hospice and palliative care team for your senior will provide medication and some additional support, they aren't able to be with your loved one all the time. Our caregivers are there to complement your hospice and palliative care team by offering round-the-clock assistance to the senior in your life. Opa caregivers can also ensure that the needs of a spouse are met during this challenging period. Our goal is to give your family the chance to cherish your loved one while our team takes care of their personal needs.
Homemaking services encompass a range of tasks, including cleaning, cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, home upkeep, and organization.
When a senior is going through hospice, personal care often suffers. We provide much-needed assistance with tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing, grooming, medication reminders, and more. That way, you can focus on spending time with your elderly parent or relative.
In challenging and emotional times, they say that it takes a village to stay healthy and focused. That's true in many aspects of life, but especially during hospice and palliative care. Our caregivers can help cook meals, provide transportation, and complete errands, so all you have to focus on is being present and positive.
At Opa Home Care in Talking Rock, GA, a large percentage of our clients consist of selfless and concerned adult children who know their parents need extra help at home. Caring for your aging parents can be an incredibly rewarding act of love. As you reflect on the care they provided you while you were growing up, you now have the chance to reciprocate. However, caregiving comes with its own set of challenges. It's crucial to anticipate these challenges and learn how to effectively manage them in order to safeguard your own health and well-being.
Here are three of the most difficult challenges that family caregivers may encounter when looking after their elderly parents or loved ones.
As people age, their sleep patterns can be disrupted, causing them to wake up multiple times during the night. This can be due to a shift in their internal body clock, stress, or worry. If dementia is a factor, you may need to be vigilant, as sundowning and wandering could occur. Caring for your parents or a loved one requires a clear and rested mind, which is why getting enough sleep is essential for both your well-being and your ability to provide the best care. After all, you don't want to get so burnt out and tired that you take a trip to the hospital. Avoid getting burnt out and exhausted, as it could lead to a trip to the hospital.
Taking care of aging parents can feel overwhelming and like you're shouldering the entire brunt of responsibility. Moreover, thinking that you're the sole caregiver can be stressful and put unneeded strain on other relationships in your life. It's crucial to understand that caregiving is not a one-person task. Trying to handle it alone can lead to burnout, depression, and other serious health issues. It can also negatively impact the quality of care your parents receive.
Living with your parents can affect both your physical and emotional privacy, especially if one or both need significant amounts of attention. This can lead to feelings of fear and disorientation when you're not around. Similarly, it can be challenging for your parents to maintain their own privacy while you're taking care of them.
It's crucial to have a break from caregiving to maintain a healthy life balance. Opa's in-home caregivers can give you that essential time off while ensuring top-notch care for your parents. Our aging-in-place services provide opportunities for your parents or older relatives to socialize and enjoy engaging activities, all while giving you the chance to focus on self-care. Rest assured that your parents are in good hands while you take a well-deserved break.
One of the biggest reasons why clients choose Opa Home Care is because we believe working with seniors is a privilege. Our caregivers love what they do and find joy in keeping older adults healthy, happy, and safe at home. When we work with your loved one, we want to get to know them. We want to know the foods they like, the music they listen to, and what makes them feel comfortable. We want to know if they would rather watch a movie or go for a walk. They may forget to take their meds, but we'll be there night and day to remind them. Our goal is to provide the maximum amount of comfort, independence, and compassionate care to every client we serve.
The first step in getting quality home care in Talking Rock, GA, starts with a one-on-one consultation with an experienced Opa care coordinator. This initial meeting is needed so our team can learn more about your needs and the level of care you require. If you're ready to help the senior in your life age in the solitude of their home, we're ready to help.
Location: 9755 Dogwood Road, STE 320, Roswell, Georgia 30075, United States
Phone: +1 866 373 2302
Office Hours 8:30a - 5:30p Monday - Friday. Additional hours are available by appointment.
Office Phone Hours 5:00a -11:55p, 7 days a week.
After Hours We have after-hours phone coverage 24/7, 365 days a year.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Heritage at Milford Family Farm Nestled in the scenic North Georgia Mountains, The Heritage at Milford Family Farm stands as a testament to enduring family values and a commitment to quality. This idyllic venue, recently honored with the 2023 Best of Georgia Honorable Mention Award, encapsulates more than just the beauty of its surroundings; it represents a legacy of over 200 years of family farming and a deep connection to the land.Founded and owned by the Milford family, The Heritage at Milford ...
Nestled in the scenic North Georgia Mountains, The Heritage at Milford Family Farm stands as a testament to enduring family values and a commitment to quality. This idyllic venue, recently honored with the 2023 Best of Georgia Honorable Mention Award, encapsulates more than just the beauty of its surroundings; it represents a legacy of over 200 years of family farming and a deep connection to the land.
Founded and owned by the Milford family, The Heritage at Milford Family Farm made a significant move in 2021, relocating from Cumming, GA, to Talking Rock, GA. This transition marked a new chapter for the farm, allowing it to expand its offerings. Today, it's not just a cattle farm raising Certified Black Angus cattle but also a sought-after wedding venue and event space accommodating up to 150 guests. The venue’s elegant charm, combined with the picturesque backdrop of Lake Teague and pastoral landscapes, creates an enchanting setting for special occasions.
Brantley Milford, a fourth-generation cattle farmer, alongside his wife Allison, spearheads the day-to-day operations. Their dedication to preserving the family heritage is evident in every aspect of the farm. Brantley, with a passion for antiques and history, ensures that the farm's legacy is woven into its fabric. Allison, with her extensive experience in event planning and community involvement, adds a touch of finesse and meticulous organization to the events hosted at The Heritage.
The family's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is reflected in how they won the prestigious Best of Georgia Award. Garnering votes from customers who've experienced the farm's charm firsthand, this accolade underscores the Milford family's success in creating a venue that resonates with people's hearts and lives.
The farm's story is enriched by each family member's unique contribution. From Brantley’s overseeing of farm operations to Mallory and Allison, who bring their expertise in event coordination and design, enhancing the venue’s appeal. Last but not least, Jackson Milford, the youngest, oversees the meticulous maintenance of the farm, ensuring that every corner of the property is in pristine condition for guests and events.
Brantley shares that the farm is a tribute to many cherished elements, including the magnolias and dogwood flowers that were beloved at their first farm. The family recently celebrated a joyous occasion with the arrival of their first grandchild in September 2023, Mallory's daughter, Magnolia Jane. This name holds special significance, drawing inspiration from the majestic magnolia tree that stands proudly in front of the original Milford Farmhouse. Their commitment to honoring the traditions and values of the Milford family legacy continues to be a guiding force in their lives.
The Heritage at Milford Family Farm is more than a venue; it's a celebration of history, family, and the unwavering American entrepreneurial spirit. This recent recognition by the Best of Georgia Awards serves as a testament to the Milford’s dedication to preserving their heritage while creating unforgettable experiences for those who step into their world.
Website: https://theheritageatmilfordfamilyfarm.com/
Contact: 470-248-9442
Contact: milfordfamilyfarm@gmail.com
Location: 2089 John Call Road
Talking Rock, GA 30175
In a press release, the GBI says the 26 people were arrested over an 11-day period in the statewide operation.More VideosMACON, Ga. — The GBI says it made 26 arrests in Georgia as part of 'Operation Sneaky Peach,' a "statewide, multi-jurisdictional coordinated effort by all agencies involved to identify and arrest individuals involved in technology facilitated crimes against children."The GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit along with 24 participating agencies across the state all participat...
In a press release, the GBI says the 26 people were arrested over an 11-day period in the statewide operation.
MACON, Ga. — The GBI says it made 26 arrests in Georgia as part of 'Operation Sneaky Peach,' a "statewide, multi-jurisdictional coordinated effort by all agencies involved to identify and arrest individuals involved in technology facilitated crimes against children."
The GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit along with 24 participating agencies across the state all participated in the operation.
In a press release, they say 26 people were arrested over an 11 day period. Local law enforcement agencies with the Georgia ICAC Task Force executed 34 residential search warrants and 3 additional enforcement actions in 28 counties across the State of Georgia.
Digital forensic investigators previewed 296 electronic devices on scene and seized 281 electronic devices in the investigation. The project also identified 30 children that were residing in households where online child sexual exploitation was occurring. Four of those arrested during Operation Sneaky Peach admitted to current or prior hands-on sexual offenses against a child.
They say the operation involved three months of planning and included both proactive and reactive cases investigated by the GBI and affiliate agencies with the Georgia ICAC Task Force.
"Proactive investigations consisted of targeting peer-to-peer network users sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), commonly known as child pornography, and undercover chat investigations targeting those that communicate with and arrange to meet what is believed to be a child for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts. Reactive investigations consisted of working CyberTips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that involved the possession, distribution, and/or manufacturing of CSAM," they said in the release.
The following people were arrested and charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children and other crimes:
In addition to this list, one offender was a minor and was served with a juvenile complaint.
The GBI says more arrest may be coming as the investigation progresses, as they are still completing forensic processing of the seized electronic devices.
The following agencies participate in Operation Sneaky peach and helped with the arrests:
Anyone with information about these cases, or other cases of child exploitation, can contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Unit at 404-270-8870.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Share: Staff WriterIt has been quite a year for Fernando Velasco.In the past 12 months, the 38-year-old former Georgia and NFL offensive lineman from little Wrens, Ga., has gotten married, earned a master's degree, landed a new job as the Atlanta Falcons' director of player engagement, and earlier this summer, he was named one of the University of Georgia Alumni Association's 40 Under 40, which "celebrates young alumni leading the pack in their industries and communities."As if all of that wasn't ...
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Staff Writer
It has been quite a year for Fernando Velasco.
In the past 12 months, the 38-year-old former Georgia and NFL offensive lineman from little Wrens, Ga., has gotten married, earned a master's degree, landed a new job as the Atlanta Falcons' director of player engagement, and earlier this summer, he was named one of the University of Georgia Alumni Association's 40 Under 40, which "celebrates young alumni leading the pack in their industries and communities."
As if all of that wasn't satisfying enough, Velasco, working with Camp Lighthouse, recently hosted a "Life Ready Retreat" for about 25 boys from Atlanta Mission and Young Men United from Wrens. Over a weekend in Talking Rock, in the North Georgia mountains, Velasco and others mixed in lessons on life skills and leadership alongside fun on the lake and other camp activities.
In 2010, Velasco started his foundation, Right C.H.O.I.C.E.S., which has a mission "to help children achieve their dreams and goals through sports," Velasco said. Long before his playing days were done, he was giving back and helping kids pursue their passions. He also does some public speaking, to teams and other groups, touching on the same themes that he passes along to the kids through his foundation.
The recent retreat, he said, "was probably the highlight of the things that I've been able to do from a foundation standpoint. ... Hopefully we can expand upon the camp in 2024. This was an all-boys camp, ages 8-13, and we talked about adding an all-girls camp."
On Camp Lighthouse's Instagram page, there are a series of photos from the weekend. The boys are playing Pop-A-Shot, throwing the football, playing in the lake and more. There is also one of Velasco, who was about 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds during his playing days, soaring through the air as he did a cannonball off the dock.
The life-jacket he's wearing hides his face in the photo, but it's not hard to imagine the huge smile he was flashing as he tried to produce the biggest splash possible.
"We had a cannonball contest," Velasco said with a laugh, adding that he came in second. "Next year, I've got to work on my cannonball skills so that I can win that competition.
"We had a lot of fun with the kids, and I can't thank Camp Lighthouse enough for what they do."
Velasco played for the Bulldogs from 2003-07, and then played in the NFL for eight seasons. After retiring from football, Velasco joined head coach Kirby Smart's staff as the assistant director of player development, which meant working and learning under a 2017 UGA 40 Under 40 honoree, Jonas Jennings, who has been in charge of player development — think development of the young men as well-adjusted and well-rounded people, not just football players — since January 2016.
Velasco and Jennings both wore No. 75 during their careers, they both have big hearts and big bodies, and they both want to see everyone around them succeed in all facets of life.
"We talk every day," Jennings said. "He actually texted me (after Velasco learned that he was in the 40 Under 40 club) and said, 'I don't know if you had anything to do with this, but thank you if you did.'
"I told him, 'Welcome to the club, baby boy!'"
Velasco said he felt grateful, humbled and thankful for the recognition.
"Ultimately, it shows the man that I am now, as opposed to who I was when I entered UGA," he said, adding that "I'm so thankful to UGA for helping develop me holistically."
As a player, Velasco started every game for Georgia during the 2007 and '08 seasons, playing guard as a junior and center his senior year. He signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2008, and later played for the Steelers and Panthers, playing in 83 games over eight seasons in the NFL.
Once Velasco joined Jennings' group in 2017, he'd found his path and his purpose. When Velasco arrived at UGA as a freshman — an "immature, wide-eyed, young man," he said — he might not have known what he wanted to do besides make it to the NFL, but he knew the path he didn't want to take.
"Growing up in a single-parent household, and my father was incarcerated for drugs, I always knew that I didn't want to go that route," he said. "I knew that God had a plan for me, and I just knew that I wanted to be successful in whatever I did. And I knew I wanted to stay around the game."
Initially, Velasco thought he'd become a high school P.E. teacher and coach. "That was the plan going into it," he said. But that plan, as they often do, evolved over time. Another experience, the 2013 suicide of former Georgia football player Paul Oliver, helped steer Velasco in this direction.
"I've got a passion for the game and just helping people, helping young guys reach their goals and their potential. I thank God that that led me to where I am now," he said.
"I want to help guys pinpoint and figure out what they want to do when football is over, because obviously everyone thinks that they can play forever. And everyone thinks that they're invincible. Helping guys formulate a plan, figure out their passions, figure out what they want to do, encouraging guys to finish their degrees, go back back to school."
After a couple of years working under Jennings, when offensive line coach Sam Pittman left Georgia to be the head coach at Arkansas, Velasco got the chance to lead his own player development program with the Razorbacks. Jennings said Pittman called him and asked if there was someone on Georgia's support staff he should hire.
"When Sam Pittman called me, I didn't hesitate to tell him that (Velasco) was ready," Jennings said. "Sam called me, he was like, 'I know I can't get you, Kirby would kill me, but is there anybody you've got?' I was like, 'Fernando is ready.'"
Velasco spent three years with Arkansas, and back in May, he earned a master's degree from the school. Under his graduation gown, he wore a t-shirt with "KID from WRENS" on it. He's never forgotten where he came from: the place, the people, the ups and downs that built him into the man he is today.
He's also maintained very tight bonds with many of his teammates. In May, he and his wife, Kamille, a fellow Georgia graduate, were married. Velasco had in his wedding party Jennings and a big group of guys that he played with at Georgia.
"It's the bonds, the relationships you create, that will last forever," he said.
In September 2022, he left Arkansas for the job with the Falcons. Velasco's work with the Falcons covers a lot of the same ground that his positions at Georgia and Arkansas did, namely to help the men he works with grow as people, be the best citizens and players they can be, while also helping prepare them for life after football.
"I think, ultimately, it's helping guys understand that they're more than a football player," he said.
Another of this year's 40 Under 40 honorees, country music singer and songwriter Ray Fulcher, who has written five No. 1 songs, didn't play for the Bulldogs, but he was a manager with the football team during the 2006-07 seasons. Among the songs he's released is "Love Ya Son, Go Dawgs," which is about the bond between a father and son and his love of the Bulldogs.
In May, after his master's degree graduation ceremony, Velasco shared his own father-son moment on Instagram. Velasco has an 8-year-old son, Alex, and in a post to go with a photo of them together on graduation day, Velasco offered a message:
"Hey son, I just wanted to remind you that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back from going for your dreams and chasing your goals. ... Always remember that I am here to support you and cheer you on every step of the way. Now go out there and make your dreams a reality!!!"
Velasco didn't know what his dream job was until he found his way to it. He's doing what suits his abilities and fills his heart. He's making a difference every day.
"My job is to serve our players, whatever that looks like," he said. "I'll never strap up a helmet or shoulder pads again, but however I can serve them and allow them to have the best career that they possibly can, that's what I'm here for."
Assistant Sports Communications Director John Frierson is the staff writer for the UGA Athletic Association and curator of the ITA Men's Tennis Hall of Fame. You can find his work at: Frierson Files. He's also on Twitter: @FriersonFiles and @ITAHallofFame.
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