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 Ellijay, 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 Ellijay, 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 Ellijay, 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 Ellijay, 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.
BreadcrumbEllijay MushroomsIn the north Georgia town of Ellijay, a mushroom farm co-owned by Howard Berk and Megan Cai grows hand-picked, certified organic shitake and oyster mushrooms. As this specialty crop grows in popularity, farmers and researchers look for ways to boost production in Georgia.Since Ellijay Mushroom’s first harvest in 2018, the sustainable food business has been growing mushrooms year-round, selling them to whol...
In the north Georgia town of Ellijay, a mushroom farm co-owned by Howard Berk and Megan Cai grows hand-picked, certified organic shitake and oyster mushrooms. As this specialty crop grows in popularity, farmers and researchers look for ways to boost production in Georgia.
Since Ellijay Mushroom’s first harvest in 2018, the sustainable food business has been growing mushrooms year-round, selling them to wholesalers, restaurants, grocery stores like Whole Foods, and food hubs like The Common Market. But production is weather-dependent: high in the summer and slower in the winter with space heaters working overtime to keep the air inside the farm’s 10 double-layered greenhouses above freezing.
Soon, the farm will receive a 40-foot converted shipping container from the BioInnovation Lab at Kennesaw State University (KSU) that is programmed to keep conditions optimal for the mushrooms and increase production. KSU researchers studying mushroom cultivation have taken the practice of controlled environment agriculture, which in Georgia is used mostly to produce leafy greens, to help mushroom growers boost the competitiveness of this specialty crop.
Ellijay Mushrooms secured a matching grant from the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Center of Innovation that, along with KSU’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant, will allow them to install the smart container at their farm. The container will be a game changer as the demand for mushrooms intensifies.
That demand has grown substantially in the past 10 years, Berk says, as people become more aware of the kinds of foods they’re putting in their bodies and as the vegan and vegetarian communities look for alternatives to tofu. He hopes to improve the public image of mushrooms by “changing one tastebud at a time.”
“Right now, everyone has mushrooms in everything, so it’s been pretty amazing to see that business grow,” Berk said. “People know that there’s other healthy, good vegan options that have good protein and taste really good. Our mushrooms are thick and meaty, fresh.”
The health benefits of mushrooms have been widely studied, and the “magic mountain water” Berk uses to grow Ellijay Mushrooms gives them their special taste, he says.
Giving back to the community and creating more sustainable farming practices are priorities for the family-owned business.
The farm is certified Georgia Grown, Naturally Grown, Appalachian Grown, and Certified Organic. Their packaging is plastic-free, and all of their waste gets turned into compost that other farmers and vineyards in the Ellijay area use.
The AgTech team with the Center of Innovation has also helped Ellijay Mushrooms find a way to create the moistened logs used to grow their fungi, which are made of recycled agricultural materials. The Center helped connect Berk with resources to obtain a loan to purchase and repurpose wood pellet equipment to manufacture the logs.
“We’re working with KSU to start using all the ag waste that’s sitting around these Georgia farms, like corn husks and peanut shells and cotton gin trash, and start making the logs,” Berk said. “We’re going to change the game because most of our logs are imported from overseas, so we’re going to stop that footprint and start making all the logs.”
This waste-to-revenue process is one of the things that makes Ellijay Mushrooms such an innovative small business. The farm’s community initiatives include working with Gilmer High School’s agriculture department to set up curriculum for students to learn about studying these species – called mycology, and giving young men and women in rural Georgia good-paying jobs and opportunities for a career.
Other future endeavors for the business include setting up educational tours and allowing visitors to pick their own mushrooms.
“For us it’s pretty simple – we take care of one another, we take care of the earth, we take care of our mushrooms, which hopefully will take care of whoever is consuming it,” Berk said.
For these reasons and more, Ellijay Mushrooms is named a 2023 Small Business ROCK STAR.
Every year in honor of Georgia Small Business Week, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) team up to present a few outstanding small businesses with the title of Small Business ROCK STARS. The awards salute the risks, innovations, outreach, and impact of the state’s small businesses. Each of this year’s winners have fewer than 300 full-time employees, make a positive impact in their community, and were founded in the State of Georgia. Learn more about the program and the rest of the 2023 ROCK STARS and nominate a company for the 2024 Small Business ROCK STAR Awards.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A vendor at Gilmer High School in Ellijay was arrested after he allegedly used artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit photos of minors, according to the sheriff.Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson said Wednesday that Ronald Richardson, who refilled the vending machines at the school, has been arrested on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of children.Nicholson said his office started investigating Richardson on Dec. 3, after a student told a deputy that Richardson asked her...
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A vendor at Gilmer High School in Ellijay was arrested after he allegedly used artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit photos of minors, according to the sheriff.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson said Wednesday that Ronald Richardson, who refilled the vending machines at the school, has been arrested on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of children.
Nicholson said his office started investigating Richardson on Dec. 3, after a student told a deputy that Richardson asked her to send him pictures through a social media app.
The sheriff said investigators then found edited images of children’s pictures that Richardson took from social media pages. He allegedly used AI to alter them to make them appear nude.
“This is the first case in which artificial intelligence (AI) has factored into an investigation like this for the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office,” Nicholson said in a statement. “Unfortunately, I doubt it will be the last. All of the sexually explicit (nude) photographs of the minor children that Richardson is alleged to have possessed are actually normal snapshots which he captured from various social media pages and then altered (or had altered) using AI to make the images appear nude.”
He said his office is continuing to notify parents if their child’s image comes up in their ongoing investigation.
“It has taken a lot of time to identify many of the minors who are victims in this case and there are several minors and parents who we have not been able to notify at this point,” he said. “We hope to have all victims and parents notified within the next 48 hours.”
Nicholson said it’s expected that Richardson will be charged with more counts of sexual exploitation of children as more victims are identified. He said Richardson remains in jail.
The Gilmer County School System said it will continue to fully cooperate with the investigation and commended the sheriff’s office “for their professionalism and dedication” in the case.
“Mr. Richardson is not an employee of the Gilmer County School System,” the district said in a statement.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Detective Dan Farnham with the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 635-4646.
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