Section 49-6-73. Eligibility for benefits; contracts; identification of services

   (a) The persons to be served under this article are primary caregivers who provide continuous care to a functionally dependent older adult or other adult suffering from dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease.

(b) The department shall develop operating procedures and guidelines and shall contract with or through area agencies on aging to provide benefits set forth in this article. The department may also contract with other support centers or service providers directly, where such service is provided on a state-wide basis or where necessary or appropriate. The department shall have the authority to develop criteria through regulation relating to eligibility for primary caregivers to receive assistance pursuant to this article.

(c) The department shall identify supportive services which are directly related to the provision of care to a functionally dependent older adult or other adult suffering from dementia. Supportive services include, but are not limited to:

   (1) Benefits counseling and caregiver counseling, education, and training;

   (2) Reimbursement to primary caregivers whose households financially qualify for assistance pursuant to Code Section 49-6-74 and as developed by regulation of the department for expenses incurred in obtaining day or night respite care services, transportation to respite care service locations, or other supportive services defined by regulation, and consumable supplies such as incontinence pads; and

   (3) Reimbursement to primary caregivers whose households financially qualify for assistance pursuant to Code Section 49-6-74 and as developed by regulation for expenses incurred in obtaining home modifications or assistive devices, as approved by the department, such as grab bars, safety devices, and wheelchair ramps, which help the functionally dependent older adult or adult suffering from dementia carry out tasks required for daily living.

Code 1981, § 49-6-73, enacted by Ga. L. 1994, p. 455, § 1.