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A Senate Study Committee on Improving Family Caregiver Services has adopted recommendations to address Georgia’s rapidly growing senior population and support the state’s over 1 million family caregivers. The committee was created by Senate Resolution 393 during the 2025 Legislative Session and chaired by Minority Leader, Sen. Harold Jones II, D–Augusta.

The recommendations were developed after hearing from more than 30 organizations, government agencies, businesses and constituents over five months. Throughout its work, the committee examined the topics of caregiver demographics, the challenges families encounter, Georgia’s family caregiving landscape, and programs and services offered in other states.

“Our committee took an in-depth look at the challenges Georgia’s caregivers face and what must change in order for families to thrive. Caregiving can no longer be treated as an afterthought in our policy discussions,” said Jones. “It is central to the well-being of our seniors, workforce and communities, and is a significant factor in whether Georgians can afford to build the kind of life they’ve worked hard for.

“Our goal is to help offset the financial burdens families face while supporting the creation of more jobs in the field, making caregiving a supported part of the American dream. If we follow through on these recommendations, Georgia can be a place where caring for loved ones does not mean sacrificing your own financial stability. I am proud of the work this committee has accomplished and am hopeful our recommendations will guide meaningful action in the months ahead,” he added.

The committee’s recommendations include expanding eligibility under both the Paid Parental Leave Program and the Georgia Family Care Act to include additional familial relationships, expanding the Georgia Family Care Act’s 5-Day Rule to include additional familial relationships with all other program aspects, and establishing a pilot program to support caregivers aged 65 and older who care for individuals with dementia.

The committee also recommends that the state explore targeted infrastructure grants to expand childcare facilities construction and direct the Division of Aging Services (DAS) to study barriers faced by African American and other minority caregivers. Finally, the committee recommends that DAS work with the Georgia Department of Veterans Services (GDVS) to examine how veterans and their caregivers can better access needed services while navigating federal and state systems.