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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Atlanta, GA

Home Care Atlanta, GA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Martin Luther King, Jr National Historical Park in Atlanta, GA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Atlanta, GA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Atlanta, GA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always have helped me a lot i have had some wonderful nurses that' came to see about me but the person that really enjoyed was my buddy. Mr Duke he is the most wonderful caring person that there is thank you my dear friend”

Willis C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best have always provided me with some of the most caring care givers. They show alot of compassion and care for my father has been with them for 2 years. I would like to send a special thank you to Duke,Ericka, Debbie and Latoshia for the care that you have provided for our family.”

Pamela C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been a blessing to us wonderful people great staff Mr Duke is the most amazing and wonderful ???????? person ???? they have always sent good people for my husband thank you Always Best Care”

Marilyn C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider It have been great so far. They make sure he is comfortable and clean. And they help me to get to do other things in the house and out side the house. The caregiver provides great services. The agency provides great service.”

Elizabeth
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider I liked that they provided my mother with special care. I liked that they called and were prompt. I like that they were informative.”

Carol S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services is an excellent service. They have an incredible staff who are dedicated to providing outstanding service to in need. I would highly recommend this company.”

Kathleen
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They have good attitudes. I like that they are consistent with the people who come in every day.”

Alvin C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider If you need an additional person, they are good to fill in when someone calls out. I like that they are straight forward with their pricing.”

Isaac T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I have good days and bad days, but the services have helped me the most with moving around better. It prevents me from falling. One of the caregivers did not want to do anything and stated that it was too much. I had to do the cleaning by myself and I did not feel good. Now I have another caregiver who provides better services.”

Robert M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They make sure he is comfortable and he's clean. Thery are always on time and make sure he is comfortable.”

Robert P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They bathe him and I get the chance to do other things. The caregiver provides great services.”

Willis C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider There are things I cannot handle with my husband, and before I had them I was there twenty-four hours a day to the point of a mental breakdown, it's everything to me. I like the person that I have most of the time, she's very good, very qualified. I feel very fortunate.”

Anonymous_7460
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider They did well once they were there. They help prepare my meals and get things for me because I was immobile. They also helped with my bath. They could have the caregiver give me a call if they're going to be late, so I'm not wondering if they're coming or not.”

Julia J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver they send that takes care of him is a good match. I would recommend them because they person they send is quite qualified and caring.”

Luis V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The agency has made my life easier by providing excellent care. I like that the agency always has someone to cover if someone is not able to make it.”

Danny H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We can have more hours. They can have more caregivers and have replacements.”

Darrin S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider It helps the clients feel safer at home. I really like the caregiver that's with the clients, she's smart.”

Anonymous_6967
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They have helped me the most in doing things around the house and doing things they are supposed to. I like that they are understandable and have good workers.”

Bobbie C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My parents needed care after my elderly mom was discharged from the hospital . Latasha was very responsive and caring while helping us secure the right person to help them during a difficult transition in their lives. Duke, the interim care provider was extremely well liked by my parents . They felt super comfortable and safe with him while Latasha worked to find a longer term caregiver. I really appreciate all of them ! Thank you Always Best Care”

Chris M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider When they did send someone most of them were quality caregivers. They could have done better with scheduling and making sure their clients were covered.”

Learetha J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They have been very helpful and courteous. They always ask if I need anything.”

Betty C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider My experience was positive because the caregiver was very effective and willing to take care of my needs. I would recommend them because they were available, professional and willing.”

Susan W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They come 3 days a week and they do everything I need for me. They have bettered her quality of life. They have been responsive when I need to make changes.”

Chuck B.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Atlanta, GA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Atlanta, GA

Types of Elderly Care in Atlanta, GA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Atlanta, GA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Atlanta, GA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Sweetwater Creek State Park in Atlanta, GA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Atlanta, GA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Marcel or visit Swan House at Atlanta History Center, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Atlanta, GA

Benefits of Home Care in Atlanta, GA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Atlanta, GA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Atlanta, GA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your GA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Atlanta, GA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Atlanta, GA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Atlanta, GA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Atlanta, GA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • PruittPlace Buckhead
  • Orchard Senior Living
  • Orchard at Brookhaven
  • Peachtree Creek Memory Care Assisted Living Facility In Georgia
  • Safe Haven at Lenox Park
  • Safe Haven Personal Care Homes
Home Care Atlanta, GA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Atlanta, GA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Atlanta, GA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Atlanta, GA

Latest News in Atlanta, GA

SNAP Changes Coming To GA: What To Know

Experts reportedly say the impending SNAP changes may create a financial burden for states and cause program reductions.SNAP benefits in Georgia and across the U.S. will soon increase due to cost-of-living adjustments, but it will come at a significant price tag for states.The changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2027 will begin on Oct. 1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture first announced a raise in the maximum allotments families can receive in late August.Through SNAP, Georgians a...

Experts reportedly say the impending SNAP changes may create a financial burden for states and cause program reductions.

SNAP benefits in Georgia and across the U.S. will soon increase due to cost-of-living adjustments, but it will come at a significant price tag for states.

The changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2027 will begin on Oct. 1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture first announced a raise in the maximum allotments families can receive in late August.

Through SNAP, Georgians and residents across the nation receive food stamps to help purchase groceries.

In Georgia, the program is known as EBT. As of June, there were 1,196,489 Georgia residents receiving SNAP assistance, according to USDA data published on Sept. 11.

The USDA said the upcoming SNAP changes align with the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. Aside from the 50 states, Washington D.C., Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands will also be affected by the adjustments.

Find out what's happening in Atlantafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Due to the impending rise in SNAP benefits, NBC 4 in Washington reported states will be tasked with covering 75 percent of the program's administrative costs. Currently, states reportedly cover 50 percent.

Experts reportedly say this may create a financial burden for states and cause program reductions.

This comes after President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law in July 2025, which minimized the federal government's fiscal responsibility for SNAP administrative costs, NBC 4 reported.

Once the adjustments take place, the maximum SNAP benefit in 48 states (excluding Hawaii and Alaska) and Washington D.C. will get a boost, the USDA said. The minimum benefit will rise to $25.

Allotments will depend on household sizes, net income and deductions.

Here's how this could take shape:

Household Size Max. SNAP Allotments for 48 States and D.C. (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
1$306
2$562
3$808
4$1,023
5$1,217
6$1,463
7$1,616
8$1,841
9-17$225 per additional person
18+$5,729

Georgia officials defend new express lane model amid affordability concerns

ATLANTA — State leaders are betting private companies can build new express lanes — and pay for them.In exchange, international highway developers will collect tolls for decades on some of Georgia’s busiest highwaysChannel 2’s Michael Doudna dug into the deals to understand how the public-private partnerships work and how the new lanes could change the daily commute of thousands of Georgia drivers.The first deal of its kind laid out the plans for an express lane project on Georgia 400, whic...

ATLANTA — State leaders are betting private companies can build new express lanes — and pay for them.

In exchange, international highway developers will collect tolls for decades on some of Georgia’s busiest highways

Channel 2’s Michael Doudna dug into the deals to understand how the public-private partnerships work and how the new lanes could change the daily commute of thousands of Georgia drivers.

The first deal of its kind laid out the plans for an express lane project on Georgia 400, which started construction this year. Next month, the state will pick one of three finalists hoping to build and operate tolled express lanes on the east side of I-285.

Tim Matthews directs the private-public-partnership division at the Georgia Department of Transportation.

He explained how the new approach could let the state avoid putting the cost of building new lanes onto taxpayers directly.

“We get more than we can afford when we go that way,” Matthews said.

Matthews said opening toll lanes can provide reliable trip times for paying drivers and transit services while freeing up capacity in the free lanes at the same time.

State leaders like him are hoping express lanes can be a solution to congestion problems across the Atlanta metro area, where drivers lose about 75 hours sitting in traffic each year.

“It was a nightmare, you know,” DeKalb County driver Vern Bliss said. “One hour minimum each way.”

And Bliss isn’t the only one stuck behind the wheel. Every day, thousands of drivers fight a steady stream of brake lights as time slips away.

“I think the easy answer here is everyone benefits, right?” Matthews said.

But in other states, these partnerships have run into problems.

In North Carolina, toll prices have doubled the original projections, and the high prices have left the toll roads with little traffic, even during the most congested times.

“Tough times, not everyone can afford it,” John Zaravelis said. He said his typical toll costs on the I-77 express lane there climbed from $30 per month to around $160 in just a few years.

But with more congested roadways and higher demand, Georgia officials say Atlanta’s traffic system isn’t the same here as it is in North Carolina.

They say Georgia’s contracts have additional protections that can help the state’s drivers avoid similar price hikes.

“There are guardrails in the contract that look at affordability, access, and the needs of people who depend on this corridor,” Ericka Bayonne said.

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Bayonne is the chief communications officer for the State Road and Tollway Authority, the state body that has the final say over which developer gets chosen to build and collect tolls on the express lanes coming to I-285.

Bayonne pointed out that rather than only being available to drivers, the express lanes on I-285 will provide opportunities for transit expansion and registered carpool vans to take advantage of the more reliable travel times.

But at the end of the day, the developer isn’t building any of these multibillion-dollar projects out of charity.

The contracts allow the private developer to set toll prices based on a formula.

That formula will respond to the actual conditions in the express lanes, measuring how many vehicles use the lanes and how fast they’re able to travel.

Whenever the express lanes fall below 45 miles per hour, the toll company can raise rates to discourage congestion and get the lane moving.

The formula also takes into account key data about Georgia’s economy to allow the cap on tolls to evolve with the realities of growth and inflation.

GDOT and SRTA leaders say everyone benefits, including drivers who never pay a toll.

They pointed to state data showing over 1.7 million free trips were completed in 2025 by buses and carpools.

But when asked during a remote Zoom interview, Matthews did not provide data that could show that existing express lanes reduced congestion in the free lanes.

And with money tight for many families, some worry the tolled express lanes could contribute to further disparity between those who can afford the toll lanes and those who can’t.

“The tolls come from us,” Bliss said. “It just becomes a cost of living which we’re all having to get used to whether we like it or not.”

In the end, GDOT is betting private companies can help build the metro out of its congestion problems, giving drivers a choice to sit in traffic or pay a private company to skip ahead.

“It’s really about the value of time,” Bayonne said. “The people who will choose the express lane are choosing to want to get to work on time, right?”

Diesel prices hit record at $6.51; Georgia at $6.34

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Diesel hit record prices Monday, clocking in at $6.51 nationwide, according to AAA. Georgia clocked in lower at $6.34, and trucks lined up by the hundreds at Pilot Travel Center off I-20 and Bouldercrest Road in southeast Atlanta.“This is pretty extreme,” said Catherine Buckner, whose fuel price went north of $1,000.Buckner and hundreds of other drivers sat in line for diesel, needing the fuel but dreading the cost.“I don’t know,” Buckner said. &ldqu...

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Diesel hit record prices Monday, clocking in at $6.51 nationwide, according to AAA. Georgia clocked in lower at $6.34, and trucks lined up by the hundreds at Pilot Travel Center off I-20 and Bouldercrest Road in southeast Atlanta.

“This is pretty extreme,” said Catherine Buckner, whose fuel price went north of $1,000.

Buckner and hundreds of other drivers sat in line for diesel, needing the fuel but dreading the cost.

“I don’t know,” Buckner said. “I’m really speechless about it. We were promised lower fuel prices, and it’s kinda going the opposite direction.”

Georgia’s average diesel price is an eye-watering $6.34. Diesel is up significantly from this day in 2025, which was $3.55.

Buckner said that her company and others are asking drivers to plan their refueling attempts.

“My company asks me to look for the lower price,” she said. “Sometimes, they’ll tell me to avoid certain states and to fuel in states where it’s lower.”

The big hit comes to owner/operator drivers like Antonio Castillo.

“Everybody is losing right now,” Castillo said. “It’s not profitable. Truck driving is not right now.”

But he plugs away, just trying to stay in business.

“(Prices) will set you back,” he said. “One fill-up, about $1,250.”

Buckner said that means fewer trucks on the road.

“When the owner/operators are struggling, there’s more parking,” she said.

If prices stay high, the costs will likely pass on to consumers. That means everything will be more expensive, from housing to food prices.

And at some point, for many businesses, it won’t be profitable to move at all.

“I can see that if the prices keep increasing in diesel, people aren’t going to drive anymore,” Castillo said.

Hail, 60 MPH Winds To Target GA Amid Severe Storms

A marginal risk for severe storms has been issued in Georgia, where nickel-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts are predicted.Updated Tue, Sep 22, 2026 at 10:46 am ETAnticipated severe storms could cause nickel-sized hail and other hazards amid a cooling Tuesday in the Peach State, forecasters said.The storms are expected to roll into Georgia between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., potentially disrupting the evening work commute as the fall season kicks off.The National Weather Service has issued a Level 1 marginal risk for the...

A marginal risk for severe storms has been issued in Georgia, where nickel-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts are predicted.

Updated Tue, Sep 22, 2026 at 10:46 am ET

Anticipated severe storms could cause nickel-sized hail and other hazards amid a cooling Tuesday in the Peach State, forecasters said.

The storms are expected to roll into Georgia between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., potentially disrupting the evening work commute as the fall season kicks off.

The National Weather Service has issued a Level 1 marginal risk for these storms in areas stretching from Griffin to Dalton.

Aside from the hail, 60 mph wind gusts, heavy rain and frequent lightning could slam Georgia with the storms.

The downpour could continue through Wednesday and Thursday and bring the same hazards, according to the NWS.

The counties of Cobb, DeKalb, Paulding, Cherokee, Fulton, Gwinnett, Douglas, Hall, Fayette, Clarke, Bartow, Barrow, Rockdale and Clayton will be among those impacted.

Rain chances will taper off Friday, the NWS reported.

High temperatures in the high 70s will cool down Georgia, starting Wednesday, according to the weather agency. In the mountains, highs could plummet to the 50s.

Here is the 's Tuesday morning forecast for metro Atlanta:

Today: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 5-10 mph.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 p.m., then a slight chance of showers after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind 10-15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Is Atlanta’s water debt $236M or $184M? City department can’t show data

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - One week after a city audit revealed more than $236 million in unpaid water bills, the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has failed to provide documentation backing up its claim the debt is actually $50 million lower.The audit, which examined the city’s billing and collections practices through April 2026, pulled delinquency data directly from DWM’s internal system.Following the report’s release, DWM Commissioner Greg Eyerly told the Atlanta City Council the $...

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - One week after a city audit revealed more than $236 million in unpaid water bills, the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has failed to provide documentation backing up its claim the debt is actually $50 million lower.

The audit, which examined the city’s billing and collections practices through April 2026, pulled delinquency data directly from DWM’s internal system.

Following the report’s release, DWM Commissioner Greg Eyerly told the Atlanta City Council the $236 million figure was inaccurate, insisting the department’s internal estimate was closer to $184 million.

However, when City Auditor Stephanie Jackson attempted to verify the department’s lower figure, Watershed officials did not back it up.

“We attempted to replicate the figures that DWM estimated as the delinquency balance, but DWM staff were unable to provide the data to support those figures,” Jackson said.

When asked DWM for the specific data and records supporting its $184 million balance, the department admitted it does not have that documentation.

DWM attributed the $50 million discrepancy to timing differences in when and how data was extracted, while the audit itself noted that Watershed calculates delinquency under a different methodology.

The audit has also triggered widespread pushback from commercial customers. Several prominent businesses and public agencies — including Chick-fil-A and Ponce City Market — were flagged in the audit as owing hundreds of thousands, or even millions, in delinquent water bills. Multiple entities have publicly disputed the findings, stating their accounts are fully paid and up to date.

While Eyerly acknowledged the department must become “more disciplined” regarding water disconnections for nonpayment, officials have yet to outline what an enforcement strategy would look like or when shutoffs would begin.

also reached out to Mayor Andre Dickens’ office for comment regarding the audit discrepancies and collection plans, but has not received a response.

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