Once home to more cows than people, the Northeast Georgia town of Canton has come a long way from its roots as a mill town. In the past 20 years, Canton’s population has more than tripled, from fewer than 8,000 people at the turn of the century to more than 29,000 today.
Canton is located on the Etowah River, not far from Lake Allatoona. It’s known for its quaint Main Street district and vibrant parks. And as seniors continue to discover, it’s a great place to retire.
Here are eight senior resources, both new and continuing, that are available in Canton.
Healthcare
1. Northside Hospital Cherokee opened in Canton in May 2017. In addition to the convenient location, this state-of-the-art facility has been recognized with a Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) designation.
NICHE is a program that offers continuing education for nurses who provide care for seniors, as well as a consultation program designed to improve geriatric care.
Northside Hospital Cherokee is also home to a heart and vascular center, and one of its specialties is treating stroke patients.
As part of the Northside Hospital network, it offers a full calendar of classes and support groups.
2. GeorgiaCares is a resource that helps seniors navigate the often confusing Medicare system. Representatives answer questions to help seniors find the best plan for their situation. Seniors can also find out if they qualify for free or low-cost prescription drugs.
County Services
Cherokee County Senior Services provides a wide range of resources for seniors who live in Canton and its surrounding areas.
3. The Canton Senior Center offers a full calendar of events and activities for seniors in the area. It is currently undergoing an expansion that is scheduled to be completed by early 2021. The additional 4,000-5,000 square feet of space will allow some of the program’s current services more room without interrupting any of its daily events.
4. The Center’s Congregate Meal Program offers a nutritious hot lunch for seniors ages 60 and older every weekday afternoon. By providing the meal in a group setting, the program encourages social interaction between seniors. To find out more, email Tiffany Hendrix or call her at 770-345-6730.
5. Homemaker Services helps seniors who need assistance with housekeeping. To be eligible, they must live in Cherokee County and be 60 or older. To find out more about the program, call 770-345-5320, or email Stacy Jones.
Transportation
There are several resources available for seniors who are living in Canton and its surrounding areas and need transportation to doctor’s appointments and social events.
6. Cherokee Area Transportation Service (CATS) has a scheduled fixed-route service around the Canton area and runs weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Seniors pay a reduced rate of 60 cents per ride.7. Comfort Keepers offers rides for seniors in Canton and its surrounding areas on an as-needed basis. Drivers either pick up and drop seniors off at prearranged times, or remain with them while they attend their appointments if they prefer.
Senior Living
8. The Arbor at BridgeMill is a senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and dementia care in Canton. It is run by The Arbor Company, a trusted resource that has been in the business of providing senior living options for 30 years.
If you’d like to find out more about what The Arbor at BridgeMill has to offer, call 770-691-0022 to arrange a tour.
