By Deke Cateau
A new year is a natural time for reflection and goal setting. At A.G. Rhodes, that reflection begins right here in Cobb County, where nearly two years ago we completed the transformation of our Cobb community in Marietta. Today, A.G. Rhodes Cobb stands as a tangible example of what is possible when exceptional care, innovation, and community support come together in service of older adults.
The Cobb campus was designed to reimagine what a nursing home community can be. Its private rooms, outdoor spaces, and therapy areas are designed to support safety and dignity, while specialized programming enhances quality of life, especially for those living with dementia. At its core, the campus reflects a person-directed philosophy of care that recognizes each elder as an individual with distinct needs and preferences.
As we look back on the success of our new community and how to replicate best practices more broadly, we recognize a fundamental truth: achievements like this do not happen in isolation. The transformation of our Cobb campus was made possible through shared commitment and collaboration across our community, ensuring that older adults, regardless of financial circumstances, have access to the care they need and deserve. This collective effort is what we call our “village approach.”
This approach is not just a guiding philosophy; it is an increasing necessity. Today’s healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by policy changes, workforce pressures, payment reform, and growing demand for specialized services. For mission-driven nonprofits like A.G. Rhodes, navigating these uncertainties requires foresight, adaptability, and strong partnerships that extend beyond traditional boundaries.
For the business community, this work is increasingly relevant. Employers and employees across all sectors are feeling the effects of an aging population, whether through workforce demands, family caregiving responsibilities, or pressure on healthcare systems. In that sense, thoughtful approaches to elder care are not separate from economic or workforce priorities; they are directly connected.
After more than 120 years of serving Atlanta’s elders, A.G. Rhodes knows that long-term sustainability depends on our willingness to evolve. That’s why we’re working closely with universities, healthcare organizations, and business and community partners to improve how elder care is delivered and measured. Whether it’s advancing dementia care outcomes, improving workforce development, or creating intergenerational programs that combat isolation, we continually seek partnerships that will result in better outcomes for aging adults and for those who support them.
As we set our goals for the year ahead, I am optimistic. The challenges before us are complex and will require flexibility. But with mission as our compass and collaboration as our strategy, A.G. Rhodes will continue to adapt, innovate, and serve. Together, as a village, we can build a stronger approach to supporting older adults in Cobb County and beyond, now and for the years ahead.
DEKE CATEAU is the CEO of A.G. Rhodes, which serves more than 1,400 seniors annually at its three locations in Fulton, Cobb, and DeKalb counties. For more information, visit agrhodes.org.
