Tennessee Senior Assistance Programs

This resource guide lists all state-sponsored programs that offer assistance to Senior Citizens living in Tennessee. The programs in this guide are listed according to the type of aid: Assistive Devices; Blind, Hard of Hearing, & Deaf Services; Caregiving; Coordination & Referral Services; Elder Law; Healthcare; Home Modifications; Mental Health; Nutrition Services; Senior Centers; Tax Relief; Transportation; and Utility Bills Assistance.

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Assistive Devices

Telecommunications Devices Access Programs (T.D.A.P.)

The Telecommunications Devices Access Program (T.D.A.P.) issues telecommunications devices that allow Tennesseans with disabilities to use basic telephone services. Certain factors may give individuals first priority, but generally devices are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. T.D.A.P. limits its assistive devices grant to one per household, unless a second member of the household qualifies for a different device to address a different need.

To receive a device, applicants must:

• Have permanent residence in the State of Tennessee
• Have a disability that necessitates an assistive device to properly use the telephone (verified by a Tennessee licensed physician)
• Be able to use the device or be trained to use the device

Upon receiving a device, the user becomes responsible for:

• Any necessary repairs (T.D.A.P. may loan users a temporary device in the event of extended repair times)
• Telephone bills and any supplies needed to operate the device such as paper or batteries

To apply for T.D.A.P., fill out the application and send via mail, fax, or email to the contacts listed in the application. For more information, visit the T.D.A.P. website.

Tennessee Technology Access Program (T.T.A.P.)

The Tennessee Technology Access Program (T.T.A.P.) helps individuals with disabilities access assistive technology devices and services that empower users to lead independent lives. T.T.A.P. offers four services: Funding Assistance, Device Demonstration, Device Loan and Device Reutilization.

Funding Assistance

T.T.A.P. Funding Specialists offer consultations to Tennesseans with disabilities to determine available funding sources that can help them acquire assistive devices and services. Furthermore, Funding Specialists can walk individuals and families through the process of requesting specific funding.

Device Demonstration

T.T.A.P. holds device demonstrations at various venues throughout the state to allow individuals to learn about the high-tech and low-tech devices that are currently available. Device demonstrations also help users learn how to best utilize devices to their greatest benefit.

Device Loan

T.T.A.P. offers short- and long-term loans to give individuals the opportunity to first verify that a certain device addresses their needs before making a purchase. Device loans also bridge the gap for users who are without necessary assistance while waiting on the delivery of a recently ordered device or the repair of an existing device.

Device Reutilization

Those who do not have the resources to purchase new assistive technology devices may be eligible to receive older yet still functional technology at no charge. All reutilized devices are in safe and working condition.

Assistive Technology Centers

T.T.A.P. services are offered at five regional assistive technology centers across Tennessee. Contact the nearest center to inquire about any of the T.T.A.P. services:

For more information, visit the T.T.A.P. website.

Blind, Hard of Hearing, & Deaf Services

Blind and Visually Impaired Independent Living Services

Tennessee’s Blind and Visually Impaired Independent Living Services offer a Rehabilitation Teaching Program the helps enable those who are blind or have severe visual impairment to live as independently as possible in their homes and communities. Rehabilitation Teachers provide direct services to individuals on a one-on-one basis and coordinate services which may be available from other agencies and organizations. Teachers are also active in establishing support groups in the communities.

All services are customized to meet the individual’s needs and may include:

• Guidance and Counseling
• Functional Low Vision Evaluations
• Orientation and Mobility Services
• Instruction in Communication Skills such as braille, use of recording devices, book in alternative formats, etc.
• Instruction in Self Care Skills
• Home Management Training
• Instruction in Leisure Activities
• Information and Referral

Tennessee Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired receives special funding from the U.S. Department of Education to provide independent living services to older individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

The Older Blind Project is administered by the agency’s 18 Rehabilitation Teachers who direct the efforts of nine Teacher Assistants in working exclusively with individuals who are at least 55 years old. These assistants provide direct services to individuals on a one-on-one basis and coordinate services which may be available from other agencies and organizations.

All services are provided under the supervision of a Rehabilitation Teacher.

To enroll in the Rehabilitation Teaching Program for the Blind and Visually Impaired, contact the nearest Vocational Rehabilitation District Office:

For more information, visit the Tennessee Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired website.

Tennessee Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing (T.C.D.D.B.H.H.)

The Tennessee Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing (T.C.D.D.B.H.H.) ensures that public programs and services are accessible to deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, and Deaf-Blind citizens. T.C.D.D.B.H.H. coordinates communication, information, public awareness, and advocacy services through six regional community service centers: Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Jackson.

To take advantage of the services offered by the T.C.D.D.B.H.H., contact the nearest community service center to ask about service availability:

For more information, visit the TCDDBHH website.

Caregiving

Family Caregiver Support Program (F.C.S.P.)

The Family Caregiver Support Program (F.C.S.P.) helps families provide care for older relatives in the comfort of their own homes. This program offers the following caregiving services:

• Caregiver training
• Support groups for caregivers
• Individual counseling for caregivers
• Respite care in the form of
  • Personal care services
  • Homemaker services
  • Adult day care programs
  • In-home adult care

As a supplement to the primary benefits list above, the program may also provide the following secondary services:

• Referrals to supportive services
• Home-delivered meals
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Minor home modification services
• Personal emergency response systems

To inquire about eligibility and enroll in the Family Caregiver Support Program (F.C.S.P.), contact a local Area Agency on Aging and Disability office:

For more information, visit the Tennessee FCSP website.

OPTIONS for Community Living

The OPTIONS program provides home- and community-based services to the elderly and adults with disabilities based on availability and need. Services include the following:

• Homemaker services
• Personal care
• Home delivered meals

To qualify for the OPTIONS program, applicants must:

• Be a resident of Tennessee and
• Meet the Activities of Daily Living (A.D.L.) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (I.A.D.L.) limitation requirements

There is no income eligibility requirement for this program, but there is a sliding scale fee based on income.

To enroll in the OPTIONS for Community Living Program, contact the nearest Area Agency on Aging and Disability office:

For more information, visit the OPTIONS website.

Coordination and Referral Services

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program provides long-term care coordination and advocacy for seniors who are living in nursing homes, homes for the aged, assisted living facilities, and adult care homes.

A personal ombudsman answers questions and resolves problems that residents and their families may have concerning the following long-term care topics:

• Admissions into a long-term care setting
• Information about the various types of long-term care settings (nursing homes, homes for the aged, assisted living facilities, and adult care homes)
• Financial and insurance information (including Medicaid and Medicare)
• The quality of care in a long-term care setting
• Resident rights within a long-term care environment
• Transferring to a new long-term care setting
• Discharging from a long-term care setting

To inquire further about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and eligibility requirements, contact the nearest Ombudsman District Office:

For more information, visit the Long-Term Care Ombudsman website.

Public Guardianship

Public guardians, or conservators, offer guidance to adults age 60 and older who need assistance with making financial and medical decisions. Public guardians act as protectors and personal advocates for vulnerable seniors who may not know how to meet their own needs.

The Public Guardianship program operates on a sliding scale payment system; those who qualify as low-income may enroll in the program at no charge. Also, those who qualify for Supplemental Security Insurance (S.S.I.) may receive free services.

To find a conservator, contact the nearest Area Agency on Aging and Disability (A.A.A.D.).

For more information, visit the Public Guardianship website or contact Jeanne Caudill, State Coordinator, at 615-253-3967 or [email protected]

Tennessee Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (T.N.A.A.A.D.)

Tennessee has nine area agencies on aging and disability that plan and provide programs and services for older Tennesseans as well as those with disabilities. Services may vary from one agency to another.

Contact the nearest area agency on aging and disability office to inquire about available services:

For more information, visit the Tennessee AAAD website.

Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (T.N. S.H.I.P.)

The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (T.N. S.H.I.P.) helps Tennesseans answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurance coverage. T.N. S.H.I.P. counselors provide one-on-one assistance to ensure that consumers are receiving the maximum benefits from their health coverage to which they are entitled. Furthermore, T.N. S.H.I.P. counselors direct consumers and families to public programs and resources whenever possible.

To speak with a counselor, contact the nearest T.N. S.H.I.P. office:

For more information, visit the Tennessee S.H.I.P. website.

Elder Law

When it comes to navigating the lesser known waters of elder law, it may be best to consult with private practices who have proven themselves to be strong advocates for Seniors and their families. While private elder law practices do operate under a fee for service model, sometimes they offer a sliding scale payment schedule based on income or even take on pro bono projects for those who might not be able to afford services. Even if a particular practice isn’t a good match, it is very likely that the office can recommend other potential legal options to consider.

Contact the elder law practice in the appropriate region to get started:

Healthcare

CHOICES

CHOICES is Tennessee’s Medicaid health coverage program for seniors age 65 and older. In addition to medical care, CHOICES also offers Long-Term Services and Supports (L.T.S.S.) that help with performing everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, getting around the home, preparing meals, or doing household chores. Care is available in a nursing home or at home. Eligibility is based on both medical and financial need.

There are three categorizes of CHOICES coverage:

1. CHOICES Group 1 is for persons of any age who qualify for institutional skilled nursing care and choose to receive that care in a nursing home.
2. CHOICES Group 2 is for persons age 65 and older who qualify for institutional skilled nursing care but choose to receive home care services instead.
3. CHOICES Group 3 is for persons age 65 and older who don’t qualify for institutional skilled nursing care but still need a lesser degree of home care services to delay or prevent future skilled nursing care.

CHOICES home care services include:

• Personal care visits – Up to four hours of assistance with non-medical activities such as showering, dressing, preparing meals, etc for up to four hours per visit.
• Attendant care – The same assistance as personal care visits but for extended periods of time.
• Home-delivered meals – Healthy meals delivered fresh each day or frozen in bulk.
• Personal Emergency Response System – A wristband or lanyard device with a button that calls for help in the event of an emergency such as a fall.
• Adult day care – A non-residential center that provides non-medical care and activities for adults during the day.
• In-home respite care – A live-in attendant provides in-home care for a short time to give caregivers a break from their duties.
• In-patient respite care – A short stay in a nursing home or assisted care living facility to allow caregivers to rest from their duties.
• Assistive technology – Low-cost tools and devices such as dressing aids and reacher-grabbers that offer assistance with activities at home.
• Minor home modifications – Adjustments to the living environment that promote safety and independence such as grab bars and wheelchair ramps.
• Pest control – Treatments made to the home and yard to eliminate pests such as bugs or mice.
• Community-Based Residential Alternatives – residential care settings for those who can no longer live alone due to health-related problems:
  • Assisted Care Living Facility – A residential facility that offers personal care, homemaker services, and medication management. Costs for room and board are not covered.
  • Community Living Supports – A shared home or apartment in which up to four adults live together and receive hands-on assistance, supervision, transportation, and other needed support services.
  • Community Living Supports (Family Model) – A shared home or apartment in which up to four adults live together with a trained host family. The level of support provided depends on the level of need and can include hands-on assistance, supervision, transportation, and other supports needed to remain in the community.
  • Critical Adult Care Home – A group home in which up to four adults live together with a health care professional who provides care for the residents. Critical Adult Care Homes are currently only available to those who are ventilator-dependent or who have traumatic brain injury. Room and board costs are not covered.
  • Companion Care – A live-in caregiver who provides personal care and homemaker services. Companion care is only available if the same set of services cannot be provided by unpaid caregivers and the costs of care do not exceed alternative types of home care that would otherwise address the same needs.

Contact the nearest Area Agency on Aging and Disability location to inquire about qualifying for CHOICES:

For more information, visit the CHOICES website.

Tennessee Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (T.N. P.A.C.E.)

Tennessee P.A.C.E. is a coordinated health and social services program that provides care in home and community settings. Rather than move into a nursing home, patients have the option to receive care in their homes, at the P.A.C.E. center, and even in a hospital facility. Please note: Currently P.A.C.E. is only operating in Hamilton County.

Services available at the P.A.C.E. Center include:

• Physician and nursing care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Recreational therapy and social activities
• Personal care (including bathing and grooming)
• Transportation to and from the P.A.C.E. Center
• Nutrition counseling and meals
• Social work services
• Spiritual care

Services available at home include:

• Home health care services and 24-hour on-call physician
• Personal care (including bathing and grooming)
• Homemaker services
• Home-delivered meals
• Minor home modifications

Other services include:

• Preventive health services
• Prescription medications
• Lab tests and procedures
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Audiology and hearing aids
• Optometry and eyeglasses
• Dentistry
• Foot care
• Mental health and substance abuse
• Radiology services
• Referrals for all physician specialties
• Outpatient surgery
• Emergency room care
• Ambulance and non-emergency transportation

Individuals must meet the following requirements to be eligible for P.A.C.E.:

• 55 years of age or older
• Currently living in Hamilton County, Tennessee
• Approved for services based on the assessment of the P.A.C.E. interdisciplinary team
• Certified by TennCare as eligible for nursing home level of care

The P.A.C.E. center address is:
425 Cumberland Street
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 698-0802

To apply for P.A.C.E., call the P.A.C.E. Intake Coordinator directly at (423) 495-9114 or T.T.Y. at (800) 848-0298.

For more information, visit the T.N. P.A.C.E. website.

Tennessee State Veterans Homes

Tennessee State Veterans Homes offer skilled nursing care for veterans and their spouses. There are four State Veterans Homes in Tennessee. To be eligible for admission, applications must be veterans who qualify for medical benefits from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs and meet at least one of the following:

• Tennessee resident at the time of admission
• Born in Tennessee
• Entered the U.S. Armed Forces in Tennessee
• Tennessee address is official Home Record on Veteran’s Military Record
• An immediate family member (spouse, sibling, or child) who would serve as primary caregiver is a resident of Tennessee

To learn more and inquire about admission, contact the nearest Veterans Home:

Tennessee Veteran Burial Benefits

The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services maintains four Veterans Cemeteries in the state: two in East Tennessee, one in Middle Tennessee, and one in West Tennessee. Eligible veterans can be buried at no charge. Interment of a veteran’s spouse or dependent children is subject to a $600 fee. Interment of cremated remains in columbariums is subject to a $150 fee and currently only available at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy 168.

Veterans who are eligible for burial benefits can complete a pre-registration form to make interment arrangements. To start the process of pre-registration, contact the preferred cemetery location:

For more information, visit the Tennessee Veteran Burial Benefits website.

Home Modifications

Appalachian Renovation Loan Program (A.R.L.P.)

The Appalachian Renovation Loan Program (A.R.L.P.) helps provide safe and sound housing by offering loans for home repairs and improvements to residents in the most distressed and at-risk Tennessee counties.

The Appalachian Renovation Loan Program is available in the following counties:

Bledsoe, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Fentress, Grainger, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Rhea, Scott, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Warren, and White.

To learn more about the terms of the loan and submit an application, contact the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (T.H.D.A.) at:

Andrew Jackson Building Third Floor
502 Deaderick St.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-815-2200
Toll-free: 800-228-T.H.D.A.(8432)
Telecommunications Relay Service (T.R.S.): 7-1-1
Email: [email protected]

For more information, visit the A.R.L.P. website.

Emergency Home Repair Program

The Emergency Home Repair Program provides grants to help fund essential repairs that are necessary to make homes livable and safe for low-income, elderly residents.

To receive grant monies, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Applicant must be at least 60 years of age; age restrictions do not apply to disabled homeowners who qualify for Supplemental Security Insurance (S.S.I.) or Social Security Disability Insurance (S.S.D.I.)
• Property to be repaired must be the applicant’s principal residence
• Applicant must have an ownership interest in the property to be repaired; a title is all that is required if the property to be repaired is a manufactured housing unit
• Household income must be at or below 60% of area median income as defined by the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program

The following list exemplifies the kinds of home systems the program repairs:

• Roofs
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Septic systems
• Heating and air systems
• Structural repairs to floors or walls

All Emergency Home Repair Program grants require a 50% match from an outside source to contribute to the cost of the emergency repairs. The matching funds can be provided by:

• The homeowner or the homeowner’s family;
• Church groups or local agencies;
• Donated labor and/or materials;
• Federal sources such as U.S.D.A. Rural Development or the Weatherization Program; or
• A funding pool or grants from local lender(s) to the Tennessee Development District

The maximum grant amount is $10,000. With the 50% match, the maximum contract amount is $15,000 ($10,000 through the Emergency Home Repair Program and $5,000 as the 50% match).

To inquire further about the program and submit an application, contact the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (T.H.D.A.) office:

Andrew Jackson Building Third Floor
502 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-815-2200
Toll Free: 800-228-T.H.D.A. (8432)
T.H.D.A. website

For more information, visit the Emergency Home Repair Program website.

HOME Program

The Tennessee HOME Program offers housing rehabilitation for low-income homeowners through its collaboration with local governments and non-profit organizations. Certified local governments and non-profit organizations throughout Tennessee work with eligible homeowners to qualify for funding from the HOME Program and administer the home repairs. Each home can receive up to $40,000 for rehabilitation costs; manufactured housing units are ineligible to receive repairs through the program.

Household income must be at or below 80% of area median income which is the “Low Income” threshold as defined by the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program

To learn more about the HOME Program and submit an application, contact the T.H.D.A. Director of Community Programs:

Andrew Jackson Building Third Floor
502 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37243
Director of Community Programs: Don Watt
Phone: 615-815-2030
Email: [email protected]

For more information, visit the HOME Program website.

Housing Modification and Ramp Program

The Housing Modification and Ramp Program is a state-wide program administered by United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee that helps elderly and disabled homeowners live in safety and independence by completing small home modification projects such as widening doorways for wheelchair access, modifying bathrooms, and installing grab bars. Grants for general home modifications typically do not exceed $5,000, however, larger projects may still be taken into consideration if additional outside funding is available.

In addition to the general home modifications included in the aforementioned grant, United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee also builds ramps for those with mobility disabilities who live in inaccessible homes.

To apply for the Housing Modification Program, fill out the application and follow the instructions for submission.

To apply for the Ramp Program, fill out the application and follow the instructions for submission.

To inquire further about either program, contact the Home Access Program Director:

1200 9th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 615-242-4091
Fax: 615-242-3582

For more information, visit the Housing Modification Program website and the Ramp Program website.

Mental Health

Older Adult Mental Health Program

The Older Adult Mental Health Program provides mental health care to adults aged 50 years or older. The program offers holistic care management, which may include caregiver and family education, mental health screening and assessment, in-home therapy, and other supportive services.

To learn more about eligibility and enroll in the program, contact the nearest mental health center:

For more information, visit the Older Adult Mental Health Program website.

Nutrition

Nutrition Service Programs

The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability administers three nutrition service programs: home-delivered meals, congregate meals, and nutrition screening.

1. Home-delivered meals – Senior Tennesseans who are homebound are eligible to receive one fresh, nutritionally balanced meal a day at no cost. Additionally, those who deliver the meal socialize with the recipient and perform a brief home safety check.
2. Congregate meals – Healthy meals are served Monday through Friday at senior centers, churches, schools, and community centers across the state to Tennesseans at least 60 years old at no cost. Spouses of those eligible to partake of the congregate meals are welcome. Meals are not served on holidays.
3. Nutrition screening – Those who participate in the home-delivered and congregate meals programs also qualify to receive free nutrition screenings to verify that they are getting the nutrition they need. Furthermore, counselors are available to offer one-on-one assistance to help participants stay healthy and better manage diseases with proper nutrition.

Contact the nearest Area Agency on Aging and Disability office to learn more about program eligibility, enrollment, and local nutrition centers: