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Independent Living

Services are provided for persons over age 60, family caregivers or adults with disabilities.

In-Home Services and Support

Services designed to assist individuals with functional limitations remain independent at home through a variety of supportive in-home services.

Homemaker Family Support

CHOICES

Options for Community Living

National Family Caregiver Support Program

Information and Assistance

Area Agency on Aging and Disability

Health Education

Encouraging older adults to maintain good health by participating in health promotion and disease prevention activities.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Advocate for Long-term Care Residents

Advocates for residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential homes for the aged.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Public Guardianship for the Elderly

Provides court appointed guardianship/conservatorship services to persons who need someone to make decisions on their behalf due to their loss of the capacity to make informed decisions.

Public Guardianship for the Elderly

Public Guardianship Volunteer Program

Public Transportation

Schedule rides one time or on a recurring basis to and from the doctor, shopping, work, school, and appointments

Public Transit

Utilities Assistance

Help paying utility bills and home heating costs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Home Weatherization

Helping weatherize homes for low-income families to reduce their fuel costs while contributing to national energy conservation through increased energy efficiency.

Weatherization

Legal Assistance for the Elderly

Provides legal services and referrals to those 60+ and offers public education presentations to senior centers, churches, civic groups, etc. upon request.

Legal Assistance for the Elderly

Home Delivered Meals

Home Delivered Meals may be provided by the Senior Nutrition Program to qualifying persons age 60+ and/or the spouse of someone 60+.

Home Delivered Meals

Meals in a Group Setting

Improves quality of health through proper nutrition and provides socialization in a group setting for individuals 60+ and their spouses.

Meals in a Group Setting

Medicare Assistance

Help navigating the medicare options and benefits

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Senior Medicare Patrol

Grocery/Food Assistance

Assists qualifying individuals to access food or food vouchers.

Community Service Block Grant

Commodity Foods

SNAP

SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Offices on Aging / Senior Centers

Assisting Older Adults at a Local Level

Offices on Aging

Senior Centers

Independent Living FAQ

What is a significant cause of Elder Abuse?

Elder Abuse is a crime.  Ageism is at the heart of Elder Abuse.  Ageism’s impact results in older adults being ignored, minimized, disrespected, and often either physically or financially abused in a variety of manners.  Intentional or non-intentional … ageism is a moral offense which very frequently leads to crime against older adults.

What types of abuse occur?

Many … physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, theft, coercion, neglect, abandonment are among the worst Elder Abuse crimes.

How do I report Elder Abuse?

Tennessee is a Mandatory Reporting state.  That means if a Tennessee resident even suspects an adult age 60 or over is being abused, law requires that person to report suspicions and/or evidence to Adult Protective Service.  To report either call: 1-888/277-8366 or visit: https://ReportAdultAbuse.dhs.tn.govThe person who reports may remain anonymous if so desired.

How can I make a difference?

Always show respect to an older adult.  Elder Abuse is often a hidden scenario.  Never ignore Elder Abuse.  Always report if you even suspect abuse is being committed.  Take action: be a part of any community opportunity geared toward helping older adults.  Inquire if there is an ElderWatch Affiliate in your county.  If so, join the effort.  If not, contact agencies, entities, and city/county government and advocate for organizing an affiliate.

Effective guidelines to fight against Elder Abuse:

1) Help to enable older persons to act for themselves and on their own behalf

2) Be proactive to communicate that elder abuse happens and is a problem

3) Help others to perceive older adults more favorably as positive contributors to society

4) Break down the barrier of social isolation and encourage closer and positive contact between generations.

Listen to the facts about elder abuse … Believe those facts … Act on that belief.

Where can I get more information?

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse

         http://www.inpea.net/

           

National Center on Elder Abuse

         https://ncea.acl.gov/

 

The Elder Justice Coalition

        http://www.elderjusticecoalition.com/

 

Administration on Community Living

         https://www.acl.gov/search/node?keys=elder+abuse

 

National Council for Aging Care

http://www.aginginplace.org/guide-to-recognizing-elder-abuse/

How old do I have to be to qualify for the Senior Nutrition Program?

The Senior Nutrition Program provides a nutritious meal to persons age 60+ and/or the spouse of someone 60+ through Congregate Sites or by Home Delivery.

What are the qualifications for Homemaker Services?

Clients must be considered Adult Protective Service clients referred to the program by the Department of Human Services. Clients are referred from the Children’s Service Agency (CSA) due to neglect or need.s.

Is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program available in my county?

 

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is available in Blount County, Claiborne County, Campbell County, Anderson County, Knox County, Morgan County, Cocke County, Grainger County, Hamblen County, Jefferson County, Loudon County, Monroe County, Roane County, Scott County, Sevier County, and Union County