Aging & Disability
About The Aging & Disability Department
Contact #: 1-866-836-6678
The South Central Tennessee Area Agency of Aging and Disability (AAAD) is the organization designated by the Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability to develop a comprehensive and coordinated community based system in South Central Tennessee to serve and represent people who are 60 years of age or older and adults with physical disabilities.
The role of the AAAD is to serve as advocates for the elderly and disabled adult population and to establish awareness of this role before the public and other organizations. When you call the AAAD, a professional resource specialist will provide you with accurate, up-to-date information about community resources and support. All calls are confidential, and there is no charge for information.
If a senior or an adult with a physical disability has a need contact us, even if you don’t see what you’re looking for on our website, we may be able to help!
AAAD specialists can help individuals with diverse needs:
- Older Persons
- Persons with disabilities age 18 and older
- Family members and caregivers
- Persons who would benefit from options counseling for long-term care/support
- Professionals in the fields of healthcare, education, social services and advocacy
How May We Help You
Our services are varied, and can help our constituents in numerous areas:
- In-Home Services: Support services, such as home-delivered meals, homemaker or personal care services, to help you or a loved one remain home as long as possible
- Medicare & Other Health Insurance: Free one-on-one counseling and assistance with Medicare and other health-related insurance products
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Assists residents and their families with resolving complaints in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living centers and boarding homes
- Senior Centers: Information on recreation, education and health promotion activities for older adults in your community
The Area Agency’s mission is to assure that the 60+ population and the 18+ population with physical disabilities in this thirteen-county district have the opportunity to realize their full potential and to participate completely in community life, work opportunities, and to receive appropriate support services as needed to maintain their independence as long as possible.
Options for Community Living
For those with physical disabilities and seniors in their golden years, independence is a treasure to be preserved as long as possible. The AAAD offers a number of services that provide assistance to our constituents so that they can remain independent and care for themselves.
The Options for Community Living Program provides a range of services to enable seniors and persons with physical disabilities to remain in their homes and community, and avoid unnecessary institutionalization. It is designed to assist individuals who do not yet qualify for nursing home care, but are in need of assistance to safely maintain independence in their home setting. This program provides in-home assistance to elderly (age 60 or older) and disabled adults (age 18-59). Eligibility for the Options for Community Living is determined by a home assessment conducted by a Service Coordinator/Case Manager.
Services include periodic assessment, homemaker services, personal care services, and home-delivered meals. Service delivery is based on the individuals need and available funding, and the individual may be required to contribute toward the cost of homemaker or personal care. There is no charge for meals.
For more information, call: 1-866-836-6678
Homemaker Services – Older Americans
Provides assistance to elderly persons with activities of daily living, such as: preparing meals, housework, and shopping.
For more information, call: 1-866-836-6678
TennCare CHOICES
The TennCare CHOICES in Long-Term Care (or ‘CHOICES’) is TennCare’s program for long-term care services. Long-term care includes help doing everyday activities that you may no longer be able to do for yourself as you grow older, or if you have a physical disability – like bathing, dressing, getting around your home, preparing meals, or doing household chores.
Services included in the CHOICES program include:
Consumer Direction is a way of getting some of the home care you need that offers more choice and control over WHO gives your home care and HOW your care is given than receiving CHOICES services and not consumer directing. You actually employ the people who provide some of your home care services – they work for you (instead of an agency). This means you must be able to do the things that an employer would do – like hire, train, and schedule workers. You can hire a family member, friend, neighbor, or other person you know to provide care in Consumer Direction, but there are some limitations. We want to support, but not replace, care already provided by family and friends. You’ll find out more if you sign up for CHOICES.
Short visits no more than 4 hours where someone will help you do things like get out of bed, take a bath, get dressed, fix and eat meals, or use the bathroom
The same kinds of help you would get with personal care visits, but for longer periods of time
A place you live that helps with personal care needs, homemaker services, and taking your medicine. You must pay for your room and board.
A home where you and no more than 4 other people live with a health care professional that takes care of special health and long-term care needs. Under state law, this is available only for people who are ventilator dependent or who have traumatic brain injury. You must pay for your room and board.
Someone you hire who lives with you in your home to help with personal care or homemaker services whenever you need it. This is available only for people in consumer direction who need care throughout the day and night that can’t be provided by unpaid caregivers. And only when it costs no more than other kinds of home care that would meet your needs.
A meal that meets 1/3 RDA is delivered to your home
A call button so you can get help in an emergency
A place that provides supervised care and activities during the day
Someone to stay with you in your home for a short time so your caregiver can get some rest
A short stay in a nursing home or assisted care living facility so your caregiver can get some rest
Certain low-cost items that help you do things more easily or safely in your home like grabbers to reach things
Changes to your home that will help you get around more easily and safely like grab bars or a wheelchair ramp
Spraying your home for bugs or mice
Places that offer care and support for someone who can no longer live alone, like an Assisted Care Living Facility
