Area Agencies on Aging in Tennessee

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging and Disability in Tennessee (2026)

Last updated: January 05, 2026

Emergency Resources and Immediate Assistance

Call 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies, medical crises, or situations involving immediate physical danger.

For urgent aging and disability assistance:

• Tennessee Adult Protective Services: 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) – Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential crisis support available 24/7
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Mental health emergency intervention and support
• 2-1-1 Tennessee: Dial 2-1-1 – Connect with local emergency resources and community services

For immediate aging services:

• Statewide Helpline: 1-866-836-6678 – Connect with your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability
• Contact your regional AAAD for emergency food, transportation, and shelter assistance

Essential Tennessee Aging Services Overview

• Tennessee has 9 Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAADs) serving all 95 counties
• Services available for seniors 60+ and adults with disabilities regardless of income for many programs
• TennCare CHOICES program provides Medicaid-funded home and community-based services
• OPTIONS for Community Living offers state-funded services with sliding scale fees
• No asset limits for basic information services – anyone can call for help and guidance
• Consumer direction options available allowing you to hire and manage your own caregivers
• Strong rural service networks adapted for Tennessee’s diverse geographic regions

Understanding Tennessee’s Aging and Disability Services

Tennessee operates a comprehensive aging and disability services network designed to help older adults and people with disabilities maintain independence and quality of life in their communities. The system recognizes Tennessee’s diverse geography, from urban centers like Nashville and Memphis to rural mountain communities in East Tennessee and agricultural regions in West Tennessee.

The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability serves as the state’s coordinating body, working within the Department of Human Services to develop policies, distribute funding, and ensure quality standards. The Commission oversees a network of 9 Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAADs) that deliver services at the regional level.

What makes Tennessee unique is its integrated approach to aging and disability services. Rather than separate systems, Tennessee’s AAADs serve both older adults and people with disabilities of all ages, creating a more streamlined and comprehensive support network. This integration reflects Tennessee’s commitment to person-centered care that addresses individual needs rather than categorical limitations.

Tennessee’s system also emphasizes consumer choice and direction, recognizing that individuals and families are best positioned to determine their own care preferences and arrangements.

Tennessee’s 9 Area Agencies on Aging and Disability

Note: Contact information may change. Always verify current details by calling the statewide helpline at 1-866-836-6678 or visiting the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability website.

Core Services Provided by Tennessee AAADs

Information and Assistance Services

Every Tennessee AAAD provides comprehensive information and assistance to help residents navigate available resources and access appropriate services. Professional staff members offer guidance on:

• Complete benefit eligibility assessments and application assistance
• TennCare CHOICES and OPTIONS program navigation
• Medicare enrollment, plan comparisons, and appeals assistance
• Community resource identification and service coordination
• Crisis intervention and emergency planning assistance
• Healthcare advocacy and system navigation support

These foundational services require no eligibility criteria – anyone can contact their AAAD for information and assistance.

Nutrition and Meal Programs

Tennessee AAADs operate extensive nutrition programs recognizing that proper nutrition is essential for maintaining health and independence as we age.

Community Meal Programs: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, faith-based organizations, and other gathering places throughout Tennessee. These programs provide more than nutrition – they offer social interaction, health education, and community connection. Suggested donations range from $2-5, but no one is refused service for inability to contribute.

Home-Delivered Meal Services: For seniors who are homebound or have difficulty preparing meals, AAADs coordinate comprehensive meal delivery programs. Services include hot meals, frozen meal packages, and specialized diets for medical conditions. Volunteers provide regular wellness checks during deliveries.

Nutrition Education and Counseling: AAADs offer nutrition education classes, dietary counseling for chronic conditions, and assistance accessing federal nutrition programs like SNAP and commodity food distribution.

Tennessee Reality: Weather and rural geography can impact meal delivery schedules. AAADs maintain emergency food supplies and backup delivery plans for severe weather situations common in Tennessee.

Transportation Services

Transportation represents a critical need across Tennessee, particularly in rural and mountainous regions. AAADs address this challenge through diverse, locally-adapted programs:

Medical Transportation: Priority transportation for healthcare appointments, dialysis, physical therapy, and medical treatments. Many AAADs operate specialized vehicles equipped for wheelchair access and medical equipment transport.

Essential Transportation: Scheduled rides for grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, banking, and other necessary errands. Rural AAADs often coordinate regional shopping trips to larger towns and cities.

Volunteer Driver Programs: Many AAADs recruit and train volunteer drivers to provide flexible, personalized transportation services. These programs are particularly effective in rural areas where traditional transit options are limited.

Transportation Voucher Programs: Some AAADs provide vouchers for taxi services, public transit, or ride-sharing programs to supplement direct transportation services.

Service Note: Tennessee’s mountainous terrain and weather patterns can affect transportation availability. Schedule medical appointments 3-7 days in advance, and maintain backup transportation plans during winter months.

Legal Assistance and Advocacy

AAADs provide free legal assistance for seniors and people with disabilities in civil matters affecting their safety, independence, and financial security. Common legal issues include:

• TennCare and Medicare disputes and appeals processes
• Social Security disability and retirement benefit problems
• Housing discrimination and landlord-tenant disputes
• Consumer protection and financial exploitation cases
• Basic estate planning including wills and advance directives
• Family law matters affecting older adults and people with disabilities
• Public benefit denials and administrative hearings

Legal services are provided through staff attorneys, partnerships with legal aid organizations, and volunteer attorney programs.

Medicare and Insurance Counseling

Tennessee AAADs participate in the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP), providing unbiased counseling on Medicare and insurance matters:

• Medicare enrollment assistance and annual plan reviews
• Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plan evaluations
• Part D prescription drug plan selection and optimization
• Claims appeals and billing dispute resolution
• Medicare fraud education and reporting assistance
• Long-term care insurance counseling and planning

SHIP counselors receive extensive federal training and provide completely objective advice with no financial interest in insurance products or decisions.

Care Coordination and Case Management

For individuals with complex needs, AAADs provide comprehensive case management services to coordinate multiple services and ensure appropriate care:

• Comprehensive functional and psychosocial assessments
• Individualized care plan development and implementation
• Ongoing service monitoring and plan adjustments
• Healthcare system navigation and provider coordination
• Crisis intervention and emergency response planning
• Family conference facilitation and caregiver education

Family Caregiver Support Programs

Tennessee AAADs operate extensive caregiver support programs recognizing that family caregivers provide the majority of long-term care in the state:

Education and Training: Comprehensive workshops on caregiving techniques, stress management, understanding medical conditions, and recognizing when professional intervention is needed.

Support Groups and Counseling: Peer support groups facilitated by trained professionals and individual counseling services to help caregivers manage emotional and practical challenges.

Respite Care Services: Temporary care arrangements allowing family caregivers essential time for rest, personal appointments, or other responsibilities. Options include in-home companions, adult day programs, and short-term residential care.

Supplemental Support Services: Limited funding for services not covered by other programs, including emergency respite, assistive devices, home safety modifications, and specialized caregiver training materials.

Tennessee Medicaid Waiver Programs

Tennessee offers comprehensive Medicaid waiver programs that help eligible seniors and people with disabilities receive care at home and in community settings rather than institutional facilities.

TennCare CHOICES in Long-Term Services and Supports

Tennessee’s primary Medicaid long-term care program operates under the TennCare managed care system and provides comprehensive services for individuals who require nursing home-level care but prefer to remain in their communities.

CHOICES Groups and Services:

Group 1 – Nursing Facility Services: For individuals who choose to receive care in nursing facilities with comprehensive medical and personal care services.

Group 2 – Home and Community-Based Services: For individuals who require nursing home-level care but choose to receive services at home or in community settings.

Group 3 – Community-Based Alternatives: For individuals who need some support services but do not require nursing home-level care.

Available Services Include:

• Personal care assistance with activities of daily living
• Homemaker services including meal preparation and light housekeeping
• Adult day care programs with health monitoring and social activities
• Assisted living services in community residential settings
• Assistive technology and durable medical equipment
• Home modifications and environmental accessibility adaptations
• Personal emergency response systems and monitoring
• Transportation for medical appointments and essential errands
• Consumer-directed services allowing participant choice of caregivers

2026 Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 65 years of age or older, OR 21 years or older with a physical disability
• Must require nursing home level of care as determined by assessment
• Must be Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) eligible
• Income limit: $2,901 per month (300% of Federal Benefit Rate)
• Asset limit: $2,000 for individuals, with spousal protections for married couples
• Must choose community-based care over nursing home placement

Consumer Direction Option: CHOICES participants can choose to direct their own care through Consumer Direct Care Network Tennessee (CDTN), allowing them to hire, train, and manage their own caregivers, including eligible family members.

Employment and Community First CHOICES (ECF CHOICES)

This program serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, providing comprehensive home and community-based services to promote independence and community integration.

Katie Beckett Program

Tennessee’s Katie Beckett program provides Medicaid coverage and home and community-based services for children with disabilities whose families would not otherwise qualify for Medicaid due to income levels.

Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living

The OPTIONS program provides state-funded services for older adults and people with disabilities who may not qualify for Medicaid but need support to remain independent in their communities.

Key Features:

• No strict income limits – services provided on a sliding scale based on ability to pay
• No asset limits – priority given to those with limited resources
• Services available regardless of TennCare eligibility
• Focus on preventing the need for institutional care

Available Services:

• Personal care assistance with daily living activities
• Homemaker services and light housekeeping
• Home-delivered meals and nutrition support
• Minor home modifications for safety and accessibility
• Personal emergency response systems
• Transportation assistance for essential needs
• Information and assistance services

Cost Structure:

• Free services for individuals with income up to 150% of poverty level
• Sliding scale fees for those with higher incomes
• Full cost payment required for incomes over 600% of SSI payment level

Special Population Services in Tennessee

Rural and Mountain Communities

Tennessee’s diverse geography presents unique challenges that AAADs address through innovative service delivery approaches:

Rural Service Adaptations:

• Mobile service units bringing services directly to remote communities
• Consolidated service delivery combining multiple programs in single visits
• Extended service areas with specialized transportation solutions
• Faith-based and volunteer partnerships extending service reach
• Emergency preparedness planning for isolated areas

Mountain Community Services:

• Weather-adaptive programming and service delivery
• Specialized transportation for mountainous terrain
• Emergency communication systems for isolated residents
• Seasonal service adjustments for winter accessibility
• Community-based volunteer networks

Cultural and Religious Communities

Tennessee AAADs serve diverse communities with respect for cultural and religious traditions:

Faith-Based Community Partnerships: Many AAADs work closely with churches and religious organizations while maintaining secular service availability for all residents.

Hispanic/Latino Seniors: Growing communities receive bilingual services, culturally appropriate programming, and partnerships with Hispanic organizations.

African American Communities: Specialized outreach and culturally competent services address historical barriers to service access.

Appalachian Communities: Services adapted for traditional mountain communities with emphasis on local customs and extended family networks.

Veterans and Military Families

Tennessee has a substantial veteran population, and AAADs coordinate extensively with VA services:

Veteran-Specific Services:

• Assistance accessing VA medical care and disability benefits
• Transportation to VA medical centers in Nashville, Memphis, and Mountain Home
• Help with VA pension and healthcare applications
• Coordination between AAAD services and VA home and community-based programs
• Honor guard and military burial coordination

Key Resources:

• Tennessee Department of Veterans Services: 615-741-2345
• VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System: 615-327-4751
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1

LGBTQ+ Seniors

Tennessee AAADs work to ensure welcoming, inclusive services for LGBTQ+ seniors:

• Staff training on LGBTQ+ cultural competency and sensitivity
• Non-discrimination policies clearly communicated and enforced
• Referrals to LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare and social services
• Partnerships with Tennessee Equality Project and local LGBTQ+ organizations
• Confidential support for seniors facing family rejection or social isolation

Seniors and Adults with Disabilities

AAADs serve people with disabilities of all ages, providing specialized support for:

• Physical disabilities and mobility limitations
• Cognitive impairments including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Sensory impairments including vision and hearing loss
• Mental health conditions affecting daily functioning
• Multiple or complex disability conditions

Accessing Services: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Contact Your Regional AAAD

Use the directory above to identify which AAAD serves your county, then call their main number during business hours. Alternatively, call the statewide helpline at 1-866-836-6678 to be connected to your local AAAD.

Step 2: Initial Consultation and Screening

AAAD staff will conduct an initial consultation covering:

• Your current living situation and support network
• Specific services or assistance you’re seeking
• Health status and functional capabilities
• Financial situation for income-based programs
• Immediate safety concerns or urgent needs

This conversation typically takes 20-30 minutes and helps staff determine appropriate next steps.

Step 3: Comprehensive Assessment (When Required)

For ongoing services or waiver programs, you may need a detailed assessment:

• Telephone Assessment: For basic services like meal programs or information services
• Office-Based Assessment: For case management or complex service coordination
• Home Assessment: For CHOICES waiver programs, home modifications, or safety evaluations

Assessments evaluate physical and cognitive functioning, safety concerns, social support systems, and service preferences.

Step 4: Service Planning and Authorization

Based on your assessment, AAAD staff will:

• Explain available services and program eligibility requirements
• Assist with applications for TennCare CHOICES, OPTIONS, or other benefits
• Develop a comprehensive, individualized service plan
• Make referrals to other agencies and community organizations
• Schedule and coordinate ongoing services and supports

Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Support

AAADs provide continued assistance through:

• Regular contact to assess changing needs and circumstances
• Annual reassessments for waiver program participants
• Assistance accessing new services as needs evolve
• Advocacy when service problems or barriers arise
• Crisis intervention and emergency response coordination

Program Costs and Financial Assistance

No-Cost Services

These services are available without charge to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance consultations
• Medicare counseling and benefits assistance
• Legal consultations and advice
• Case management and service coordination
• Caregiver education and support groups

Donation-Based Services

These services have suggested donation amounts but cannot deny service for inability to pay:

• Community meal programs ($2-5 suggested donation)
• Home-delivered meals ($3-6 suggested donation)
• Transportation services ($2-5 suggested donation per trip)
• Social activities and educational programs

Income-Based Services

Some services use sliding fee scales based on household income:

• OPTIONS program personal care and homemaker services
• Adult day programs
• Extended respite care services
• Home modification projects

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered through:

• TennCare CHOICES waiver programs
• Medicare for medically necessary services
• Veterans benefits for eligible veterans and spouses
• Private insurance (limited coverage)
• Tennessee state-funded programs like OPTIONS

Financial Reality: Even free services operate with limited funding, creating potential waiting lists, reduced service levels during budget constraints, and possible service interruptions. Donations help programs serve more people and maintain service quality.

Quality Assurance and Consumer Protection

Program Standards and Oversight

Tennessee AAADs must meet stringent standards for:

• Staff training and professional qualifications
• Service quality and safety protocols
• Financial accountability and management
• Cultural competency and non-discrimination practices
• Privacy protection and confidentiality requirements

Monitoring and Accountability

AAADs are regularly monitored by:

• Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent financial and programmatic auditors
• Local advisory councils and governing boards
• Consumer feedback and complaint systems

Complaint Resolution Process

If you experience problems with services:

1. Address concerns with your service provider – Many issues can be resolved quickly at the direct service level
2. Contact the AAAD supervisor or director – Each AAAD has formal complaint procedures and consumer advocacy
3. File a complaint with the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability – State-level intervention and investigation
4. Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – For issues with nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or adult care homes

Your Rights as a Service Recipient

You have the right to:

• Respectful, dignified treatment regardless of background, circumstances, or ability to pay
• Services provided without discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Confidential handling of personal, medical, and financial information
• Active participation in decisions about your care and services
• File complaints without fear of retaliation or service termination
• Receive services that meet established professional and safety standards

Regional Service Highlights

East Tennessee (ETHRA, First Tennessee, Southeast Tennessee)

• Strong healthcare partnerships with regional medical centers
• Specialized services for Appalachian communities
• Extensive volunteer networks through faith-based organizations
• Rural transportation solutions adapted for mountainous terrain

Middle Tennessee (GNRC, Upper Cumberland, South Central)

• Comprehensive urban services in Nashville metropolitan area
• Strong public-private partnerships and volunteer programs
• University collaborations providing research and educational opportunities
• Diverse cultural programming and multilingual services

West Tennessee (Northwest, Southwest, Memphis)

• Agricultural community specialized programming
• Extensive rural service delivery networks
• Strong coordination with Memphis medical and social service systems
• Mississippi River Delta regional coordination

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between CHOICES and OPTIONS programs in Tennessee?

CHOICES is Tennessee’s Medicaid waiver program for people who need nursing home-level care but want to live at home or in the community. It requires TennCare eligibility and has strict income ($2,901/month) and asset ($2,000) limits. OPTIONS is a state-funded program with more flexible eligibility – no asset limits and sliding scale fees based on income. OPTIONS serves people who need some support but may not qualify for Medicaid or require nursing home-level care.

Can I hire family members to provide care through Tennessee’s programs?

Yes, through consumer direction options in both CHOICES and OPTIONS programs, you can often hire family members to provide personal care services. However, spouses and legal guardians typically cannot be paid caregivers. Adult children, siblings, and other relatives may be eligible if they meet provider qualifications and complete required training. The Consumer Direct Care Network Tennessee (CDTN) handles payroll and tax responsibilities for consumer-directed caregivers.

How do Tennessee’s rural areas receive aging services?

Tennessee AAADs use innovative approaches for rural service delivery including mobile service units, volunteer driver networks, faith-based partnerships, and consolidated service visits. Some AAADs coordinate regional shopping trips and provide extended-range transportation for medical specialists in urban areas. However, rural residents should expect longer travel times for some services and may need to plan further in advance, especially during winter weather.

What happens if I move between counties in Tennessee?

Services don’t automatically transfer when you move between counties served by different AAADs. You’ll need to contact the AAAD in your new county to reestablish services. However, if you’re receiving CHOICES waiver services, the transition is typically seamless since it’s a statewide program, though you may be assigned a new case manager. Your assessment information and service history can usually be shared between AAADs to speed up the process.

Are there waiting lists for Tennessee aging services?

Basic services like information and assistance, meal programs, and transportation typically don’t have waiting lists, though you may need to schedule services in advance. TennCare CHOICES currently doesn’t have waiting lists for people who need the highest level of care, but there may be waiting periods for moderate-need services. The OPTIONS program generally doesn’t have waiting lists but may prioritize people with lower incomes and fewer resources.

How does Tennessee handle elder abuse and neglect?

Tennessee has mandatory elder abuse reporting laws. Contact Adult Protective Services immediately at 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) or report online. For immediate danger, call 911. APS investigates abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. You can report anonymously, and there are legal protections for people who report suspected abuse in good faith. Each AAAD also has trained staff who can help with abuse prevention and reporting.

What Medicare help is available in Tennessee?

Every AAAD provides free Medicare counseling through the Tennessee SHIP program. Trained counselors help with Medicare enrollment, plan comparisons, understanding benefits, appeals processes, and fraud reporting. They provide completely unbiased advice and don’t sell insurance. Services include one-on-one counseling, community education presentations, and special assistance during Medicare open enrollment periods.

Can people with disabilities under 60 receive AAAD services?

Yes, Tennessee’s AAADs serve people with disabilities of all ages, not just seniors. The name “Area Agencies on Aging and Disability” reflects this dual mission. People with disabilities can access many of the same services as older adults, including case management, transportation, information and assistance, and waiver programs like ECF CHOICES for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What support is available for military veterans in Tennessee?

Tennessee AAADs coordinate extensively with VA services and provide specialized assistance for veterans. This includes help accessing VA benefits, transportation to VA medical facilities, coordination between civilian and military benefits, and assistance with VA pension applications. Tennessee has VA medical centers in Nashville, Memphis, and Mountain Home, and many AAADs have staff specifically trained in veteran issues.

How do I apply for TennCare CHOICES or OPTIONS programs?

For CHOICES, you can apply through TennCare Connect online, by phone, or at local Department of Human Services offices. Your local AAAD can help with the application process and provide preliminary screening. For OPTIONS, contact your local AAAD directly for screening and enrollment. They’ll assess your needs and determine which services you may be eligible for based on your income and circumstances.

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Important Disclaimers

Program details, contact information, eligibility requirements, and service availability can change without advance notice. While this guide reflects the most current information available as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the appropriate Area Agency on Aging and Disability or the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide provides general information only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and you should consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

For the most current information, contact:

• Statewide AAAD Helpline: 1-866-836-6678
• Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability: 615-741-2056
• Your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (see directory above)

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been thoroughly researched using verified government sources and official program documentation. Our research team systematically reviews federal and state aging program information to create accurate, comprehensive resources for older Americans and people with disabilities seeking support services and financial assistance.

Information Sources: All content is sourced from official government websites including the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability, Tennessee Department of Human Services, federal aging administration sites, and verified Area Agency on Aging and Disability documentation.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes comprehensive verification through cross-referencing multiple official sources, confirming current program status and contact information, verifying eligibility requirements and service availability, and checking for recent program changes or updates.

Currency and Updates:
• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Scheduled Review: April 2026

Important Note: Government programs and contact information can change rapidly. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend confirming all details directly with program administrators before applying for services or making decisions based on this information.

Report Errors or Updates: If you discover outdated information or know of additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details, eligibility requirements, and service availability with official sources before applying for services or making decisions based on this information.

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This resource is independently researched to help Tennessee seniors and people with disabilities access available support services and benefits programs.