Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Checked through May 29, 2026. Tennessee aging programs, senior center schedules, county service areas, phone numbers, and funding can change. Always confirm details with the official office before you apply, travel to a center, or share personal papers.
Bottom line: Tennessee uses a statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging and Disability. Many people still say “Area Agency on Aging” or “AAA.” These offices can help older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and families find meals, rides, in-home help, Medicare counseling, caregiver support, senior centers, and long-term care help.
Urgent help in Tennessee
If someone is in danger right now, call 911. Do not wait for an aging office or senior center to open.
If you need to report abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an adult who cannot protect themselves because of a physical or mental limit, contact Tennessee Human Services through Adult Protective Services. You can make a report even if the adult lives at home, with relatives, in a group home, or in a care facility.
For food, rent help, utility help, shelter, disaster help, or a nearby nonprofit, call 2-1-1. The TN 211 help line can connect callers with local programs by ZIP code.
For long-term care help, Medicare counseling, senior meals, rides, caregiver support, or a senior center referral, call 1-866-836-6678. The state says this number can direct callers to the nearest Area Agency on Aging and Disability. If your problem is tied to a bill due this week, our emergency Tennessee guide can help you sort the first calls before longer applications.
Best first step
For most Tennessee seniors, the best first step is simple: call 1-866-836-6678 and ask which Area Agency on Aging and Disability serves your county. Have your county, ZIP code, age, living situation, and main need ready.
The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging became a cabinet-level state agency on July 1, 2024. Older pages may still use the older commission name, but the current state site uses Department of Disability and Aging for many aging services.
| Need | Best first call | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not sure where to begin | Statewide AAAD line | “Which office serves my county?” | The first call may be a referral, not the final answer. |
| Senior center | AAAD or local city/county office | “Where is the nearest senior center?” | Membership, lunch, rides, and fees can vary. |
| Meals at home | Your local AAAD | “Can I be screened for home-delivered meals?” | Routes and funding can limit service. |
| Medicare questions | TN SHIP | “Can I meet with a Medicare counselor?” | SHIP gives counseling, not sales calls. |
| Care at home | AAAD or TennCare | “Should I ask about OPTIONS or CHOICES?” | Programs use different rules. |
| Caregiver stress | Your local AAAD | “Is respite help open in my county?” | Help may depend on funding. |
| Housing or rent | 2-1-1 or local housing office | “Where is the open waitlist?” | Aging offices may refer you out. |
Tennessee snapshot for seniors
Official facts show why local help matters. Tennessee has large cities, small towns, mountain counties, and rural areas where one phone call can save time. The Census QuickFacts page gives statewide population and age data. For a broader state benefits overview, our Tennessee benefits guide can help you compare other kinds of help.
| Fact | Current figure or source | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| State population | About 7.3 million residents | Demand is high in both cities and rural counties. |
| Adults 65 and older | About 17.7% of Tennesseans | Many households may need aging services now or soon. |
| County coverage | All 95 counties | Each county should have an AAAD entry point. |
| AAAD regions | 9 regional offices | The right office depends on where the person lives. |
| Meal sites | More than 150 locations | Senior meals may be served at centers or other local sites. |
| 2024 meals served | More than 3.5 million meals | Nutrition support is one of the biggest aging programs. |
How to find your Tennessee AAAD
Tennessee has nine Area Agencies on Aging and Disability. They are regional offices. They help people find services by county, need, age, disability status, caregiver support, and local funding.
Use the statewide number first
Call 1-866-836-6678 and say your county. Ask the person to connect you with the AAAD that serves your area. This is usually faster than guessing from an old list.
Use the state directory second
The state AAAD directory is the best place to confirm current regional offices. County coverage and agency websites can change. Check the state page before copying a phone number into a family note.
Use local offices when you know your region
Some regional offices publish local help pages. For example, the Greater Nashville office has an aging helpline, and First Tennessee publishes a regional service directory for Northeast Tennessee. If you live in Nashville, our Nashville senior guide can help you add city calls. If you live near Memphis, our Memphis senior guide may help with local aid paths.
Tennessee AAAD directory
Use this table to get started. If you are not sure which region covers your county, call 1-866-836-6678 first.
| Region | City anchor | Phone to start | Official website | Good reason to call |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aging Commission of the Mid-South | Memphis | 901-222-4111 | Mid-South AAAD | Memphis-area meals, in-home help, caregiver help, senior centers, and referrals. |
| Northwest Tennessee AAAD | Martin | 731-587-4023 | Northwest AAAD | Northwest county referrals, senior center sites, home-delivered meals, and OPTIONS. |
| Southwest Tennessee AAAD | Jackson | 731-668-6967 | Southwest AAAD | Jackson-area and rural West Tennessee aging and disability services. |
| South Central Tennessee AAAD | Columbia / Mt. Pleasant | 1-866-836-6678 | South Central AAAD | County screening, caregiver support, transportation referrals, and local aging help. |
| Greater Nashville AAAD | Nashville | 615-255-1010 | GNRC aging help | Nashville and Mid-Cumberland referrals, assessments, and long-term care navigation. |
| Upper Cumberland AAAD | Cookeville | 931-432-4111 | Upper Cumberland AAAD | Upper Cumberland meals, caregiver support, benefits help, and transportation referrals. |
| Southeast Tennessee AAAD | Chattanooga | 1-866-836-6678 | Southeast AAAD | Chattanooga-area aging services, MyRide, benefits help, and caregiver support. |
| East Tennessee AAAD | Knoxville | 1-866-836-6678 | East TN AAAD | East Tennessee information, home services, Medicare counseling, and county offices. |
| First Tennessee AAAD | Johnson City | 423-928-3258 | First TN AAAD | Northeast Tennessee referrals, SHIP, senior centers, housing, and transportation. |
How to find senior centers in Tennessee
This page now also helps readers who were looking for senior centers in Tennessee. A senior center is not always the same as an AAAD office. Some centers are run by a city, county, parks department, nonprofit, or local aging agency. Some focus on meals and social activities. Others offer fitness, classes, trips, benefits counseling, transportation referrals, caregiver support, or a place to ask for local help.
Start with the state senior center finder. It lets you search by county, city, address, or ZIP code. The state also posts a printable center list, but call before you visit because hours and programs can change.
If you want classes, computer help, fitness, or lifelong learning, our free classes guide can help you ask better questions at a local center.
Questions to ask before you go
- Is the center open to my age group?
- Do I need to live in the city or county?
- Is there a membership fee?
- Does the center have lunch, and do I need to reserve it?
- Is transportation available or only a referral?
- Are exercise rooms, classes, or trips extra?
- Is the building accessible for walkers, wheelchairs, or hearing needs?
Reality check: A center can be very useful even if it does not handle benefit applications. Ask who visits the center for Medicare counseling, meals, legal aid, tax help, caregiver events, or AAAD screenings.
| Center | City or county | Verified phone | Official website | What it may help with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John T. O’Connor Senior Citizen Center | Knoxville / Knox County | 865-523-1135 | Knoxville page | Recreation, education, support groups, health and social services, and some transportation. |
| Lucille McWherter Senior Center | Memphis | 901-636-0790 | Memphis Parks | Leisure, athletics, nutrition programming, and activities for ages 55 and up. |
| Bartlett Senior Center | Bartlett / Shelby County | 901-385-6439 | Bartlett page | Activities for adults 50 and over; membership rules and fees apply. |
| Williamson County Enrichment Center | Franklin / Williamson County | 615-786-0186 | Enrichment Center | Senior activities, fitness, bingo, trips, arts, crafts, music, dance, and classes. |
| St. Clair Senior Center | Murfreesboro | 615-848-2550 | St. Clair page | Activities, travel, social connection, and programs for adults over 60. |
| Kingsport Senior Center | Kingsport / Sullivan County | 423-392-8400 | Kingsport page | Programs, services, trips, activities, and senior services help line. |
| Johnson City Senior Center | Johnson City / Washington County | 423-434-6237 | Johnson City page | Programs for adults 50 and over, special events, activities, and lunch menus. |
| Jonesborough Senior Center | Jonesborough / Washington County | 423-753-1084 | Jonesborough page | Fitness, meals, creative activities, wellness resources, and MyRide information. |
| Oak Ridge Senior Center | Oak Ridge / Anderson County | 865-425-3999 | Oak Ridge page | Recreation, classes, social activities, wood carving, and lunch program updates. |
| Union County Senior Citizen Center / Office on Aging | Maynardville / Union County | 865-992-3292 | Union County page | Congregate meals, transportation, information, outreach, reassurance calls, fitness, and errands. |
This is a sample, not a full statewide list. Tennessee has many more centers. If your town is not listed, use the state finder, call your AAAD, or ask your city or county parks office.
Main help you can ask about
An AAAD is not one single program. It is a front door for many kinds of help. The right answer depends on age, county, income, health needs, disability status, caregiver support, and local funding.
Information and Assistance
What it helps with: Information and Assistance can help you sort the right place to call. This may include meals, rides, caregiver support, benefits screening, Medicare counseling, in-home help, or a local nonprofit.
Who may qualify: Older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and people helping a loved one may call. The call itself is a starting point, not a full benefit approval.
Where to apply: Call 1-866-836-6678 or contact your regional AAAD. The state Information and Assistance page explains this entry point.
Reality check: The person on the phone may need to transfer you. Write down the office name, the next phone number, and what papers to gather.
Meals and food support
What it helps with: Tennessee’s aging nutrition network can provide meals at group sites and home-delivered meals for people who meet local rules. Meal sites may include senior centers, community groups, or senior housing.
Who may qualify: Congregate meals are generally for adults age 60 and over and eligible spouses. Home-delivered meals usually require a screening.
Where to apply: Call your AAAD and ask about the Aging Nutrition program in your county.
Reality check: Meals are not always instant. Routes, drivers, kitchen capacity, and funding can affect start dates. If you need food today, call 2-1-1 and ask about food pantries too.
In-home help through OPTIONS
What it helps with: OPTIONS is a state-funded home and community-based services program. It may help with personal care, homemaker help, or home-delivered meals for people at risk of needing facility care.
Who may qualify: Tennessee says OPTIONS can serve adults age 18 or older who live in Tennessee and have limits with daily living tasks. Title III-B home services are tied to adults age 60 or older with daily living limits.
Where to apply: Contact your AAAD and ask for screening through the state HCBS page for details.
Reality check: OPTIONS is not full-time home care. Tennessee says there is no income rule for OPTIONS, but a sliding fee may apply based on income. Services can depend on the local budget.
Caregiver support
What it helps with: Caregiver programs may help with counseling, support groups, training, respite, adult day care, personal care, homemaker help, and other support that gives caregivers a break.
Who may qualify: Help may be available to people caring for adults age 60 or older, people caring for adults with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, and some grandparents or relatives age 55 or older caring for a child.
Where to apply: Ask your AAAD about the caregiver program and local respite options.
Reality check: Caregiver help is often limited. There may be waiting lists, caps, or only certain services open in your county. Our family caregiver guide can help you compare other paths.
Medicare counseling through TN SHIP
What it helps with: TN SHIP gives free, unbiased counseling about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and related questions.
Who may qualify: Medicare beneficiaries, people soon turning 65, people with disabilities who have Medicare, caregivers, and family members may ask for help.
Where to apply: Call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 or use the state TN SHIP page. Our Medicare Savings guide can help you understand cost-saving terms before you call.
Reality check: SHIP does not sell plans. During Medicare open enrollment, appointments can fill fast.
Rides and transportation
What it helps with: Transportation help may include local ride programs, volunteer rides, medical trips, grocery trips, or referrals to county transit.
Who may qualify: Rules differ by program. Some programs serve older adults who can walk on their own or with a cane or walker. Others may focus on medical trips or rural transit.
Where to apply: Ask your AAAD whether MyRide TN or another ride option is open near you.
Reality check: Ride programs may require advance notice. They may give medical rides first. Some programs charge small fees or ask for donations.
Long-term care ombudsman
What it helps with: The Long-Term Care Ombudsman helps residents of nursing homes, assisted care living facilities, homes for the aged, and adult care homes. The ombudsman can help with complaints, rights, transfers, discharges, and quality-of-life concerns.
Who may qualify: Residents, family members, friends, and concerned people can contact the program. The resident’s wishes guide what the ombudsman can do.
Where to apply: Use the state ombudsman page or call the number listed by the state.
Reality check: The ombudsman is not the police and is not the facility regulator. If someone is in danger, call 911. If abuse is suspected, report it right away.
TennCare CHOICES
What it helps with: CHOICES is Tennessee’s long-term services and supports program for some older adults and adults with physical disabilities. It may help with care at home, in the community, or in a nursing facility.
Who may qualify: TennCare says CHOICES is for adults age 65 or older and adults age 21 or older with physical disabilities who meet program rules. Medical need, financial rules, and TennCare eligibility matter.
Where to apply: Start with the TennCare CHOICES page or use TennCare Connect. Our Tennessee portals guide can help you avoid the wrong site.
Reality check: An AAAD can explain local options, but TennCare controls CHOICES eligibility. If housing is the bigger problem, our Tennessee housing guide can help you sort housing calls.
What to have ready before you call
You do not need every document for the first call. Still, it helps to have basic facts ready so the office can send you to the right person.
| Have this ready | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| County and ZIP code | Services are routed by region and county. |
| Age and disability status | Some programs use age or disability rules. |
| Main need | Meals, rides, Medicare help, home care, senior centers, and caregiver help use different paths. |
| Living situation | Living alone, with family, in assisted living, or in a nursing home can change the next step. |
| Income range | Some programs may ask about income or sliding fees. |
| Urgent deadline | Shutoff notices, discharge dates, and eviction papers need faster routing. |
| Transportation limits | This helps the office decide whether meals, rides, or a closer center make sense. |
If disability support is part of the issue, our disabled seniors guide can help you make a better call list.
Phone scripts you can use
Keep your first call short. The goal is to reach the right office and ask for the right screening.
Script 1: Find the right AAAD
“Hello. I live in [county] County, Tennessee. I am calling for help for a person who is [age]. We need help with [meals, rides, Medicare, caregiver support, home care, senior center, or another need]. Which Area Agency on Aging and Disability serves us, and what number should I call next?”
Script 2: Ask about senior centers
“Hello. I am trying to find a senior center near [town or ZIP code]. Do you know which center serves my area? Do they offer lunch, transportation, exercise classes, benefits counseling, or caregiver events?”
Script 3: Ask about meals
“Hello. I want to ask about senior meals in [county]. Can you tell me if there are meal sites near [town], and whether home-delivered meals are open? What screening do you need, and is there a waiting list?”
Script 4: Ask about care at home
“Hello. I am trying to keep [myself / my parent / my spouse] safely at home. We need help with [bathing, meals, housekeeping, respite, rides, or transfers]. Should we ask about OPTIONS, Title III-B services, CHOICES, or another program?”
Local and official resources
Tennessee aging help is local. A statewide number may start the process, but the final answer often comes from a regional office, county partner, meal provider, transit provider, housing office, or TennCare.
| Resource | Use it for | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| State resource maps | Local services and program lists | The state resource maps can point you in the right direction. |
| Other helpful numbers | SHIP, ombudsman, abuse reports, disability help | The state helpful numbers page keeps key contacts together. |
| Eldercare Locator | Help outside Tennessee | The federal Eldercare Locator can find aging offices in other states. |
| Local senior center | Classes, meals, social activities, wellness checks | Ask whether benefits counselors or AAAD workers visit the center. |
| Local housing office | Rent, senior housing, waitlists | Aging offices may refer housing-only problems to housing programs. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an old county list: Always check the current state directory before calling.
- Driving to a center without calling: Lunch, rides, fees, classes, and hours can change.
- Calling Medicare for meal help: Medicare does not run local meal routes. Start with the AAAD.
- Calling the AAAD for every housing waitlist: Housing help often goes through housing authorities, 2-1-1, or local nonprofits.
- Thinking every service is free: Some programs are free, some ask for donations, and some use sliding fees.
- Waiting too long: Meal routes, respite vouchers, and home-care help can take time.
- Not writing names down: Keep a call log with dates, phone numbers, and next steps.
What to do if you are delayed or overwhelmed
If no one calls back, call again and ask for the direct phone number for the program you need. If you were told there is a waiting list, ask what other option is open now. If you need help today, call 2-1-1 while you wait for the AAAD to respond.
If you are helping someone else, ask what permission the office needs before it can discuss private details with you. Some offices can share general information, but not case details without consent.
If you cannot keep forms straight, ask the AAAD whether a benefits counselor, senior center staff member, legal aid office, or trusted nonprofit can help you organize papers.
Resumen en español
En Tennessee, las oficinas locales se llaman Area Agencies on Aging and Disability. Estas oficinas pueden ayudar a personas mayores, adultos con discapacidades, cuidadores y familias a encontrar comidas, transporte, ayuda en el hogar, apoyo para cuidadores, consejería de Medicare, centros para personas mayores y recursos de cuidado a largo plazo.
Para encontrar la oficina que sirve a su condado, llame al 1-866-836-6678. Tenga listo su condado, código postal, edad, necesidad principal y cualquier fecha urgente. Si hay peligro inmediato, llame al 911. Para comida, renta, servicios públicos o refugio, llame al 2-1-1.
Los centros para personas mayores pueden ofrecer comidas, actividades sociales, clases, ejercicio, transporte o ayuda local, pero cada centro tiene sus propias reglas. Llame antes de visitar para confirmar horarios, costos, membresía, comida y transporte.
FAQs
What is an Area Agency on Aging in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the official local agencies are called Area Agencies on Aging and Disability. They connect older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and families to local meals, in-home help, Medicare counseling, caregiver support, rides, senior centers, and long-term care help.
What number do I call to find my Tennessee AAAD?
Call 1-866-836-6678 from anywhere in Tennessee. The state says this line can direct callers to the nearest Area Agency on Aging and Disability.
How do I find a senior center in Tennessee?
Use the state senior center finder, call your AAAD, or ask your city or county parks office. Call the center before you go because hours, lunch programs, transportation, fees, and membership rules can change.
Do Tennessee senior centers cost money?
It depends on the center. Some activities may be free, some may ask for donations, and some centers have membership or class fees. Ask the center before you attend.
Can an AAAD help with Meals on Wheels in Tennessee?
Yes. Ask your local AAAD about congregate meals and home-delivered meals. Home-delivered meals usually require an intake review, and waiting lists can happen.
Can a caregiver call the AAAD?
Yes. Caregivers can call for help with respite, training, support groups, home-care options, and local programs. Some caregiver services depend on age, relationship, need, and local funding.
Is TN SHIP part of the AAAD network?
TN SHIP works with trained counselors and local sites to give free, unbiased Medicare help. You can call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 or ask your AAAD where to get local counseling.
Can an AAAD approve TennCare CHOICES?
No. TennCare controls CHOICES eligibility and approval. An AAAD can help you understand local options and may point you to the right application or screening path.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Next review: August 29, 2026
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
Editorial note: This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Verification: Last verified May 29, 2026, next review August 29, 2026.
Corrections: Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we will respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the official program before acting.
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