The aging of our population drives many local, state and federal elder policies and has led to increased attention to the needs of seniors. The state of Tennessee is no exception to this aging trend; the median age in Tennessee is 37.2 years, slightly higher than the overall median U.S. age, which is 36.2 years. Over 24 percent of Tennessee citizens are older than 55 years and many need accurate information on Tennessee senior living options.
Fortunately, there are a variety of public resources that can help in finding living choices ranging from home care to assisted living to specializedAlzheimer’s care communities. State agencies, non-profits and watchdog organizations all provide valuable assistance. Here is a checklist of five key resource sites providing information on Tennessee senior living, as well as other important eldercare issues.
1. Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
This commission’s stated mission is to “bring together and leverage programs, resources and organizations to protect and ensure the quality of life and independence of older Tennesseans and adults with disabilities.” It provides a wide range of elder information, including caregiving, Alzheimer’s, elder abuse, and long-term ombudsman programs.
2. Tennessee Area Agencies on Aging and Disability
Nine area agencies on aging (AAADs) organized into regional county groupings across Tennessee provide “accurate and unbiased information on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability,” according to the website:
- First Tennessee AAAD
- East Tennessee AAAD
- Southeast Tennessee AAAD
- Upper Cumberland AAAD
- Greater Nashville AAAD
- South Central TN AAAD
- Northwest AAAD
- Southwest AAAD
- Aging Commission of the Mid-South AAAD
3. Tennessee Assisted Living Facilities
This comprehensive site offers data on costs of assisted living communities, admission requirements and scope of care. Visitors can also search currentTennessee senior living license status and find out who owns a particular assisted living community center, last licensing survey date, how many beds, and other important pieces of information that help individuals make informed decisions about their or their loved ones’ senior care.
4. National Clearinghouse on Long Term Care Information
Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this website provides information to help you and your family plan for long-term care needs. Included is information on Medicare/Medicaid coverage, long-term care insurance and senior living housing choices. Click on your state for more information on Tennessee senior living options.
This is a comprehensive listing of organizations that rate/report on the performance of health care providers; search for the state of Tennessee.
Choosing the right senior living situation for you or your loved ones is a critically important job and these resources should help you sort through all the information. Tell us about your experience searching for senior living options – what sites were the most helpful?
Looking for a caring senior care experience in Tennessee?
