The Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability is committed to ensuring that our aging population is protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We actively work with other organizations to provide awareness, education, and networking opportunities through the Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition (UCAAC). 

We are able to connect clients to emergency services for older and vulnerable adult victims of crime (Collaborative Response to Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse – CREVAA) and provide services that address the unmet needs resulting from self-neglect of older and vulnerable adults (Collaborative Response to End Self-Neglect in Tennessee – CREST).

Senior Medicare Patrols, or SMP, empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.

Aging in place is important because it allows older adults to maintain independence, stay in familiar surroundings, and preserve their emotional well-being.

We offer several programs to help older adults maintain their independence including helping with tasks like shopping, meal prep, and light housework (TennCare’s Choices and Home and Community-Based Services).

We partner with local senior/activity centers to provide nutritious meals to clients through our home delivered meal program. Eligible participants can also receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, (formerly food stamps) benefits to help purchase food for their families. Each month, SNAP helps 3 million low-income seniors (age 60+) put food on the table, with an average benefit of $122/month.

Family members take on the crucial role of providing long-term care for older adults and individuals with disabilities These dedicated family caregivers help their loved ones with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, walking, and more; making it possible for many to continue living in their own homes and communities, ensuring comfort and connection with family. Our team provides resources and support to help these family caregivers.

We work with community partners to provide free legal assistance in specified laws for those 60 and older; providing legal assistance, which may include advice, counseling, and representation, in areas of law including, but not limited to, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), insurance problems, Medicare, Medicaid, TennCare, elder abuse, and other legal matters.

Our Ombudsman program provides advocacy services to persons residing in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted care living facilities, and homes for the aged. The District Long-Term Care Ombudsman can assist with questions about long-term care facilities, investigate complaints against facilities and assist in the resolution of problems.

Navigating Medicare and related insurance can be difficult. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, provides free, unbiased information to help clients explore their options. While the SHIP does not endorse or sell any insurance products, our team helps thousands of Medicare beneficiaries save significantly on healthcare costs each year.

Senior Medicare Patrols, or SMP, empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.

 

 

We partner with local senior/activity centers to provide nutritious meals to clients through our home delivered meal program. Eligible participants can also receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, (formerly food stamps) benefits to help purchase food for their families. Each month, SNAP helps 3 million low-income seniors (age 60+) put food on the table, with an average benefit of $122/month.

Through the Congregate Meal program, we work closely with area senior and adult activity centers to provide nutritionally balanced meals in a social setting.

The AAAD is here to help as your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), offering guidance and support for adults 60 and older, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and anyone seeking information on behalf of a loved one. Whether you’re exploring available services, looking for specific programs, or just need advice, we’re a friendly, knowledgeable resource. Our up-to-date community resource database ensures you’ll get the right information when you need it most. Reach out to our Information and Assistance (I&A) team anytime by email, phone at 1-866-836-6678, or stop by for a personal visit—we’re here to help!