Explainer

TN OPTIONS for Community Living

Published on
February 29, 2024
Last updated
February 29, 2024
Written by
Katie headshot
Katie Wilkinson
Reviewed by
Header image
This program provides care and support services to elderly and/or disabled Tennessee residents in their homes. OPTIONS also allows for self-directed care, meaning friends and family members (but not spouses) can be hired to provide personal care.
Available in:
Presented by Givers
Givers supports and pays people who are caring for their loved ones.
See If You're Eligible

Family caregivers dedicate themselves to their loved ones' well-being, managing countless responsibilities with unwavering compassion. From overseeing healthcare to promoting independence, their commitment deserves recognition and support. The Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living program understands these unique challenges. 

Recognizing the delicate balance between securing loved ones' independence and maintaining personal well-being, OPTIONS offers a personalized blend of services. This tailored support system complements existing care efforts, addressing individual needs with professional assistance.

Imagine the relief of having a helping hand with daily tasks, from medication management and transportation to companionship and social engagement. OPTIONS empowers family caregivers by lightening the load, letting them focus on the moments that truly matter: sharing stories, building cherished memories, and nurturing the joy of caregiving.

Overview of Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living

The Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living program is a state-funded initiative designed to provide care and support services to aging or disabled residents in their homes. It assists caregivers in maintaining their quality of life while avoiding or delaying the need for nursing home placement.

Objectives of Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living

The primary goals of the Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living program are to:

  • Enable elderly and disabled individuals to remain in their homes and communities as they age.
  • Provide many support services to help with activities of daily living and maintain independence.
  • Offer a reasonable alternative to institutionalized care for eligible individuals.
  • Reduce the caregiving burden on family members by providing essential services and resources.
FIND SUPPORT NOW

Can you get paid to care for your loved one?

woman smiling

Eligibility for Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living

To be eligible for the Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living program, care recipients must meet specific age, disability, residency, and financial criteria.

Age and residency requirements

  • Be a resident of Tennessee
  • Be 60 years of age or older
  • Needs aid with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
  • Be between 18 and 60 years of age and have a disability determined by the Office of Social Security

Health and disability requirements

  • Require assistance with ADLs and IADLs, such as mobility, toiletry, hygiene, dressing, light housekeeping, and cooking
  • Certified by a medical professional

Services offered under Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living

The Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living program understands family caregivers' unique challenges. They offer comprehensive services for each person's assessed needs and care plan, promoting independence and well-being for the family caregiver and the recipient. Services include:

  • Personal care assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and other activities of daily living (ADLs)
  • Homemaker services: Light housekeeping, laundry, and errands
  • Home-delivered meals: Nutritious meals delivered directly to the home
  • Case management: Ongoing support and coordination of care services
  • Personal emergency response systems: Prompt assistance in case of falls or emergencies
  • Bathroom access and safety modifications: Enhancing safety and accessibility in the home
  • Self-directed care option: Hiring and managing a friend or family member (excluding spouses) to provide certain services

This self-directed approach empowers you to choose the care model that best suits your family's needs and preferences, guaranteeing a comfortable and familiar environment for your loved one.

Personalized services, from assistance with daily tasks to safety modifications, reduce your burden and promote your loved one's independence and overall health. Breathe easier knowing they're cared for, and reclaim time for yourself. Call or email your Area Agency on Aging and Disability to see how OPTIONS can support you.

FIND SUPPORT NOW

Who are you caring for?

How do family caregivers get paid?

The Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living program allows for "self-directed care," meaning family caregivers (excluding spouses) can be hired to assist their loved ones. This option financially compensates family caregivers while allowing their loved ones to receive care from familiar, trusted individuals.

How to apply to Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living

Applying for the Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living program involves contacting your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) office and following a straightforward application process.

  1. Contact your local AAAD office to inquire about the program and express your interest in applying.
  2. Provide initial information about the applicant's age, disability status, and care needs.
  3. Schedule an in-home assessment to evaluate the applicant's care requirements and determine eligibility.
  4. Gather the required documentation, such as proof of residency, income information, and medical records.
  5. Send the finished application and necessary documents to the AAAD office for review and approval.

Documents needed:

When applying for the Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living program, you may need to provide the following documents:

  • Proof of residency in Tennessee (e.g., driver's license, utility bills)
  • Identification documents (e.g., birth certificate, Social Security card)
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Medical records and documentation of the individual's functional limitations and care needs

Where do I submit the documents?

All required documents should be submitted to the regional Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) office during the application process. The AAAD representative will provide specific instructions on submitting the necessary documentation.

Embrace OPTIONS for your loved one

Caring for a loved one is a profoundly personal journey filled with precious moments and demanding responsibilities. The Tennessee OPTIONS for Community Living program recognizes this duality, offering support to ease the burden and elevate the experience for family caregivers and care recipients.

Imagine your loved one thriving in the comfort of their home, enjoying independence while receiving the specialized assistance they need. OPTIONS tailors services to their unique requirements, alleviating your stress. Whether it's daily living assistance, companionship, or safety modifications, OPTIONS empowers you to create a care plan that truly fits.

Don't let the challenges of caring overshadow the precious moments. Take the first step towards a more fulfilling journey for you and your loved one. Call the Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability to learn how Tennessee OPTIONS can support you. 

Other programs in your state

Find out how to get paid other states

Givers supports and pays people caring for their loved ones.
See if you qualify in 60 seconds.
Check Your Eligibility
Share this post
get paid

Apply Now

mother daughter