Senior benefits in Cheatham County, Tennessee

Money to help grandparents and other older relatives who are raising a child. If you are over 55 and are the primary caregiver for a child related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, the Relative Caregiver Program can cover or supplement the cost of after-school care, tutoring, and summer or day camp — respite and enrichment that gives the caregiver a break. GNRC states funds are available immediately. Call (615) 862-8828 to ask about eligibility, or the aging and disability helpline at 1-866-836-6678.

The Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability serves older adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Cheatham County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, SHIP Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, the OPTIONS in-home services program, and public guardianship. Call the Information and Assistance line to learn what is available locally.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

Tennessee's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling costs for income-eligible households. In Cheatham County, LIHEAP is delivered by Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Apply through Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency, and call 2-1-1 Tennessee for referral help. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers the program statewide.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

TriStar Ashland City Medical Center in Ashland City is the hospital in Cheatham County and is part of HCA TriStar Health. Under the TriStar financial assistance policy, patients who receive emergency or medically necessary care and cannot afford to pay may get free or discounted care. TriStar generally gives free care to uninsured patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, with added discounts between 201% and 400%. Ask the hospital for a financial assistance application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Mid-Cumberland Public Transit, run by the Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency (MCHRA), provides curb-to-curb rural public transportation for Cheatham County residents of all ages, giving priority to older adults and people with disabilities. It started as a senior transit service for people age 60 and older and now offers rides for medical appointments, shopping, and services. Call the MCHRA operations center to schedule a ride and confirm the current fare.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year