Senior benefits in Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston County, LIHEAP is delivered by Highland Rim Economic Corporation. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Apply through Highland Rim Economic Corporation, 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

Houston County Community Hospital in Erin is the critical access hospital in Houston County. Patients who receive emergency or medically necessary care and cannot afford to pay can ask the hospital's billing office about charity care and financial assistance. Federal rules require the hospital to have a written financial assistance policy for patients with low income. Call the hospital to request an application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Houston: charity care at Houston County Community Hospital is income-based and handled through the hospital's billing office; the hospital makes the final decision. Contact the billing office for the current financial assistance policy.

Mid-Cumberland Public Transit, run by the Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency (MCHRA), provides curb-to-curb rural public transportation for Houston 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