Senior benefits in Lauderdale County, Tennessee

The Aging Commission of the Mid-South serves older adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Lauderdale County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, family caregiver support and respite, SHIP Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, in-home services, personal emergency response systems, and information and assistance. 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 Lauderdale County, LIHEAP is delivered by Delta Human Resource Agency (Delta HRA). Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Apply through Delta Human Resource Agency, and call 2-1-1 Tennessee for referral help. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers the program statewide.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Lauderdale in Ripley is a small critical access hospital serving Lauderdale County. Baptist Memorial Health Care offers financial assistance (charity care) and uninsured discounts for emergency and other medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. The discount is income-based. Apply with a charity application and call the hospital's financial counselor for help.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Delta Human Resource Agency (Delta HRA) operates rural public transportation for Lauderdale County residents of all ages, giving priority to older adults, people with disabilities, and riders with medical needs. It provides demand-response rides for medical appointments, shopping, work, and other needs. Reservations must be made in advance. Call Delta Human Resource Agency to schedule a ride and confirm the fare.

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