Senior benefits in Putnam County, Tennessee

Support for grandparents and other relatives who are raising a relative's child because the parents no longer can. The Relative Caregiver Program offers monthly support groups (day and evening) in every Upper Cumberland county, groups and enrichment activities for the children and teens, educational workshops such as CPR classes and summer camps, short-term case management for the whole family, a resource manual of local help, and emergency material and financial assistance for unmet needs when program funds are available. Contact Melissa Allison at 931-476-4127 or mallison@ucdd.org.

The Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging & Disability, part of the Upper Cumberland Development District, serves older adults and adults with disabilities in Putnam County. Help includes home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and homemaker services, family caregiver support and respite, SHIP Medicare counseling, options counseling and long-term-care help, the CHOICES and OPTIONS programs, and legal help. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call the aging and disability line at 931-432-4111, or the toll-free information and assistance line at 1-866-836-6678, to learn what local help is available.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households in Putnam County pay heating and cooling bills and handle energy emergencies. In the Upper Cumberland region LIHEAP is funded by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) and delivered by the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA). Payments average a few hundred dollars a year and are paid toward the energy bill. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability are encouraged to apply early. Apply through the UCHRA Community Services office at 931-528-1127, or dial 2-1-1 for the nearest intake site.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Cookeville Regional Medical Center is the public, county-owned hospital in Cookeville and the main hospital for Putnam County. Its financial assistance (charity care) program gives free or discounted care to uninsured and underinsured patients based on household income. Households at or below the federal poverty level can receive a full discount, with partial discounts on a sliding scale up to 300% of the poverty level. Call patient financial services at 931-783-2360 to ask for an application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Free or discounted care is based on household income measured against the federal poverty level under the hospital's financial assistance policy. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

UCHRA Public Transportation, run by the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, provides public transit across the 14-county Upper Cumberland region, including Putnam County. Rides go to medical appointments, shopping, senior centers, and other daily needs, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available. Anyone can ride: in-county trips are $2 per person one-way (out-of-county fares depend on how many counties you cross), with discounted fares for seniors age 60 and over, veterans, and people with disabilities. Call 1-833-828-7477 (or the UCHRA Putnam County office, Transportation: (833) 828-7477) to confirm eligibility or schedule a ride.

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