Senior benefits in Stewart 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 Stewart 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 Stewart 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

Stewart County has no hospital inside the county. The nearest full-service hospital is Tennova Healthcare - Clarksville in Clarksville (Montgomery County); Houston County Community Hospital in Erin is also nearby. Tennova offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. On recent figures, households under about 204% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for free care and households under about 322% qualify for discounted care. Ask the hospital for a financial assistance application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Stewart: no hospital is located in the county; the nearest hospitals are Tennova Healthcare - Clarksville (Montgomery County) and Houston County Community Hospital (Houston County). Tennova charity care is income-based; the hospital makes the final decision.

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