Senior benefits in Wilson 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 Wilson 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 Wilson County, LIHEAP is delivered by Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency (MCHRA). Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Apply through Mid-Cumberland 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

Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital in Lebanon is the county hospital for Wilson County. Vanderbilt Health provides financial assistance (charity care) that discounts or waives bills for patients who cannot afford to pay, based on household income and family size compared with the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Apply online or call customer service, or email financial.assistance@vumc.org.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency runs curb-to-curb public transit across Wilson County, including Lebanon and Mount Juliet. The service began as a senior transportation program and still gives priority to older adults age 60 and older and to people with disabilities, for rides to medical appointments, shopping, and services. Call Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency to schedule a ride and confirm the fare.

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