State Profile: Tennessee
Welcome to the Tennessee State Profile Page! This page features a sample of survey and research results from a comprehensive review of state and local home modification activities across the country. It has a special focus on the aging population and the efforts of State Units on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and Native American aging service programs that are funded by the Older Americans Act Title VI Grants for Indian Tribal Organizations.
Check back as new updates will be posted periodically! Have any changes or additions? Please contact homemods@usc.edu
SPOTLIGHT ON STATE LEVEL HOME MODIFICATION ACTIVITIES
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This report by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and ADvancing States reports on a national survey
TENNESSEE COMMISSION ON AGING AND DISABILITY (State Unit on Aging)
State Units on Aging (SUAs) are designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities.
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Tennessee Department of Aging and Disability
It is designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities.
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CHOICES
CHOICES assists adults age 21 and older with a physical disability and adults age 65 and older to live independently in their community. Home and community-based services provided in the home include minor home modifications that support safer and easier functioning such as grab bars and wheelchair ramps.
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My TN Home: Emergency Repair Program
The Emergency Repair Program allocates funds to make essential home repairs for elderly or disabled homeowners. The purpose of this program is to correct, repair, or replace an essential system and/or critical structural problem for low-income homeowners who are elderly (60+) or disabled. The aim of the ERP is to stabilize the homeowner’s residence by making essential repairs to make the home more livable.
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Flexible Home Concepts Program
This voluntary certification program is designed to encourage builders of new single or multi-family homes to voluntarily include design features which make a home accessible, visitable and convenient for everyone. The certified home must have the following features included in its design: 1) easy access with a step-free entrance of not more than ½ inch from a driveway, sidewalk or other firm surface into the main floor of the home; 2) easy passage throughout the home with an exterior door that provides a minimum of 32 inches of clear passage (36 inches is preferable) from the step-free entrance. All interior passage doorways on the main floor also provide a minimum of 32 inches of clear passage; and 3) easy use with a main floor that includes a kitchen, some entertainment area, at least one bedroom and one full bathroom. The full bathroom will provide at least 30” by 48” of maneuvering space that allows easy access to the sink, commode and shower or tub.
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL HOME MODIFICATION EFFORTS
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This Data Brief highlights key findings from the 2019 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging on how Area Agencies on Aging are providing and funding home modification and repair activities. It was developed by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging as part of the Administration for Community Living project, “Promoting Aging in Place by Enhancing Access to Home Modifications.”
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Home Repair Program
Appalachia Service Project is a volunteer-based Christian ministry program that has a Home Repair Program. The program offers home replacement and repairs to homeowners in Central Appalachia. Approximately 15,000 volunteers assist families and individuals in need of accessibility repairs. Services are provided receive free of charge. Projects take place during the summer months. Eligible recipients include residents of Central Appalachia in need of home repairs.