J S S M CAREGIVER CORNER
Mission
To provide valuable knowledge to the Nashville Community about how to develop a safe and secure lifestyle for their loved ones and become advocates for the Elderly Community to ensure all are being treated with respect as they transition to another way of life.
Vision
Provide informational material and conduct seminars that will provide educated knowledge about the processes and reviews of area Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing homes, Adult Daycares and Community Centers that cater to the Elderly Community.
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.
Below is a list of the most common forms of Dementia
DID YOU KNOW……….
You can become an advocate for the elderly by volunteering for Ombudsman. Please read more about Ombudsman below.
Family Caregiver Support
Sometimes people caring for older adults and adults with disabilities need help finding resources and support to care for themselves as well. The Greater Nashville Regional Council provides a range of resources and support programs that assist family and informal caregivers to care for their loved ones at home for as long as possible.
What kind of help is available to caregivers?
These services are provided at no cost to eligible caregivers.
Information to caregivers about available services
Assistance to caregivers in gaining access to the services
Caregiver education for those whose loved one is experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia or any related neurological condition, providing explanations of the progression of the disease and coping mechanisms for the family
Connection to support groups and counseling services
Respite care to temporarily relieve caregivers from their responsibilities
Supplemental services to compliment caregiver efforts, on a limited basis
Program Eligibility*
To be eligible for support services, the caregiver must meet one or more of the criteria below.
An adult family member (age 18 years or older) or other adult providing informal care to individuals 60 years of age or older.
An adult family member or other adult providing informal care to individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders.
A caregiver age 55 or older providing care to an adult (ages 18-59) with disabilities.
A grandparent or relative 55 years of age or older who is providing care to children under the age of 18 years.
Sara Fowler
Director of Aging and Disability Services
Email Sara Fowler sfowler@gnrc.org
Johnna Neel
Family Caregiver Support Counselor
Email Johnna Neel jneel@gnrc.org
As a friend or relative, you may have concerns about a resident's care or the cost of care. Likewise, you may have questions about obtaining services from resources outside the facility. Ombudsman can:
Provide information regarding the admission process to nursing homes, assisted care living facilities and homes for the aged
Help clarify nursing home, assisted care living facility, or home for the aged regulations that apply to your situation
Make helpful referrals to other agencies
Help find solutions to small problems before they get too big
Promote healthy and realistic attitudes of residents and families toward nursing homes
Respect requests for anonymity
Act as a resource for staff training needs
Volunteer Ombudsman
Trained volunteer representatives of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program visit residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and establish a regular presence in the facility. They provide information about resident rights, quality of care, and quality of life to residents and family members. Volunteers also observe conditions, advocate for residents, and handle simple complaints.
Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and are rewarded by knowing that their presence can make a difference in the lives and care of long-term care residents.
For more information about becoming a volunteer Ombudsman, email teresa.teeple@tn.gov.
For additional questions regarding the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, call or write:
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0860
Tel: 615-925-1552
Fax: 615-741-3309
Toll Free: 877-236-0013
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
This program provides assistance to elderly Tennesseans residing in nursing homes, homes for the aged, and assisted care living facilities. The Ombudsman is available to help residents and their families resolve questions or problems and will advocate for solutions to problems for qualified residents of long-term care facilities.
When residents and families cannot resolve their problems through consultation with the facility staff or governmental agencies involved, they should contact their District Ombudsman. The Ombudsman works with many agencies and may be able to help resolve questions or concerns that involve state and federal agencies administering services to the elderly. Concerns can include quality of care, financial information, resident rights, admissions, transfer, and discharge. Also included are questions regarding nursing homes, homes for the aged, assisted care living facilities, Medicaid, and Medicare.
The Ombudsman takes time to listen to the concerns of the resident. Residents can share concerns about their situations or other personal concerns. *The Ombudsman will keep these matters confidential. The Ombudsman will assist in trying to resolve concerns and problems and can also explain resident rights and responsibilities.
A safe and clean living environment
Privacy
Information
Exercise their civil rights
Participate in or refuse treatment
Voice grievances without retaliation
Manage personal finances
Adequate and appropriate medical and nursing care
Be free of physical and chemical restraints
Take part in community activities
Be treated with courtesy and respect
Private visits and unrestricted communications
Not to be transferred or discharged from the home
Be free from physical, verbal, mental, and emotional abuse
Consumer Financial Protection
The Office for Older Americans Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a new consumer advisory on federal benefits and garnishment in May 2015. The message, which includes links to additional information, reads as follows:
Did you know that Social Security and VA benefits are generally protected from garnishment to pay a debt to a private person or company? Most debt collectors can’t garnish money in your bank account to pay a debt.
You can download a fact sheet from the consumer advisory: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/blog/consumer-advisory-your-benefits-are-protected-from-garnishment/
Here’s how the federal protection works:
Banks must automatically check your account history to see if Social Security or VA benefits were direct-deposited to your account in the last 2 months.
If so, your bank must protect 2 months’ worth of benefits in your account and let you use that money.
If your account has more than 2 months’ worth of benefits, your bank can freeze the extra money.
Consumers can also use a new sample letter to tell a debt collector that their Social Security or VA benefits are protected from garnishment.
Additional Resources
If government funds, such as Social Security, are being spent on things that are of no benefit to a vulnerable adult, call Adult Protective Services at (888) 277-8366.
Call the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs at (615) 741-4737 or toll free at (800) 342-8385 to complain about unscrupulous business practices.
If an investment is involved, call the Tennessee Securities Division at (615) 741-2947 or toll free at (800) 863-9117.
For resources on financial protection for older Americans, click on http://www.consumerfinance.gov/older-americans/.
Additional Support
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Caregiver Assistance and Guardianship Information 1-866-836-6678 (toll free)
Healthcare.gov (Health Insurance Marketplace) 1-800-318-2596 (toll free)
Information and Assistance 1-866-836-6678 (toll free)
Legal Aid (free services through the Tennessee Legal Services Program or Legal Aid Office) Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: 800-238-1443 Legal Aid of East Tennessee: 865-637-0484 West TN Legal Services, Inc.: 731-423-0616 Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc.: 901-523-8822
Medicare 1-800-633-4227 (toll free)
Ombudsman (representation for people in nursing homes or other assisted living or long-term care facilities) 1-877-236-0013 (toll free)
Report Elder Abuse (physical and financial) 1-888-277-8366 (toll free) *In an emergency, dial 911.
*You can also report elder abuse online to Tennessee Adult Protective Services.
Social Security 1-800-772-1213 (toll free)
TN Disability Pathfinder -Provides one-on-one assistance to people with disabilities, their caregivers, and professionals looking for support services 1-800-640-4636
TN Commission on Aging and Disability -Our mission is to bring together and leverage programs, resources, and organizations to protect and ensure the quality of life for adults with disabilities. 615-741-2056
TN SHIP (Medicare questions and counseling) 1-877-801-0044 (toll free)
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GNRC's Information and Assistance program provide a helpline designed to assist seniors and adults with disabilities navigate through community resources and the long-term care system by providing information, referrals, and assessments. The helpline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Call Our Helpline Call our Information and Assistance Hotline to learn more about any of GNRC's programs and services.
615-255-1010 or 866-836-6678 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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https://www.wearemindwhatmatters.org/caregivers