Elder Rights
In Southeast Tennessee, we're passionately committed to upholding the rights and dignity of older adults. Our state programs actively work to prevent abuse, exploitation, and neglect, ensuring seniors can fully exercise their rights and access the benefits they rightly deserve. Join us in this crucial mission to protect and empower our elderly community.
The team at SETAAD serves individuals in Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie Counties.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Advocacy and Support in Long-Term Care Facilities
Elderly residents in Tennessee's nursing homes, homes for the aged, and assisted living facilities can rely on the Ombudsman program for crucial assistance. This program is dedicated to helping residents and their families address and resolve concerns or issues they may encounter. Our Ombudsman advocates tirelessly for effective solutions, ensuring the well-being and rights of long-term care facility residents are always prioritized.
Public Guardianship Program
In Tennessee, we provide a vital safeguard for our senior citizens aged 60 and above through the Tennessee Public Guardianship Program for the Elderly. This program steps in as a court-appointed guardian for those who, due to physical or mental limitations, can't make important decisions about their health and/or finances. It serves as a crucial public option when there is no family member, friend, bank, or corporation available, willing, or suitable to help. Administered by the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability and funded by the State, this program stands as a testament to our commitment to the health and welfare of every senior resident in need.
What does the Public Guardian do for clients?
There are several types of public guardianship:
- Person Only
When appointed as the guardian over person, the guardian/conservator is permitted to make decisions related to healthcare. - Property Only
When appointed as the guardian over property, the guardian/conservator is permitted to make decisions related to the estate and financial matters. - Person and Property
When appointed as guardian over the person and property or plenary guardianship, the guardian/conservator is permitted to make all health care and financial decisions. - Durable Power of Attorney
When serving a client as attorney-in-fact under a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), the district public guardian is permitted to make decisions regarding finances and/or health care as designated by the client and set forth in the signed Power of Attorney document. The document is durable, allowing it to remain in effect in case of disability.