The Personal Assistance Program currently serves 68 clients in 7 counties, including Madison County and the surrounding contiguous counties. The Personal Assistance program is primarily funded through the Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation’s Medicaid Waiver and the Tennessee Office on Aging and Disability Home and Community-based Waiver programs. These programs help individuals remain in the privately-owned home of the family or legal guardian.

Personal Assistance and Homemaking services provide necessary assistance for persons with disabilities in order to meet their daily living needs and to facilitate their participation in community life. Personal Assistance services include direct assistance with daily living, attendant care, household services, assistance with personal maintenance (grooming, bathing, dressing), and assistance with meal planning and preparation. Personal Assistance also includes assistance with medications that are ordinarily self-administered, supervision, and facilitating community participation by accompanying, assisting, and supporting the individual as necessary to access community resources and participate in community activities, including appointments, shopping, community recreation/leisure resources, socialization opportunities, and related activities.

Personal Assistance is provided in accordance with the Individual Support Plan and the authorized Service Plan which are generated by the Independent Support Coordinator or Nurse Case Manager according to State and Federal Program Guidelines.