The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) has adopted the 2027–2030 Area Plan on Aging and Disability, a four-year roadmap for the investment of federal and state grant funds into local services and for older adults and individuals with disabilities across Middle Tennessee. The plan was adopted by the Regional Council, which includes mayors and county executives from 13 counties across northern Middle Tennessee including Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson.
As the region’s federally designated Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), GNRC is responsible for planning and coordinating services funded through the Older Americans Act and other state and federal programs. The Area Plan serves as the framework for this work by identifying priority populations based on greatest social and economic need; establishing regional goals, strategies, and performance measures; guiding the coordination of service providers and partner agencies; and programming federal and state funding for aging and disability services.
“This plan reflects a shared commitment to supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts, chair of the Regional Council. “As one of GNRC’s largest programs, our aging and disability services and programs supported through this plan make a difference in the lives of Middle Tennesseans every day.”
The 2027–2030 Area Plan is framed around five core goals:
- Supporting aging in place with services that promote independence and dignity
- Enhancing social connection, health, and overall well-being
- Protecting vulnerable individuals through legal and advocacy services
- Strengthening support for family caregivers
- Expanding access to services, particularly for those with the greatest need
Additional priorities include expanding in-home and nutrition services, growing partnerships to provide new supports such as home modifications and assistive technology, and improving access to information and assistance services.
Development of the Area Plan included a robust public engagement process, with meetings, surveys, and outreach conducted across the region between February and April. Feedback from residents and stakeholders highlighted several key areas of need, including housing and financial assistance, transportation access, emergency preparedness, improved coordination between service providers, and technology education and workforce opportunities.
“As our population continues to grow and age, it is critical the region works together to ensure people can live independently, safely, and with dignity in their communities,” said Ed Cole, chair of GNRC’s Aging Advisory Committee. “While need is greater than the resources available, this plan is focused on doing the most with what we have available.”
GNRC’s Aging and Disability Services programs provide critical support to thousands of Middle Tennesseans each year, including:
- In-home care and nutrition services
- Transportation assistance
- Caregiver support and respite
- Medicare counseling
- Information and assistance through the regional helpline
GNRC serves as the gateway for connecting individuals to services, screening for eligibility, and ensuring quality and accountability across its provider network. To learn more about the Area Plan on Aging and available services, visit GNRC.org/Aging or call the Aging and Disability Helpline at 615-255-1010.
About the Greater Nashville Regional Council: GNRC is established by the TN General Assembly as the regional council of governments for Middle Tennessee. The Regional Council convenes more than 60 area mayors with state and federal officials for cooperative policymaking and to prioritize public funding for infrastructure projects and social services. It is federally recognized as the region’s lead transportation planning organization, economic development district, and area agency on aging and disability. The U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) have designated GNRC as the region’s Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD). In this role, GNRC is responsible for planning for and coordinating the local provision of services funded through the Older Americans Act.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
 has adopted the 2027–2030 Area Plan on Aging and Disability, a four-year roadmap for the investment of federal and state grant funds into local services and for older adults and individuals with disabilities across Middle Tennessee){kind=link}