We’re In This Together
We will continue to update this page with available community resources. If you know of a resource that will benefit our seniors, those with disabilities or special needs please email megan@elderlawetn.com.
Screening/Testing
Knoxville County Health Department
Beginning Monday, April 20, KCHD will provide COVID-19 testing at the Knox Engineering and Public Works Facility on Monday-Friday from 8AM – 3PM. No appointment is necessary.
COVID-19 Assessment Sites
Visit the TN Department of Health for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 Assessment sites by county. Locations are added daily.
GoodRx
A free resource available to find out if you should be tested for COVID-19.
Helpful Information
HomeSource Covid-19 Housing Assistance Program
Through a grant from the State of Tennessee, HomeSource East Tennessee is able to provide assistance to homeowners and renters in East Tennessee. The assistance will be in the form of a direct payment to your mortgage company, landlord or utility company.
Disabled and Elderly Persons Auditing or Enrollment
Anyone permanently disabled or age 60+ can audit classes at University of Tennessee for free. If age 65+, they can get credit for a small enrollment fee of less than $100. Harvard University also offers free online courses for the general public.
Nursing Homes Required to Report Cases of COVID-19 to Public
The Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) has announced that as soon as one case of COVID-19 is confirmed at a nursing home, the facility will have to alert its residents and their families or representatives within 12 hours.
Stimulus Checks
According to AARP, the U.S. Senate voted 50-49 to pass its version of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, which could mean eligible individuals could receive checks up to $1,400.
Medicare
Medicare has temporarily expanded its coverage of telehealth services to respond to COVID-19.
Knoxville Utilities Board
KUB has $6 million in new funding available for electric residential and business customers through the COVID Utility Relief Effort.
Department of Human Services
TN Department of Human Services is offering emergency cash assistance for eligible families significantly impacted by Covid-19.
JOBS4TN.GOV
Visit JOBS4TN.GOV to file for re-employment assistance in Tennessee.
211 Call Support
Contact 211 Call Support for housing, food insecurity, employment, and other issues.
U.S Department of Labor
For information on federal COVID-19 assistance laws, visit the U.S Department of Labor.
Senior Care Calls
CAC Office on Aging has launched a new program in response to the COVID-19 crisis – Senior Care Calls. If you know someone that is homebound, isolated, and/or lonely, they have volunteers who can assist by providing a weekly call to provide wellness checks and social support. A Referral Form can be completed here.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers
The Alzheimer’s Association offers support for dementia caregivers and tips for staying healthy.
Grandparents Caring for Dependent Grandchildren
Additional funds may be available for grandparents raising grandchildren. Learn more on our blog.
Helpful Links
Food Security
The Love Kitchen
(865) 546-3248
Lunch – Wed/Thurs, 1:30pm – Hot meal
Food Pantry – Wed, 4:00pm – Non-perishable items
FISH Hospitality Pantry
Northwest Knox (NW)
(865) 971-4000
Tues/Thurs/Every 4th Sat, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Perishables, non-perishables
East Knox (E)
(865) 522-3474
Mon/Wed, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Perishables, non-perishables
South Knox (S)
(865) 577-9600
Wed/Fri, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Perishables, non-perishables
Smokey’s Pantry
(865) 236-1235
Tues during Fall/Spring Semesters at UTK, 4 – 6pm
Perishables, non-perishables
Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry
(865) 966-9626
1st Mon of month, 3 – 5pm/3rd Mon of month, 3 – 7pm
Non-perishables
Second Harvest Food Bank
(865) 521-0000
Hours and food provided varies by program – See www.secondharvestetn.org/programs
Knoxville Dream Center – Mobile Food Pantry
(865) 688-9636
Hours and food provided varies by program – See www.knoxvilledreamcenter.org/food-truck
Food in the Fort – Redeemer Church of Knoxville
(865) 524-4552
4th Wed of each month, 9 – 11am
Non-perishables
Washington Pike United Methodist Church
(865) 523-0603
Thurs, 9 – 11am
Non-perishables
Christ United Methodist Church
(865) 922-1412
Mon/Tues/Thurs, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Non-perishables
Farragut Christian Church
(865) 966-5224
Thurs, 6 – 8pm
Bags of non-perishables (2 bags per family per month)
Faith Promise Church (Pantry of Promise)
(865) 251-2590 x 3002
3rd and 4th Tues of every month, 6 – 7:30pm
Non-perishables
Ladies of Charity – Knoxville
(865) 247-5790
Mon-Fri, 9:30am – 4pm
Non-perishables
Vaccination Information
TN Vaccine Locator
If you or a loved one is newly-eligible, visit vaccinefinder.org to search for locations where you can get a vaccine in or near a certain zip code.
Knox County Health Department Waitlist
Qualifying individuals can sign up on a waitlist to be notified of future vaccination opportunities through the Knox County Health Department.
UT Medical Center Vaccination Appointments
UT Medical Center is now scheduling vaccination appointments for the community weekly on Wednesdays at 1pm, based on vaccine availability. Call 865-305-6225 or learn more here.
Tennova North Vaccine Schedule
Schedule your vaccine at Tennova North by calling 866-277-8864.
Kroger Vaccine Appointments
Kroger stores are scheduling vaccine appointments online or you can call 1-866-211-5320 to schedule.
TN Pharmacies Offering Vaccines
Follow the link to find a pharmacy location offering vaccines in your area.
Walmart Vaccine Opportunities
Walmart is scheduling vaccines. First you must create a Walmart account, then visit their schedule portal.
Covenant Health Vaccine Schedule
Covenant Health is currently scheduling vaccine appointments for community members who qualify under current State of TN guidelines. Learn more here.
University of TN Vaccines
UT is participating in the statewide effort to vaccinate Tennesseans. Scroll to the middle of the page to access their schedule.
Cherokee Health
To schedule your vaccination through Cherokee Health Systems, call 1-866-231-4477
Virtual Support Groups
Alzheimer’s Tennessee
Telephone Caregiver Support Group
Every Monday from April 6 – April 27 at 2pm
Dial 866 423-8755
Enter Access Code 275547#
Statewide Alzheimer’s Tennessee Memory Cafe Telephone Meeting
Every Tuesday from April 7 – April 28 at 11am
Call 1-800-259-4283 for information.
Support Group for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers
Thursday, May 7th & Thursday, May 21st at 5pm
Anyone in the state of Tennessee is welcome to join.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://enlivant.zoom.us/j/2995070247
Meeting ID: 299 507 0247
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,2995070247# US (New York)
+13126266799,,2995070247# US (Chicago)
Care Around The Block – CAB
Online Support Meeting for Family Dementia Caregivers
This is a monthly, online support meeting for those who are currently caring for a family member with dementia.
Contact Elaine at wilsone@carearoundtheblock.com to join.
Delivery/Pick-up
Delivery Assist 865
Delivery Assist 865 is willing and able to pick up groceries, medicines, pet foods, or any other basic necessity. This is a delivery service only.
Knoxville Supply Run
Facebook group for those who need assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak. They can help get supplies and groceries during this time.
Senior Directory East Tennessee
They will help seniors who need food or medication, but don’t want to go out in public. They have a pharmacy partner who will deliver medications free of charge!
Mac’s Pharmacy
Local pharmacy offering delivery of medications for seniors.
Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service (SCHAS)
SCHAS has developed a program called S.O.S. – SCHAS OUT SHOPPING, a program to serve people who need to practice social distancing to keep themselves healthy and safe by delivering groceries to their homes.
Chase Drugs & Clinical Services
Free medication delivery for patients within 5 miles of downtown Harriman.
Belew Pharmacy
Walk-in, free delivery & curbside service is available from all locations except Choto which is walk-in and curbside only.
Riggs Drug Store
FREE medication delivery to your home or work. Buy your medication from Riggs and Compliance packaging is available for FREE! Call for a free quote on your current medications.
Video Conferencing
(Tested by ELET staff and family)
Google Duo
Google Duo is a video and audio calling app made by Google. It requires the installation of an app, but once you allow it access to your phone’s contacts, it will let you know if any of them have Google Duo. You can then make a video or regular call to any contact that has Google Duo by selecting them in the address book and tapping the video button.
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is a communication service that enables text, voice, or video chats, either one-on-one or in a group. It works best from a computer as you can make free internet calls and video calls by opening the app and typing in the phone number or gmail address you want to reach.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is an instant messaging feature built into Facebook. The app has a built in video call option as well and it is easily accessible in the conversation window of anyone you’ve messaged.
Facetime
FaceTime is Apple’s video and audio calling service. It is easy to use if all parties have apple products.
KOMP*
KOMP is a one-button computer, made specifically for those who have little to no experience using smartphones, computers and tablets.
Grandpad*
GrandPad® is designed with seniors in mind – the innovative device comes with features for connecting with loved ones, without the complicated features of other tablets.
Amazon Alexa*
The Amazon Echo comes in five base models currently: Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Dot, Echo Show and Echo Spot. All come with Alexa, a voice-activated technology innovation that has amazing potential for helping seniors with dementia.
Oscar Senior App*
The app allows families to stay connected via video calls, instant messages and photo sharing. It can be downloaded onto a phone or tablet to make the item more user friendly for seniors. It does not require any specific hardware, but does have a subscription fee.