Who we are…

The Aging Commission of the Mid-South is the designated Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton Counties in West Tennessee. There are eight other AAADs across the state of Tennessee (to find another AAAD in Tennessee click here), and 655 across the United States. Each state and U.S. Territory has what is called a “state unit on aging.” In Tennessee, the State Unit on Aging is called the Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability (TCAD). All of the area agencies on aging across the country, along with state units on aging and our provider partners, are collectively called the “Aging Network.” The Aging Network was born from the Older Americans Act of 1965 and thrives today with funds provided by the United States Administration on Aging.  The Aging Commission is a member of the Aging Network.

The Aging Commission also is home to the Shelby County Mayor’s Office on Aging. This office processes wheel-tax reimbursements for eligible seniors; prepares and distributes a “Senior Information Handbook” and manages the “Fans for Seniors” program. The Aging Commission also manages the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program as well as the District Conservator and Public Guardianship Program.

What we do…

As our nation begins to experience rapid population changes due to “Baby Boomers” reaching retirement age, it must prepare itself to handle that growth. We, along with TCAD and the other AAADs in Tennessee spearhead planning efforts to ensure our local areas across the entire state of Tennessee and the nation is ready to accommodate the growing aging population.

The Aging Commission also undergoes advocacy efforts on behalf of older adults and adults with disabilities and funds local programs for the aged and disabled through grants. We partner with provider agencies like MIFA, Alzheimer’s Day Services of Memphis, and Tipton County Commission on Aging to makes services for older adults and adults with disabilities available in our community. Last year, ACMS awarded MIFA senior programs more than 2 million dollars. Each year, ACMS puts more than 10 million dollars in services out into the community.

Our Mission...

The mission of the Aging Commission of the Mid-South is to assist older adults and adults with disabilities in leading independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities as long as possible.

Our Vision...

The Aging Commission of the Mid-South will be the efficient and effective single portal of entry for older adults and adults with disabilities needing to access services designed specifically for them that are funded by Aging Commission of the Mid-South dollars. In addition, the ACMS will be a proactive leader in advocacy for older adults and adults with disabilities through collaboration with community partners and consumers, and safeguarding the rights of older adults and adults with disabilities.