By Todd Hatton/AP
Nashville, TN – Seniors were disproportionately among the hardest hit during the recent floods in Tennessee. According to the latest Federal Emergency Management Agency statistics, 41 percent of those who have received the maximum grant of $29,900 were 60 years old or older.
Council on Aging of Greater Nashville Director Maribeth Farringer says many seniors had paid off their homes and thought of them as their security in old age. They are reluctant to abandon them, but they don't want to take out a 30-year loan either. And many are not physically able to do repair work themselves. But senior advocates say help is still available. Anyone with flood damage should apply with FEMA before their deadline this Thursday.