E-mail: jbass@tn-elderlaw.com
Joanne H. Bass, Public Benefit Specialist, joined the Elder Law Practice of Timothy L. Takacs in 1998. For seven years, Joanne served as the firm's first Geriatric Care Manager. She provided client services such as coordinating services, placement and housing counseling, advocacy training as well as preparing and assisting clients through the Medicaid process. With the growth of the practice and four additional Geriatric Care Managers, Joanne's position changed to Public Benefit Specialist in 2005. In this capacity, Joanne handles all Medicaid applications for both office locations, from beginning to end. She assists clients and families with compiliation and organization of necessary documentation, and coordinates and accompanies clients and families with appointments at the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Joanne has provided leadership in the Medicare-certified and private-duty home health care fields since 1987. She is a member of Senior Services Network, National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, and Sumner County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Joanne has been invited to speak frequently to groups and organizations. She spoke for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys 2001 Symposium in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the 2003 Tennessee Bar Association State Convention in Memphis, Tennessee. Joanne received her Bachelor's degree from Trevecca Nazarene University and an Advanced Studies Certification in Geriatrics from Meharry College of Medicine.