EX-BOSS giving horrible references.?

I was informed my ex-boss is giving me bad references...saying that '; I do not think working with the elderly is the right fit for her '; and '; she is very snappy sometimes '; things like that. I am a CNA and this is all I have done my whole working life and now she is making it hard for me to get another job. I thought they could only give ( name / rank and hourly wage...maybe a yes / no to re-hire too) but to give that much information that is untrue. I've spoken to co-workers and residents sience I was terminated.....all can not believe they did what they did over an annonymous letter that was not prooven or investigated at all....got the letter while I was on vacation and terminated the day I returned. That was it. NOW they are saying false things that were not prooven either. Anything I can do about the lies? I know don't use her as reference..maybe co-workers & residents from that place will be ok....there are about 12 that'll do it for me if I want & copies of my yrly reviews?