How to apply for Tennessee Family Caregiver Support Program

Who it's for

This program helps family and unpaid caregivers with counseling and support groups, caregiver training, respite care, personal care, homemaker services, and adult day care. It serves caregivers of adults age 60 and over, caregivers of adults with Alzheimer's or a related disorder (any age), and grandparents or relatives 55+ raising a minor child. Contact your Area Agency on Aging & Disability.

What you'll need

• No documents required to start — contact your local Area Agency on Aging & Disability

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Tennessee Family Caregiver Support Program. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need no documents required to start — contact your local Area Agency on Aging & Disability — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging & Disability (AAAD) to start — no documents are required to begin.
2. Call the statewide helpline at 1-866-836-6678 or apply online to reach your regional AAAD.
3. Speak with an AAAD staff member about your caregiving situation — they will ask about the person you care for and the kind of support you need.
4. Ask about all available services in your area, including counseling, caregiver training, respite care, personal care, homemaker services, and adult day care.
5. Ask specifically about the Lifespan Respite grant, which may offer low- or no-cost respite vouchers to give you a break from caregiving.
6. Complete any intake forms or assessments the AAAD requires to match you with local services.

What to expect: After you connect with your local AAAD, a staff member will review your needs and let you know which services are available in your region. There is no income test for this program, but service availability varies by area, so it is important to confirm what is offered locally. Processing times vary — ask your AAAD contact for an estimate of when services can begin. Support through this program is renewed annually, so expect to check in with your AAAD each year to continue receiving services.

Renewals

annual