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Paying for care in Tennessee

Getting paid to care for a family member in Tennessee

Depends. In Tennessee, whether a family member can be paid depends on the program's rules, which the page on getting paid sets out with their sources.

Respite care for family caregivers in Tennessee

Yes. In Tennessee, family caregivers can get respite through three programs on record: In-Home Respite Care, Inpatient Respite Care and National Family Caregiver Support Program.

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Programs on record

How to apply

CHOICES

How to apply

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD). It helps people not yet enrolled in TennCare apply. If you are already a TennCare member, contact your health plan: BlueCare 888-747-8955, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan 800-690-1606, Wellpoint 833-731-2153.

Source: CHOICES (TennCare)Checked

Phone

1-866-836-6678

Call from anywhere in the state to be directed to your nearest Area Agency on Aging and Disability.

Source: CHOICES (TennCare)Checked

Consumer Direction

How to apply

If you are in CHOICES Group 2 or 3 and assessed to need one of these services, you can choose Consumer Direction at any time. You complete a self-assessment tool that shows whether you need a Representative, and you sign a Consumer Direction participation form.

If you cannot make or communicate the decision, only a legally appointed representative can choose Consumer Direction for you.

Source: Rules of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration, Chapter 1200-13-01, TennCare Long-Term Care Programs (October 2025 revision)Checked

In-Home Respite Care

How to apply

Apply for CHOICES through your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability, or through your health plan if you are already a TennCare member. All CHOICES services must be found medically necessary before they are approved.

Source: CHOICES (TennCare)Checked

Inpatient Respite Care

How to apply

Apply for CHOICES through your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability, or through your health plan if you are already a TennCare member. All CHOICES services must be found medically necessary before they are approved.

Source: CHOICES (TennCare)Checked

National Family Caregiver Support Program

How to apply

The program is available through the Area Agencies on Aging and Disability. Call the number below to find out about caregiver support programs in your area.

Source: National Family Caregiver Support Program (Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging)Checked

Phone

1-866-836-6678

Source: National Family Caregiver Support Program (Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging)Checked

Sources

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