Memphis Area Agency on Aging Respite Programs

the Aging Commission of the Mid-South serves family caregivers in Memphis through the federally funded National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) and Tennessee-specific respite initiatives. Most Memphis families don’t realize how much is available — free respite hours, support groups, information referrals, and supplemental services. Enrollment is straightforward and takes 1–2 weeks in most cases.

What the Aging Commission of the Mid-South actually offers Memphis caregivers

The Memphis AAA’s caregiver services typically include:

• Respite hours: typically 40–200 free hours per year for qualifying family caregivers
• Caregiver education: classes, workshops, online courses
• Information & referral: one-stop directory of Memphis-area aging services
• Support groups: weekly or monthly meetings, in-person and online
• Supplemental services: sometimes home modifications, adaptive equipment, transportation

Visit https://www.agingcommission.org for current details.

Who qualifies for the Aging Commission of the Mid-South respite?

NFCSP eligibility is for family caregivers — not the senior. Qualifying scenarios:

• Family caregiver of a senior 60+
• Family caregiver of a person of any age with Alzheimer’s or related dementia
• Grandparent caregivers of a child under 18 (separate program track)

No income test for most NFCSP services. Some supplemental services have income guidelines.

How to enroll in Memphis AAA respite

Step-by-step:

1. Call the Aging Commission of the Mid-South or visit https://www.agingcommission.org. Initial intake typically takes 20–30 minutes.
2. Complete a brief caregiver assessment (free).
3. Review available NFCSP services and decide which fit.
4. If respite hours are approved, the AAA connects you with a contracted provider in the Memphis area.
5. Begin services typically within 1–2 weeks.

How AAA respite combines with other funding

Memphis families often layer AAA respite with:

• TennCare CHOICES in Long-Term Services and Supports respite hours (for income-eligible seniors)
• VA respite through the Memphis VA Medical Center (for veterans)
• Long-term care insurance benefits
• Private-pay supplemental hours

The AAA case manager can coordinate the layered plan; this is one of the agency’s most valuable services.

Other Memphis senior services available through the AAA

Beyond respite, the Aging Commission of the Mid-South typically offers congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation programs, legal aid for seniors, Medicare counseling (SHIP/SHINE), elder abuse prevention, and Tennessee-specific initiatives. The full menu is at https://www.agingcommission.org.

If you’re a Memphis caregiver who hasn’t called the AAA, a 20-minute intake call typically unlocks 1–2 services within 2 weeks. Free, no commitment. Talk to a RespiteCare advisor if you’d like help navigating the call.