Tennessee lifespan respite expansion grant - the tennessee lifespan expansion grant will strengthen efforts between the TN department of disability and aging, DDA, formerly the tennessee commission on…

The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability received a $400,000 Cooperative Agreement award from the Administration for Community Living's Lifespan Respite Care Program (CFDA 93.072) effective September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2028. This three-year grant supports the expansion and enhancement of Tennessee's statewide lifespan respite care system through a collaborative partnership between the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (DDA) and the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition (TCC). The initiative aims to strengthen access, quality, and coordination of respite services for family caregivers across all ages, disabilities, and chronic conditions throughout the state by leveraging combined expertise, networks, and resources.

Under this award, the DDA and TCC will develop and implement respite care infrastructure improvements, recruit and train respite care workers and volunteers, expand provider networks, and conduct targeted outreach to underserved populations including low-income and limited-English-speaking communities. The Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, operating as a sub-awardee since December 2025, contributes direct service delivery capabilities, including AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer deployment for in-person respite services, operation of the Tennessee Respite Helpline for caregiver referrals and support, and assistance connecting families to available respite resources across the state.

Tennessee lifespan respite expansion grant - the tennessee lifespan expansion grant will strengthen efforts between the TN department of disability and aging, DDA, formerly the tennessee commission on aging and disability (DDA), and the tennessee caregiver coalition (TCC) to leverage our combined expertise, networks, and resources to strengthen tennessee's lifespan respite care system and address unmet caregiver needs across the state. DDA and the TCC seek to strengthen tennessee's statewide lifespan respite care system by expanding access, quality, and coordination of respite services for family caregivers of all ages, disabilities, and chronic conditions.