It can be challenging to be the caregiver of a family member with a disability in Tennessee. From shortages of providers to unavailable respite services to navigating the bureaucracies of TennCare and DIDD, the state often leaves family caregivers to fend for themselves. In fact, AARP ranked Tennessee DEAD LAST in its care and support for family caregivers. But this is not breaking news for people who care for a loved one in Tennessee. Our state can do much more to support family caregivers.
The Tennessee Disability Coalition, Tennessee Justice Center and Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, among others, have partnered to organize community members and lead advocacy to improve access to paid family caregiving.
In 2024, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the Paid Family Caregiving Resolution. This resolution urged TennCare and the state to develop a comprehensive paid family caregiving program that would begin to ease some of the pressure on the state’s caregiving population.
In 2025, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the Freedom for Family Care Act prohibiting discrimination against family members becoming employed as caregivers for their loved ones with disabilities.
Download an overview of the Freedom for Family Care Act, and explainer about who and how folks can become paid family caregivers:
Additional Resources:
- AARP 2023 State Scorecard – ranked 51st out of 51 in support for family caregivers
- Commonwealth Fund State Health Systems Scorecard – ranked 46th
- Become an advocate leader here! (advocacy interest form)