Arkansas family caregivers can get funded respite through the ARChoices Waiver, NFCSP grants, and VA programs. Use the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to reach your local AAA.

Caregiving without planned breaks erodes your health over time, often invisibly. Research shows that family caregivers who forgo regular respite face higher rates of depression, cardiovascular disease, and immune problems than the general population. Caregivers who access respite consistently keep their loved ones at home longer than those who don't. Respite is not stepping away. It is what sustains the care.

This guide maps every funded respite option in Arkansas for 2026.

What Arkansas's Waiver Model Means for Respite

Arkansas has one of the longest histories of consumer-directed caregiving in the country, dating to its Independent Choices Program launched in 1988. The current ARChoices in Homecare Waiver carries that tradition forward: respite is a named covered service, and a concurrent 1915(j) self-direction authority creates a pathway under which legally liable relatives, potentially including spouses, may serve as the paid attendant. Current implementation details must be confirmed with the Arkansas Choices in Living Resource Center.

If you need emergency respite now, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or dial 211.

Funded Respite Options in Arkansas

1. ARChoices Waiver Respite

What it is: The ARChoices in Homecare Waiver is Arkansas's primary 1915(c) home and community-based waiver for adults 65 and older and adults ages 21 to 64 with physical disabilities at a nursing-facility level of care. Respite care is a named service within the waiver.

Can a family member provide respite? Possibly. The waiver operates with a concurrent 1915(j) self-direction authority, which at the federal level permits states to allow legally liable relatives, including spouses, to be the paid attendant. Arkansas has a long history of consumer-direction, and this pathway may be available. The current rules, including any conditions or restrictions, must be confirmed directly with the Arkansas Choices in Living Resource Center at choicesinliving.ar.gov.

How to access: Contact the Arkansas Choices in Living Resource Center at choicesinliving.ar.gov. Ask specifically about respite coverage and self-direction eligibility for family members under the current 1915(j) implementation.

Eligibility: Medicaid financial eligibility and a nursing-facility level of care determination. Waitlist availability varies; ask the Choices in Living Resource Center about current enrollment.

Best for: Medicaid-eligible Arkansas families who want in-home respite and want to explore whether a family member can be the paid worker.

2. NFCSP Grants Through Arkansas's Area Agencies on Aging

What it is: The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), funded by Title III-E of the Older Americans Act, flows through the Arkansas Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services to regional Area Agencies on Aging. Each AAA provides in-home respite, adult day vouchers, caregiver training, counseling, and supplemental services.

Who qualifies: Family caregivers of adults age 60 and older; grandparent and relative caregivers of children under 18; caregivers of any age caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. No income test for NFCSP respite services.

How to access: Use the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or go to eldercare.acl.gov to find your local AAA.

Best for: Any Arkansas family caregiver regardless of income. NFCSP is consistently underused statewide.

3. VA Respite for Veterans

What it is: Veterans enrolled in VA health care can access respite through their local VA medical center, including in-home aide services, adult day health, and short-term placement in VA Community Living Centers or contracted facilities.

PCAFC: Primary Family Caregivers in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers receive respite care as part of the benefit package; confirm authorized days and any co-pay requirements with your VA Caregiver Support Coordinator.

How to access: Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 or contact the Caregiver Support Coordinator at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock or the Fayetteville VAMC.

Best for: Families of veterans enrolled in VA health care.

4. Short-Term Facility Respite and Emergency Respite

Short-term facility respite places the care recipient in an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility for a few days to several weeks. Many Arkansas senior living facilities offer short-stay arrangements; call facilities in your area for current pricing and availability.

Emergency respite is available through Arkansas's AAAs for sudden caregiver crises. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or dial 211 as a first step.

How to Start in Arkansas

  1. Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator). This connects you to your local Arkansas AAA for NFCSP grants, caregiver counseling, and local program referrals.
  2. Contact the Choices in Living Resource Center at choicesinliving.ar.gov if your loved one is Medicaid-eligible. Ask specifically about ARChoices waiver respite and self-direction eligibility for family members.
  3. Dial 211 for local social service referrals and adult day program directories.
  4. If your loved one is a veteran, call 1-855-260-3274 before anywhere else.

Not sure which Arkansas respite program fits your family? Chat with Brevy's care navigator for a personalized list based on your loved one's Medicaid eligibility, veteran status, and care needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The ARChoices in Homecare Waiver covers respite as a named service for Medicaid-eligible adults at a nursing-facility level of care. A concurrent 1915(j) self-direction authority may allow family members, including legally liable relatives, to be the paid attendant. Confirm current eligibility rules with the Arkansas Choices in Living Resource Center.

Possibly. The federal 1915(j) self-direction authority that runs alongside the ARChoices Waiver allows states to authorize legally liable relatives, including spouses, as paid attendants. Arkansas has historically supported consumer-direction, but the current rules for spousal hiring must be confirmed with the Arkansas Choices in Living Resource Center.

Yes. Arkansas's Area Agencies on Aging distribute NFCSP funds for caregiver respite with no income test. Use the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to reach your local AAA.

Adult day programs provide structured daytime care, typically 4 to 8 hours per day. Your local AAA can share a directory of licensed programs in your area. NFCSP grants can offset adult day costs, and ARChoices may cover adult day health services for enrolled members. Call 1-800-677-1116 for referrals.

Learn More

Find personalized help navigating respite care options in Arkansas at brevy.com.

The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.

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Brevy Care Team

Expert eldercare guidance from Brevy's team of healthcare professionals and researchers.