Respite care for family caregivers in Missouri

People 63 or older who meet nursing facility level of care, are in active Medicaid status, and have a caregiver who regularly gives or arranges their care, such as family, friends or neighbors who give unpaid support. An aide comes to the home to supervise and help the person so the caregiver can rest.

The aide works for the provider and cannot be an immediate family member (parent, sibling, child or stepchild, spouse, grandparent or grandchild). People living in a nursing facility, residential care facility or assisted living facility cannot get it.

Source: HCBS Manual 3.50 Respite Care (Aged and Disabled Waiver) (Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, revised July 2026)Checked Nov 2, 2026

Up to 49 hours a week, whether Basic Respite, Advanced Respite, or both.

Source: HCBS Manual 3.50 Respite Care (Aged and Disabled Waiver) (Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, revised July 2026)Checked Nov 2, 2026

Caregivers who live in the same home as a Missouri resident with a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. The program is free and helps pay for respite care and other care-related costs. People living in long-term care facilities are not eligible.

Enrollment depends on funding and is first come, first served. Services paid by Medicare, Medicaid or another source cannot be reimbursed.

Source: Missouri Caregiver Program (Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services)Checked Nov 2, 2026