Belpre Area Agency on Aging Respite Programs

the Buckeye Hills Regional Council runs free and low-cost respite programs serving Belpre families — here's what's available and how to enroll.

Anna Nichols

Content Strategist

Reviewed by Carol Bradley Bursack, NCCDP-certified — Owner of Minding Our Elders

2 min read

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Updated May 13, 2026

Family caregiver gently caring for her elderly father at home, illustrating respite care in a domestic setting

the Buckeye Hills Regional Council serves family caregivers in Belpre through the federally funded National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) and Ohio-specific respite initiatives. Most Belpre 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 Buckeye Hills Regional Council actually offers Belpre caregivers

The Belpre 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 Belpre-area aging services
  • Support groups: weekly or monthly meetings, in-person and online
  • Supplemental services: sometimes home modifications, adaptive equipment, transportation

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

Who qualifies for the Buckeye Hills Regional Council 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 Belpre AAA respite

Step-by-step:

  1. Call the Buckeye Hills Regional Council or visit https://www.buckeyehills.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 Belpre area.
  5. Begin services typically within 1–2 weeks.

How AAA respite combines with other funding

Belpre families often layer AAA respite with:

  • Ohio’s PASSPORT (Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today) respite hours (for income-eligible seniors)
  • VA respite through the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, WV (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 Belpre senior services available through the AAA

Beyond respite, the Buckeye Hills Regional Council typically offers congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation programs, legal aid for seniors, Medicare counseling (SHIP/SHINE), elder abuse prevention, and Ohio-specific initiatives. The full menu is at https://www.buckeyehills.org.

If you’re a Belpre 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.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Buckeye Hills Regional Council free for Belpre caregivers?

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Most services are free for qualifying family caregivers — including the initial intake, caregiver assessment, information & referral, and most NFCSP respite hours. Some supplemental services have small fees or income guidelines. The exact menu varies by AAA. Belpre families can confirm what's free for their situation in a 20-minute intake call.

How many free respite hours does the Buckeye Hills Regional Council provide?

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Typically 40–200 hours per year for qualifying NFCSP recipients, depending on local funding and the family caregiver's needs. Belpre allocations vary year to year based on federal NFCSP funding to Ohio. the Buckeye Hills Regional Council can confirm current allocations during intake. Apply early in the federal fiscal year (October) for best availability.

Do I need to be on Medicaid to use Belpre AAA respite?

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No. NFCSP eligibility is for family caregivers — not based on the senior's income or assets. Caregiver eligibility is based on the relationship and the senior's age (60+) or dementia diagnosis. Some Belpre AAA supplemental services have income guidelines, but core respite hours don't. Medicaid eligibility unlocks Ohio's PASSPORT (Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today) respite separately.

How long does it take to start AAA respite in Belpre?

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1–2 weeks from intake call to first respite visit for most Belpre families. The AAA arranges the assessment and connects you with a contracted respite provider in the Belpre area. Urgent cases (hospital discharge, family caregiver crisis) can move faster. The annual allocation is finite — don't wait until the funds run out late in the federal fiscal year.

Can I use AAA respite hours for any kind of break?

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Most NFCSP respite hours are flexible — family caregivers can use them however the assessment plan supports. Common uses in Belpre: weekly afternoon hours for caregiver self-care, occasional weekend overnights, or longer breaks for medical appointments or family events. The hours are accumulated and used at the family's discretion within the year's allocation.

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About the author

Anna Nichols

Content Strategist

Anna writes about caregiving and senior care, with a focus on practical guidance for family caregivers.

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Belpre Area Agency on Aging Respite Programs