Caring for a family member can be a difficult and time-consuming task, but in some states, you can get paid for it. Twelve states (Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Wisconsin) offer state-funded programs that pay family members to provide care for an older adult. This includes spouses, parents of minor children and other legally responsible family members. There are three government programs that pay family members (and sometimes spouses) to care for an elderly person.
Most states have Medicaid programs that provide money to older people so they can hire an in-home caregiver. To learn how to apply for veterans benefits programs, contact your local VA regional benefits office. If you are a 61-year-old widower with a heart condition, back problems and other issues, you may be able to get paid for the care you provide. Your son may be able to receive payment for cooking and cleaning, washing your clothes and other tasks he performs. Similarly, if you have been taking care of both your parents for almost 20 years, you may be eligible for payment.
Your parents must be 79 and 73 years old and have various health issues. If you live with your aunt who is 92 years old and take care of her, you may be able to receive payment as well. You can find out if there are programs in your area that pay family caregivers by following the links in the previous article. One program of interest is called Veteran-Led Home and Community Services (VD-HCBS), which specifically pays family members to act as caregivers for a loved one at home. Your child may also be eligible for payment if they provide care for you. Caregivers may need to meet certain state requirements or become certified Medicaid providers in the state where they live in order to receive payment from Medicaid.
In most states, you can receive a Medicaid payment to care for your family members; however, this care is usually limited to adult children, although in some cases it is extended to spouses. In California, the program that pays you for the care of a disabled person is called Home Support Services or IHSS. Adult day care centers and temporary care centers can be especially helpful for caregivers of people who need regular supervision as they allow caregivers to take a break from providing care. You can also find out if there are programs in your father's state that pay family members for their help by following the links in the previous article. Family caregivers play an essential role in the health and well-being of older adults and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, taking on this role can be difficult since many people who do it still need to work to make ends meet.
In California, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii are some of the many states that pay family caregivers and provide ongoing resources and support. Other benefits are also available such as travel expenses, mental health services (which are especially important for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues) and temporary care for 30 days a year (so that the primary caregiver has time off). The amount of funding received depends on an assessment of the needs of the older person and the average salary of a home care assistant in the state and geographical region where they live.
