Did you know 48 million Americans care for adults in their families without pay? How can you get paid as a caregiver? Family caregivers often find caring for their loved ones can lead to several unforeseen expenses. From the out-of-pocket costs of transportation and gas to helping with groceries and medications, most family caregivers spend up to 25% of their private funds caring for their loved one over time.
Because of this, many ask, "How can I be a paid caregiver for my mother at home?" as they look for qualified government assistance for family caregivers. Medicare and Medicaid rules can be complicated, so we have broken them down.
Most Medicare plans will only cover caregivers working for certified facilities like assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Medicaid is for low-income families and has some leniency. State Medicaid plans allow beneficiaries to pay their benefits directly to family caregivers. Benefits differ based on the plan and the level of care a care recipient requires.
In-home Medicaid medical coverage will include the following:
All fifty states allow self-directed Medicaid for long-term caregiving. However, Medicare will not directly pay for family caregiving. Rules differ from one state to the next. Some states like Florida and New York, which have larger elderly populations, have more options to pay for caregivers. Family caregivers must plan their eligibility, coverage, and benefits based on their state and circumstances.
Many family members end up taking care of their loved ones when illness or aging prevents the completion of daily activities. It's common for adult children to find themselves as daily care providers for their aging parents. But does that qualify as caregiving?
Caregiving responsibilities often include:
As you can see, a broad range of tasks falls under caregiving. If you find yourself actively helping a relative or close friend with these tasks, you may be eligible to receive compensation under Medicare or Medicaid. Discuss with the care recipient how you can be compensated for your caregiving.
While this might be a sensitive conversation, it is time to have that honest conversation if you spend a lot of time, finances, and emotional effort caring for your loved one.
Medicare's government assistance for family caregivers depends on a variety of specific needs:
To apply as a caregiver, each person must follow specific steps in the Medicare application process and be approved.
Self-directed care providers like family caregivers may receive Medicare pay directly from the beneficiary. They often have to undergo a formal assessment, help detail a budget, and work with the beneficiary. Both Medicare and Veterans programs help alleviate the cost of caring for family members by providing ways of compensation. Medicare does not cover caregivers directly, but self-directed programs allow direct payment to caregivers.
Some states offer specific plans. The NY CDPAP Home Care allows the elderly to pay for family caregiving. Generally, caregivers must demonstrate skill, be 18 years old, and have a valid driver's license. They need to be able to help the care recipient complete tasks.
Several types of home care services are not covered by Medicare. For instance, Medicare will not pay for a caregiver if:
Additionally, Medicare will not pay for caregiver support services if the services performed aren't directly medical (i.e., buying groceries or shopping). A Medicare-approved caregiver may also help with these things, but these cannot be the only tasks they do.
Most family caregivers receive pay under a Medicaid Self-Directed Care Program. These programs allow beneficiaries to spend their benefits as they see fit, including for qualified caregiving. Some conditions do qualify for SSI or SSDI to cover long-term care:
Contact your state's local area agency on aging or the country veterans office to find out more details.
To be paid by Medicare (not Medicaid), a caregiver must fit within the Medicare eligibility requirements for home health benefits. Services must be deemed medically necessary to receive Medicare coverage. Their doctor must verify that the elderly family member is homebound and cannot leave their home to meet their medical needs. There are four steps:
In the assessment stage, the primary caregiver must meet with representatives and deem themselves qualified to give caregiving services. They must plan the personal care plan with the provider and the family member. Additionally, a detailed budget goes through an approval process.
At the very end, the care recipient selects the caregiver to offer their services. Even after approval, the caregiver cannot provide the services if the care recipient does not want to hire that caregiver. The care recipient has the final word and decision in determining their care.
Anyone who cares for an elderly or disabled adult is considered a caregiver. The primary caregiver does not need to be a family member. Caregivers include:
Many people help others in their community. In this climate, the elderly and disabled often end up forgotten. Family members may live in another state and can only help remotely. Maybe a spouse dying has left a widow alone. Sometimes a fall or illness can drastically change a person's overall independence.
For many reasons, independent individuals find themselves needing increasing personalized care to complete daily tasks. Planning for illness, injury, or aging helps defray the costs and hassle of acquiring long-term caregiving.
Pay for caregivers differs from state to state. Most caregivers receive between $10-25 per hour, and the average income for most caregivers hovers around $28,000 annually. In general, caregivers earn about half the median income in each state.
For example, in Texas, which has one of the highest numbers of caregivers in the United States, primary caregivers earn an average of $21,750 per year. This is less than half of the average wage earned in Texas - $21,750. Subsequently, Texas falls at #49 out of 50 states for caregiving income earned.
Caregivers can increase their pay by acquiring a degree and certifications, learning new skills, or if they have seniority. In general, caregivers working in a nursing home facility will earn more than private caregivers. Some self-employed caregivers add amenities like pet sitting, childcare, and light housekeeping to raise their hourly rate.
As you can see, earning income as a caregiver involves several steps. Work with your care recipient and the local office of aging to begin the approval process. Planning will ensure your loved one receives the personal care services they need to live a long and fulfilling life.
