(Newswire.net — August 29, 2021) — It’s understandable that family members would like to take care of their loved ones. They feel obligated to and they do it out of love. But caregiving can be emotionally draining. It’s time-consuming and can even be financially draining. There’s no payment and other benefits. They even incur costs out of their pockets. Then caring becomes a financial burden.
It gets you thinking: Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in Pennsylvania? In some cases, yes. Here are instances when you can actually get paid for caregiving for a family member.
Caring for Medicaid recipients
Medicaid programs grant waivers, allowing self-directed long-term care. In some States, Medicaid recipients are allowed to hire a family member to be their caregiver. This means that the family caregiver will get paid.
However, rules, eligibility, coverage, and benefits regarding such programs vary from state to state. In some states, family legal guardians and spouses are not eligible to be family caregivers. There are programs that require the caregiver to live in the same state as the Medicaid recipient.
Should the recipient wish to, they can get p[rofessional caregivers that provide personal care in Pennsylvania. Make sure that you check your state’s requirements regarding these Medicaid programs.
Caring for military veterans
If you are caring for a military veteran, there’s a great chance that you will get paid as a caregiver. There are four plans available for military veterans that allow family caregivers:
1. Veteran directed care
This is a self-directed care program available in 37 states. It is offered to veterans, of all ages, who are enrolled in the health care system of Veterans Health Administration. Veterans can choose not only the type of care and services needed, but also the person who will provide the care. This means that the veteran can hire a capable family member, including his or her spouse, sibling, grandchild, or child.
2. Aid and Attendance benefits
This program is available to veterans qualified for VA pensions. To be eligible, they must require help with daily assisted living, in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, have very limited eyesight, or be confined to bed. If eligible, they can choose their own caregiver, including a family member.
3. Housebound benefits
These benefits are available to veterans receiving military pension who are confined to their home due to a permanent disability. The benefits and application process are similar to Aid and Attendance benefits. Hence, if you have already availed of Aid and Attendance benefits, you can no longer avail of Household benefits.
4. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
This program is given to family members who are taking care of their veteran loved ones. The payment comes in the form of a monthly stipend To be eligible, the recipient must require supervision and care due to injuries sustained on or after 9/11. With respect to the family caregiver, he or she must at least be 18 years old. Spouse, parent, child, extended family member, or a stepfamily member can be a caregiver.
Payment from the family member
If the family member you’re caring for is financial sound, you can have an arrangement regarding your compensation as caregiver.
Whether you’re getting paid or not, it’s important that you try your best in caring for your elderly or veteran loved one. After all, you’re family.