Get paid to care for a loved one
With a little research, getting paid to take care of a family member may be possible.
Helping an aging or ailing family member takes time, patience and hard work. It's also costly, and many spend thousands of dollars annually caring for loved ones. If you are caring for your elderly parents or another relative, you may be able to get paid for this labor of love. Here are some options to consider.
Medicaid and other state-run programs
Both types of programs offer what are known as self-directed services, which allow the participant to control the services they receive, including hiring a paid full-time caregiver. The participant can choose the caregiver, including a family member.
While the details vary from state to state, all Medicaid self-directed service programs provide the support necessary for someone to plan their own care and manage it. Check with your state to see if it offers any Cash and Counseling Programs, which allow the recipient to choose who they would like to pay to be their caregiver, including a family member.
Benefits for military veterans
Veterans may be eligible to receive assistance in hiring a caregiver of their choice through a program called Veteran Directed Care. The U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) offers guidance through their online resource to help you determine eligibility, find out what services are available and (to help you as a potential caregiver) assess what support you can provide.
If your loved one receives a military pension, they may be eligible to receive a supplement payment to cover caregiving costs through the VA's Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance.
Long-term care insurance
Insurance policies that cover long-term care can often, but not always, be used to pay a family member for caregiving. Check with the insurance carrier to find out more.
Get paid directly
If your relative is paying out-of-pocket for caregiving help, they may be able to redirect that money so you or someone else in the family can provide care. Discussing finances with your elderly parents or other family members can feel awkward, but gently broaching this option could make it financially feasible to keep caregiving within the family.
If after careful research, you determine that becoming a caregiver for a family member is right for you and your family, make sure to take advantage of these programs that offer support and compensation for caregivers.
