Caregiving
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Becoming a caregiver can cause financial and emotional strain for many individuals. Several programs exist to offer financial assistance to eligible Medicaid recipients, enabling them to cover the costs associated with caregivers. The below is a helpful link from Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) that provides family caregiver services by state, including how you can receive funding.
- Click the link: FCA caregiver services by state
Providing care for a loved one in your home or in their residence can contribute to meeting their needs. This caregiving option demands a significant time commitment and may not be feasible for everyone. In many families, the responsibility of caregiving falls upon one family member. Studies show that gender roles and location are big influencers of the unequal distribution amongst siblings and aging parents; caregiving is frequently solely provided by the daughter who lives in closest proximity of the parent. While this is not always the case, it can result in an unfair burden pushed onto one person. Similarly, caring for a spouse or non-parental loved one alone can be challenging. It is important for caregivers to know of resources they can reach out to when they need a break.
If you are thinking of becoming an at-home caregiver, it is important to consider the accessibility of your space for the person you are caring for. This may include things like stairs, your ability to transport them, and bathroom accessibility. Depending on your schedule and their needs, you may need to hire someone to help at times or be there when you are unable to. Sometimes another family member can act as a backup in these situations.
If the person you are caring for receives Medicaid, you may be eligible to receive payment from one of Medicaid’s funding programs. If you are unsure about your qualifications or the programs, contact Medicaid for more information. To find your state’s Medicaid website and contact, follow the links below.
- Click the link: Medicaid by state
- Click the link: Waivers by state
1. Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers are aid provided by Medicaid. These funds are to cover the cost of in-home caregivers, meal delivery services, home health, transportation and additional services individuals may need. This often occurs when individuals need care that is similar to a long-term care facility, but are trying to stay in their current residence. Qualifications vary by state. The following links provide more information on HCBS and a direct list of HCBS programs by state.
- Click the link: HCBS by state
- Click the link: CMS information on HCBS
2. Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services (PAS) is a Medicaid program for individuals to receive funding to pay and hire their own caregiver, like a family member or friend. The below is a link for more information on the PAS program.
- Click the link: Medicaid Self-Directed Services
3. Community First Choice (CFC) is a Medicaid program similar to HCBS, that provides home and community services. In contrast to HCBS, CFC does not limit the amount of individuals who can benefit from the program, and it is open to anyone who is eligible. Only some states currently have CFC programs. The below links provide more information on this option.
- Click the link: CFC Medicaid Information
- Click the link: Maryland CFC
4. Adult Foster Care programs vary by state and may have other names than “adult foster care”. Some of these programs act similarly to child foster care in that family can foster their elderly loved one and receive monthly support to cover care costs. Eligibility requirements and definitions of these programs depend on the state you are in. The following link provides a list of programs by state that can be utilized. (There may be overlap from previous sections, depending on available programs in your state.)
- Click the link: Adult Foster Care programs by state
Contact the Veterans Benefits Administration for more information or to check your eligibility.
Click the link: VA Benefits Administration
Phone number: 1-800-698-2411
1. Veteran Aid and Assistance
A program for eligible senior veterans (or spouses) that provides increased monthly funds to pay for assistance. These funds can be used to pay for caregivers (excluding spouses).
2. Veteran Housebound Benefits
Benefits for those eligible for VA pension. For Housebound benefits, there is usually a medical need or proven need for disability assistance.
For more information on Veteran Aid and Assistance and Housebound Benefit programs see the link below.
- Click the link: Veteran Benefits
- Click the link: VA aid and housebound allowance
3. Veteran-Directed Care
A program for Veterans to provide a budget for at-home care services like a caregiver. Veterans in this program hire and pay a caregiver.
- Click the link: Veteran Directed Care
Long-term care insurance policies cover the cost of care for individuals at home or in a facility. Each policy varies in reimbursement for assistance services. Typically these policies are enacted before long-term care is needed and the policyholder is in good enough health to maintain independence. If the individual carries a life insurance policy, make sure they check about long-term care coverage as well. If the individual seeking care has one of these policies, it may be able to provide funding for caregiving costs. To learn more about long-term care insurance, please refer to the following links.
- Click the link: Long-term Care Insurance Overview
- Click the link: Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program
Often when a loved one is in a long-term care facility, they have a family member, spouse, or friend still providing care to them. While training is not a requirement of helping a loved one, it may be relevant in certain situations. It is best to introduce yourself to staff and discuss your intentions to provide care, so everyone is on the same page. They can inform you of any restrictions or facility rules. The goal is to form a positive relationship and optimize care.
Below are links that will provide insight to obtaining certifications in caregiving. Please also see this website’s page Connect With Others for caregiver support groups.
- Click the link: Caregiver Certification Information by State
- Click the link: Family Caregiver Alliance
- Click the link: Hospice
Below are a few additional resources for caregivers and for finding caregiving services.
Please see the section Connect With Others on this website for caregiver support groups.
1. Eldercare Locator
Click the link: Eldercare.ecl.gov
Phone: 1-800-677-1116
2. Family Caregiver Alliance
Click the link: Caregiver.org
Phone: 1-800-445-8106
3. National Alliance for Caregiving
Click the link:Caregiving.org
Phone: 202-918-1013
4. Caregiver Action Network
Click the link: Caregiveraction.org
Phone: 202-454-3980
This website serves solely as a supplementary and educational resource. It does not offer direct advice or recommendations for individual situations. Additional research should be conducted, and official and professional guidance sought. Federal, state, and local services should always be consulted for appropriate assistance and guidance. Additionally, professional health, legal, and government services should always be consulted, as this website does not serve as a substitute for them. While efforts are made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this website cannot guarantee the accuracy or currency of the content. It is encouraged that users verify information with relevant authorities or professionals. Please note that if you or someone you know is in imminent danger, call 911.