When you want the familiarity of having a friend or family member take care of you, you can do that in many instances. There are specific processes you’ll have to look into to get the ball rolling.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: If your loved one has long-term care insurance, it usually allows for family members to become paid caregivers. Contact the insurance company directly for confirmation.
- Medicaid Waivers: The self-Directed program lets a person manage their health service, including having family members care for them (depending on the state). A physician must attest to the individual’s ability to hire and supervise.
- Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services are similar to Medicaid in terms of choosing a caregiver. Aurora at Home has a Vet Assist program to help with this situation. There are also Aid and Attendance benefits for veterans that may cover the costs of having in-home assistance.
Can I Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for a Family Member?
If you are someone interested in caring for your mother, father, etc., you may ask, “can I get paid to be a caregiver for a family member.” In Pennsylvania, that is absolutely possible. Your job can be coordinated through Medicaid or an agency. You are looking at what’s called Consumer Direct Personal Assistance Program.
Working through an agency like Aurora at Home has several advantages, including safety training before you begin. Each week you will report your hours (most agencies use cell phone clock-ins) and receive a check the following week. This is a “real” job, meaning if you find caregiving rewarding, you can make it into a career. Here are some of the paths you might consider following:
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Certified Home Health Aide
- Family Assitance
- Gerontology
- Prosthetics
- Specialization
In order to become a caregiver, Pennsylvania requires taking an assessment test. You must also be over the age of 18. It’s worth noting that Medicaid will not pay for a spouse as an in-home assistant, but other programs might.
The average pay for caregivers in Pennsylvania is $13 per hour. This might change depending on mandatory deductions or reimbursements. It’s meaningful work that helps your family. AmeriBest recognizes the valued gift you’re giving to loved ones. In many cases, you become the communicating “bridge” for all family members to better understand what’s happening and how conditions change.
Because your new job includes socialization, you may learn a lot more about your loved one than you ever knew before. Their favorite TV shows or music, board games, or making cookies – these types of interactions help offset the depression and anxiety many seniors experiences. The lifting mood is recognizable.
Also, Who better knows the dynamics of everyone involved? You can work with your loved one to create a schedule that is perfect for both of you. Just make sure you don’t go over the allotted amount of time, as you will not be paid for those hours.
Pennsylvania has several programs acting as caregiver support. Utilize these when you feel overwhelmed or can’t come up with ideas.
Aurora Health Care Agency in Philadelphia, PA
Once you’ve been approved for family caregiving, finding an agency with which you can coordinate pay is the next step. Aurora at Home can help. We have a free brochure you can receive by email for an overview of our services HERE.
Other ways to connect with our team include:
An online contact form
Email: info@auroaathome.com
Feasterville office 215-354-4444
Wyomissing office 610-375-1800
Lancaster office 717-200-1414
We’re happy to answer any questions you or your family have about becoming a designated caregiver for a loved one.
