If you're caring for an elderly family member, you may be interested in becoming a paid caregiver. The good news is that all 50 states offer some kind of r family caregiver support program to become paid caregivers through a Medicaid waiver program such as "Cash and Counseling" initiative. These programs are known as "consumer-directed care" or "self-directed services", meaning the care recipient can choose their own caregivers.
To find out about Medicaid-funded programs with participant directed services in your state, check online. Some states may even combine these programs with private or state-level programs, which lets both Medicaid and non-Medicaid recipients receive care at no cost to them. You can find more information by contacting your local Department of Aging.
In addition to Medicaid programs, many states also offer personal assistance services to help family caregivers. These services are usually provided through a Non Medicaid funded program and can provide financial assistance in the form of stipends or reimbursements for certain expenses. For example, you may be eligible for reimbursement for mileage driven to the doctor's office or for specialized equipment used to help with caregiving duties.
