There’s nothing more important in life than family. When a family member needs our assistance, it’s essential that we can heed the call. However, with most American families living paycheck to paycheck, it can be hard to balance financial realities with this need to help those closest to us.
That’s why many are curious about how to get paid to take care of a family member with a disability. Finding a way to make money taking care of family can help take these two disparate issues and turn them into one cause.
How can you become a paid family caregiver? Read on and we’ll walk you through everything that you need to know.
The Reality of Serving as a Caregiver
Taking care of a family member can be rewarding and provide an essential source of love and support. Providing care for your family member yourself can help you rest easy, knowing that you’re providing the best quality support they could ask for.
However, there are a number of compromises one might have to make to become a paid family caregiver. These are realities that those looking to make this transition need to fully understand prior to taking any further steps.
In order to become a paid caregiver, an individual might have to significantly reduce the hours they spend outside the house and at other forms of employment. In many situations, the only way an individual can become a paid family caregiver is to quit their other job entirely.
The compensation one might get through becoming a paid family caregiver likely will not be as much as you’d get at another position. However, this combination of tactics can help to make a family’s living situation more tenable.
There’s also the emotional tolls this kind of work can require. It can be quite difficult, but it’s important to provide emotional support to your loved one as well as physical. You can read more now about this kind of work.
What steps does one need to take to become a paid family caregiver?
Medicaid Eligibility
If your loved one is eligible for Medicaid, it might be a little bit easier to get paid for providing them with care. It is possible to get compensation through Medicaid under what is known as the Cash & Counseling program.
This program isn’t available in all states, so it’s important to look and see if your location is an applicable one. The program gives those with disabilities the ability to budget and use their money for goods and services.
The budget from this program can be used to pay for caregivers, so a family caregiver could obtain their compensation directly from this program. You’ll likely want to contact your local Medicare office to see if this might be possible for your own situation.
Is Your Loved One a Veteran?
The United States likes to try and take care of those who have served the country in the past. One way they do this is through what is known as the Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services program.
This program seeks to keep veterans out of nursing homes and provide them with at-home care. Through this program, veterans can hire and pay for in-home caregivers to provide them with whatever care they need. A family member could conceivably be paid through this program.
Veterans might also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance program, which can similarly be used to cover in-home care costs.
Whether your loved one will be eligible or not for these programs will depend on their military background and the degree of help they need around the house. It will also depend on their income level.
Your local Veterans Affairs office would be the place to go and inquire about your loved one’s eligibility.
See If Your Company Provides Paid Leave
Some companies are trying to step up to the plate when it comes to creating a family environment and culture. Depending on where you work, it may be possible that your place of employment will allow temporary paid leave so that you can take care of your disabled family member.
Companies usually refer to these programs as elder care. Nike, for example, is one company that allows this kind of paid leave. They will allow eligible employees up to sixteen weeks off while still on the payroll so that one can take care of their family.
While all companies likely won’t be able to be this generous, many will offer some sort of plan or aid to those who need to leave to take care of their family. If you haven’t spoken to your employer, it’s well worth trying.
Look Into Community-Based Programs
Another angle worth looking into? Many seniors and others with disabilities are eligible to apply for community-based services. There are many out there that deliver ongoing support to those struggling and, in conjunction, their caregivers.
Many of these programs offer a tax-free stipend that can be passed on to a caregiver. This stipend might not be enough to truly get by, but it can be a helpful addition and is certainly preferential over nothing.
Often, these programs are available to anyone who relies on Medicaid. Looking into those closest to you could provide a number of helpful opportunities.
How to Get Paid to Take Care of a Family Member With a Disability
It can be difficult to determine how to get paid to take care of a family member with a disability. The above options, however, provide many potential angles worth pursuing. With some extra income, family caregiving can be a more stable and long-lasting enterprise.
Need more family advice? Keep scrolling our blog for more.