I am a unpaid caregiver

Istoppedescaping

Hello, since my mom has Alzheimer's and is in a NH. I have become my Dad's caregiver, it happened during the Pandemic. I have been told I cannot get paid to take care of my Dad who is 81 and with Glucoma because my mother is in the nursing home. Has anyone had this experience and if so, can you please explain to me if this is true?

SusanB-dil

We (DH & I) have hit 'that wall'.  I have CNA certification (due to covid, never did go for license, but cert is still valid for another few months), but found that home services in my area (NC) will not place a CNA with their relative as it is against their policy, thus getting paid to be with LO is a no-no.  LO has long-term insurance, and they said a caregiver that they may pay cannot be a relative.  (Not that the insurance is cooperating, anyway...  as claim was denied because she can still dress and feed self. so we are having to pay a dayperson out-of-pocket - so we can work.)  So I don't know, but maybe they just figure you shouldn't have to be paid for it being a relative...  In my case, we thought it would be beneficial that it would be someone she knows, and I would leave one of my jobs.

DrinaJGB

Welcome to the club of unpaid caregivers in the richest country in the world.  Oh, they know we exist. They just don't care to acknowledge it--out of sight out of mind and all that.

It's like the bumper sticker that says Nobody Cares.

  So in other words just go and change your whole life now.

Twelve years and counting..........

And carry on the best way you can.

Marta

Most, if not all, of us are unpaid caregivers. 

If there are any caregivers out there who somehow manage to be paid, please describe your case. 

Cynbar

In my state of Massachusetts, there are ways for a relative (not a spouse) to be paid as a caregiver, but only if the person has community Medicaid. Even then it's not a regular, hourly salary --- more like a monthly stipend. Doesn't have anything to do with whether a spouse is in a nursing home.  Otherwise, I'm not aware of any resources for you.

Unknown By Man

NY CDPAP it is based around medicaid, hourly rate is 15.00 and 22.50 overtime, you get paid after your shift daily, weekly or biweekly depending on the agency.  Anyone that is not in charge of making decisions is capable of qualifying. Maybe your state has something similar.

Marta

Those of you who have been able to procure payment for caregiving, do you have any links that would help the OP?