Caregiving compensation

lorigeorge14

I have recently resigned from my teaching job to move in and care for my father full time. Is there compensation available. He does have Medicare.

harshedbuzz

@lorigeorge14

Hi and welcome. I am sorry for your reason to be here but pleased you found this place.

I do hope the choice you made doesn't impact your own retirement down the road as there probably isn't funding available to fill in the gaps created by leaving work.

In some states, there is a stipend available for people on Medicaid intended to pay for a small number of caregiver hours with a goal to saving the government money by delaying/preventing care in a Medicaid bed in a facility. Some states allow an adult relative, other than spouse, to be the paid caregiver.

There is also a provision in Medicaid that can allow an adult child or grandchild acting as caregiver that keeps parent out of a Medicaid funder facility for 2 year to inherit the house rather than have it sold to reimburse for care after death.

It's best to consult with a CELA in dad's state for the details as they relate to state-specific Medicaid rules. Our CELA said our state allows a parent to gift $500/month during the Medicaid 5-Year-Look-Back without penalty.

harshedbuzz

Also, Medicare pays for little related to dementia care— only diagnosis, ongoing medical care, medication and hospice services— not for residential or custodial care. That's Medicaid if the PWD qualifies.

Ci2Ci

Consult a certified elder lawyer about drafting a Personal Caregiver Agreement. It could provide you some income for caregiving and will serve as a good tool for spending down any excess money to make a LO financially eligible for Medicaid-LTC when they are medically eligible, should you need to go that financial route.

Victoriaredux

The disease process can go on for years. You may not be able to keep him at home the whole time due to behaviors and/or care issues [incontinence, lifting] so stay mindful of your future finances . Where will your retirement income come from? Disability insurance? Medical insurance… etc