Becoming a Caregiver

steve.coryell

I've heard that individuals can be designated as a paid caregiver, or a care aid. Does anyone have experience with this process? I want to set-up my wife as a care aid, where she checks on my dad (early onset dementia) a few times a week to make sure he is getting his medications right, is eating well, has a clean house, bills handled, and personal hygiene. This would probably require about 10 hours per week (for now) and I would like for her to be compensated for her effort. Does Medicare cover an arrangement like this?

Phelser

I have read on this and have a daughter in law who cared for her mother and got paid From all I know it varies from state to state.

H1235

You might try call your local commission on aging. I was thinking it was a Medicaid that would do that, but I really don’t know. Of course with Medicaid there are asset limits and all kinds of requirements to be approved. This page explains the Medicaid requirements by state. It may explain programs available too.

https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/state-specific-medicaid-eligibility/

harshedbuzz

Many states have a Medicaid program for such arrangements.

These programs are intended to keep Medicaid eligible PWD in their homes longer to avoid the costs of a bed in a facility. To that end, depending on the state, there may be assistance with ADLs required as well as training or certifications required.

JulietteBee

Are you your dad's Durable Power of Attorney? If so, your wife does not need to be compensated by the state. She could be compensated by your dad, from his account. First, check with an Elder Attorney in your state.

My Elder Attorney told me that I could spend down about $100K of my mom's money without running afoul of Medicaid's 5-year look back period. To do so legally, I would have to sign a Personal Care contract, showing that I am her full-time caretaker and that lump sum is my wages being paid upfront. As your wife would only be doing it part-time, you would pay her a fair wage for time worked, weekly. She would then have to pay taxes as it will be viewed as taxable income.

H1235

I would check with an attorney on your dad paying your wife. In my state mom lived with my brother for a short time. The lawyer said she could pay him rent, but could not pay him to care for her. Why does this stuff have to be so complicated.