Thanks to state programs within Pennsylvania, some family members can be eligible to get paid to provide hands-on support to their loved ones. See how LifeGiver Home Care can set up your family’s caregiving options.
Caregiving for family members in Pennsylvania
Acting as caregiver for a loved one
We refer to caregivers as those who help elderly, ill, or injured patients with their regular needs and daily tasks. While some caregivers hold this role as a full-time employee, others can act as caregivers for a family member or friend to provide extra familiarity.
In Pennsylvania, Medicaid allows family members to undertake Personal Assistant Services (PAS) and pays related individuals to help with that care. This can include housekeeping, laundry, shopping, transportation, meal prep, grooming, and more. These caregivers are paid hourly, with the amount per week being determined after a professional consultation. This situation promotes shared goals of keeping the client near their loved ones, while lessening the family member’s burden of being a primary caretaker.
Become a family caregiver
LifeGiver Home Care not only arranges for professional caregiving services, but can coordinate your family caregiving options. Let’s work together to best support your loved one, and begin the family caregiving process today.
Benefits of being a family caregiver
Family members inherently have a deep interest in the quality and frequency of care their loved one receives. A mutual personal relationship means you know the ins and outs of how to treat your family member: their preferences, favorite things, likes and dislikes. Ultimately, your loved one is more likely to be comfortable receiving care, given your shared relationship.
Being their caregiver allows them to stay in familiar surroundings, either their own home or the family member’s. With the added safety of a dedicated family caregiver, letting your loved one age in place for longer is both a relief and a benefit for all involved.
Lastly, the financial benefits of being paid as a family caregiver affect both the caregiver and their loved one. With additional time spent on taking care of their family member, some individuals have to adjust or even give up their regular work schedules. Caregiving compensation also goes towards the extra food, utilities, personal care supplies, and other costs associated with caring for someone else. There might even be a need to make home adjustments or safety upgrades to better accommodate your loved one’s situation. For these expenses and more, acting as a paid family caregiver provides extra support so you can focus on your family member’s care.
Family caregiver eligibility
According to Medicaid, any family relative or friend can get paid to care for their loved one. However, a spouse cannot act as a caregiver for each other. Additionally, the caregiver cannot act as a Power of Attorney or Payee for the individual receiving care.
To become a family caregiver in the state of Pennsylvania, you must be:
At least 18 years old
Complete state caregiver training requirements
Tested for TB
LifeGiver Home Care is well-versed in understanding the state requirements to qualify for family caregiving. We specialize in the ins and outs of Pennsylvania’s caregiving rules, especially when it comes to determining eligibility and working with insurance options. We can help you navigate the qualification process for family caregiving and community health choice programs, shepherding you along every step.
Getting paid to take care of a family member
It’s important to note that Pennsylvania does not pay family caregivers directly. Once an individual is approved by the state, that person must connect with a licensed home care agency, and they will be considered an employee of that business.
In our case, you would be a LifeGiver Home Care employee: acting as a caregiver for just your family member, for their predetermined hours per week. Our employees check in during designated times of day with their family member, and are paid weekly through direct deposit.
Reach out to LifeGiver today to set up a free caregiving consultation for your loved one.