Are you caring for a family member with dementia?  If you are, you’ll know how challenging it can be to provide enough support for your loved one while also trying to work a full-time job. Programs exist to provide financial support to family caregivers.

Getting paid for family caregiving for someone with dementia involves understanding various programs, benefits, and resources available.Here are some options to explore:

1.     Medicaid Programs:

• Medicaid Waivers: Many states have Medicaid waiver programs that allow Medicaid  recipients to use funds to pay for in-home care provided by family members. Check with your state's Medicaid office for more details.
• Consumer-Directed Services: Some states offer programs that allow Medicaid beneficiaries to choose their caregivers, including family members. Look into your state's options for consumer-directed services.

2.     Veterans Benefits:

• Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid and Attendance: If the person you are caring for is a veteran, they may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, which can be used to pay for caregiving services.
• Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services: This program provides veterans with a budget to hire caregivers, including family members.

3.     State-Specific Programs:

• Some states have specific programs that pay family caregivers. Research programs in your state by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging or Department of Health and Human Services.

4.     Long-Term Care Insurance:

• If the person you are caring for has long-term care insurance, check the policy to see if it covers in-home care provided by family members.

5.     Family Agreements:

• Create a personal care agreement or contract where the care recipient pays you for your services. This agreement should outline the services you will provide, the payment amount, and the payment schedule. It's a good idea to     consult with an attorney to ensure the agreement is legally binding and to avoid any potential issues with Medicaid eligibility.

6.     Tax Credits and Deductions:

• Look into tax credits and deductions for caregivers, such as the Dependent Care Credit or the Medical Expense Deduction, which could offset some of your expenses.

7.     Paid Family Leave:

• Some states offer paid family leave programs that provide compensation to family members who take time off work to care for a relative. Check if your state has such a program.

8.     Grants and Non-Profit Assistance:

• Some non-profit organizations offer grants or financial assistance to family caregivers. Here are three of many non-profit organizations that support  caregivers of those with dementia: Alzheimer’s Association, National     Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA).

9.     Employer Benefits:

• If you are also employed outside of caring for your loved one, some employers offer benefits or programs to support employees who are caregivers. Check with your HR department to see if any such benefits are available.

Once you research your eligibility for various support programs, reach out to your local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) or Medicaid offices for guidance and application assistance. If possible, contact an elder law attorney or a social worker specializing in elder care to navigate the options and paperwork. Finally, keep detailed records of the care you provide, including hours and tasks to support your application for benefits and program support.

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At Mosaic Caregiving Solutions we offer a virtual assistant that can help answer your caregiving questions, and a resource library with original videos, blogs and a curated set of helpful articles on all aspects of caregiving for those with dementia. Visit us at mosaic-solutions.co.

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