Does my friend have to be certified to help take care of me?

It sounds like you should be on disability and Medicaid. If you are, your friend may be able to earn money as your caregiver. It's unlikely she'd be able to make a living doing that unless she can live with you and get by on little money but she could make money for approved hours.

Anyone you choose can be your caregiver, but it's paying the person that's the problem. I'm afraid that unless you have some help from a government program (I'm assuming that you, on your own, have the money to pay her), you could have a hard time with funding. You could contact social services and see if they have ideas. Also, try your state website. Type the name of your state and then the word "disability" into your browser and you should find some links to agencies that may be able to help you.
Good luck,
Carol

Are you on medicaid or SS Disability?

You should pay your friend and have an employment agreement legally drawn up that way you might be able to use additional disability funds to pay for her services. Your friend should also pay taxes on this income. You would file same as an expense on your taxes. A social services agency or fee legal aid service in your area should be able to help you sort this out.

Consider all this before your friend quits their job or entails such a big move. As a friend...you might want to encourage your friend to do some research on caregiving and if this is something she/he has the skill set and long term desire to undertake.