I'm taking care of friend with lots of health issues. How can I get paid?

Check with your state's Dept of Human Services. In order to get paid as a Caregiver, the senior has to have applied for, and be approved for, MedicAid services. In some states it is called Elderly Aid. They can only have $2,000 in assets. Most people don't qualify. And even if you do qualify, the social worker has to verify that in-home services are the way to go, are appropriate for the senior and cheaper than placement in nursing home. It has to continue to be that way, too, so if later on her condition worsens they will not just pay for more caregivers in-home, they will move her to a nursing home. There's no guarantee you will be able to receive any pay for caregiving, and if by some miracle you do get state money, there's no guarantee it will continue for as long as you hope.

Majority of people do not get paid for caring for their friend, unless he is financially able to pay from their own pocket. If that friend can afford to pay you, he might as well hire a certified trained caregiver… thus allowing you to keep a full-time job so that you can add to your own retirement.

If your friend qualifies for Medicaid, the State might allow a trained Caregiver from an Agency to come in to help a couple hours a day. Check to see if your State has “Cash and Counseling” program. Note that each State has their own rules, regulations, and programs. Some have waiting lists.

Call his Medicaid case worker. In some states if a Medicaid recipient is eligible for in-home care, that care can be provided by anyone qualified. Start with the case worker to find out how things work in your state.