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cammetro Asked April 2015

Can I get paid for living with and taking care of my Mom?

I live with my 82 year old mother. She has a few medical problems that prevent her from living her life without someone's help. She has Short Term Cognitive Impairment which has gotten worse, dizziness & balance problems which have gotten worse, and she falls sometimes.

I was told a couple of years ago, by a social worker, that I could be paid for being a "caretaker" to my mother. I have never checked into it. But now, because I sometimes am not able to work because I have to stay and help my mom, I started wondering about it.

Does anyone know about this?

sooz55 Apr 2015
I know in California you can. Contact your local Social Services organization and ask them. Usually Medicare figures it will cost far less and the person will be happier when they get the care they need at home. Arrangements will be made with you, (depending on your mother's personal assets), to pay you for caregiver services.

Dustien Apr 2015
If mom qualifies for Medicaid, then your state may have a program that will compensate you for caregiving. You need to check with your state's policies on aging. You can probably find something out on your state's website. If your mother doesn't qualify for Medicaid, then you probably won't be able to get paid for caregiving. It will mean she has her own asset's she can (and should) use to compensate you (or another caregiver) for the help she needs. Once those assets are spent down, then you might find some state aid that will help.

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freqflyer Apr 2015
That’s a very common question. Majority of grown children do not get paid for caring for their parent, unless the parent is financially able to pay from their own pocket. If a parent can afford to pay you, the parent might as well hire a certified trained caregiver allowing you to keep a full-time job.

If you live in the States, see If your parent qualifies for Medicaid, the State might allow a trained Caregiver come in to help for a couple hours. Also check to see if your State is one of those States that has a “Cash and Counseling” program to help you out, it's worth looking into. Note that each State has their own rules, regulations, and programs.

Also contact your county agency on aging for programs, such as Case Management, Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care, housing, care referrals, etc,... go to the website link below.... click on your State.... now click on the city/county. https://www.agingcare.com/local/Area-Agency-on-Aging

And please come back to the forums if you have any Caregiving questions, we would be more than happy to share our experiences with you, and give you ideas on what to do.

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