Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
R
Rogerv72 Asked July 14, 2024

Can I be a caregiver to my living girlfriend?

100% disable. She can't drive anymore I do all the cooking and cleaning, help in and out of the shower. Drive her to her appointments.

Hopeforhelp22 Jul 15, 2024
Hi Roger - you should call your local Veteran's Administration office - they could help assist your girlfriend and explain what benefits they can offer her. It would be based on her income. The VA can take you thru the steps of applying for benefits - especially since she's disabled, they can explain the amount per month she may be eligible for regarding caregiving expenses.

All the very best ~

Rogerv72 Jul 15, 2024
Lydia receives SS and retirement from the military.
KNance72 Jul 15, 2024
Speak with the VA I would think you could .

ADVERTISEMENT


Rogerv72 Jul 15, 2024
Lydia is 66 I'll be 72 August 1st. Lydia can walk do small things around the house. She can't go back to work and she doesn't drive anymore.

Rogerv72 Jul 15, 2024
Yes I'm 72 in perfect health. I've been taken care of Lydia for 10 years now. I only see the doctor once a year for my yearly check up,I'm in better shape now then last year.

JoAnn29 Jul 15, 2024
If she is 100% disabled she needs to be in a Skilled Nursing Facility. If she can't afford it Medicaid may pay. You will not be paid that much money if you are even able to get her "in home" Medicaid. If you have a job, keep it, you need those earnings for SS andvyour future. Maybe better off finding her help thru Medicaid.

Geaton777 Jul 15, 2024
You are not a blood relative nor are you married, therefore you may be able to be a paid caregiver for your GF, but we need more info:

How old is she and you?

Is she on SSDI or Medicaid? What are her financial resources? Does she own a home, a car, have savings, other assets?

What state do you live in?

What exactly is her disability? Is it physical or cognitive or both?

BlueEyedGirl94 Jul 15, 2024
There are a couple of possible ways that you *might* be able to be paid.

If your state has any kind of resources to pay in home caregivers for her care (via Medicaid) that might be one option. Not all states have an option for this though.

The only other option for you to be paid would be for the two of you to draw up a contract and SHE pays you. This also may not be an issue if she doesn't have the funds.

I'm not sure how old you are, but I'm making some assumptions based on the 72 in your profile name - that you are in your 50s. Correct me if I'm wrong.

If you are not already retired, and you are in your 50s, while I can appreciate why you would want to be the one to provide care for your girlfriend, it may not be in you best interest to do so. If you are retired, you probably have your own income that will not change if you are home with her 24/7. BUT if you are not retired, you have to consider what no longer working and becoming her caregiver means for your future.

What we find here is that it is very rare for a familial/loved one caregiver to be paid enough to really live off of. Whether it be from a state funded allowance or your GF paying you, it won't likely be enough for you to live off of.

Additional details might be helpful.

97yroldmom Jul 14, 2024
Hi Roger
Are you asking can you be paid for being a caregiver to your girlfriend?
There are sometimes resources available through Medicaid.
Call your Area Agency on Aging and ask for guidance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter