Loved ones need extra care as they get older. Many families struggle to afford professional care for their senior relatives. In-home care and adult facilities are expensive. Some families solve these issues by becoming their loved one’s caregiver. Washington, D.C., relatives can save money by offering care, but it also leads to sacrifice. They often take off work to care for their loved ones. This situation results in a loss of income and additional stress. Fortunately, there are ways for people to get paid as a family caregiver in Washington, D.C. This article will review your options.
How Do I Get Paid as a Caregiver in Washington, D.C.?
Apply for a Medicaid Waiver
Medicaid waivers allow Medicaid to provide benefits for services that fall outside traditional Medicaid coverage. Washington, D.C., offers the following benefits that help caregivers get paid to care for family members.
· Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver: This waiver provides cash benefits that allow seniors to pay their relatives for in-home care.
· Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver: This waiver helps people with disabilities live in their communities and avoid institutions. Family caregivers may receive compensation.
· Money Follows the Person (MFP): This program helps nursing home residents transition back to home life.
District of Columbia VA Covers Caregiving for Veterans
If your loved one is a veteran, you may be eligible for the following programs:
· The Veteran Directed Care Program (VDC): This program allows veterans to choose how they spend their monthly care budget. They may use it to pay a family member to provide home care.
· Veteran Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit: Veterans who qualify for Aid and Attendance (A&A) can receive up to $3261 monthly to cover caregiving services.
· Housebound Pension Benefit: This program is available to veterans who cannot leave their homes. It provides up to $1882 a month to pay for a caregiver.
· Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Caregivers (PCAFC): This program provides family caregivers up to $2750 a month. It also offers training, counseling, and respite care. It is available to relatives of an elderly veteran who has been seriously hurt or injured in the line of duty.
Become a Professional Family Caregiver in Washington, D.C.
A family member can also become a trained professional caregiver. Washington, D.C., residents can get paid to care for their loved ones. They can also expand their services and take on other clients.
Washington, D.C., supports caregivers through the Department of Aging and Community Living. They offer caregiver education and training. They also provide other valuable resources that help families care for elderly relatives.
Family members looking for care or hoping to work for a reputable agency should consider VMT Home Health Care. We offer skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and non-skilled services for elderly, ill, and disabled patients. We provide specialized services and multi-lingual caregivers. Our 35 years in the business ensure you will get quality care you can rely on.
Contact VMT to learn more about our services. We are your top choice for giving or receiving home care.