Government assistance for caregivers of elderly parents

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides grants to States and Territories to fund a range of support that assist caregivers.

The NFCSP offers a range of services to support family caregivers:

  • Information to caregivers about available services.
  • Assistance to caregivers in gaining access to the services.
  • Individual counseling, support groups and training to assist caregivers in the areas of health, nutrition and financial literacy.
  • Respite care to enable caregivers to be temporarily relieved from their caregiving responsibilities.
  • Supplemental services on a limited basis.

Specific services vary by county. These services can work in conjunction with other state and community based services to provide a coordinated set of supports.

Eligibility

Eligible family caregivers are:

  • A caregiver of any age providing care for an older adult age 60 or older or providing care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or related brain disorder.
  • A caregiver (who is not the birth or adoptive parent), age 55 or older, raising a related child age 18 and under or an adult with a disability.

Contact

For more information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

​The purpose of the National Family Caregiver Support Program (1-866-836-6678) is to help families care, as long as possible, for older relatives with chronic illness or disability in their homes. This program is available through the Commission and local Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAADs). The NFCSP was authorized under the Older Americans Act Amendment of 2000. Funding is provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging.

Provides assistance to:

  • Adults age 60 and over
  • Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related disorder
  • Grandparent/relative caregivers (not parents) who are 55 years of age or older and caring for a minor child

Services include:

  • Counseling and support groups
  • Caregiver training
  • Respite care
  • Personal care
  • Homemaker services
  • Adult daycare

*Availability of services may vary depending on service area.

Lifespan Respite Grant

Respite is a temporary break from caregiving

  • Through a partnership with Tennessee Respite Coalition, provides low- or no-cost respite services through a voucher system
  • Senior Companions - volunteers who provide companionship
  • Statewide Respite Helpline at 1-888-579-3754

Contact

To find out more about caregiver support programs in your area, call 1-866-836-6678 or 1-888-579-3754

Government assistance for caregivers of elderly parents

Benefits programs pay families to care for seniors

Caring for an older adult is expensive.

There are out-of-pocket costs for medical supplies, prescription drug co-pays, home modifications, home care help, and more. 

In addition, many people have had to leave their jobs or cut back on hours in order to care for their older adult.

Any extra money could help ease the financial pressure, so family caregivers often ask “Can I get paid for caregiving?”

The good news is that getting paid as a family caregiver is possible – these government benefits programs do exist.

The not-so-good news is that these programs aren’t available everywhere and not everyone will qualify. But it’s still worthwhile to check in case you can get the benefits.

We found 3 government programs that pay family members (and sometimes spouses) for caring for an older adult.

We explain how they work and where to apply.

3 ways of getting paid as a family caregiver

1. Medicaid programs

Most states have Medicaid programs that give money to seniors so they can hire an in-home caregiver.

That person could be a family member or friend instead of a professional caregiver. Some states also allow a spouse to be the paid caregiver.

Each state has its own eligibility requirements and name for its program.

If your older adult is accepted into the state’s program, the amount of money they receive will depend on a Medicaid assessment of need and the average state wage for in-home care aides.

To find the local Medicaid office and learn how to apply for the program, it’s best to start with the local Area Agency on Aging.

Ask them how to contact the local Medicaid office or how to apply for a program that would pay you for caring for your older adult.

2. Special state programs
Some states may have similar programs that pay family caregivers, but for people who are not eligible for Medicaid or who have specific conditions like traumatic brain injury.

To find out if there are any special programs that your older adult may qualify for, contact your local Medicaid office or the state department of health.

To find the correct government office, it might be easiest to start with the local Area Agency on Aging and ask them to direct you.

3. Veterans benefits programs
Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS)
This home-based care program helps veterans of any age who are at risk of institutional placement to continue to live in their own homes.

A veteran can choose the services that best meet their needs and manage their own spending budgets for personal care services.

Hiring their own in-home care aides falls into that area – including family and friends.

Aid & Attendance or Housebound programs
Veterans who are eligible for a VA pension and need in-home care or are housebound may be able to get additional benefits payments on top of their monthly pension.

Note: Veterans cannot receive both of these benefits at the same time.

To find out how to apply for veterans benefits programs, contact the local VA regional benefits office.

Recommended for you:

  • Find Financial Help for Seniors: 2,500+ Federal, State, and Private Benefits Programs
  • How Seniors Can Get Help Paying for Prescription Drugs
  • The Ultimate Guide to Senior Veterans Benefits

By DailyCaring Editorial Team

This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.


How much does a family caregiver get paid in Indiana?

Benefits and Services.

How much does the state of Michigan pay a caregiver?

Per Public Act 67 of 2019, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received funding to provide Home Help individual caregivers a wage increase to $9.90 per hour effective April 1, 2020. Individual caregivers who receive more than $9.90 per hour will not receive the wage increase.

Can caregivers get paid in Tennessee?

Yes, a caregiver can be a paid role.

How do I become a paid caregiver for parents in PA?

A family member can get paid to be a home caregiver in Pennsylvania through Medicaid or an agency. There are Medicaid programs that allow you to hire caregivers at your discretion, including family.