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: 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. Eligible family caregivers are: For more information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.Eligibility
Contact
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.National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
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.
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
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