Caregiving is important work that plays a crucial role in supporting the elderly, those who are unwell, individuals with disabilities or special needs, and their families. Many people willingly take on this responsibility out of love, offering assistance around the house and looking after their aging or ailing family members. These informal caregivers work selflessly, often bearing the financial burdens of caring for their loved ones. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this is still work deserving of recognition, compensation, and support.
In the United States, various government and private organizations offer financial assistance and support for family caregivers, although the scope varies from one state to another. Transforming informal family caregiving into a formal or semi-professional role can provide caregivers with the financial stability they need, ensuring they can provide the best possible care for their loved ones. In this article, we will explore the different programs and benefits accessible to family caregivers in Colorado, including the criteria for eligibility and the potential earnings for family caregivers in the state.
Unpaid Vs Paid Family Caregiving In Colorado
The number of people engaging in unpaid care work may be larger than you imagine. A recent report by the AARP uncovered the following figures:
- There are 600,000 unpaid family caregivers in Colorado looking after their loved ones.
- These caregivers provide a combined 560 million hours (valued at around $11.2 billion) of unpaid care every year.
When it comes to family caregivers working in paid positions, data from Indeed.com sheds light on how much they are earning in Colorado:
- On average, a paid family caregiver in Colorado earns just over $41,000 per year, starting from around $17 per hour.
- The annual salary for family caregivers in the United States typically ranges between $27,581 and $48,694, depending on factors such as location, education and certifications, experience, and any other skills a candidate might have.
Through formal training, certification programs, or by gaining experience with established home care agencies, caregivers in Colorado can enhance their earning potential and access valuable resources to support their caregiving responsibilities and their families.
How To Get Paid For Family Care In Colorado
If you are a family caregiver in Colorado seeking financial support, there are several federal and state benefits that you may be eligible for. If you want to receive a salary or turn caregiving into your career, home care agencies can offer employment opportunities to care for your family members.
Get Paid As A Family Caregiver In Colorado Through Medicaid
First Health Colorado, the state’s version of Medicaid, offers several programs that provide financial compensation for family caregivers in Colorado, usually in partnership with a Medicaid-approved care agency. These include In-Home Support Services (IHSS), a program that supports elderly (65+) or disabled people on Medicaid by providing money to pay for services that allow them to remain in their own homes. Under IHSS, eligible Colorado residents can choose who they hire as a caregiver, including family members.
Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)
This program compensates employees who take time off work to care for a loved one. Most Colorado employees are eligible to take up to 16 weeks of paid leave so long as they have earned at least $2,500 in wages within the state. Learn about eligibility for FAMLI here.
The Colorado Respite Coalition (CRC)
This organization offers resources for caregivers in the form of a one-time Family Respite Voucher, which might range from $250 to $1,000 in value. For more information about availability and applications, check the CRC website.
<h3>Long-Term Care Insurance
If you are caring for someone with long-term care insurance, then their policy might allow them to pay a family member as a care provider. However, eligibility depends on the specific policy, so to find out, you must contact the patient’s insurance provider directly.
<h3>Veteran’s Benefits In Colorado
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has several programs to help veterans and their families, including caregivers. Although the VA is a federal organization, services can vary from state to state. Colorado residents who have served can check their eligibility for the following services via the VA.
- Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance – This program provides additional pension funds for eligible veterans, which can be used to pay for caregiving services, including family caregivers.
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) – This provides support to family caregivers who care for veterans who have a service-related illness or disability. PCAFC support includes counseling, training, and even financial support of up to $2,750 per month.
- Veterans-Directed Home and Community Based Services – This Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program gives veterans who are eligible for home care benefits control over how those funds are spent, which includes the freedom to decide what services they need and hire their preferred caregivers, who can be family members.
Get Paid As A Family Caregiver Via An Agency In Colorado
Even if you do not qualify for federal or state assistance as a family caregiver, you have the option to work with a home care agency to care for your loved ones. Agencies recognize the high motivation and passion for helping others that family caregivers have. A family caregiver working with a home care agency not only gets fair compensation for care services but also assistance should they wish to turn their informal caregiving experience into a fulfilling career.
For example, Nova Home Care is actively looking to hire family caregivers and welcomes applications from people in the Colorado area. For more information about compensation and benefits, including salary, insurance, 401K, training, and more, check our careers page or contact us online.