Becoming a caregiver for a family member is a noble and rewarding calling, but it can also be challenging, costing time and money and putting pressure on relationships. However, it is possible to become a paid caregiver for a disabled child or get paid to care for a family member who is sick or aging, thanks to support from home care agencies and government programs like Medicaid. This alleviates the financial burden of care and gives family caregivers the resources they need to provide the best care for their loved ones.
At Nova Home Care, we believe no one takes care of family like family. That’s why we provide family caregivers with the assistance and guidance they need to navigate this journey successfully. Below, we’ll take you through the essential steps involved in becoming a caregiver for a family member and how Nova Home Care can help.
Step 1: Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
The first step in understanding how to become a caregiver for a family member starts with a look at insurance coverage. Before embarking on your caregiving journey, it’s crucial to understand your policy and any benefits available to you. Review your health insurance policy to determine if it covers home care services or offers any caregiver support programs. Additionally, explore government-funded programs like Medicaid that may provide financial assistance for caregiving services.
- Private Insurance: Given the wide variations between private insurance plans, you will have to consult with your insurer to find out the precise extent of their home care coverage.
- Medicare: It can be challenging to understand who qualifies as a caregiver under Medicare rules. Although Medicare plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, can cover home care costs, it usually applies to situations where skilled medical care, e.g., nurses or therapists, is required, and only for a limited time. Most family caregivers who provide non-skilled and non-medical care will not fall into this category.
- Medicaid: Intended for low-income families, Medicaid is more flexible than Medicare and often allows the beneficiary to choose their caregiver—who can be a family member—through self-directed health plans. Although Medicaid does not pay family caregivers directly, a home care agency can employ a family member to care for the Medicaid recipient.
Not sure if your family member qualifies for Medicaid or how to get started becoming a paid family caregiver? See our next step below:
Step 2: Contact A Care Coordinator For An Assessment
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with your insurance coverage, the next step is to contact a care coordinator for a professional assessment of your family member’s care needs.
A care coordinator can evaluate the level of assistance required, recommend appropriate services, and help you develop a personalized care plan. At Nova Home Care, our experienced care coordinators are dedicated to assisting caregivers in processing the paperwork and government bureaucracy that comes with securing support from Medicaid.
Nova Home Care supports family caregivers in the states of Indiana, Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado, and Connecticut. If you live in one of these states and care for a family member, we can help you secure financial support. To find out more, fill out our referral form, and a compassionate caregiver will get in touch to answer your questions and guide you through becoming an official caregiver for your loved one.
Step 3: Become A Family Caregiver Through An Agency
If you’re considering becoming a paid caregiver for your family member, partnering with a reputable home care agency like Nova Home Care can offer many benefits. As an employed caregiver, you’ll receive formal training, ongoing support, and access to resources to enhance your caregiving skills. Additionally, working through an agency ensures you’re compensated for your valuable time and effort, providing financial stability while caring for your loved one.
To get started as a caregiver with Nova Home Care, you can use our referral form above or fill out an application on our careers page. Nova Home Care employees can work caring for their relatives and also receive benefits such as paid vacation and sick days, health plans, mileage reimbursement, and more.
Support For Family Caregivers Near Me
Caring for a family member can be physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding, so it’s essential to seek support and resources to help you cope with the challenges. At Nova Home Care, we believe that no one takes care of family like family, and we look after every employee like members of our own.
Contact Nova Home Care today to learn more about our non-medical home care services and how we can support you in your caregiving journey.