Serving as a family caregiver is one of the most rewarding jobs that you can do, especially if that family member cared for you in the past. Not only are you given more quality time together, but you also have the opportunity to ensure they are receiving the best care possible.
What many may not realize is that caring for an older adult is expensive. There are unforeseen out-of-pocket costs such as household expenses, medical supplies, personal care (ex: clothing, incontinence supplies, even pet care), and more.
Time = Money
According to AARP, 3 out of 5 caregivers have a paying job in addition to caregiving, and family caregivers often leave their jobs or cut back on hours in order to care for their aging loved one. Caregivers spend hours assisting their loved ones with daily tasks, preparing meals, accompanying them to their medical visits without compensation. For some, caregiving is another full-time job. Any extra money could help ease the financial pressure, so family caregivers often wonder if they can get paid for it!
So the big question is… how can I get help as a family caregiver?
Benefits Programs Offer Families Compensation To Care For Seniors
Good news! There are State and government programs that exist to support family caregivers.
Support programs vary per state and families must meet certain criteria to qualify, so it is worthwhile to check with your state. We listed three that benefit families in Hawaii:
1. Medicaid Programs
Under the Hawaii Department of Human Services, the State of Hawaii Med-QUEST Division (MQD) administers the state’s Medicaid program. Med-QUEST offers funding for home health care, adult day care, personal care, and respite care.
Only personal care and respite care are eligible for consumer-directed care under the consumer-directed care model, some family members and friends can be compensated for providing caregiving services.
HOW TO APPLY: Check HERE for eligibility
2. Kupuna Caregivers Program
The Kupuna Caregivers Program (KC) is a State of Hawaii-funded program that provides community-based long-term care services. KC services include: transportation, attendant care, case management, home-delivered meals, homemaker, adult day care, and personal care services.
KC will prioritize older adults with greatest economic need, greatest social need, and/or at risk for institutional placement. Extra attention will be given to those who are low-income, minority, with limited English proficiency, and/or residing in rural areas.
HOW TO APPLY: Call 808-768-7700 for more information
3. 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.
