Does anyone know of any programs available that pay caregivers of the elderly or infirm, even if they are related to the person in question?
Not sure, but it certainly wouldn’t be available under Medicare or Medicaid. AFAIK, those programs will only pay medical expenses, so the provider must be a hospital, a doctor, a registered nurse, etc. (I’m assuming you’re talking about a caregiver who isn’t actually in the medical profession.)
If there was such a program it would be a household term. I sympathize with your need for it, but I’m afraid it will never exist.
Actually, I have learned that it does!
I have learned of at least one state so far, Washington, that offers a Home Care Providers Program. You take a few courses, you become, essentially, a state employee.
I guess they figure it’s cheaper than having you dump your relative on the state to care of in an institution.
I will tell more as I learn of it, in case anyone ever needs the information.
Most insurers won’t pay claims if a family member provides a service to another family member, even if the caregiver is a doctor/nurse/whatever. It’s too easy to submit a fraudulent claim.
Some will, however, pay for respite care, so the caregivers can take a vacation.
Robin
Medicaid pays for nursing home care if the person has no money.
The person can own a home but the governments will take it once the nursing home bill exceeds the value of the home.
The home can be put in someone else’s name three years before placing the person in the nursing home and Medicaid will pay the cost.