Many Pennsylvania families are choosing to care for loved ones at home instead of using a professional caregiver from an agency. Did you know that in some cases, you can get paid to care for a loved one?
If someone close to you, like a parent, sibling, or friend, needs help with daily tasks, and they receive Medicaid or VA benefits, you may be able to become their paid Family Caregiver. Keep reading to learn how the program works and how to get started.
What Is a Family Caregiver?
A Family Caregiver is someone who steps in to help a loved one with the things they need to stay safe and independent at home. These are non-medical tasks like:
- Bathing and dressing
- Meal prep and cooking
- Light cleaning
- Laundry
- Help getting around the house
As a Family Caregiver, you provide the same support a home health aide would, but you’re someone your loved one already knows and trusts.
Who Can Be a Family Caregiver?
You may qualify to become a paid Family Caregiver if your loved one is:
- Approved for homecare through a Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver, such as Community HealthChoices or the ODP waiver.
- A veteran enrolled in the VA’s Homemaker and Home Health Aide program.
These programs cover the cost of homecare so that people can stay in their own homes, rather than move into a facility.
If your loved one needs help applying for a waiver or VA services, our experts can answer questions and assist with the process. Contact us by phone or complete the contact form on this page.
How Do I Get Started with JEVS Care at Home?
Once your loved one is approved for home care through Medicaid or the VA, they’ll be asked to pick an agency to coordinate their care. After they choose JEVS Care at Home they will need to call us to name you as their Family Caregiver and give us your contact information.
One of our team members will get in touch to begin the hiring process. Once you’ve been hired, you will complete paid training (usually 4–6 hours) so you have all the skills you need to help your loved one.
Once training is done, you can provide care and receive weekly pay. JEVS Care at Home will take care of your pay and benefits.
What Benefits Do Family Caregivers Get?
At JEVS Care at Home, if you work 30 or more hours per week, you may qualify for:
- Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
- Life insurance
- Ongoing support and training
Who Cannot Become a Family Caregiver?
Under state rules, some people are not allowed to be paid caregivers. You cannot become a Family Caregiver if you are:
- The person’s spouse
- Their Power of Attorney (POA)
- Their legal guardian (for example, a parent caring for a minor child)
You must also pass a criminal background check. People with certain convictions may not qualify.
Read About a JEVS Family Caregiver and Her Experience
Being a Family Caregiver is a meaningful way to support someone you love–and get paid for the care you’re already giving.
Learn about one Family Caregiver’s rewarding experience caring for her mother. Read Genesis’s Story on our blog.
““I’m so honored and grateful to have this opportunity to care for my mom, while being able to financially support myself. My mom is happy that I’m able to be here with her each day as she makes progress with her health, and that to me means more than anything. So, thank you to every person that has helped facilitate my journey in getting started with JEVS Care at Home, you are all amazing!”
-Genesis, JEVS Family Caregiver, Pennsylvania
For more information or to begin services
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