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Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in California?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
California seniors can pay family members for caregiving via financial programs available to eligible residents. Medicare does not typically cover the cost of basic home care services. However, Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, offers some options for seniors who require personal care support and help with housekeeping, laundry or cooking.
Seniors can hire an approved home care service provider or have their care provided by a loved one. Family caregivers can be paid for the time they spend looking after loved ones and can also access other support, including respite care services, training and emotional support.
Medi-Cal Waivers Help Low-Income, Homebound Seniors
The Medi-Cal In Home Support Services (IHSS) program provides eligible seniors with support to cover the cost of help with the activities of daily living, shopping, housekeeping and transportation to medical appointments. The program is self-directed, so seniors can choose their own service providers, including paying family members to provide in-home care. In addition to this program, there are many other options for seniors who are looking for support to remain in their own homes, such as the Home And Community-Based Alternatives Waiver.
Spouses as Caregivers in California
While spouses are excluded from some Medicaid waivers for family caregivers, there may be some support available for them. The Paid Family Leave program offers eligible family members, including spouses, the opportunity to take up to 8 weeks of paid time off work to care for a loved one.