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Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Delaware?
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
In Delaware, family members can get paid for caregiving through a variety of state programs. The Diamond State Health Plan Plus (Medicaid Managed Long Term Care System) runs a Personal Attendant Services program that can be used to train and hire personal care attendants, including family members, for the purposes of in-home care.
Home care agencies in Delaware charge an average of $28 per hour for personal care services, which is around $2 an hour more than the national average. The Personal Attendant Services program gives seniors the opportunity to choose caregivers they feel comfortable with while ensuring those caregivers are properly trained and can deliver a high standard of care.
The Delaware Office of Veterans Services Supports Caregivers for Veterans
The Veteran Directed Care Program managed by the Delaware VA offers a budget for veterans to pay a caregiver of their choice, and family members can be hired under this program. In addition to this, the VA runs the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. This program provides a stipend of up to $2,750 per month for family caregivers and also offers training, respite care and counseling services. Finally, veterans may be eligible for the Housebound Pension Benefit, which can be spent in any way the veteran wishes, including hiring caregivers.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers Offer Advice on Local Programs
Seniors who need help understanding the programs available to them in Delaware or need assistance with the application process can contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center for support. These centers offer advice and referrals so seniors can access the help they need to live independently or start considering the best long-term care options for their needs.