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Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Florida?
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
Family members in Florida can get paid for in-home caregiving through specialty Medicaid or Department of Veterans Affairs programs. If a Florida senior is a Medicaid recipient, they may be able to pay their family caregiver through their long-term care benefits.
Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program allows family caregivers to apply to work as a caregiver under the Participant Directed Option. Seniors who are veterans may have family members serve as caregivers under the Aid and Attendance program.
How to Apply for Family Caregiver Programs in Florida
The Participant Directed Option of Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program allows seniors to choose their caregivers. Seniors can choose family members for some services, such as companion care, homemaker services and nonemergency transportation. Each program participant receives a case manager who walks them through what services they are eligible to receive.
Seniors who are veterans can apply for the VA Aid and Attendance Program. This program provides a cash benefit to veterans who need assistance with the activities of daily living. The hired caregiver can be a relative other than the veteran’s spouse. Veterans can apply through their local VA regional office using VA Form 21-0779.
How Much Are Family Caregivers Paid in Florida?
Family caregivers who work under the state payment program receive Medicaid’s standard wage, which is between $9 and $13 an hour.
Under the Aid and Attendance Program, a veteran who does not have a spouse or dependent receives $23,238 a year to use for personal care. If the veteran is married, that increases to $27,549.