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Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Hawaii?
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 Hawaii can get paid for caregiving. Hawaii was the first state to offer pay to family caregivers who already had jobs, passing the Kupuna Caregivers Act in 2017. There are several programs available to support family caregivers, including the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver, which provides options for in-home care as an alternative to nursing home placement, as well as tax credits and specific programs for veterans.
Medicaid in Hawaii offers seniors significant freedom with self-direction of funds. Seniors who qualify for Medicaid may have the option to choose their providers for personal care services, meal deliveries, transport and other day-to-day care. Those who would prefer not to manage their care to this level can work with a case manager with approved care agencies.
Assessment for Eligibility
To be eligible for support with the cost of home care services, whether provided by family members or an in-home care agency, seniors must meet income and asset limits and also be determined to require help with the activities of daily living. They must be classed as homebound, meaning that they find it difficult to leave home without planning or assistance.
Spouses May Not Be Eligible for Some Forms of Support
While some programs do allow anyone to act as a caregiver, spouses are not eligible for all programs. For example, the VA Homebound Pension Benefit takes spousal income into account when calculating eligibility and does not cover the costs of paying a spouse to provide care. Seniors who are unsure about the eligibility requirements for certain programs can contact the Hawaii Aging and Disability Resource Center for information and advice.