Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Louisiana?

If you are a caregiver in the Bayou State, you may have wondered, "Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in Louisiana?" Yes — several financial support programs and tax credits are available to people who care for their elderly or disabled spouses, friends, or family members. Additional assistance may be available to those who care for veterans. Some educational and respite programs can also benefit familial caregivers.

In Louisiana, Medicare-eligible seniors and their familial caregivers may qualify for Community Choices Waivers. This waiver can help cover the cost of home modifications, rehabilitative therapy, medical devices, and monitored in-home caregiving. Family members, friends, and spouses can receive pay as they provide care for family members under approved parameters.

This program aims to keep individuals at home as long as possible to avoid community housing such as an assisted living facility or independent living situation. However, remember that the program does not provide round-the-clock, 24-hour care, so if your loved one needs this type of assistance, they may want to explore options such as memory care facilities.

Those eligible for Medicaid may also find consumer-directed personal assistance programs in Louisiana. Long-term personal care services are available to Medicaid recipients in nursing homes that cover help with basic personal care, assistance with eating and food preparation, grocery shopping, and more.

Family members caring for veterans may qualify for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. This program provides financial aid based on individual needs. It also offers other valuable caregiver support, such as health care training, respite resources, and mental health counseling. 

Caregivers with dependent family members can also claim credit on their taxes. The Credit for Other Dependents, offered by the federal government, is $500 per year. Additional tax credits are available to family members who had to pay for outside caregivers to attend work or school.

Caregivers can find support from their local Area Agency on Aging, a government-run division dedicated to supporting the health of the elderly. These offices have case managers who can provide information and referrals to the services that best meet an individual’s needs. Family members of veterans can contact the nearest federal Veterans Affairs center to learn more and apply for assistance.