Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Maine?

Family members can get paid for caregiving in Maine under the MaineCare Consumer Directed Attendant Services program. Spouses and legal representatives of potential care recipients aren’t eligible to be paid as caregivers. Seniors must qualify to participate in the program, but when they do, caregivers can provide a wide variety of services in this in-home care option.

Seniors who wish to access Maine’s Consumer Directed Attendant Services must first qualify for MaineCare. MaineCare sets limits on a recipient’s monthly income and assets. Once seniors are enrolled in MaineCare, they must then prove they’re disabled or unable to care for themselves and require a personal care assistant.

The first step in applying for Consumer Directed Attendant Services is filling out an application form. The individual then receives a functional assessment that focuses on financial situations and the kind of care requested. A private, face-to-face assessment may also be required to determine full eligibility for the program. To receive a personal care assistant through this program, a senior must be living in their own home or in the private home of a loved one. Anyone who lives in a nursing home, board and care home or assisted living community doesn’t qualify.

When a senior qualifies for the Consumer Directed Attendant Services program, they may hire a qualified family member as a caregiver. To ensure that family members have the necessary skills, the program pays for up to 14.25 hours of personal care attendant training every year as well as up to 18 hours of care coordination or case management services each year. Personal care services may be provided for up to 28 hours per week.

Family caregivers may provide a wide variety of services to their loved ones under this program. They may help with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, transferring, eating, toileting and mobility. They can also take care of preparing meals, housekeeping, laundry, shopping and money management. If family members have the skills, they may manage medication and assist with physical or occupational therapy. The program requires periodic assessments to make sure that needs are adequately met and to make adjustments accordingly.