.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Michigan?
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 can get paid for caregiving in Michigan. The individual receiving the care can qualify for the Home Help program, which is administered through Medicaid. If they are considered qualified for the program and for in-home care, a family member can be appointed to provide the care necessary.
Family members can include any person related to the individual besides their spouse or parent. The spouse or parent of the individual is believed to have a responsibility of care to the individual. However, other family members and friends can be paid for their services at the approved caregiver rate.
What Is the Approved Caregiver Rate for Family Members in Michigan?
The approved caregiver rate for family members who provide care for a loved one in Michigan is $12.25 per hour. This rate is much lower than the average in-home care rate that would be provided to professionals. The professional in-home caregiver rate is $26 per hour. Care provided by a family member or friend is considered to be lesser in quality as well as done in part out of a feeling of service to the loved one. As such, the rate provided to these individuals is much less and is nonnegotiable with the state of Michigan.
What Services Are Provided by Family Members As Caregivers in Michigan?
Services provided by family members as caregivers in Michigan will vary depending on the specific needs of the individual. Generally, services included are those that are considered instrumental to daily living activities. These could include housekeeping services as well as general personal care. Personal care can include medication services, as well as bathing and laundry. The intent with this particular program is to provide individuals with more independence without having to move out of their homes.
Are There Other Options for Family to Provide Care to Loved Ones in Michigan?
There’s also the Michigan Health Link program if family members want to provide care to loved ones in Michigan. This program is able to provide services inside a care facility rather than the Home Help program, which is only able to provide services in the individual’s home.
If there is no family member or friend to provide in-home care, the individual may be eligible to receive assistance for an in-home professional or may be eligible to go into an assisted living or nursing home care program.