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Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey through the Personal Preference Program. Seniors who are eligible for this program receive a monthly budget that they can use to hire a personal care assistant (PCA) of their choice, including a family member. Seniors work with a financial consultant to identify and manage their needs. This is an in-home care option.
How to Qualify for a Personal Care Assistant in New Jersey
New Jersey seniors who want to hire a family member as a personal care assistant must work through the Personal Preference Program. First, seniors must enroll in NJ FamilyCare Plan A, meeting its financial and other requirements. From there, potential PCA recipients must prove that they qualify for the Personal Preference Program. They must have a doctor’s order and documented proof that they require the services to be provided. Seniors must also live in a private home or in a community that does not provide care services and must require services for at least six months.
When eligibility is proven, seniors work with a financial consultant, who determines the monthly allowance that seniors can receive in the program. The financial consultant will also help seniors allocate the money. This allocation may include hiring a family member as a PCA but can also involve the purchase of equipment and supplies that can help them remain independent.
The Role of a Family Member Personal Care Assistant
Any family member, including a spouse, may serve as a personal care assistant under the Personal Preference Program. PCAs provide a wide variety of services, including help with daily living activities like bathing and dressing, mobility assistance, meal preparation and medication management. PCAs may also run errands, clean, provide transportation and do laundry. They monitor health and behavior as well.