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Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in South Carolina?
Date Updated: December 3, 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
Yes, family members can be paid for caregiving in South Carolina. The state government offers financial assistance, tax credits and support programs to people who provide in-home care to their family members. There are additional options for the caregivers of veterans.
Who Pays Family Caregivers in South Carolina?
Seniors may need more assistance than the services provided at an independent living facility but not want to move to an assisted living facility. They may also prefer to live at home rather than receive memory care or skilled nursing services at a nursing home.
South Carolina has an estimated 730,000 residents caring for a disabled or elderly family member. Care services include help with personal grooming, cooking, and housekeeping. Combined, these caregivers deliver 610 million hours of assistance per year. Caring for a family member can be time-consuming and taxing on the mind and body. The following programs can pay caregivers and alleviate some of their stress.
The SC Community Choices waiver is a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP). In South Carolina, seniors enrolled in Medicaid may qualify for these services. This CDPAP program in SC covers the cost of personal care, home modifications, medical equipment, and other tools that help adults stay healthy at home. It's open to disabled adults and seniors over 65.
Family members caring for veterans may qualify for assistance from the VA. Under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, primary caregivers of service members can receive stipends. This program also offers education and mental health support to help caregivers avoid burnout.
South Carolina offers some tax credits to people who care for their elderly family members, including an option for people with dependents living in their homes.
What Other Types of Support are There for Family Caregivers in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department on Aging, in partnership with the state’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging, operates the Family Caregiver Support Program. It has counselors and case managers that can help seniors and their families apply for assistance programs. In addition to caregiver education and support groups, this program provides respite care and additional assistance as needed. Veterans and their family members can seek similar services from their closest veteran center.