Caring for a family member is a profound act of love, but it can also bring emotional and financial challenges. In Georgia, Medicaid waiver programs offer a pathway for family caregivers to receive compensation for the care they provide at home. This guide outlines how these programs work, who qualifies, and how to get started.
What Is the Family Hire Program?
The Family Hire Program allows eligible family members to become paid caregivers through Georgia’s Medicaid waiver programs. This includes waivers like the Community Care Services Program (CCSP), Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE), and the Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP). Under this program, family members can be hired as personal care aides, provided they meet specific requirements such as background check and training.
Who Qualifies?
Care Recipient Eligibility:
- Must be a Georgia resident eligible for Medicaid
- Require assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or mobility
- Approved for a Medicaid waiver program such as CCSP, SOURCE, or ICWP
Caregiver Eligibility:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Complete a background check, TB screening, and CPR/First Aid certification
- Pass a Personal Care Aide (PCA) exam
- Cannot be the spouse, legal guardian, or parent of a minor child receiving care
What Does Payment Look Like?
Family caregivers are compensated at rates comparable to professional caregivers, typically ranging from $11 to $18 per hour, depending on the program and services provided. Payments are processed through the managing home care agency, which also provides necessary training and oversight.
How to Apply
- Determine Eligibility: Ensure both the caregiver and care recipient meet the eligibility criteria for Medicaid and the specific waiver program.
- Contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA): Call the toll-free number at 866-552-4464 to initiate the application process.
- Complete Assessments: Undergo functional assessments to determine the level of care required.
- Develop a Care Plan: Work with a case manager to create a personalized care plan.
- Begin Caregiving: Begin Caregiving: Once approved, start providing care and logging hours as per the program’s guidelines. The best part is you don’t have to do it alone, we’ll guide you from start to finish!
Why This Matters
According to AARP, nearly 1.3 million Georgians serve as unpaid family caregivers, contributing an estimated $16.3 billion in unpaid care annually. Programs like the Family Hire Program not only provide financial relief but also recognize the invaluable role family caregivers play in supporting their loved ones.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re providing care for a loved one at home, you may be eligible to receive compensation through Georgia’s Medicaid waiver programs. Contact ALASCare today to learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the application process and provide the support you need.
Visit alascare.com, call us at (770) 864-2011, or email us directly at info@alascare.com.
Sources
- Georgia Department of Community Health https://medicaid.georgia.gov/programs/all-programs/waiver-programs
- Georgia.gov – Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program https://georgia.gov/apply-elderly-and-disabled-waiver-program
- Aidaly https://aidaly.com/states/how-to-get-paid-family-caregiver-georgia
- Caregiving Is Work https://www.caregivingiswork.com/family-hire
- HealthForce of Georgia https://healthforcega.com/georgia-waiver-programs
- JoinGivers https://www.joingivers.com/how-to-get-paid-caregiver/georgia
- The Care Oasis https://thecareoasis.com/guide/georgia
