Is there a program to train and financially support people caring for elderly parent full time?

I was getting paid caring for my Mother who had a stroke in 2007. I refused the program after a few years in 2012. I read the fine print from the State of Michigan. If something happen to my mother the state would take moms life insurance and any assets that mom had. We would have no say so over moms burial arragements.

My mom wasn't on Medicaid when we applied. The person receiving the care does need to have resources low enough to qualify for Medicaid (though we were in the program for five years, sending in a yearly renewal and getting approved, before we learned about creative juggling of resources -- talk to an elder attorney!). The person also needs to have require care equal to that provided by a nursing home. Both my parents have dementia. My mom is a quadraplegic and needs help with everything; she qualifies. My dad needs help with meal prep and medicine but not bathing or dressing; he doesn't qualify.

Just: That's all well and good, but what about the parents who are not on Medicaid?

I live in PA and I get paid to take care of my mom. Go to your local Department of Aging office and ask about the waiver program. The parent will need to qualify for Medicaid. If there are certain skills that need to be learned, such as giving an insulin shot or transferring from bed to wheelchair, you might be able to get a visit from a home care nurse for education.

The question of getting paid to take care of your elderly parents is one that comes up consistently. My mother was a poor woman; therefore I would not take a nickel of her money to care for her when I was perfectly capable of supporting myself. As to a training program, I don't have the answer to that. If so, it would have to be so multifaceted, e.g. changing your parents' diaper, bathing them, etc.

I'm not sure, but that's an excellent question for your local Area Agency on Aging.

I believe some states do have programs that may provide some pay to family caregivers, but usually the senior has to be on Medicaid.

What about Ohio? Are you allowed to be reimbursed if you are a parent or a child of the client in Ohio?

Not that I know of, but look into Sr. Life based in Johnstown,Pa, They have a service that may help you

Ask your local Office for the Aging or Dept. of Social Services folks if PA has a Nursing Home Diversion Program like NY does. If you Mom qualifies for Medicaid you can get in-home paid staff for her care. There are ways (pooled trusts) to protect any excess income of her's for her own expenses. This won't pay you but it would give you your life back and let you use your income for your own needs.

Your parent can use their funds to pay for their care; you should have a caregiving contract drawn up, perhaps by a lawyer and notarized.

If your parent is on Medicaid, some states allow for family caregivers to be paid. Check with your mother's Medicaid caseworker, if this is the case.

The Alzheimer's Association has both online and classroom training classes (at least in Michigan). Check out www.alz.org. I don't know of any program that would pay a salary. It would be very nice if there was such a program.