Will Medicare pay a grandchild to care for a grandparent?
I moved in with my grandmother to take care of her and would like to know if I can get paid so I won't have to pay a sitter to sit with her so I can work.
Mississippi does have an Elderly and Disabled Waiver program that is part of Medicaid. It helps pay for such things as Adult Day Health Programs and in-home help. In some states the in-home help can be provided by a relative. (I don't know how it is in MS.)
It would be very worthwhile to discover if Gramma is eligible for Medicaid, even if you don't wind up getting paid for her care. The day program, for example. can be a godsend. Check out your state's website for contact information.
No, Medicare will not pay for a caregiver. If your grandmother is on Medicaid there are special conditions where a small amount of money may be available to pay you. The other option would be for her to pay you directly from her own money. Be sure to have an employee contract drawn up if you decide to go this route.
Some states have small amounts of money to help with caregivers and respite, so you may want to look around your community to see if there is anything. If you are like many of us, you'll find the resources are not abundant. Have you considered a daycare program for your grandmother so that you could continue working? It may be preferable for you to continue your job so you can earn money to live on and to support your own retirement. You are very important, too. Daycare for elders can be expensive, but check to see if you might qualify for some assistance. People who work with these programs have knowledge of resources that are available that the rest of us don't know about.
I would say to quit your job only as your last option. It is important to you and there are usually other better options. Caregiving can go on for several years, so leaving your job could have a huge impact on your life.
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It would be very worthwhile to discover if Gramma is eligible for Medicaid, even if you don't wind up getting paid for her care. The day program, for example. can be a godsend. Check out your state's website for contact information.
Some states have small amounts of money to help with caregivers and respite, so you may want to look around your community to see if there is anything. If you are like many of us, you'll find the resources are not abundant. Have you considered a daycare program for your grandmother so that you could continue working? It may be preferable for you to continue your job so you can earn money to live on and to support your own retirement. You are very important, too. Daycare for elders can be expensive, but check to see if you might qualify for some assistance. People who work with these programs have knowledge of resources that are available that the rest of us don't know about.
I would say to quit your job only as your last option. It is important to you and there are usually other better options. Caregiving can go on for several years, so leaving your job could have a huge impact on your life.
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