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Jackie64 Asked May 2020

Can I be paid as my mother's sole caregiver in Virginia?

My mother has progressing Alzheimer's disease and I habe been her sole caregiver for over a year now; giving up any life I had before she came up to live with me. I'm seeking a neurologist in our area of Front Royal, VA, however she has seen a family Dr here. Neurologists in our area are very hard to find because no one participates with her HMO. She cannot be left alone for any amount of time, so I am unable to work anymore and I am seriously in need of some type of income. Anyone know of a way to be compensated for, at least, part of my time spent taking care of her?

Grandma1954 May 2020
You can have a contract with your mother to be a paid caregiver.
No training is necessary to be paid as a caregiver.
But a contract should include ..and I am sure others will include some that I miss.
Taxes should be taken out
Hours should be consistent with actual working hours. (no one works 24/7/365) time off has to be scheduled.
I would check home owners insurance to be sure you would be covered if you were to be injured.
If she is living with you it might be easier. You can charge her "rent" a portion of all household bills. This would include mortgage, insurance, water,sewer, gas, electric, cable and anything else. This might actually be easier than a contract and having to pay taxes on your income.
But there should be someone else that can work a few days a week to give you a break. A caregiver 4 to 6 hours 3 days a week makes things so much easier.

Midkid58 May 2020
I have a friend who went through CNA training to become his mother's paid CG. I do know he had to do this to be paid through her Medicaid. A cautionary tale--he does not make much.

Worth looking into.

Also, mom must have some funds. They should be spent in her care--and you should be paid, somehow.

Keep records, so siblings and others can bust your chops about it.

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