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I have osteoarthritis in my knees so I can't climb the stairs to get the laundry or put it back. I had an unsuccessful back surgery so I am in pain a lot. He was self employed but the company lost the contract so he is not employed right now and is caring for me. I am on disability and Medicaid pays my Medicare monthly premiums.

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Kittyann, I understand how you feel. But with the U.S. having 41 million seniors 65 and older, that would mean more than half need some type of care from a grown child or a spouse.

In order to pay for a grown child or a spouse, and pay a decent wage, that would mean State and Federal taxes would need to be hiked to an outrageous amount.

I believe the only insurance that pays for caregiving would be the expensive "long term care" insurance which one purchases separately.
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If you have resources you could pay him if there is a caregiver agreement in place. You should consult with an elder law attorney to see what would be allowed in your state.
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That seems so irrational to me. I know from being certified at Visiting Angels the pay for the caregiver is small compared to what they charge the family or insurance. Doesn't make sense to me if a family member can do it cheaper, why not? It would save families and insurance companies so much, but the government wouldn't have that.
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When I checked it out in Ohio, I found out I’d get paid $40 or less a week for 24/7 caregiving of my husband. The site suggested a reverse mortgage.
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Kitty, from what I have heard if a State does have such a program that a family member would get minimum wage for a few hours a day.

Check to see what other programs are offered through Medicaid. Some States have programs where an Aide will come to the house couple times a week to help out.

If you are a senior citizen, check with the County/City Agency on Aging to see what programs they have.
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freqflyer,
Thank you for the information. By the pay being very minimal can you tell me how minimal it is? Thanks , Kitty
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Kitty, sorry but Medicare doesn't pay for a family member to be a caregiver.

Now, you might want to try Medicaid [which is different from Medicare] to see if you can qualify. Some States do offer a family member pay for caregiving but note the pay would be very minimal.
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