Up until about 15 months ago i was a certified nurse aide for the state of West Virginia and held my certification for almost 10 years. My neighbor is an elderly woman who will be needing surgery sooner then later; and wants me to be here caregiver. She receives both Medicaid and Medicare and would like to you a state program so I get paid. How do I go about getting registered and set up to help her?
Remember, in most of these instances the internet is your friend. Ask online "Board of Certified Nursing Assistant West Virginia" for information choices.
Wishing you the best.
In your state if it's a state program, it may be the same. If it's one of those 'family' caregiver programs advertised on tv, be forewarned. You will have to live with the person you're caring for and you're expected to be responsible for their needs 24/7/365. There's no caregiver respite services offered with these programs. So if you get sick or the relationship with your neighbor sours and she turns on you (not uncommon with the elderly and their caregivers), you're living in her house and are still responsible for her.
I was an homecare CNA for 25 years before opening an agency. Don't move in with someone you're caregiving for unless your name is on the deed to their house. Don't do it because you will then be at their mercy or their family's and they will take advantage of you.
If you want to temporarily take care of your neighbor, call your state's Medicaid (Medicare isn't paying) program and ask what the requirements are from them to be your neighbor's caregiver and for how long they will pay.
As far as I know you do not "need" to be certified to be a caregiver. You DO need to be certified if you are a CNA (or whatever your particular State requires.
I am sure your pay would be higher if you were certified though.
If possible (and worth your time and expense) look into getting recertified.
I’m extremely tired to seeing AI answers to everyone’s questions. If people wanted to google search things they could do it themselves. I believe people come here for personal experience of the members.
FYI people are also inaccurate. For example, no doctor on earth has a 100% correct track record. AI only has to be 1% more accurate (consistently) than a human in order for it to be superior. Think about medical diagnoses. I'd want that extra 1% of accuracy if my life depended on it.
Nothing stays the same forever. Change feels really hard the older we get.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2GeVG0XYTc&t=6923s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giT0ytynSqg
Here’s a short, friendly message to help someone get started with ChatGPT:
Hey there! 😊 If you’d like to try ChatGPT, here’s how to get started:
1️⃣ Go to https://chat.openai.com or download the **ChatGPT app** from the App Store or Google Play.
2️⃣ Sign up with your **Apple ID**, **Google account**, or an **email address**.
3️⃣ Once you’re in, you can start chatting right away.
✨ If you want extra features like image upload, file analysis, and GPT‑5 access, you can upgrade to **ChatGPT Plus** ($20/month).
⚠️ Tip: Make sure to use the *official* ChatGPT app by **OpenAI**, since there are lots of look‑alike ones out there!
Source:
Chat GPT
The 2 paths -
1) Work for an approved agency (Traditional model)
Look for agencies that provide Personal Care Services or participate in the Aged & Disabled Waiver (ADW)program. They bill Medicaid; you’re their employee.
You’ll meet agency hiring requirements (background check, CPR, in-service training, etc.). Your active CNA credential helps and is administered by WV’s Nurse Aide Program (OHFLAC).
ADW is the main Medicaid waiver paying for in-home help for adults; agencies must be certified by the state’s Bureau for Medical Services (BMS).
2) Be hired directly by the client (Self-directed “Personal Options”)
Under ADW (and some other waivers), members can hire their own workers. You’d be employed by the Medicaid member (not an agency).
West Virginia’s Financial Management Services (FMS) vendor is Palco (since Feb 1, 2024). You complete onboarding with Palco (background check, I-9, direct deposit, timesheets via their portal/app).
The state’s In-Home Care Worker Registry lists training/credential items commonly required (CPR, dementia training, renewals). Many programs lean on these standards.
ADW overview materials describe the Personal Options (participant-directed) model where friends/family (spouses excluded) or outside caregivers like you can be hired.
If you want steady assignments fast: apply to local ADW/Personal Care agencies.
If you have a specific Medicaid client already (or networks who might hire you): use Personal Options and get onboarded with Palco.
If choosing the agency route:
Search for “Aged & Disabled Waiver provider” or “Personal Care agency” in your county and apply. (They handle Medicaid billing and compliance.) ADW is the governing policy for these services.
If choosing the self-directed route:
Have the Medicaid member (or their case manager) choose Personal Options in ADW.
Complete Palco onboarding (hire packet, background check, timesheet setup). The state announcement confirms Palco replaced PPL for Personal Options.
Keep your CNA in good standing and maintain required trainings (e.g., CPR). Use the WV Nurse Aide Program and the In-Home Care Worker Registry guidance for renewals/education. "
Source: ChatGPT5