In the United States, more than 53 million adults provide unpaid care to a loved one. This is roughly one in five adults, and that number will only rise as the baby-boomer generation reaches retirement. If you do not already provide care to a loved one, the chances are that you will in the years to come.

While the thought may initially be a frightening one, acting as a caregiver is one of the most rewarding experiences. It is fulfilling to see how your actions make a positive impact on the life of an elderly grandparent, parent, or other family members. However, as your loved one’s needs increase, you may find you have to reduce your work hours to support them.

Read on to learn how you can apply for the Medicaid Caregiver Program.

This is a common issue shared among many family caregivers and is a problem, as most Americans cannot afford to lose income. When this happens, people are often left wondering: “is there any form of government assistance for me?”

The answer is yes! There is a Medicaid caregiver program that helps family caregivers on their path to being paid for their work. The process of how to apply for the Medicaid caregiver program is fairly simple.

How to apply for the Medicaid caregiver program

While Medicaid is reflected through coverage, the actual process is reflected through the Illinois Department on Aging (or IDoA). In the late 70s, the organization not only recognized the need for caregivers for seniors, but for paid family caregivers. In order to circumvent this problem, IDoA developed its Community Care Program.

Through this program, family caregivers receive training and support from a home care agency. This way, caregivers are equipped with the essential tools they need to provide their loved ones quality care. By the time the caregiver completes the program, they have valuable knowledge to use throughout their lives.

While the caregiver completes training, the older adult care recipient should apply for the Community Care Program. Once training is finished, the recipient can choose their loved one as their paid caregiver.

Each state has unique caregiving programs and eligibility requirements. For out-of-state loved ones, this resource list can offer more details.

What are the eligibility requirements for this program?

Potential caregivers must meet certain requirements before they can receive training. Caregivers must be 18 or older, reside in Illinois, and have a high school diploma/GED or one year of relevant experience. They must also pass background checks and complete training.

Eligible seniors must be 60 or older, Illinois residents, assessed for long-term care needs, and have non-exempt assets under $17,500.

What caregiver services can I provide?

As a paid caregiver, you can continue providing non-medical support tailored to your loved one’s needs. While home caregivers cannot offer medical care for a family member or client, they assist with activities of daily living as needed.

These services include:

• Personal care. As your loved one ages, things like bathing, dressing, and toileting grow to be difficult. You may help your loved ones with this task so they stay confident and clean.
• Meal preparation. Whether it’s due to difficulty or lack of desire, many seniors stop cooking as they age. You may assist with meal preparation, cooking, and clean-up so they eat quality meals.
• Medication reminders. Many seniors take several medications at once. It can be difficult to keep track of what to take when to take it, and how much to take. You may help your loved one with medication reminders, as well as setting up an easy-to-use system.
• Light housekeeping. While it may not seem too arduous to you, cleaning the home involves a great deal of bending, lifting, and twisting that may be exhausting for seniors. Taking over light housekeeping will make their lives far more comfortable.
• Errands. When seniors face mobility or driving challenges, tasks like grocery shopping or visiting the post office can become overwhelming. You can help by picking up their essentials.
• Brain games and activities. Remaining mentally sharp is crucial to the overall well-being of seniors. Keep their minds active by stimulating them with brain games and activities.
• Companionship and social interaction. Loneliness has serious impacts on the mental and physical health of seniors. Your companionship will mean more to them than you may think.

More likely than not, you’re already providing your family member or friend some, or all, of these services. This will help make your transition into paid care easier. The only major difference is that a local home care agency employs you. Additionally, respite care is available to provide temporary relief when you need a break, ensuring both you and your loved one receive the support you deserve.

Receive your training through Home Care Powered by AUAF

Home Care Powered by AUAF, contracted by the IDoA, provides training to help family caregivers receive compensation for their work. Our team supports new caregivers, answering questions and addressing concerns, with ongoing training to ensure up-to-date, high-quality care.

For over 30 years, we’ve helped Chicago-area seniors live comfortably at home and supported unpaid caregivers in earning the compensation they deserve. We pay $20/hour, ensuring caregivers are fairly compensated while their loved ones receive trusted care.

If you are interested in becoming a paid caregiver for a family member, call us at 773-274-9262. If you’re curious about hiring a caregiver instead, we’re happy to discuss our program with you.