Become A Paid Caregiver For A Family Member In 4 Steps
Deciding if caregiving is the right path for you will depend on a number of factors. For many families, becoming a formally paid caregiver creates the ideal long-term care scenario for an aging loved one. According to the National Alliance on Caregiving, the number of Americans as caregivers has increased from 18% to 21% in the span of five years.
And, nearly one in five (19%) Americans are providing unpaid care to an adult with health or functional needs. Considering 61% of these unpaid caregivers have another job, paid formal caregivers are a vital part of creating sustainable and equally accessible long-term care practices.
Hence, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) created the Community Care Program. This program allows for both Medicaid and non-Medicaid-eligible seniors to be enrolled in long-term care services.Becoming A Paid Caregiver With Home Care Powered By AUAF.
Becoming A Paid Caregiver With Home Care Powered By AUAF
If you have decided to become a paid caregiver for a family member in Illinois with Home Care Powered by AUAF, the eligibility requirements and steps to follow are listed below. If you have any general questions about the steps, be sure to contact us at 773-274-9262.
Step 1: Help Enroll Your Aged Loved One Into The Community Care Program.
The Community Care Program was created by the Illinois Department on Aging to help aid seniors who would otherwise need to be in assisted living facilities. To join the program, the senior must be at least 60 years old and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. They must also live in Illinois, have assets of $17,500 or less, and need personal care as determined by an outside agency. Elderly care recipients enrolled in this program will be able to select their preferred home care aide.
Step 2: Apply To Be A Caregiver Through Home Care Powered By AUAF (18+)
This can be done at the same time that you apply to have your family member enrolled in the community care program. To apply, please contact us at 773-274-9262 or email us at [email protected]. Please have certain documentation ready when you are applying. This includes:
- Must be over 18 years old
- Copy of Social Security Card
- Valid Illinois Driver’s License or State ID
- Proof of citizenship or legal status and employment authorization, if applicable
- Copy of high school or college diploma
You can always ask any further questions on how to become a paid caregiver for a family member if you are still unsure about anything in the process.
Step 3: Undergo Hiring And Training.
Caregivers are required to undergo caregiver training after hiring. You will meet the required minimum of 8 hours of training required by the state along with any additional training provided by Home Care Powered by AUAF. Moreover, we will provide all the necessary training to prepare you for your role.
Step 4: Provide Care As A Formal Caregiver
After you complete the certification that shows you have met the basic training, you will be able to begin providing care to your loved one as a formal caregiver.
Caregiver Employment
Home Care Powered by AUAF offers a competitive hourly rate of $19 for our caregivers, dependent on performance. Successful performance includes completing and submitting monthly task sheets and timely punch in and out. Additional compensation is available for traveling time and mileage, making this rate higher than the national average for caregivers.
The Caregiving Options You Have
If caregiving isn’t the right fit for you, we have trained caregivers available. Many choose to be caregivers because of a family member with a disability. We provide caregivers for parents with disabilities or elderly individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Contact us with any questions about your situation.
The Benefits Of Becoming A Formal Caregiver
Family caregivers provide financial assistance and respite care, allowing parents to remain at home with someone familiar. As loved ones age, we naturally take on tasks like laundry, grooming, meal preparation, and transportation. These tasks can be time-consuming, making a full-time or part-time caregiving job necessary. The AARP found that one in five unpaid caregivers reported financial strain due to caregiving, highlighting the importance of formal family caregiving.
Caring For Under-represented Communities
CLESE, the Coalition on Limited English Speaking Elderly, found certain minority and immigrant groups less represented in elderly care. Cultural norms about non-family caregivers forced many seniors to go without care or into nursing homes. Family members often face financial strain due to caregiving.
The Community Care Program meets the needs of underrepresented communities and creates better long-term care options for Illinois families. Choosing to care for a family member shouldn’t come at the cost of your livelihood.
Home Care Powered By AUAF Is Here To Help
Home Care Powered by AUAF has been a premier home care agency in Chicago for over 30 years. As members of CLESE, we have served underrepresented communities from our beginnings. Our service meets needs not recognized by other agencies. If you can’t visit our agency, we can send a representative to you.
To learn more, call us at 773-274-9262 or contact us.
