Can I be a paid caregiver for Mom?
Hi Doris,
I would like to know if I qualify to become a caregiver for my mother. She is 83 years old. I help with daily activities like running errands for her, taking her to appointments, doing her food shopping etc., etc., etc.
Thank you for your time.
Janine G.
Dear Janine,
Thanks for reaching out with your question.
So many people stepping in to help a loved one do not consider themselves “caregivers.” However, all the things you do for your mom out of love DOES make you a caregiver.
I think you might actually be asking the question, do I qualify to GET PAID as a caregiver?
In New York State, the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) allows people who have Medicaid to choose their own caregiver, often a family member or a friend. Caregivers are paid by Medicaid at no cost to the person receiving care.
This program is administered by the Department of Health.
To be eligible for CDPAP services, and individual must:
be eligible for NYS Medicaid.
have a stable medical condition.
have a determined need for home-care services (The completion of a UAS-NY Community Health Assessment is required for individuals 18 years of age and over); and
be capable of self-directing or have a designated representative who can make decisions on the individuals’ behalf.
The CDPAP recipient (or their designated representative) is responsible for:
Recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and terminating personal assistants.
Arranging back–up coverage when necessary.
Arranging and coordinating other services.
Keeping personal assistant payroll records; and
Working with the CDPAP Fiscal Intermediary (FI) to process payroll for services received.
The Statewide Fiscal Intermediary assists with administrative services such as:
processing the personal assistant's wages and benefits,
processing the personal assistant's income tax and other required wage withholdings, and
maintaining the required employment records for the personal assistant.
Public Partnership LLC (PPL) is the Statewide Fiscal Intermediary for New York State CDPAP. All CDPAP recipients are required to work with PPL as their Fiscal Intermediary.
So, the first question is, does your mom have or possibly qualify for Medicaid? Medicaid is the only way a family caregiver can be paid by the state under this program.
Medicaid can be complicated, but if she has Medicaid, it’s great! Contact the Department of Health and they can get you set up as a provider for your mom’s needs. https://cdpap.org/contact-us/
If she does not have Medicaid and you need assistance figuring out if she would qualify, I suggest reaching out to your local Office for the Aging or call NYConnects at 1-800-342-9871.
Know this, your mom is so fortunate to have you do all that you do to keep her safe and comfortable in her home. I wish you the very best on your caregiving journey. Remember to take care of yourself!
Let me know if I can be of any more assistance.
Doris