A Guide to Government Assistance for Caregivers of Elderly Parents
Taking care of an aging parent could be among the most selfless acts you ever perform. However, it can also be mentally, physically, and financially taxing. The good news is that there are several forms of government assistance to help caregivers like yourself provide for their elderly parents.
To get started, look into the following programs.
Self-Directed Medicaid Services
Medicaid offers programs that allow beneficiaries to manage their own care. If your parent is eligible for Medicaid, they can identify you as a caregiver and elect you to provide certain assistance. This arrangement enables you to receive compensation for the services you provide.
Eligibility criteria vary by state, so consult your state’s Medicaid office for more detailed information.
Veterans Affairs Programs
If your parent is a veteran, you can turn to the Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance in providing care. There are several different benefits and programs available, including the following:
- Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services: Provides veterans with a flexible budget to hire caregivers, which can include family members
- Aid and Attendance Benefit: Offers additional financial support for eligible veterans and surviving spouses who require assistance with daily living
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers: Offers training and respite care to family members caring forveterans injured in the line of duty
A veteran’s eligibility for these programs may vary depending on their dates of service and their disability classification.
State-Specific Paid Family Leave Programs
Some states have paid family leave programs that may provide you with financial assistance if you take time off to care for a family member, including elderly parents or grandparents. These programs typically offer a percentage of your regular wages for a specified period.
Area Agencies on Aging
“Area agencies on aging” (AAAs) is a generic term for various local agencies that offer support to elderly individuals and their caregivers. You can call 211 to learn about local community services, including what AAA programs are available in your area. Some common offerings include:
- Assistance in identifying and accessing appropriate care services
- Daytime care services that offer supervision and activities for seniors, allowing caregivers respite
- Provision of meals to homebound seniors
These programs can be great resources for finding support or taking care of tasks that you may not have time to handle yourself, such as preparing meals or driving your elderly parent to healthcare appointments.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Some long-term care insurance policies allow family members to be compensated for providing care. However, these insurance companies require extensive documentation.
Make sure you review the terms of your parent’s policy so that you can determine what compensation you are eligible for and how to apply for it. Failing to submit the appropriate documentation could result in your claim being denied.
Tax Credits and Deductions
As a caregiver, you may qualify for state or federal tax benefits. For example, if you pay someone to care for your homebound mother so that you can work, you may be able to claim her as a dependent. You may also be able to deduct qualifying medical expenses for your mother, including any unreimbursed costs for her care.
Save receipts and invoices for anything you pay for. You’ll need to submit these documents to your tax preparer so that they can itemize your deductions.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) administers the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), which provides grants to states to fund various support services for caregivers. Some of the support the NFCSP offers includes the following:
- Information about available services
- Decision-making and problem-solving advice related to caregiving
- Respite care from your responsibilities
Respite care is particularly valuable to caregivers like you. This short-term care service assumes some or all of your responsibilities while you rest, travel, or attend to your own medical needs.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. If your elderly parent qualifies for SSI, you can use this funding to cover their basic needs and alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with caregiving.
Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles many employees to take leave without losing their jobs for certain qualifying reasons, such as caring for a parent with a serious health condition.
If you work for a covered employer, you can use FMLA benefits to take additional time off work to care for your parent.
Which Resources Should You Use?
Start by identifying which resources you and your elderly parent are eligible for. Determine which program or benefits would help you resolve your most pressing care-related challenges.
By leveraging the private, nonprofit, and pubic support services available to you, you can alleviate some of the financial and emotional burdens associated with caring for aging parents.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
