Being a caregiver for someone with a disability takes patience, compassion and consideration. Often, the responsibility of care falls to a family member or close friend. While this change in the relationship may be more comfortable than relying on a service, it can also be difficult to accept at times.
If you’re already in a similar situation or just learning how to become a caregiver for a disabled person, there are ways to make the load lighter. One such approach is to obtain compensation through the Medicaid Home Help Program available in Michigan.
How does this program work? Administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Home Help Program is designed to make it easier for elderly and disabled Michigan residents to receive assistance with daily living activities.
The goal of the program is to delay institutionalization by promoting independence at home. As such, it is not available to people in assisted living, adult foster care or those living in nursing homes. It also helps support caregivers by compensating them for the care they provide.
Benefits of the Home Help Program
There are many advantages to gain from the Home Help Program. One aspect program participants retain is the ability to choose their own caregivers, with the exception of legalspouses and parents for their children who are under 18 years old. The services covered are also wide ranging. From shopping for essentials to personal care, such as toileting and bathing, this program entails many beneficial assistances including but not limited to:
• Toiletry and bathing
• Dressing and grooming
• Mobility
• Meal preparation
• Eating
• Administering medication
• General housekeeping
• Laundry
• Picking up prescription drugs, groceries, etc.
Eligibility Requirements
When exploring how to become a caregiver for a disabled loved one, it helps to understand who is eligible to be a participant as well as a caregiver. As a Medicaid program, there are restrictions to who is accepted. For instance, applicants must be assessed for functionality and the degree of assistance required. Other conditions relate to personal finances, since participants must be financially eligible to receive Michigan Medicaid. There are no age restrictions.
Eligibility for those who are interested in how to become a caregiver for someone on disability include being 18 or older, able to provide adequate care and willing to adhere to program rules. Additionally, caregivers cannot have a certain felonies on their record, history of patient abuse/neglect or convictions under Medicare, Medicaid or other state healthcare programs.
Training and Resources
It’s important to gain the right know-how to become a caregiver for a disabled person. Specific training teaches caregivers the skills needed to care for the loved one and the treatments involved in their condition. CPR certification is not required, but even if it’s not, it’s a good idea in case of emergencies.
There are also training resources available to provide additional support for caregivers. These help you become a better caregiver by finding the balance for tending to your own health while caring for others. State and government programs are also available to lessen the financial burden brought on by caregiving, such as stipends for housekeeping services or meal delivery.
Receiving Caregiver Payment
Here at Family Love Care, we facilitate the process of becoming a paid family caregiver. We’ve provided help to many Michigan residents with the enrollment process, finding additional support and so much more over the years.
Contact us today to learn more about how to become a caregiver for a disabled person and get paid at the same time.
