Being a caregiver for an elderly family member can be one of the most rewarding experiences that anyone could ever have. Not only is it an incredible feeling to know that you are taking care of someone who has grown old and may need assistance with everyday activities, but it can also be highly satisfying to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support. In addition, there are some financial benefits associated with being a caregiver for an elderly family member.
For starters, if you’re providing care for a loved one who receives certain types of government benefits such as Medicaid or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may qualify for additional financial assistance through special programs such as the Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). This program allows family members to receive payment from Medicaid for providing in-home services to individuals who are unable to do so themselves. Through CDPAP, caregivers can make anywhere from $10-$20 per hour depending on the state they live in and the needs of the individual they’re caring for.
In addition, many long-term care insurance policies provide coverage for home health aides and home care services as part of their packages. These plans typically cover up to 85% or 90% of the cost of home health aide services provided by qualified caregivers. If your elderly relative has long-term care insurance coverage, then you might be able to make use of this benefit in order to get paid while providing caregiving services at home.
Finally, some states offer tax credits for those who pay out-of-pocket expenses related to providing in-home services for elderly relatives living at home. For instance, some states allow taxpayers to deduct up to a certain amount from their income taxes each year in order to cover these costs—and this deduction can also extend to family caregivers who are self-employed and claim business expenses on their taxes. So not only does being a caregiver provide emotional rewards and satisfaction, but it can also come with significant financial rewards as well!