Can I get paid to be a caregiver for my husband with COPD?

In some states, there are programs that can pay family caregiversto care for their loved one at home. However, there are several severe limitations on these programs that probably See also:
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See all 360 questions about COPD mean that they would not allow you -- financially speaking -- to quit your job. And if you keep your job, you are not likely to be eligible for one of the programs. However, if you are forced to quit your job in order to care for your husband, the program might be an important source of added income. Here are the basics about these programs that pay family caregivers, as they would apply in your situation:

1. The programs are only available in certain states.

2. The programs are only available to people whose family income -- meaning both spouses -- is very low and who have few assets other than the home they live in. In most case, these income and asset limits are the same as the state's Medicaid eligibility limits. In your case, the program would add up any income you earn plus any disability benefits your husband receives from Social Security or any other insurance or program.

3. If you qualify to be a paid caregiver, the amount the program pays is very low and would probably not come close to the amount you are making at a full-time job.

If your husband is eligible for Medicaid, the state's Cash and Counseling (or other, similar name) program -- if your state has one -- can provide direct caregiver payments that could go to you. A few other states have similar programs for low-income seniors, even if the person receiving care doesn't quite qualify for Medicaid. The amount the program would pay depends on the program's assessment of your husband's need for care, on the prevailing pay rate for in-home care aides in your state, and on the program's own payment limits.

To find out whether your state has a Cash and Counseling or similar program, and if so to learn how much it might pay you, contact your local Medicaid, human services, or social services office. To find the nearest Medicaid or other state office that handles in-home care programs, contact your nearest Area Agency on Aging and ask them whom to call in your state to learn about direct payment programs for in-home care.

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I believe that is part of the marriage vows "in sickness and in health"

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babsim, your judgemental comment doesn't help people who have a loved one incapacitated by disease and need whatever help they can find to keep their heads above water, and be able to take care of their own. I hope you are rich and healthy so you don't have to look for any help available.

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No as a matter of fact my daughter was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when she was 18. I am just saying why do people think they should be paid to take care of their family? Family used to take care of family out of love and not expect to be paid for it. I stand by my answer. As long as you think about it as simple family taking care of family it doesn't matter as much whether you get paid or not.

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Babsim, I also find your comments judgmental and missing the point. People are not saying they should be paid to take care of a family member, they are saying they need help to SURVIVE FINANCIALLY! My husband has had MS for about 15 years and as he gets progressively worse, I struggle to help him while holding down a job. We could certainly not get by on his disability alone. I wonder what will happen when he needs me to help him get up, go to the bathroom or hold a fork? How are we supposed to afford life without my income? Not to mention that it has cost us money to add ramps, widen doorways or pay for physical therapy and exercise so he can keep him walking longer. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH "IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH", it has to do with keeping a roof over our heads, food on the table, and not going through all our savings so I am left poverty stricken one day myself. Your comments are offensive to all the caregivers that never question what they do every day out of love and commitment, but underneath it all worry about their financial ability to stay afloat as things get harder. Frances

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I feel for you. Read the original question closely. This man can still drive and is not bedridden. There is a big difference. Anyone with a seriously and I mean seriously ill child/spouse etc. should get help where they can.

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But what happens if this man is alone driving and he has a coughing attack, can't breathe, - copd is life threatening - but, if he doesn't drive he feels useless. If someone is with him, he can get pulled over and assisted to get his breathing controlled - Yes, I have been there. Don't judge until you have been in their shoes.

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