Can I get paid to take care of my parent in Florida?

What has to be true

1. Your parent is on Medicaid Long-Term Care. Here is how to apply. This is usually the slow part.
2. Their plan of care includes a PDO service. Companion care, homemaker, personal care, attendant nursing or intermittent and skilled nursing.
3. They live in their own or a family home.
4. You qualify as a worker. Level 2 screening and required training. Nursing services need an RN or LPN license.

The rule that trips families

The state contract says a representative cannot be paid and cannot be a direct service worker. If your parent cannot manage this themselves, someone needs to be their representative, and that someone cannot be you if you are the paid worker. A sibling often takes that role.

What it pays

There is no published statewide wage. The plan sets the rate and must give 30 days' written notice before changing it, and hours follow the plan of care. Ask the case manager before you quit a job.

If your parent is a veteran

The VA's Veteran-Directed Care program gives enrolled veterans a budget to hire their own help, including a family member or neighbor. It varies by location. Ask a VA social worker.

If your parent is not on Medicaid

Florida has no general program that pays relatives for private family care. Some families make a personal care agreement paid from the parent's own money. Talk to an elder law attorney first, because it can affect later Medicaid eligibility.

What about spouses?

The contract does not settle this in plain words. Ask the plan's case manager in writing.

About this page. Aster Care LLC is a private home care agency, not a government agency. Eligibility decisions are made by the state offices named here. This is general information, not legal or benefits advice, and program rules change, so please confirm details with those offices.

Questions families ask