We pay you to care for a loved one® – FAQs.
This article is to address the multiple questions our office often gets regarding our services. This will be in a short Q & A format to make it easier to access the answers to the questions you may have.
- Q: I saw your advertisement saying “We pay you to care for a loved one.” Where does the money come from?
A: The money we pay you as the caregiver is funded by the health insurance policy of the person you are caring for. The person who is receiving the care should have Medicaid insurance, which has multiple Waiver Programs which pay for home care services.
- Q: What is the ‘Medicaid Waiver Program’, and what does it do?
A: The Medicaid Waiver Program is a government funded health insurance program that pays for home care services for people who have health limitations due to advanced age or disability.
- Q: Why would health insurance companies choose to pay a friend or family member to care for a loved one in their home?
A: Research has proven that personal care provided to an individual in the comfort of their home is approximately 70% cheaper, and more effective than admitting that individual in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. Moreover, more than 90% of nursing home residents prefer to stay at home with their loved ones to enjoy a better quality of life.
- Q: Getting paid to care for my family member sounds too good to be true. Is this a scam?
A: No. It’s not a scam. For more information about home care, you can visit https://medlineplus.gov/homecareservices.html or to learn more about the Family Caregiver Program, you can call the Philadelphia Corporation of Aging (P.C.A.) at 215-765-9000.
- Q: I need home care services. How much will this cost me?
A: Our services are covered 100% by Medicaid Waiver health insurance programs. They do not cost the participant anything.
- Q: I do not have Medicaid Waiver Insurance. What do I need to do to get it?
A: The application for Medicaid Waiver Insurance is easy, but the approval process may be slow (may take up to 5 months). The first step in the process is to apply for Medicaid Insurance. Most people who are over the age of 60, or who have a disability qualify for Medicaid Insurance. Since the program is government funded, Medicaid also has income limitations to qualify, that are stipulated by Medicaid.
Once you get Medicaid insurance, or if you already have it, you will also need to be assessed by your ‘local area on aging’ to determine if you qualify. Your primary physician will also need to certify that you have health limitations that qualify you for home care. Our agency staff can help you with the application process to make it as easy as possible. - Q: How much do I get paid to care for my loved one?
A: Our starting pay rate for caregivers is $10.50 per hour, and can be higher based on the level of care the client needs, your certifications, level of training, and experience.
- Q: How many hours per day do I get paid for, and how is it determined?
A: The number of hours are determined on a case by case basis, and are based on the level of care the individual needs. As part of the Medicaid Waiver Program, each individual is assigned a case manager, called a Service Coordinator, who creates an individualized care plan which states the hours of care. Our agency staff do not determine the number of hours.
- Q: Do you offer training to help me care for my loved one?
A: Our agency has Registered Nurses who provide training to the caregivers to make sure they deliver high quality care. The training is available upon hire, and on an on-going basis.
- Q: I am currently caring for a family member who needs personal care. Why should I participate in your Family Caregiver Program?
A: Our program allows you to be financially compensated for the care you are already providing, and our training program can be beneficial in helping you provide your loved one with the highest quality of care.
- Q: I do not feel comfortable caring for my family member. Do you have trained caregivers to provide the care?
A: We have compassionate, well trained, Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides who are available to provide your family member with high quality care.
- 12. Q: Do you offer care on weekends or overnight?
A: Our services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Q: What should I do to verify your agency’s licensing and compliance with the department of health regulations?
A: You can call the Dept. of Health information hotline at 877-724-3258.
Our staff is available to answer any additional questions you may have. Please feel free to contact our office by calling us at 610-488-2273 or texting 484-908-1697 with any additional questions.
Thank you.