Can you get paid to care for a family member in Louisiana?

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Louisiana, Medicaid waiver participants who self-direct can hire relatives as paid caregivers. Under the Community Choices Waiver for older adults and adults with disabilities, a spouse can be hired only if the state approves an extraordinary care request. In the developmental disability waivers, parents of minor children and spouses can be paid when extraordinary care is needed, and parents are limited to 40 hours a week.

Which Louisiana programs pay family caregivers?

Community Choices Waiver (CCW) Self-Direction

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: An employee the participant hires, which can be a relative, curator, tutor, legal guardian or power of attorney who meets worker requirements. A spouse can be hired only if extraordinary care criteria are met and the Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) approves. The participant's responsible representative cannot be the employee.
• Who qualifies for care: Medicaid-eligible adults 21 and older who meet nursing facility level of care.

Self-Direction in OCDD/OIDD developmental disability waivers (NOW, Children's Choice, Supports, ROW)

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Family members, including those who live with the participant, as paid direct support staff. Legally responsible individuals (a parent of a minor child, a spouse, or a curator/continuing tutor) can be paid when extraordinary care is needed and they are not the employer or authorized representative. Parents as employees cannot work more than 40 hours a week.
• Who qualifies for care: People with intellectual or developmental disabilities enrolled in an Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities waiver who choose self-direction.

Are there national programs too?

Yes. Veterans may qualify for VA programs that pay or support family caregivers: Veteran Directed Care and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.