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

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Maine, a family member can be paid to provide personal care to someone on the MaineCare Section 19 waiver for older adults and adults with disabilities. Under the agency option, even a spouse can be paid for hands-on personal care when extraordinary care is needed. Under the self-directed option, the member hires an attendant, but a spouse or guardian cannot be that attendant. The person receiving care must be on MaineCare and meet nursing facility level of care.

Which Maine programs pay family caregivers?

Home and Community Benefits for the Elderly and Adults with Disabilities (MaineCare Section 19) - agency Personal Support Specialist

• Who can be paid: A family member who qualifies as a Personal Support Specialist and works for a home health or personal care agency. A spouse can be paid for personal care only when extraordinary care is needed and authorized, and not for household (IADL) tasks. Parents of a minor child cannot be paid.
• Who qualifies for care: MaineCare members who are elderly or adults with disabilities and meet nursing facility level of care.

Section 19 Participant-Directed Option (Attendant)

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: An attendant the member hires and directs, paid through a fiscal intermediary, up to 40 hours a week. A spouse, guardian, conservator or the member's representative cannot be the paid attendant under this option.
• Who qualifies for care: Section 19 waiver members who choose to direct their own attendant services.

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.