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

Yes, through one program we verified. In North Carolina, adults on the CAP/DA Medicaid waiver can have a family member paid as their in-home aide, including a spouse, parent, adult child or sibling. This can be done through a home care agency or through the consumer-directed option, where the beneficiary hires their own worker. The family member must be at least 18 and meet aide qualifications. Legal guardians and powers of attorney can be paid only in special circumstances.

Which North Carolina programs pay family caregivers?

Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA), including the Consumer-Directed option

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: A spouse, parent, stepparent, child, sibling or other relative who is at least 18 and meets the aide qualifications can be hired as the in-home aide, through an agency or under consumer direction. A legal guardian or power of attorney can be hired only under special circumstances, such as no available aides in the area.
• Who qualifies for care: North Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries 18 and older who meet the CAP/DA waiver's nursing facility level of care and other eligibility rules.

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.