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

Yes, through 3 programs we verified. In Vermont, adults on Choices for Care can hire their own caregivers through consumer- or surrogate-directed personal care, or manage a budget through Flexible Choices. A spouse can be paid for hands-on personal care, but not for housework-type tasks, respite or companion care. Adult Family Care pays a home provider who is not the person's spouse, parent or guardian.

Which Vermont programs pay family caregivers?

Choices for Care - Home-Based option with consumer- or surrogate-directed personal care

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Caregivers the individual or surrogate hires. A spouse or civil union partner cannot be paid for help with instrumental activities of daily living (such as housework), respite or companion care; the rules restrict a spouse only for those tasks.
• Who qualifies for care: Adult Vermonters who need a nursing home level of care and qualify for long-term care Medicaid.

Choices for Care - Flexible Choices

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Employees the individual or an eligible surrogate hires using a monthly allowance and budget. A spouse or civil union partner cannot be paid for help with instrumental activities of daily living.
• Who qualifies for care: Adult Vermonters enrolled in Choices for Care who choose to manage a budget for their services.

Choices for Care - Adult Family Care (AFC)

• Type: Adult foster care
• Who can be paid: A home provider age 21 or older in an unlicensed family home, paid through an Authorized Agency at a daily tier rate. The home provider cannot be the person's parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, domestic partner, spouse, legal guardian or representative payee.
• Who qualifies for care: Adult Vermonters enrolled in Choices for Care who need a nursing home level of care.

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.