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

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Wisconsin, adults in IRIS, the state's self-directed long-term care program, can hire family members for services such as supportive home care and respite. Legal guardians and health care powers of attorney can also be paid for these services, with extra review. Paid hours cover only care beyond normal household tasks.

Which Wisconsin programs pay family caregivers?

IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct)

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Participant-hired workers, including family members, for services the waiver allows family to provide, such as supportive home care, respite and specialized transportation. Legal guardians and health care powers of attorney may also be paid for those services, with conflict-of-interest review.
• Who qualifies for care: Wisconsin residents 18 or older who are older adults or adults with disabilities, enrolled in Medicaid, functionally eligible for long-term care, and living in a home, apartment, adult family home or residential care apartment complex.

IRIS - 1-2 bed Adult Family Home

• Type: Adult foster care
• Who can be paid: A family member, legal guardian or health care power of attorney who operates a 1-2 bed adult family home, as allowed under the waiver.
• Who qualifies for care: IRIS participants whose plan includes a 1-2 bed adult family home.

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.

What should you confirm with the state?

Whether a spouse or a parent of a minor child can be paid was not clearly stated in the IRIS policy manual. Ask your IRIS consultant agency.