Getting Paid as a Family Caregiver

Donna Nichols • May 3, 2021

When you are caring for an older adult, it can become very expensive.

There are so many out-of-pocket expenses for such things as medical supplies, prescription drug copays, home health care , and many more.

Some people had to leave their jobs or cut their hours to care for their loved ones.

What if you could get paid as a caregiver?

Getting paid as a family caregiver

It is possible ; there are government programs that exist to help those caring for an older person. They are not available everywhere and not everyone qualifies, but you may qualify, so it’s worth checking into.

Medicaid Programs

There are Medicaid programs that give money to seniors to hire an in-home caregiver. The caregiver could be a family member or friend; it doesn’t have to be a professional.

Florida has its own eligibility requirements, as does each state, they also all have different names for the program.

If the senior is accepted into the program, the amount of money they receive will depend on an assessment of need and the average wage for home health care aides. You have to apply for this through your local Medicaid office.

State Programs

Some states have programs that pay caregivers for those who don’t qualify for Medicaid or for those with specific needs, such as traumatic brain injuries. To find out if your loved one qualifies, check with the local Medicaid office or department of health.

You can find out all about Medicaid and ask questions on the AHCA website, by following this link.

Veterans Programs

There are also programs available through the Veterans Department.

If you are a Veteran or the spouse of a deceased veteran you may be entitled to money you don’t even know about for your care.

One program is called Veteran directed home and community-based services and it helps Veterans of any age who are at risk of institutional placement to continue to live in their own homes.

The Veteran chooses the services that best meets their needs and they can hire in-home health care whether it be a company or a family member.

The other program offered through the VA is called aid and attendance .

Veterans, who are eligible for a VA pension and need home health care or assisted living, may be able to receive additional benefits on top of the monthly pension benefit.

These monies are paid directly to the senior and they are able to pay whomever they choose, whether it be a family member assisting them, a home health company, or an assisted living community.

So, there is help out there to get you paid as being a caregiver, please try not to stress over money.

Caregiving is hard enough on you, stressing over money will only make your stress level increase.

So, take a deep breath and remember Assisted Living Made Simple has your back!!

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

February and the Heart

By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.

Connection Is the Resolution That Lasts

By Donna Nichols • January 12, 2026
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A Fresh Start Doesn’t Mean Starting Over

By Donna Nichols • January 9, 2026
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