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Some comments here refer to Medicaid but you say dad is on Medicare. Different rules.

You need to get an elder attorney or maybe a CPA to set up legal employer/employee contract and payment instructions. You will be considered an employee and will have to report the income when filing taxes.
This will keep all his income and payments legit should he run out of money and require nursing home Medicaid.
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Reply to my2cents
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Medicaid can pay for a family member to care for a relative, but it depends on the state and the specific Medicaid program. Many states have Medicaid programs that allow for a family member, often excluding spouses, to be paid as a caregiver through various programs such as:
1. Medicaid waivers (Home and Community Based Services - HCBS Waivers.) These waivers allow states to offer services, like personal care assistance, to help individuals stay at home rather than move to a nursing facility. Some waivers allow for consumer direction or self directed care, where the individual can choose their caregiver, which could include a family member.
2. Personal Care Services (PCS). Some states offer PCS under Medicaid, which provides assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Family members, excluding spouses in most cases, can sometimes be hired and paid as caregivers.
3. Cash and Counseling Programs. This option provides a flexible monthly allowance to the care recipient to hire a caregiver of their choice, including a family member.

The specific rules and programs vary by state, so it’s important to check with the local Medicaid office to see what options are available.
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Reply to HaveYourBack
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Medicare doesn’t cover caregivers. Only Medicaid. If he hasn’t spent down yet, here’s how he should do it.

Any living expenses should be itemized as room and board traditionally given to caregivers. In addition, there should be a written agreement saying what you’re getting paid for as his live in.

My in-laws live in, for example, isn’t even 24/7. She comes in the evening with a relatives minor child, cooks what they buy to feed not just them but her and this child, gets them to bed and deals with one or two overnight diaper cleanups from fil. For this, she is paid close to 122000 a year.

So, just because you’re family doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate a deal like this.
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Reply to PeggySue2020
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Just thinking out loud here. If you are caring for him 24/7 then you live together. If it is his house and he pays the bills, is that not an indirect form of compensation. Maybe explaining it that way to him will ease his conscience. On the other hand if he lives with you then have him pay the utility bills.
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Reply to Clatour
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Absolutely possible, have him write you a check.
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Reply to ZippyZee
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Look into placing your dad in assisted living. Sell his house and that should help. He realizes you are helping him and doesn't want to be a burden. It is so difficult taking care of parents because their health does deteriorate. You will both have a better quality of life.

I have no regrets getting help from an Elder Care Attorney.
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Reply to Onlychild2024
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Medicare doesn't compensate home caregivers that I am aware of but Medicaid may dependent on your state's rules and qualifications Dad may have for program. I would google "how to be compensated as caregiver in state of ___________" on your search engines. You can also call regarding Medicare programs at 1-800-Medicare and you can also access the Medicare Website. The Medicare program sends out a yearly handbook. Ask that it be mailed to your Dad. Also check with your Dad's supplemental Insurance program for information.

If your Father is living with you and gets social security you can see an elder law attorney to make out a "shared living costs" contract. If you charged rental that is taxable for you, but "shared living costs" aren't and would include rental, utilities and etc. You can also be compensated according to document stipulations to serve as POA.

In all truth, whatever compensation you find isn't enough in any way to make up for the loss of a real job and job history. It may present a bit of help for you but in no way will cover 24/7 care. I wish you lots of luck.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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By the way. If he is receiving Medicaid as a health insurance, you being his caregiver is another program with different criteria that has to be met. Because you have one, does not mean you qualify forvthe other.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Like said, it is Medicaid who may pay a family member to care for a LO. And the recipient has to fit income requirements. They can have no assets over the cap allowed. They stay in their home.

You need to call Social Services in ur area. Ask to make an appt with a Medicaid caseworker. Take all financial and legal documents with you. Birth Certificate, SS card, License, Mortgage papers or rental papers. Maybe even monthly bills.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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tokyosteve Aug 23, 2024
Excellent advice.
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Medicare is the US federal health insurance that citizens get after age 65. I think you mean Medicaid, which is the financial assistance program.

Your county's elder services may have waiver programs that will allow family members to be paid for caregiving, and this is usually in tandem with qualifying for Medicaid. So, you should contact your county's social services and ask them.

However, in most cases the pay will only be around minimum wage and not for full time care. You may need to go through a training or vetting program as well.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Please explain what you mean. What is happening to the Medicare money – is it going to a carer and he would like to substitute you for the carer? Or what?
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Reply to MargaretMcKen
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JoAnn29 Aug 17, 2024
Medicare does not pay for caregivers. Medicaid does.
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