Quick answer
Yes, in some cases. In Kansas, a parent on the KanCare Frail Elderly waiver can choose a family member, other than a spouse or legal representative, to provide paid attendant care. In Missouri, the Structured Family Caregiver waiver supports a live-in family caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's or another dementia. Veterans may qualify for the VA's caregiver program, which includes a monthly stipend. Some long-term care insurance policies also pay family caregivers. (800) 614-8388 to talk through options.
Kansas: KanCare Frail Elderly waiver
- For people 65 and older who meet the nursing facility level of care and Medicaid financial rules.
- Attendant care can be self-directed, meaning your parent (or their representative) chooses, trains and supervises the worker.
- Per KDADS, a family member can be the paid attendant, but not a spouse or someone appointed to act on your parent's behalf (such as an activated durable power of attorney or guardian).
- Start with the Aging and Disability Resource Center: 1-855-200-2372. See KanCare for older adults.
Missouri: Structured Family Caregiver waiver
- For people 21 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer's or a related dementia who would otherwise need nursing home care.
- Personal care and homemaker services are delivered by a live-in primary caregiver, with medication oversight and appointment escorting.
- Apply through the Department of Health and Senior Services HCBS line: 1-866-835-3505. See MO HealthNet for older adults.
Veterans: VA caregiver program
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers serves caregivers of eligible veterans with a service-connected disability rated 70% or higher who need at least 6 months of continuous in-person personal care. Benefits can include a monthly stipend, health coverage through CHAMPVA, training and counseling. See VA caregiver program.
Other routes
- Long-term care insurance: some policies pay family members; check the policy.
- Family care agreement: a parent can pay a family member from their own money under a written agreement. Because this can affect taxes and future Medicaid eligibility, talk to an elder law attorney first.
- Caregiver support: even if you can't be paid, your Area Agency on Aging may offer respite, training and support.
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Questions families ask
Can I get paid to take care of my mom in Kansas?
Possibly. If she's on the KanCare Frail Elderly waiver, she can choose a family member who isn't her spouse or legal representative as a paid attendant.
Can I get paid to take care of a parent in Missouri?
Possibly. Missouri's Structured Family Caregiver waiver supports live-in family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or another dementia who qualify.
Can a spouse be paid as a caregiver?
Under the Kansas Frail Elderly waiver, no. The VA caregiver program can include a spouse.
Does Medicare pay family caregivers?
No.