Family Caregivers - Government Pay & Policies | Abcor
Send email Log in
Menu
Apply/Refer for Services Search for jobs

Home Care & Nursing Services

Search for jobs Apply/Refer for Services Call (847) 670-8268

Family Caregivers at Abcor

Family caregivers

As our population ages, the need for additional care at home to help with activities of daily living may become unavoidable. Financial considerations often lead to family members, especially adult children, being pressed into duty as part-time or full-time caregivers. “Family Caregivers”, as they’re called, are not uncommon: the Family Caregiver Alliance says that over 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, informal care for loved ones each year. This responsibility can represent a difficult burden in view of other daily demands such as a job or supporting a spouse and/or children.

money

Pay for Family Caregivers – Government Pay & Policies

The not-so-well-kept secret is that it doesn’t always have to be this way. You don’t have to go from paid work to unpaid elder care. In certain situations, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) may pay you to care for your loved ones under their Community Care Program (CCP).

How Much Do Family Caregivers (FHCAs) Get Paid?

Abcor’s family caregivers start at $10.85 per hour for a maximum of 40 hours per week. The actual number of paid hours of work per week depends on the approved Plan of Care provided by the client’s Care Coordinator from the local Case Coordination Unit or their Managed Care insurance company.

accept

Think you qualify?

Give us a call at (847) 670-8268 or talk to your Case Coordination Unit about being a family caregiver for Abcor!

checklist

Agency Policies

The IDOA refers to family caregivers as Family Homecare Aides, or FHCAs. Agencies like Abcor welcome FHCAs to provide services to family members.  Being an FHCA is not simply a regulation loophole that allows family members to get paid for caregiving. Rather, FHCAs are considered full-fledged caregivers and agency employees. What this means is that they must: undergo background checks, receive ongoing training, document hours, and be subject to regular supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of the care recipient.

For those looking to become paid FHCAs in the 11 counties in Abcor’s area of service, Abcor can advise you on what type of arrangement is allowable and what type of family members are eligible.

Who Can Be a Family Caregiver (FHCA)?

An individual does not qualify for IDOA funding if he/she is a family member who is also legally responsible for the client. If you have any of the following relationships with a senior requiring care, you cannot receive pay from the IDOA:
family
Spouse
guard
Guardian
ter
Power of Attorney
In addition, the FHCA cannot be the family member who signs forms or plans of care or interprets for the client during assessments. Further, Abcor requires that family caregivers have a high school diploma / GED or 1 year’s experience caring for an older adult.

Library zlibrary