How to Become a Caregiver in Michigan

Who Can Become a Caregiver in Michigan?

In short: almost anyone. You don’t need to be a nurse or hold a medical degree. What matters most is compassion, patience, and a willingness to learn.

• Family caregivers: Children, siblings, or even friends of the person in need may be eligible for payment through Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program.

That’s where FreedomCare comes in: we help families determine if they qualify and guide them through the application process.

Steps to Become a Professional Caregiver in Michigan

If you want to pursue caregiving as a career, here’s how you can start:

1. Meet the basic requirements
   • Be at least 18 years old.
   • Have a high school diploma or GED (sometimes optional).
   • Pass a criminal background check.
2. Apply for caregiving jobs
   • Michigan home care agencies
   • Nursing homes or assisted living facilities
   • Private in-home care positions
3. Gain experience and grow
   • Many agencies provide additional on-the-job training.
   • As you build your skills, you can qualify for higher-paying roles.

How to Become a Paid Family Caregiver in Michigan

Many people don’t realize you may be able to get paid for caring for your loved one at home. Michigan offers this through the Home Help Program, a Medicaid-funded program designed to keep people in their homes instead of nursing facilities.

Here’s how it works:

Eligibility

• The person needing care must be enrolled in Michigan Medicaid.
• They must require help with daily living activities like bathing, eating, or mobility.
• A needs assessment from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will determine the level of support required.

Steps to Apply with FreedomCare

1. Check Eligibility
   Contact FreedomCare and answer a few quick questions to confirm your loved one’s Medicaid eligibility and your caregiver qualifications.
2. Work with Your Case Manager
   If eligible, a dedicated FreedomCare case manager will guide you through paperwork, doctor statements, and the MDHHS needs assessment.
3. Complete Program Requirements
   Finish the basics: background check, short training modules, and CHAMPS registration so the state can approve payment.
4. Provide Care and Log Hours
   Begin caring for your loved one as their official caregiver, using FreedomCare’s tools to track hours and tasks.
5. Get Paid and Stay Supported
   Receive direct payment for your work, with ongoing FreedomCare support every step of the way.

Who Can Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Michigan?

In Michigan, many family members qualify to be recognized, and paid, as caregivers through Medicaid’s Home Help Program. If your loved one is a Michigan resident with Medicaid, is 18 or older, and needs help with daily activities like bathing, cooking, or getting around, they may be eligible to have you step in as their caregiver. The person receiving care must be able to direct their own services, or have someone they trust act as their representative. As for you, the caregiver, you simply need to be 18 or older, legally eligible to work in the U.S., and not barred from participating in Medicaid. It’s important to note that Medicare alone does not qualify someone for this program. That’s where FreedomCare comes in, we help families check eligibility, handle the paperwork, and get caregivers paid for the care they’re already providing.

How It Works – Patient (Care Recipient)

You are likely eligible if you:

• Have Medicaid (Medicare alone is not enough)
• Live in Michigan
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Need help with day-to-day activities (bathing, meals, mobility, etc.)
• Are able to direct your own care/services – or have a trusted representative who can

How It Works – Caregiver

You may qualify as a caregiver if you:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Are eligible to work in the United States
• Are not excluded from the Medicaid program

Click here to learn more about becoming a paid family caregiver in Michigan

Training & Certification Options in Michigan

For professional caregivers, training helps you stand out. Options include:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Programs: Offered at community colleges and vocational schools.
• Basic Caregiving Courses: Sometimes provided online or through agencies.
• CPR and First Aid: Often required for any caregiving position.

For family caregivers working with FreedomCare through Michigan’s Home Help Program, these certifications are not required. What matters most is your ability to safely and consistently care for your loved one. FreedomCare focuses on supporting you through the enrollment process, not asking you to complete unnecessary training.

Tips for Succeeding as a Caregiver

Whether you’re caring for your own family member or working as a professional, here are a few tips that make the role more manageable:

• Communicate openly: Listen to your loved one’s concerns and advocate for their needs.
• Stay organized: Keep track of medications, doctor’s appointments, and daily routines.
• Practice patience: Caregiving can be stressful, and your calm presence makes a difference.
• Prioritize your own health: Burnout is real. Take breaks, rest, and ask for help when needed.
• Join support groups: Michigan has caregiver support networks that connect you with others who understand.

Resources for Michigan Caregivers

Here are some places to turn if you’re getting started:

• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Apply for Medicaid and learn about the Home Help Program.
• Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) – Local resources for seniors and their families.
• Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program – Advocacy and guidance for caregivers and care recipients.
• FreedomCare – Your partner in navigating Michigan’s caregiver programs and getting paid for the care you already provide.

FAQs About Becoming a Family Caregiver in Michigan

Can I get paid to care for my spouse in Michigan?
In most cases, Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program does not allow spouses to be paid caregivers. However, adult children, siblings, and even close friends may qualify. We know this can feel frustrating for couples who share their lives and responsibilities, and FreedomCare can help you explore every option to make sure your family gets the support it needs.

Do I need special training to be paid as a family caregiver?
No formal certification is required to care for a loved one under the Home Help Program. What matters most is your ability to provide safe, consistent help with daily activities. That said, some families choose to take basic caregiving or CPR classes for peace of mind, and FreedomCare can point you toward helpful resources.

How much do family caregivers get paid in Michigan?
Payment varies based on your loved one’s assessed needs and the hours of care approved by the state. It is not a flat rate, it’s tailored to the level of support your family member requires. FreedomCare helps families understand what compensation might look like during the application process.

What if my loved one has Medicare but not Medicaid?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover family caregiver pay. If your loved one only has Medicare, they would need to apply for Michigan Medicaid in order for you to qualify as a paid caregiver. FreedomCare helps families navigate this step, since the process can be confusing.

Can multiple family members get paid to care for the same person?
Generally, only one primary caregiver is approved for payment under the Home Help Program. However, other family members can still share caregiving duties informally. FreedomCare can help you figure out how to structure care in a way that supports the whole family.

How long does it take to get approved as a family caregiver?
The timeline can vary depending on how quickly Medicaid and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services complete assessments and paperwork. On average, families may wait several weeks for approval. With FreedomCare’s help, the process can feel smoother and less overwhelming.

What happens if my loved one’s health needs increase over time?
If your family member’s needs change, their Medicaid caseworker can reassess and potentially adjust the number of hours you’re paid for. FreedomCare stays with families through these changes, helping them advocate for the care and support they deserve.