How to Become a Paid Family Caregiver in Indiana

Assess the Needs of Your Loved One 

The first step to becoming a paid family or friend caregiver is calling FreedomCare who will serve as your advocate during this process. The next step is working with a Case Manager to assess the needs of your loved one and help create a comprehensive care plan.

This will help you determine the level of care they require. It’s important to understand that the level of care needed by a primary caregiver may change over time as their condition progresses.

The assessment should evaluate the individual’s physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. This may include their ability to perform daily living activities, their medical conditions and medications, their mental health status, and their cognitive abilities.

Step 1: Apply for the Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) Program 

One of the primary programs that pay family caregivers in Indiana is the Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) program. This program is administered by Indiana’s Division of Aging and is funded through Medicaid.

To apply for the SFC program, you’ll need to contact FreedomCare who will assist you in coordinating with your local AAA (Area Agency on Aging or a similar agency) that administers the program. FreedomCare will guide you through the application process and help you understand the eligibility requirements.

The SFC program provides financial compensation to family caregivers who live with and care for an eligible family member. To qualify for the SFC program, your loved one must:

• Be eligible for Medicaid.
• Require assistance with at least 3 activities of daily living (ADL):

Personal Hygiene- including using the restroom, bathing, nail care and more
Mobility- walking, stairs and getting in and out of bed
Dressing- including buttons and zippers
Eating- using utensils

• Live in the same residence as the caregiver.

Step 2: Undergo a Home and Family Assessment 

After applying for the SFC program, a care manager from your local Area Agency on Aging will conduct a Level of Care assessment. They will evaluate the care recipient’s needs and your ability to meet those needs.

During the assessment, the care manager will likely review the physical layout of your home, the availability of necessary medical equipment, and the overall safety of the environment. They may also ask about your relationship with the care recipient and your ability to handle the emotional and physical demands of caregiving.

Step 3: Develop a Care Plan 

Once your application is approved, you’ll work with the care manager to develop a care plan. This plan outlines the specific services and supports your loved one needs and how you will provide these services.

The care plan is a crucial document in caregiving as it guides your activities and ensures that the care recipient’s needs are being met. It should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes in the individual’s condition or needs.

Step 4: Begin Providing Care and Receiving Payment 

Once the care plan is in place, you can start providing care and receiving payment. The amount you receive depends on the level of care your loved one requires.

Remember that providing care involves more than just physical tasks. Emotional support, companionship, and maintaining a high quality of life are equally important aspects of caregiving.