Council on Aging - Answers 2024-25 - 51

COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
have a job (or have recently had a job) that paid
into California's Disability insurance. Note: If
applying for PFL, it's worth also applying for
CFRA (California Family Rights Act) to ensure
your leave of absence is protected from job loss
or demotion. You can apply for both on the EDD
(Employment Development Department) website
at www.edd.ca.gov.
n Long Term Care Insurance. If your loved
one has long term care insurance, they may be
eligible to hire you as their help. This option is
difficult to qualify for even if they have the correct
insurance plan because it often excludes services
available within a care home. It is an option worth
reviewing depending on your situation. Contact
your insurance provider for more information.
The Program: Veteran Care
If you're caring for a veteran, there are more
options available for receiving compensation for
their care. Aid and Attendance Pension. It is only
available to wartime veterans and their spouses
who require assistance with daily life in their
homes. Spouses, however, are not eligible to receive
compensation for care. (Children, friends, and
other relatives are eligible). To learn more, visit
the va.gov website or contact a veteran's pension
planner for assistance. In Orange County call the
Veterans Service Office at 714-480-6555 or visit
www.veterans.ocgov.com.
n Veteran-Directed Care Program. The VeteranDirected
Care Program is another veteran-specific
option available for paid family caregiving. If
the veteran in your care is currently using a VA
Medical Care Center and needs care at a level that
would qualify them for a nursing home, this may
be a good option. Contact your local VA center to
see if the service is offered.
The following Medi-Cal waivers are available
with an option for caregiver pay:
n Home and Community-Based Alternatives
(HCBA) Waiver: This waiver allows participants
to self-direct their personal care services and
nursing services, which may include hiring a
Council On Aging - Southern California | 714-479-0107 | www.coasc.org
family member as a caregiver. The waiver also
covers other services such as home health, durable
medical equipment, home modifications, and
transition assistance.
n Home and Community-Based Services
Waiver for the Developmentally Disabled
(HCBS-DD) Waiver: This waiver allows
participants to self-direct some or all their
services through the Self-Determination
Program, which gives them an individual budget
and the option to hire their service providers,
including family members.
n Multipurpose Senior Services Program
(MSSP): This waiver allows participants to selfdirect
their personal care services and other
supportive services, which may include hiring
a family member as a caregiver. The waiver also
covers services like adult day care, home health,
nutrition, social work, and care management.
NOTE: Medi-Cal programs and waivers can
change over time, so it's important to consult the
official California Medi-Cal website at
www.dhcs.ca.gov or you can contact the
California Department of Human Services for the
most up-to-date information on available waivers
and eligibility requirements.
In addition, caregivers can have significant out
of pocket costs related to caregiving. The National
Council on Aging has a program called Benefits
Checkup®. It is the nation's most comprehensive
online tool to connect older adults and people with
disabilities to benefit programs that can help pay
for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.
Visit www.benefitscheckup.org to learn more.
There are options available to help your family
through the financial challenges caused by family
caregiving. You are not alone through this,
and the state of California has many programs
designed to help.
Articles & excerpts reprinted with permission
from the Caregiver Resource Center OC. The
Caregiver Resource Center OC is part of a statewide
program that serves as a free resource for caregivers
in California. For additional information call
1-800- 543-8312 or visit www.caregiveroc.org
Answers Guide 24/25
51
CAREGIVING RESOURCES
http://www.edd.ca.gov http://www.dhcs.ca.gov http://www.va.gov http://www.veterans.ocgov.com http://www.benefitscheckup.org http://www.caregiveroc.org http://www.coasc.org
Council on Aging - Answers 2024-25

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