How to become a Caregiver
(Paid Family/Friend Caregiver)
If you’re already caring for a family member or friend (or considering doing so) you may qualify to be paid for that care by becoming an employee of The Independence Center. As Southern Colorado’s disability resource center, we are people with disabilities serving the disability community with a mission to create independence. Founded in 1987, The Independence Center is one of the most established home health agencies serving clients who have family and friends as their caregivers.
What is IHSS?
(In Home Support Services)
Family and Friend caregivers can be paid for caregiving in Colorado under In Home Support Services (IHSS), a provision allowed in Colorado Long Term Medicaid. IHSS allow for participants on certain Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers tor receive care in their home from a family or friend caregiver. The caregiver receives payment for these services. Under IHSS, family and friend caregivers can become employees of The Independence Center, entitled to a host of great benefits.
Who Qualifies?
Spouses, adult children, parents, friends and neighbors who provide care for a loved one may be employed by a home care agency. The agency handles caregiver training, payroll and coordinating with Medicaid HCBS so caregivers don’t have to handle anything alone.
The Independence Center serves participants in the following Colorado Long Term Care Medicaid waivers:
- Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD)
- Spinal Cord Injury Waiver (SCI)
- Children’s Home and Community Based Service Waiver (CHCBS)
Benefits for Family and Friend Caregivers
Family and Friend caregivers receive full-time or part-time benefits, depending upon their authorized service hours.
Caregivers are entitled to:
- Paid training
- Employee Assistance Program
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Paid sick and vacation time
- Tuition reimbursement
- Agency support for caregivers
Full-time caregivers (30 hours per week) may additionally qualify for:
- Health, dental and vision benefits
- Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Employer-paid disability insurance
Where do I start?
Contact us today!
Phone: 719-471-8181
Email: info@the-ic.org
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Home Health Care
Does my client need to be on Medicaid (specifically a Long-Term Care) Waiver to be eligible to have a Family/Friend caregiver?
Yes. If the client is already on Medicaid, but not on a Wavier, they will need to contact the appropriate Case Management Agency. See the FAQs for ???. If they are not on Medicaid, the client will need to qualify for Medicaid and a Medicaid Waiver.
Do I have to have a CNA License to be a Family/Friend Caregiver?
No. The Independence Center hires and trains Family/Friend Caregivers.
How many hours a week can I work for as a Family/Friend Caregiver?
The Case Management Agency for the client will state the total number of hours approved for each client based on several determining factors such as diagnosis, abilities, risks, task support needed and more.
Do I need CPR to be a Family/Friend Caregiver?
Yes. The only exception to this is in the case where the client has a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order.
How long does it take to become a Family/Friend Caregiver?
The client must first go through the approval process for the Long-Term Care Medicaid Waiver. This process can take a few months depending on the local DHS (Department of Human Services) and CMA (Case Management Agency) timelines. Once the client has received official approval, The Independence Center process is typically less than two weeks.
What Medicaid Waivers does The Independence Center serve?
HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) EBD (Elderly Blind Disabled), BI (Brain Injury), CIH (Complementary and Integrated Health), CMHS (Community Mental Health Services), and CHCBS (Children’s Home and Community Based Services).
Do I have to have a CNA License to be a Home Health Caregiver for The Independence Center?
No. The Independence Center hires and trains all caregivers for client-directed care.
Do I need to have CPR?
Yes, CPR is required for all Field Staff Caregivers.
Do I have to have a background check?
Yes, a criminal background check, Colorado Adult Protective Services (CAPS), and Motor Vehicle background check are required.
Do I have to have experience to become a Field Staff Caregiver?
The Independence Center can train new caregivers who are starting their career in the home health field.
How long is training for a caregiver?
There are two days of in-office training, and the in-home training depends on the experience of the caregiver and the acuity level of clients. All training is paid.