Does anyone on this board receive caregiver pay?

[sarcasmo]

I'M 44 and have been taking care of my wife for 4 years now. My wife has Norma Pressure Hydrocephalus and is on SSDI plus a minimal pension. Does anyone receive caregiver pay? or know the proper channels to go get such pay?

[edcantor]

1. It may depend upon the state in which you live.

Various states handle the matter through different agencies with different regulations.

This I know because my social worker relative worked in two states.

Check with your state office of Health Care Administration, or whatever it is called in your state. OR simply call your local hospital and speak to the hospital's social workers. They should know the regulations and procedures in your locality. You also can check with your local county or city elder services department. Although your wife is not elderly, many elderly couples have to deal with this, so they may have the information there, too. Hospitals, for sure, in your area, have dealt with this before.

[sarcasmo]

2. Thanks.

[cynatnite]

3. You can also talk to your family doctor or the staff there...

They can at least point you in the right direction or will know who can answer your question.

[sarcasmo]

4. That is what I'M going to do, talk to her primary during the next visit.

[EFerrari]

5. No. Should have for about six years for my ex

but I didn't even know it existed.

[pinto]

6. I'm a recipient of some state funded help in my home. CA - it's IHSS:

"In Home Support Services". Limited but effective support. There's probably an equivalent in most states.

[pnwmom]

7. I know someone who did it here in Washington for her mother a few years ago.

What I remember is that, in order to qualify for the state payment, she had to take one or two classes and get a certificate of some sort. After her mother died, she used that certificate to get a job taking care of someone else.

[peace13]

8. I am so sorry to hear about your wife.

You guys are so young to be dealing with this. My sister is 56 and she has been suffering with Spino Cerebellar syndrome for eight years. She moved into a special care unit near my home and while she does not live with me I am able to feed her lunch and dinner most days. I have had the honor of taking care of her for the past two years.

I send love and energy to you both. Peace, Kim

[sarcasmo]

9. It has become the new normal and you find ways to cope and deal with

the new situations that arise every day.

[RebelOne]

10. My sister did while she was caring for our mother

who was dying of terminal cancer. I have no idea what channels she went through. But I am sure you can receive the pay. Have you contacted the SSDI?