Are you caring for an eligible family member or close friend who needs help at home? You may be able to become their paid caregiver through a licensed Home Care agency in New York.
You can also contact us if you need Home Care for yourself or a loved one but do not have a family caregiver. Depending on eligibility and agency availability, a licensed partner agency may be able to provide a qualified PCA or HHA.
Family Caregiver NY helps families understand Home Care options, check basic requirements, and connect with licensed partner agencies for formal review. We are an independent support and guidance service, not a licensed Home Care agency.
How Does It Work?
- Complete the short form with information about the person who needs care.
- We review the location, Medicaid status, care needs, and proposed caregiver relationship.
- If the case appears suitable, we help the family move forward with a licensed Home Care agency.
PCA and HHA Home Care in New York
PCA Home Care and HHA services may help Medicaid-eligible adults aged 18 or older who need ongoing assistance due to a disability, a long-term health condition, or age-related limitations.
Home Care may include assistance with bathing, dressing, walking, toileting, meal preparation, mobility, and remaining safe at home. Medicaid and the applicable health plan determine eligibility and authorized hours.
Which Family Members May Qualify?
Potential caregivers may include siblings, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended relatives, and close family friends.
Spouses, parents, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and legal guardians are not accepted as paid PCA caregivers through the agency programs we currently work with.
If an eligible caregiver needs PCA certification, fast certification support may be available through the participating licensed agency, including same-day options in some cases. The agency determines certification and employment requirements.
OPWDD Home Care for Children and Adults
OPWDD Home Care support may be available to eligible children and adults with qualifying developmental disabilities that began before age 22. Conditions may include autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and certain neurological conditions.
A diagnosis alone does not guarantee eligibility. OPWDD reviews the developmental history, documentation, functional limitations, and individual support needs.
Who May Be the Caregiver?
Potential caregivers may include siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, grandchildren, extended family, and eligible close family friends.
Parents of minor children, parents of adult children, and legal guardians are not accepted as paid caregivers through our current OPWDD agency workflow. Another eligible person or a licensed agency aide may still be considered.
Caregiver acceptance also depends on the licensed agency’s requirements, the proposed caregiver’s address, certification, employment eligibility, and the authorized services.
Need Medicaid for Home Care?
Medicaid coverage is generally required for the PCA, HHA, and OPWDD-related Home Care options discussed on this website. If the person who needs care does not currently have Medicaid, do not assume they cannot begin the process.
Licensed partner agencies may provide free Medicaid application support for eligible cases. Their Medicaid specialists can explain the required documents, assist with the application process, and help the family understand what must be completed before Medicaid-funded Home Care can be authorized.
Medicaid application support does not guarantee Medicaid eligibility or Home Care approval.
Need Home Care for Yourself or a Loved One?
You do not need to have your own family caregiver to request Home Care. If you or a loved one needs ongoing assistance with daily activities, we can review the situation and help determine whether PCA, HHA, OPWDD-related support, or another Home Care option may be a good fit.
When an eligible family caregiver or close friend is not available, a licensed partner agency may be able to provide a qualified aide. Aide availability, scheduling, and acceptance depend on the location, insurance plan, authorized services, and agency capacity.
Review the complete family caregiver requirements before beginning the process.
Home Care Support Areas in New York
We currently support suitable cases in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, Nassau County, Westchester County, Albany County, Schenectady County, Fulton County, Warren County, Montgomery County, Washington County, Rensselaer County, and Saratoga County.
Agency availability and caregiver requirements may vary by location. Nassau County and Staten Island cases may require the person receiving care to already have a preferred aide.
Formal decisions about Medicaid eligibility, assessments, authorized hours, services, caregiver employment, and pay are made by Medicaid, the applicable plan, OPWDD, and the licensed Home Care agency. Approval, hours, employment, and processing time are not guaranteed.
Ready to see what Home Care options may be available?
Prefer to speak with us first? Contact us or call 929-660-2391.