You or your loved one may be able to receive Home Care while an eligible relative or trusted person becomes their paid caregiver. Family Caregiver NY helps you understand your options, avoid unnecessary delays, and navigate the application process with support.

We assist New York families exploring PCA, HHA, and OPWDD services. The right option depends on the person’s age, condition, daily care needs, Medicaid status, location, and relationship to the proposed caregiver.

How Does the Application Process Work?

1. Tell Us About Your Situation

Complete the short eligibility form with information about the person who needs care. We will ask about their location, Medicaid coverage, long-term condition, daily care needs, and relationship to the proposed caregiver.

2. Review Your Home Care Options

We review the information and contact you to discuss the most suitable path. This may include PCA or HHA services for an adult with ongoing care needs, or OPWDD services for a child or adult with a qualifying developmental disability.

3. Complete the Required Enrollment Steps

The person who needs care may need Medicaid verification, supporting documents, and required assessments. We help you understand what is needed and connect suitable cases with a vetted, licensed Home Care agency that can continue the enrollment process.

4. Prepare the Caregiver

If an eligible relative or trusted person provides the care, the licensed agency will guide them through certification, health documents, training, and employment onboarding. Applicants who are not yet certified may complete PCA training through a participating agency.

5. Begin Care

Once the person is approved and the caregiver completes onboarding, the agency can arrange the Start of Care. The caregiver can then provide authorized assistance at home and receive payment through the licensed agency.

Who May Become a Paid PCA Caregiver?

The PCA option may work for families with an adult aged 18 or older who has a long-term illness, physical disability, or ongoing condition that makes daily activities difficult.

Depending on the situation, an eligible caregiver may be:

  • A brother or sister
  • A grandchild
  • A cousin
  • A niece or nephew
  • Another eligible relative
  • A close family friend

Spouses, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and legal guardians are not accepted as paid caregivers under the PCA options we support. If your preferred caregiver does not qualify, another eligible relative, friend, or agency aide may still provide the care.

Application Support for OPWDD Families

OPWDD may be an option when a child or adult has a developmental disability that began before age 22. This can include autism, an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and certain other qualifying conditions.

The OPWDD process is different from regular PCA Home Care. We help families understand the initial requirements, organize the next steps, and explore an appropriate caregiver arrangement. Among the options we support, parents and legal guardians are not considered paid caregivers, but another eligible relative or trusted person may qualify.

Start Your Application Today

Do not wait until the paperwork becomes overwhelming. Start with the eligibility form, and we will contact you to discuss the next step for your loved one.