If you are caring for a family member or close friend at home, you may be able to become their certified Aide through New York’s Medicaid-funded Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) home care programs. Our team helps patients and families understand the requirements, complete the necessary steps, and begin the enrollment process with the appropriate home care agency.
Who Can Become a Paid Family Caregiver?
Eligible PCA caregivers may include:
- Siblings
- Grandchildren
- Nieces or nephews
- Cousins
- Brothers-in-law or sisters-in-law
- Close family friends
Per New York State rules, the following individuals cannot serve as paid PCA caregivers:
- Spouses
- Sons or daughters
- Sons-in-law or daughters-in-law
- Legal guardians
If you are not eligible, another qualified family member may be able to complete the certification and care for your loved one. Our team can help identify the best option.
Care Recipient Requirements
To qualify for PCA services, the patient receiving care must:
- Be eighteen years or older
- Live in New York State
- Be enrolled in, or eligible for, Medicaid
- Require assistance with daily activities due to a long-term health condition or disability
Once these requirements are met, the patient completes the standard Medicaid assessment process to determine the number of care hours they may receive.
OPWDD Program Option
If a family member, whether a minor or adult, has a developmental disability and qualifies for services through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the program waiver may offer expanded caregiving options. According to OPWDD guidelines, most family members are eligible to serve as caregivers, except parents and legal guardians.
Our team assists families in understanding whether PCA, OPWDD, or both programs apply based on the individual’s needs and diagnosis.
Support We Provide
Medicaid Enrollment Assistance
If the patient does not yet have active Medicaid, our team guides them through the application process to help them qualify for home care services.
PCA or HHA Certification Guidance
Eligible family members complete free PCA training through the partnering home care agency, enabling them to begin providing care once the patient is approved.
Clear Program Guidance
We explain PCA and OPWDD options, caregiver eligibility rules, and the steps required to complete the enrollment process.
Empowering Families
Our mission is to help families understand their options and access the support available through New York’s Medicaid-funded programs. With the proper guidance, many families can remain together at home while ensuring their loved one receives the assistance they need.
Get Started
If you want to confirm whether your family qualifies, begin with our short eligibility form and a team member will contact you.