Many people already provide unpaid care for a relative or close family friend. They may help with bathing, dressing, walking, preparing meals, attending medical appointments, or remaining safe at home.
In New York, certain relatives and close family friends may be able to become paid caregivers through Medicaid-funded Home Care programs. However, the person receiving care and the proposed caregiver must both meet specific requirements.
Family Caregiver NY provides information, initial screening, and process guidance. We are not a licensed Home Care agency, employer, Medicaid plan, or government program. When a case appears suitable, we connect the family with a licensed partner agency for formal review.
Determine Which Home Care Program May Apply
The correct path depends on the age, diagnosis, Medicaid status, and daily needs of the person requiring care.
PCA Home Care is generally intended for Medicaid-eligible adults who need ongoing help because of a long-term medical condition, physical disability, or age-related limitation. The person must usually be at least 18 and need assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, walking, toileting, preparing meals, or remaining safe at home.
OPWDD may apply to children or adults with qualifying developmental disabilities that began before age 22. These conditions may include autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and certain neurological conditions.
A diagnosis alone does not guarantee eligibility. Medicaid, the applicable health plan, OPWDD, and the licensed agency determine whether services can be authorized.
Confirm That the Caregiver Relationship Is Allowed
Not every relative can become a paid caregiver.
Under the PCA agency programs we currently work with, a sibling, aunt, uncle, grandchild, cousin, niece, nephew, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, extended relative, or close family friend may potentially qualify.
A spouse, parent, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, or legal guardian cannot be enrolled as a paid PCA caregiver through our current partner-agency programs.
For OPWDD cases, a sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandchild, extended relative, or eligible close family friend may potentially serve as the caregiver.
Parents of minor children, parents of adult children, and legal guardians are not accepted as paid caregivers through the OPWDD agency programs we currently work with.
If the preferred caregiver is not eligible, the family may consider another qualified relative, a trusted family friend, or a licensed agency aide.
Check the Living Arrangement
The caregiver’s address may affect whether a licensed agency accepts the case.
Platinum generally does not accept a caregiver who lives at the same address as the person receiving care. Other licensed partner agencies, including Anchor, may be more flexible depending on the relationship and circumstances.
Family Caregiver NY screens this information before connecting a suitable case with a licensed agency. Living together does not always mean the case must be closed, but it may limit which agency can review it.
Complete the Initial Screening
The family should provide accurate information about the person who needs care. This includes their age, county or borough, Medicaid status, insurance plan, health condition, daily limitations, and the type of assistance they require.
We also need the proposed caregiver’s relationship to the person receiving care, whether they live together, and whether the caregiver already has PCA or HHA certification.
For a possible OPWDD case, the family should explain the diagnosis, when the disability began, whether OPWDD eligibility has been established, and whether the person currently has a care manager.
This information helps us identify whether the case may fit one of the licensed agency programs we support.
Complete the Required Assessments
The person receiving care must complete the assessments required by Medicaid, the health plan, OPWDD, or the licensed agency.
These assessments review the person’s medical condition, functional limitations, safety needs, and ability to perform daily activities. They may determine whether Home Care is authorized and how many hours may be approved.
Family Caregiver NY does not conduct these assessments or decide the number of hours. We help families understand what to expect and connect suitable cases with the appropriate licensed partner.
Complete Caregiver Certification and Employment Requirements
If the proposed caregiver is eligible and the case is accepted, the licensed Home Care agency handles caregiver onboarding and employment.
The caregiver may need to complete PCA or HHA certification, a health assessment, background screening, identification verification, employment authorization, and other required documents.
PCA certification support may be available through the participating agency. Availability and timing depend on the agency and case. Family Caregiver NY does not issue certifications or employ caregivers.
Begin Care After Formal Authorization
The caregiver cannot begin paid work until the required approvals, assessments, employment steps, and service authorizations are completed.
The licensed Home Care agency determines when care may officially begin. The agency employs the caregiver, manages payroll, and provides the authorized Home Care services.
Family Caregiver NY cannot guarantee approval, employment, caregiving hours, pay rates, or processing time.
Start by Checking Your Family’s Options
The first step is determining whether the person who needs care and the proposed caregiver may fit the requirements of a current partner-agency program.
Family Caregiver NY provides initial screening, explains the relationship and program rules, and helps suitable families move toward formal agency review.
To discuss your situation, visit our Contact page or complete the Eligibility Form.