Indiana family caregiver support is really important for those who take care of their loved ones at home. Family caregiving involves helping an elderly or chronically ill loved one with their daily needs.
While this can be a tough job, there’s help available. You can get support and even some financial assistance to make your life as a caregiver so much easier. This article covers the various ways Indiana supports family caregivers like you. You’ll learn about the key programs out there, how to get signed up for them, and what kind of help you can expect once you do.
Indiana’s Medicaid program is funded by the state and federal government, and it provides health coverage to low-income Hoosiers. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) runs the program and ensures those who really need it can get the essential healthcare services they require.
The program covers many services that let your loved ones get care at home instead of in a nursing facility. These are called Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. With HCBS, Medicaid can pay for supports that help your loved one live independently. These supports can include personal care services such as:
Indiana also has various HCBS waivers that let Medicaid cover services usually not included in the program. The Family Support Waiver, Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver, and Adult Mental Health Habilitation are a few examples.
To get Medicaid and HCBS in Indiana, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Although specific requirements can vary, here are the main criteria:
The FSSA has several helpful programs to support family caregivers in Indiana. The Attendant Care program is one of such programs. It allows those who receive Medicaid to use their benefits to pay family members who provide in-home care.
However, FSSA is now transitioning this program to a new Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) model. With this new program, Medicaid gives money to service providers, who then pay family caregivers directly.
Besides these, FSSA also runs the Family Caregiver Program, which connects caregivers like you to helpful information, training, counseling, and other services to support you in your role.
To apply for FSSA caregiver programs, you need to meet Medicaid’s eligibility requirements. This includes meeting income limits and showing you need care similar to what’s given in a nursing home. You can contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or the FSSA Aging and Disability Resource Center to start the application process. These agencies can help you figure out if you qualify and guide you through what paperwork you need to fill out.
To qualify for financial assistance through the SFC program, both you, as the caregiver and the person you’re caring for need to meet Medicaid eligibility requirements, which usually include income limits. Typically, spouses and some family members can qualify as caregivers, but there might be limitations.
The amount of financial support you receive depends on how much care your loved one needs and the level of care you provide. Keep in mind that programs like PCAFC often have limited funding and may have waiting lists, so it’s good to check availability early.
As a family caregiver in Indiana, you have some legal rights that can help you in your role. For instance, if you’re caring for someone with mental health issues, you can access information about their treatment with the written consent of their doctor.
Previously, Medicaid paid hourly for families caring for kids with complex medical needs. But recently, the FSSA changed it to a flat daily rate, which generally means less money for you. To address this, lawmakers voted to give more funding to families in this situation.
The FSSA will report on how the changes impact Hoosiers. This effort, supported by both parties, will make sure family caregivers like you get fair compensation and support. Plus, advocates like Abby Care are working hard on this issue through legislation.
Indiana offers several resources and support for family caregivers like you. These include:
For Hoosiers who care for their loved ones at home, Indiana family caregiver support initiatives can make a huge difference. Although the state offers support and some level of financial assistance, ongoing advocacy is important to expand these options.
If you’re a family caregiver in Indiana, Abby Care can connect you to the resources you need to make caregiving a bit easier. Reach out to us today if you need help.
https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver
https://www.theseniorlist.com/caregiving/caregiver-funding-by-state/
https://www.aidaly.com/states/how-to-get-paid-family-caregiver-indiana
