Getting the Government to Pay for you to care for Mom

Mom needs assistance and you are always there to help. Wouldn't it be great if you could get the government to pay you an hourly rate for what you are doing already? In New York State, the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) provides a unique approach to personal care that allows consumers to choose and direct their own care providers, including family members or friends. In this article, we'll discuss how CDPAP works and how it can help someone whose mother needs assistance.

What is the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)?

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a program in New York State that allows individuals who are eligible for Medicaid to choose and direct their own personal care services. Under CDPAP, the consumer, or their representative, can hire and manage their own personal care aide, including family members or friends, who are paid by Medicaid.

How does CDPAP work?

To participate in CDPAP, an individual must be enrolled in Medicaid and require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and ambulation. The consumer, or their representative, must also be capable of directing their own care or have a designated representative who can do so on their behalf.

Once enrolled in CDPAP, the consumer or their representative can hire a personal care aide of their choice, including family members or friends, to provide care. The personal care aide must meet certain qualifications and undergo training, but they do not need to be certified or licensed. The consumer, or their representative, is responsible for managing the personal care aide, including scheduling, training, and supervision. The personal care aide is paid by Medicaid through a fiscal intermediary, who also handles payroll and taxes.

How can CDPAP help someone whose mother needs assistance?

CDPAP can be an excellent option for someone whose mother needs assistance with activities of daily living. By allowing the consumer or their representative to choose and direct their own personal care aide, CDPAP can provide a level of flexibility and control that is not available with traditional home care services.

One of the biggest advantages of CDPAP is that it allows family members or friends to provide care, which can be especially beneficial for elderly individuals who prefer to be cared for by someone they know and trust. Additionally, family members or friends who provide care under CDPAP can be paid for their services, which can help alleviate financial burdens and provide a source of income.

CDPAP can also be beneficial for individuals with complex medical needs or disabilities. By allowing the consumer or their representative to choose and direct their own personal care aide, CDPAP can provide a more customized approach to care that is tailored to the individual's unique needs and preferences.

Call our office to find out how to get your parent eligbile for Medicaid and how you can get paid for care.