As our population ages, the need for additional care at home to help with activities of daily living may become unavoidable. Financial considerations often lead to family members, especially adult children, being pressed into duty as part-time or full-time caregivers. “Family Caregivers”, as they’re called, are not uncommon: the Family Caregiver Alliance says that over 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, informal care for loved ones each year. This responsibility can represent a difficult burden in view of other daily demands such as a job or supporting a spouse and/or children.

Abcor’s family caregivers start at $17.25 per hour for a maximum of 40 hours per week. The actual number of paid hours of work per week depends on the approved Plan of Care provided by the client’s Care Coordinator from the local Case Coordination Unit or their Managed Care insurance company.

The IDOA refers to family caregivers as Family Homecare Aides, or FHCAs. Agencies like Abcor welcome FHCAs to provide services to family members.  Being an FHCA is not simply a regulation loophole that allows family members to get paid for caregiving. Rather, FHCAs are considered full-fledged caregivers and agency employees. What this means is that they must: undergo background checks, receive ongoing training, document hours, and be subject to regular supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of the care recipient.

For those looking to become paid FHCAs in the 11 counties in Abcor’s area of service, Abcor can advise you on what type of arrangement is allowable and what type of family members are eligible.