Get paid to care for your loved one in Delaware

If you're already caring for a parent, spouse, or other loved one at home, you may be able to get paid for it. When your loved one qualifies for Delaware Medicaid long-term care, you can work for Reliable Aid as their paid caregiver. We help you through every step, from the first phone call to your first paycheck.

Looking for a caregiver job with other families instead? See caregiver jobs.

Who qualifies

The person who needs care is the one who has to qualify. In general, they need to:

• Live at home in Delaware
• Need hands-on help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, meals, or getting around
• Qualify for Delaware Medicaid long-term care, called Diamond State Health Plan Plus

Not sure yet whether your loved one qualifies? You can call us before you apply.

How it works

1. Check eligibility. Call the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-800-223-9074. They'll explain the options and how to apply.
2. Apply for long-term care. Applications go through Delaware Medicaid Central Intake at 1-866-940-8963, or online through Delaware ASSIST. A nurse reviews how much help your loved one needs, and the state reviews income and savings.
3. Get the hours approved. Once your loved one is approved, their Medicaid health plan approves the hours of care, and a case manager helps arrange it.
4. Join Reliable Aid as their caregiver. We hire you as an employee. Hiring takes a few documents, a doctor's visit, a few tests, and a letter of recommendation, plus a background check. We walk you through each step, and if you get everything in order quickly, you can be ready in as little as one to two weeks.
5. Get paid for your care. You check in and out of each visit electronically, and you're paid for the approved hours.

Who can be the paid caregiver

Often it's an adult son or daughter, another relative, or a close friend who already helps. Each Medicaid health plan sets its own rules about who can be paid, including spouses. We'll help you find out what applies to your family.

Common questions

Can I get paid to take care of my mom or dad in Delaware?

Yes, in many cases. If your parent qualifies for Delaware Medicaid long-term care and the plan approves the hours, you can be hired by Reliable Aid as their caregiver.

Does my parent need to be on Medicaid first?

They need to qualify for Delaware Medicaid long-term care. A regular Medicaid card for doctor visits isn't enough by itself. If they haven't applied yet, start with step 1 above.

How much does it pay?

Pay depends on the hours your loved one's plan approves. Call us and we'll walk you through it.

Can a spouse be paid?

Yes. Spouses can be paid caregivers with all three Delaware Medicaid plans: Highmark Health Options, AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware, and Delaware First Health. Call us and we'll walk you through the steps.

Will Medicare pay me to care for my parent?

Generally, no. Medicare covers skilled home health that a doctor orders, like nursing or therapy. It doesn't pay for everyday help such as bathing and meals on its own, which is the care family caregivers usually give. In Delaware, the way to get paid for that care is Medicaid long-term care.

Is this the same as Delaware Paid Leave?

No. Delaware Paid Leave replaces part of your wages while you take time off from your own job. Getting paid as a family caregiver is a Medicaid program.

What if the person who needs care is a child?

Children's programs work differently. Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center and tell them the person who needs care is a child.

Does it cost anything to ask?

No. Call (302) 689-3240 or visit our Dover office. The conversation is free.