How to Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for Parents [9 Options for 2023]

Taking care of your parents, especially one who’s sick, frail, or requires assistance in any way, is demanding and downright exhausting.

It’ll require your time and may cause financial distress.

Luckily, the government understands that you need to be compensated for being a caretaker.

Several government, community, and private programs offer financial aid, which you can take advantage of.

In this article, we will explore how you can get paid to be a caregiver for parents in a step-by-step manner.

Can You Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for Parents?

The amount of money you can make as a caregiver will depend on factors such as your location, your parent’s income, and the type of care you’re providing.

There are elder care programs and self-directed programs that provide financial assistance to take care of a loved one.

If your parent has a long-term care insurance policy, it may provide funds as compensation.

Be sure to contact your local Family Caregiver Support Program for further information.

How Much Can You Make by Being a Caregiver for Parents?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for personal care aids, which includes non-medical caregivers, was $14.15 per hour as of May 2021. This translates to a yearly income of $29,430.

Another record from Indeed states that caregivers will make about $35,953 per year on average.

Note that these figures will vary based on your geographic location. 

Another stat from BLS states that from 2021 to 2031, the job outlook for home health and personal care aides is expected to increase by 25%. This signifies a high demand for caregivers in the near future, assuring you of stable employment and reasonable compensation.

What You’ll Need to Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for Parents

To get paid for taking care of your biological parents, you might need to check if you are an eligible caregiver.

This will vary depending on where you live; however, below are some common requirements you would need to fulfill.

• The Care Recipient Must Be Eligible: Care programs have eligibility requirements for personal care, including individuals with disabilities, mental impairment, or dementia. Other programs, such as veteran-directed care, are also available.
• Financial Eligibility: Care receivers must possess the financial means to pay the caregiver and should not face financial burdens regarding this.
• Communication Skills: To understand the requirements and wants of the patient, such as meal preparation, and give them any daily assistance they require, communication skills are a necessary requirement.
• Patience and Empathy: Being a caregiver means having the capacity to understand the patient and their situation. Be compassionate and provide emotional support for your parents when they need it.

Where to Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for Parents

1. Care.com (Online Care Marketplace)

Care.com is one of the biggest websites where you can find a full-time or part-time care service provider. It allows families to find and connect to various care providers.

Caregivers can sign up on the website and start offering their services to families in need. 

How Much You Can Make

There’s no salary information listed on Care.com. However, according to freelance caregivers registered on Care.com, the average pay is $18.02 per hour, and annual income is around $42,156. This is dependent on the freelancer as they can set their pay.

What Makes This Option Great

Their paying rates make this website one of the best for seeking freelance work related to family caregiving. Set your own rates and work on your own time.

• Typical Fees/Commission: Not applicable.
• Typical Payment Methods: Debit card.

2. Papa Elder Care (Online Care Marketplace)

Papa Elder Care allows elderly people to hire Papa Pals, also known as grandkids, to aid them with the daily activities of their life.

They can request a Pal to provide companion services and transportation assistance. This is beneficial for residents with disabilities.

How Much You Can Make

Their website states that Papa Pals can earn anywhere from $150 to $500 per week. On average, their hourly pay is $15.

This figure varies depending on your location, duration, and driving distance.

What Makes This Option Great

Papa has initiated a reward system so that pals work more hours. This entitles them to receive weekly bonuses.

They also offer gas compensation for workers who provide transportation services.

• Typical Fees/Commission: Not applicable.
• Typical Payment Methods: Payment is made through the Papa app directly to your account.

3. House Sitters America (Online Care Marketplace)

While their main area of focus is house and pet sitters, House Sitters America can also be used to find work as a caregiver. You simply create your profile, specify the type of care services you offer, add details, and wait for jobs to come.

How Much You Can Make

According to their website, the average earning is from $25 to $150 per night.

However, there isn’t a fixed or flat rate that the site offers; clients and sitters would agree on the rates to be paid.

What Makes This Option Great

Not only do they have a simple registration process, but they also offer a multitude of job listings, providing you with additional options.

Also, their average pay rate is good, which makes them appealing.

• Typical Fees/Commission: It will cost you $49 per year to register your profile on their site.
• Typical Payment Methods: Debit card payment option.

4. Sittercity (Online Care Marketplace)

Sittercity is an online platform that connects families and personal care providers. This service is primarily used to find babysitters, but it also has other specialists available, including caregivers.

How Much You Can Make

Sittercity pays an average of $18.50 to $20 per hour to its caregivers. This figure is dependent on the location of your residence.

What Makes This Option Great

This platform does background checks, which offer peace of mind to both parties. Workers can opt to provide a wide range of services, and they provide market-competitive salaries.

• Typical Fees/Commission: Their basic background check costs $15, and their enhanced check costs $60.
• Typical Payment Methods: The client can pay you through any payment method you prefer, including direct bank transfers.

5. Medicaid (Government Program)

Medicaid, also called Apple Health, offers self-directed and adult day services to those with limited financial income. If your parent is a Medicaid-eligible recipient, you may be eligible to get paid to take care of them.

Note that each state has different requirements for eligibility, and you should consult the HCBS waiver, Aged and disabled waiver, and other Medicaid waiver programs. 

How Much You Can Make

You can expect to make between $9.00 to $19.25 per hour.

What Makes This Option Great

Medicaid-funded options allow the patient to get personal care from their loved one at home. A wide range of Medicaid services is also included, such as doctor visits and costs for medical equipment. These costs will not come out of your own pocket, so they will ease the financial burden.

• Typical Fees/Commissions: As a government-funded program, Medicaid does not require any fees or commissions to be paid.
• Typical Payment Methods: Cash or check.

6. VA Aid and Attendance (Government Program)

This is a veteran-directed care program for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses, and only qualified individuals who served in the army can apply. Housebound disabled individuals are also eligible. 

How Much You Can Make

They have an hourly pay between $10 to $12 and have three levels of care that determine the weekly hours depending on the veteran’s condition. These range from 10 to 40 hours per week.

What Makes This Option Great

Self-directed care, flexible schedules, and working up to 40 hours a week makes this a great option.

• Typical Fees/Commission: This is a state-funded program that doesn’t require fees.
• Typical Payment Methods: A check is provided to the beneficiary, which they can deposit to a bank account. Then the beneficiary can pay their caregiver however they see fit.

7. Community First Choice (Community Program)

This community-based services program is also a consumer-directed program and is an alternative to institutional care.

It offers the option of consumer-directed care, which means you can choose your personal care attendants.

How Much You Can Make

There are no direct salary quotes on their website; however, according to Indeed, the average salary is $16.61 per hour.

What Makes This Option Great

Community First Choice program offers caregiver education and also gives a self-directed care option.

It is also an entitlement program, meaning no waiting lists.

• Typical Fees/Commission: This program is funded by Medicaid. Due to this, there are no commission charges.
• Typical Payment Methods: Direct deposits or in the form of a check.

8. Adult Foster Care (Community Program)

Adult Foster Care allows homebound people to receive directed care from their loved ones either at their own homes or at the home of their loved ones. It was formed to be an alternative option to nursing home care solutions.

How Much You Can Make

Caregivers will receive a tax-free monthly stipend, paid once every two months, with the possibility of receiving up to $18,615 per year.

What Makes This Option Great

You get a tax-free stipend and access to their community resources, and they allow you to provide directed care from the comfort of your own home. This makes it a great option for stay-at-home moms and other such individuals.

• Typical Fees/Commission: Caregivers are not required to pay any fees.
• Typical Payment Methods: Check or bank transfer.

9. American Association of Long-Term Care Insurance (Community Program)

Care programs usually don’t address long-term healthcare; even if they do, the benefits may be limited. This organization offers long-term care insurance along with benefits for eligible individuals.

How Much You Can Make

As this is an insurance plan designed for long-term purposes, there is no fixed amount that can be determined.

What Makes This Option Great

Since other programs generally don’t address long-term health care, this option stands out among the crowd. They provide great insurance plans and coverage.

• Typical Fees/Commission: This program costs $1,700 to $2,675 per year.
• Typical Payment Methods: Cash or bank transfer.

Why You Should Consider Caregiving for Parents as a Side Hustle

Considering giving caregiving services to parents as a second job to make extra money on the side is a great way to utilize your time.

Here are some reasons why you should consider caregiving:

• Additional income: As we have already seen the hourly rates of caregivers, this is an excellent work opportunity for generating additional income.
• Flexible schedules: Caregiving offers the added advantage of having flexible schedules. This will be helpful for adults who have multiple jobs and students who are trying to balance their studies alongside work.
• Develop new skills: Elderly individuals require assistance with activities that can provide you with knowledge of health care, help you develop patience, and give you valuable experience in the field of caregiving.
• Professional opportunities: For people who plan on pursuing a career in nursing or medicine, this job will offer a hands-on experience that will be both valuable and open new doors for future opportunities.

Problems With Caregiving for Parents

We’ve discussed why you should consider caregiving and its benefits. Now it’s time to see why it might not fit you best.

• Family Issues: At times, conflicts can arise with other legal guardians of the care recipient over financial strains and decisions about direct care, which can cause high-tension situations.
• Stressful Job: This type of job demands high responsibilities from you, which can leave you emotionally drained. In addition, there may be situations that are out of your control, leaving you feeling burdened and can get stressful over time.
• Physical Strain: As you’ll likely be the primary caregiver for your parents, you’ll need to provide them assistance with activities. From doing groceries to giving transportation assistance, at times, you’ll spend your entire shift on your feet, which can get physically taxing.
• Time-Consuming: Caregiving work demands a significant time commitment since your parents will need aid with instrumental activities. These include providing them with home-delivered meals and bathing them. Given this time-consuming nature, caregiving may not be a practical option for everyone.

How to Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for Parents: Step-By-Step Instructions

Things to Consider When Caregiving for Parents

Providing long-term care services requires you to take note of a few key factors.

By keeping these in mind, you’ll be able to provide high-quality personal care to your parents.

1. Assess Their Health

Before beginning a caregiving role, it’s essential to perform a thorough care assessment to check for any health issues.

If the care recipient requires medication, a medical professional should administer it.

If their health has severely deteriorated, and they require urgent attention and assistive technology, it may not be appropriate for you to take on this role.

2. Learn About Caregiving

Caregiving requires knowledge about health and diseases. Consider becoming an unpaid caregiver and receiving training before providing professional caregiver services to your parents. Work with professional care teams to learn more about caregiving. 

3. Have Emergency Contacts

Ensure you have someone to call upon in case of emergencies. If your parent needs urgent attention on a matter and you’re preoccupied, the emergency contacts should come to their aid. These could be other family members or other caregivers.

An emergency response system is highly beneficial for both you and your parents.

4. Respite Care

Being a caregiver can get physically and emotionally demanding. So you should have someone trusted that can provide respite services and other supplemental services to your parents.

This will give you time to recover and prevent you from burning out. Taking periodic breaks from caregiving will allow you to rest and recharge, after which you’ll be able to perform your duties optimally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering becoming a caregiver for your parents, you may have some questions in mind. Some are listed below. 

Similar Ways to Get Paid

If you feel this type of work is not to your liking or a good match for your talents, there are other job opportunities as well as common overnight jobs available that may suit you better.

We’ll take a look at them below.

• Get Paid to Talk to Lonely People: Lend an ear to someone in need of an online friend. This is a great opportunity for those who are good at conversing with others and can be empathetic.
• Get Paid to Take Care of a Family Member With a Disability: Help people with disabilities who are homebound. You can get paid by care organizations to take care of them.
• Get Paid to Be a Foster Parent: Let your fondness for children get you paid. Become a foster parent and take care of the needs of a child, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Wrapping Up

Offering personal care services to your parents by being their caregiver will allow you to create additional revenue while also providing them with the assistance and support they deserve. This will ease your mind and theirs about the quality of personal care.

If you have a parent who requires aid with their daily living and feels you can take on the challenge, this will be the perfect opportunity for you.

Leave your opinions in the comments and share this article with your friends and family so they may also avail this opportunity.