Paid Family & Friend Caregiver Services (ALTCS)
When You Realize You’ve Become “The Caregiver”
Caring for a loved one often starts gradually — helping with meals, appointments, medications, mobility, or everyday tasks — until one day, you realize you’ve taken on the role of caregiver.
While caregiving can be meaningful, it can also become emotionally, physically, and financially overwhelming. Through Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), eligible individuals may receive care at home from a trusted family member, friend, or loved one who can become a paid caregiver.
At Guardian Home Care of Arizona, we help families navigate the ALTCS process, understand eligibility, complete caregiver onboarding requirements, and start services with confidence and support.
Who May Qualify for Paid Family Caregiving in Arizona?
Eligibility Criteria For The Person Receiving Care
To qualify for home care services through ALTCS, the individual receiving care must typically meet four main eligibility criteria and choose to receive care at home rather than in a facility. These criteria include:
Be an Arizona resident.
Qualify financially for Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS)
Require long-term care services due to age, disability, or medical needs
Complete assessments and eligibility reviews through the ALTCS process
Eligibility Criteria For The Family or Friend Caregiver
Be physically and mentally able to provide care
Complete required onboarding paperwork
Pass background check requirements
Complete required training and certifications, and follow care plan and program requirements
What Paid Family or Friend Caregivers Help With
Paid family and friend caregivers often assist with everyday tasks that help individuals remain safely and comfortably at home, including:
Meal preparation
Medication management (medication reminders, pickup, etc.)
Transportation to appointments
Personal hygiene assistance
Helping to transfer from the bed to a wheelchair, or from a wheelchair to a toilet, etc.
Light housekeeping or chore services
Helping with walking and mobility
Incontinence care
Help with daily routines
Grocery shopping and pickup (including medication, hygiene products, etc.)
Safety supervision
Companionship and emotional Support
How Guardian Home Care of AZ Supports Family & Friend Caregivers
Our team helps support caregivers throughout the process of becoming and working as a paid caregiver through ALTCS. Support may include:
Guidance Through the ALTCS Process
Caregiver Onboarding Support
Background Check Coordination
Training & Documentation Guidance
Communication With Case Managers
Backup Caregiver Coordination When Needed
Steps to Become a Paid Family Caregiver in Arizona
To become a paid family or friend caregiver through ALTCS, the individual receiving care must first qualify for Arizona long-term care services. The process typically involves eligibility reviews, care assessments, caregiver selection, and onboarding requirements before services can begin.
Apply for ALTCS
The individual receiving care begins the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) application process to determine medical and financial eligibility for long-term care services.
Complete The Assessment Process
Once the application is reviewed, a case manager evaluates care needs and discusses available in-home care services and caregiver options.
Choose a Family or Friend Caregiver
When eligible, the individual receiving care may choose a trusted family member, friend, or loved one to provide care through the Family Care Attendant program.
Complete Caregiver Onboarding
Guardian Home Care of AZ helps coordinate onboarding requirements such as background checks, training guidance, CPR certification requirements, and necessary documentation before services begin.
Compensation for Family Caregiving Begins
Once authorization and onboarding requirements are completed, approved family or friend caregivers can begin providing compensated care at home.
Become a Paid Family or Friend Caregiver — Start Here
If you are already caring for a loved one, you may qualify to become their paid caregiver through Arizona Medicaid programs like ALTCS. Complete the short form below, and our team will contact you to help determine eligibility, explain next steps, and guide you through the process.
