Paid Family and Friend Caregiver Services
When You Realize You’ve Become “The Caregiver”
Caring for a loved one often begins gradually until one day you realize you’ve become their caregiver. While caregiving can be deeply meaningful, it can also become physically, emotionally, and financially demanding.
Through Indiana Medicaid, eligible individuals may be able to receive approved home care services from a trusted family member or friend. Guardian Home Care of Indiana helps families understand their options, coordinate the next steps, and prepare eligible caregivers to begin providing care when applicable.
Already Approved For Indiana Medicaid Home Care?
Guardian Home Care of IN can help you start services or switch from another home care provider. Contact our team to discuss your current care plan and caregiver arrangements.
Who May Qualify for Paid Family & Friend Caregiving in Indiana?
Eligibility for The Person Receiving Care
To receive home care services by a family or friend caregiver through Indiana Medicaid, the individual receiving care generally must:
Must be an Indiana resident.
Meet Indiana Medicaid financial and eligibility requirements.
Qualify for PathWays for Aging or the Health & Wellness Waiver.
Require a nursing facility level of care based on an assessment.
Eligibility for the Family or Friend Caregiver
Depending on the approved services and care plan, an eligible family member or trusted friend may be able to provide care. Caregivers generally must:
Be physically and mentally able to provide care.
Complete onboarding requirements.
Meet applicable screening requirements.
Follow the approved care plan.
What Paid Family & Friend Caregivers Help With
Personal care and hygiene assistance
Helping with brushing hair, teeth, and other hygienic activities
Toileting support and incontinence care
Meal preparation and feeding
Helping with walking and mobility
Helping to transfer from the bed to a wheelchair, or from a wheelchair to a toilet, etc.
Medication management (medication reminders, etc.)
Grocery shopping
Transportation to appointments
Emotional support and companionship
Assistance with activities that are part of daily life
Assistance with communication
How Guardian Home Care of IN Supports Family & Friend Caregivers
Guidance Through Indiana Medicaid
We help families understand available caregiver options, explain the Indiana Medicaid process, and coordinate with case managers or service coordinators as they move toward receiving home care services.
Caregiver Onboarding Support
We guide eligible caregivers through onboarding requirements, including documentation, applicable screening requirements, and the steps needed before services can begin.
Communication With Case Managers & Service Coordinators
We work closely with case managers, service coordinators, and families to help keep services moving forward and everyone informed throughout the process.
Competitive Pay & Employee Benefits
Eligible caregivers may have access to competitive pay and employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Ongoing Caregiver Support
From onboarding through ongoing care, our team is here to answer questions, provide guidance, and support caregivers throughout their journey.
Professional Caregiver Backup When Needed
If a family caregiver is temporarily unavailable or needs additional support, our professional caregivers may be able to step in and help ensure continuity of care based on the individual's approved services and care plan.
How Long Does It Take To Start Family & Friend Caregiver Services?
The timeline depends on where you and your loved one are in the Indiana Medicaid process.
If the individual receiving care is applying for Indiana Medicaid or a waiver program for the first time, the process includes the Medicaid application, eligibility review, care assessment, and approval of home care services. Depending on the program and available capacity, some individuals may also be placed on a waiting list before waiver services become available.
If the individual is already approved for Indiana Medicaid home care services, the process is often much faster. Once Guardian Home Care of IN completes caregiver onboarding and any required documentation, approved family and friend caregivers can begin providing care.
Steps to Receiving Home Care Through Indiana Medicaid
Complete the Assessment Process
The individual’s care needs are assessed to determine eligibility, approved services, and available caregiver options.
Choose a Family or Friend Caregiver
When permitted under the approved care plan, the individual receiving care may choose an eligible family member or trusted friend to provide care.
Complete Caregiver Onboarding
Guardian Home Care of IN coordinates caregiver onboarding, documentation, and applicable program requirements before services begin.
Start Providing Care
Once the required approvals and onboarding steps are complete, approved caregiving services can begin.