Who Can Work as a Caregiver Under CDPAP?

Every year, millions of sons, daughters, friends, family members, and neighbors are responsible for taking care of someone they know who is unable to care for themselves. Now, a new program is helping friends and families take care of each other — by paying trusted loved ones the money they need to keep doing what they’re doing. If you’re interested in finding out how this revolutionary program works, keep reading. 

In today’s post from Ultra Care Family Wellness, we’re going to discuss a little more about the program including one of the most frequently asked questions we get: “Who can work as a caregiver?” If you or someone you know is currently providing care or is interested in becoming a caregiver to others, give us a call.

If you or someone you know lives in New York and is eligible to receive in-home care under Medicare, there’s a program called CDPAP that allows care recipients to hire, manage, supervise, and fire caregivers at their own discretion. So, how exactly does it work?

What is CDPAP?

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a New York State Medicaid program that gives consumers more control over the in-home care they receive, including giving them the option of choosing their care provider. Instead of relying on a home care agency to schedule home care aides whom they’ve never met, the consumer or their designated representative is allowed to select and train their caregiver of choice — including family members.  

CDPAP Eligibility

To qualify for CDPAP, there are a few prerequisites that must be met. First, you must be eligible for Medicaid, since CDPAP is a Medicaid-funded program. Second, you must be eligible for certified home health care. Under the rules for CDPAP eligibility, you must have a stable medical condition, although your CDPAP aide may perform some skilled tasks previously only allowed by a nurse. For instance, a CDPAP aide may perform duties such as administration of oxygen and medications. Finally, you must be self-directing or free to make your own choices. In the event that a person is unable to do so, they may have a designated representative to assist them.    

Caregiver Requirements

People who want to take advantage of the CDPAP program must first fill out a form to request approval. Although the program gives you the flexibility to select the right in-home care aide, there are several requirements that must be met. 

First of all, care recipients or a designated representative must be willing and able to interview, train, supervise, and schedule caregivers. Details must also be provided on who will assist in the event the primary caregiver gets sick, goes on vacation or isn’t otherwise able to perform their duties. The program allows friends, neighbors, children, and other family members to become caregivers, but with some limitations. Caregivers must be of legal age and authorized to work in the United States. According to the law, your spouse or designated representative is prohibited from being hired as your CDPAP caregiver.

If you require skills typically provided by a nurse or home health aide, you are required to have a registered nurse certify that you or your designated representative are capable of providing instruction, supervision, and direction to your caregiver. Caregivers are not required to have special certification or licensing.

How To Get Started 

Before CDPAP can begin, you need to get three approvals. One is for Medicaid, the second is for home care, and the third is for CDPAP. Ultra Care Family Wellness can help answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the process of getting approved. Once approval is granted, we assist you and your caregiver of choice to ensure needs are being met and the person providing care is paid for their efforts.

Are you interested in learning more about how the CDPAP program can help with in-home care or finding out if you could get paid for being a caregiver? Contact Ultra Care Family Wellness in New York City. We’ll answer all of your questions so you can make an informed decision. 

Are you looking for a job in New York City? Give us a call to find out how you can sign up to be a CDPAP caregiver and start earning money today!