Up until about 15 months ago i was a certified nurse aide for the state of West Virginia and held my certification for almost 10 years. My neighbor is an elderly woman who will be needing surgery sooner then later; and wants me to be here caregiver. She receives both Medicaid and Medicare and would like to you a state program so I get paid. How do I go about getting registered and set up to help her?
I’m extremely tired to seeing AI answers to everyone’s questions. If people wanted to google search things they could do it themselves. I believe people come here for personal experience of the members.
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As far as I know you do not "need" to be certified to be a caregiver. You DO need to be certified if you are a CNA (or whatever your particular State requires.
I am sure your pay would be higher if you were certified though.
If possible (and worth your time and expense) look into getting recertified.
In your state if it's a state program, it may be the same. If it's one of those 'family' caregiver programs advertised on tv, be forewarned. You will have to live with the person you're caring for and you're expected to be responsible for their needs 24/7/365. There's no caregiver respite services offered with these programs. So if you get sick or the relationship with your neighbor sours and she turns on you (not uncommon with the elderly and their caregivers), you're living in her house and are still responsible for her.
I was an homecare CNA for 25 years before opening an agency. Don't move in with someone you're caregiving for unless your name is on the deed to their house. Don't do it because you will then be at their mercy or their family's and they will take advantage of you.
If you want to temporarily take care of your neighbor, call your state's Medicaid (Medicare isn't paying) program and ask what the requirements are from them to be your neighbor's caregiver and for how long they will pay.
Remember, in most of these instances the internet is your friend. Ask online "Board of Certified Nursing Assistant West Virginia" for information choices.
Wishing you the best.