AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Becoming a Paid In-home Caregiver
Becoming a state-contracted in-home caregiver (Individual Provider)
State contracted in-home caregivers are called Individual Providers (IPs). IPs are employed as caregivers by people who use Medicaid to help pay for needed care in their home.
All IPs are represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 775. Learn more about SEIU 775.
The types of care tasks that the IP is authorized to do and the number of hours an IP will be paid to do them is determined by a care plan. The care plan is the result of a care assessment completed by a social worker/case manager working directly with the person who needs care.
The person receiving care decides whether to hire an IP or get a caregiver through a home care agency. If the person chooses an IP, the social worker/case manager’s must also agree that the person selected is able to perform the tasks as outlined in the care plan. In addition, an IP must meet a number of requirements to contract with the state, including:
- Be 18 or older.
- Pass a criminal conviction background check.
- Provide picture ID and be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Not be the spouse of the person getting care.
- Sign a contract with DSHS and agree to the conditions listed in it.
- Successfully complete caregiver trainings.
A person using Medicaid to help pay for long term care services who wants to employ you as their IP should contact his or her case manager.
A Washington State agency called the Home Care Quality Authority also has a registry in some counties that links caregivers with people who need Medicaid services. Learn more about the Washington State Home Care Quality Referral Registry.
Becoming a paid caregiver (non-Medicaid)
There are several ways to become a paid caregiver. You can work for a home care agency, be hired and paid directly by the person needing care, or work for an adult family home, boarding home, or nursing home.
Home care agencies hire, train, pay, supervise, and are responsible for the care you provide as a paid caregiver in someone’s home. Use The National Association of Home Care and Hospice locator to get a listing of home care agencies in your area. Contact them directly to see if they have any openings.
Learn more about adult family homes, boarding homes, and nursing homes and get a listing of homes in your area. Contact them directly to see if they have any openings.
Family or friends as unpaid caregivers
The majority of people who provide care for an adult family member or friend are not paid. There is free or low cost help for unpaid caregivers through the Family Caregiver Support Program. Services generally include:
- information and help getting services for the person getting care;
- caregiver support groups and counseling;
- caregiver training and education; and
- respite care so caregivers can have a break.
Find the local FCSP in your area.
