Glossary

Plain-English meanings of words agencies use. Exact rules differ by state, so check your state's guide.

Medicaid

Health coverage run by each state with federal money, for people with low income or high care needs. Most programs that pay family caregivers run through Medicaid.

Waiver (HCBS waiver)

A Medicaid program that pays for care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home. HCBS means "home and community-based services". Some waivers have waiting lists.

Self-direction

A way to use Medicaid care where the person getting care (or their representative) hires and manages their own worker. In many states that worker can be a family member.

Fiscal intermediary (FI) or financial management service

A company that handles payroll and taxes when a family member is hired through self-direction.

Structured Family Caregiving

A Medicaid option in some states that pays a family caregiver who lives with the person, through an agency.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

A local public or nonprofit office that helps older adults and caregivers find services. Find yours with the Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116.

PCAFC

The VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. It can pay a monthly stipend to an approved family caregiver of an eligible veteran. See VA programs.

Respite care

Short-term care that gives the usual caregiver a break.

Level of care

An assessment of how much help someone needs. Many programs require a certain level of care, such as "nursing facility level of care".