As the name implies, “structured family caregiver,” the caregiver is usually a member of the family and sometimes even a spouse. However, the caregiver does not have to be related to the person receiving care. Usually, caregivers are already acting as internal caregivers, either in their home or in the home of the person receiving care, when starting SFC services. SFC is a Medicaid long-term care benefit that is generally available through a Medicaid exemption from Home and Community Services (HCBS) 1915 (c).
These programs limit the number of enrollment spaces for participants and, once all spaces have been filled, a waiting list is formed. The provision of structured family care is beneficial both for caregivers and for the people receiving care. Since caregivers are paid to provide care, they can focus on being the primary caregivers without worrying about finances. They are also provided with the tools to provide the care their loved one needs.
Care recipients can continue to live in their home (or in their loved one's home), instead of requiring admission to a nursing home, and they can continue to receive care from someone with whom they have an established relationship. Usually, the caregiver, who lives with the person receiving care, becomes a contractor or employee of a home health agency or a home provider agency. A care coordinator or social worker and a nurse supervise the caregiver, answer health-related questions, and provide emotional support. They ensure that caregivers are trained and able to provide the care their loved one needs and that they can continue to meet changing needs.
Caregivers are often required to write daily notes, which are reviewed by the agency to identify new needs. The agency also performs home visits, usually about once a month. To be eligible for CFS, the caregiver and the person receiving the care must live together in one of their homes. While the exact requirements for the caregiver and the recipient of care are based on the state and the Medicaid program through which the provision of structured family care is provided, broadly speaking, the eligibility criteria are following.
The following table shows the states that offer structured family care. It is likely to be available in more states and, therefore, this chart will be updated accordingly. We pay caregivers through state Medicaid programs to help cover part of the costs of providing full-time care. Entyre Care is a structured family care (SFC) provider that helps family caregivers access compensation, support and resources that they need.
Conversely, in Georgia, a caregiver is required to be unable to work outside the home because of the responsibility to care. Structured family care (SFC) is a Medicaid-funded benefit that supports unpaid primary caregivers of people who are generally older, disabled, or have Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. In Georgia, a spouse is generally not eligible for caregiver compensation under family caregiver programs.
