Get Paid to Take Care of Your Family Member or Friend

If you're already helping a parent, grandparent, sibling, or close family member with daily tasks — bathing, meals, mobility, errands — you may be able to get paid for the care you're already providing. Through Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver programs like Community HealthChoices, eligible individuals can choose a family member or trusted friend as their official, paid caregiver. Care Nest handles the hiring, payroll, and paperwork, so you can focus on your loved one.

Becoming a family caregiver is our most requested program, and for good reason: it lets families keep care exactly where it belongs — at home, with someone the person already knows and trusts — while turning caregiving into real, steady income.

Care Nest is an equal opportunity employer and will make special accommodations for all employees as needed.

Submit an Application

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible to become a paid family caregiver if:

  • Your loved one is enrolled in (or may qualify for) a Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver program such as Community HealthChoices
  • You are a close family member (such as an adult child, sibling, or grandchild) or a close friend providing regular care
  • (Note: some programs restrict spouses from being paid caregivers — our team can clarify what applies to your situation)
  • You’re willing to complete a brief hiring and orientation process through Care Nest

No prior certification is typically required to get started.

How It Works

  • Reach out to Care Nest. Tell us about your loved one and the care you’re already providing.
  • We check eligibility. Our team reviews your loved one’s program status and your relationship to them.
  • You’re formally hired. Care Nest handles employment paperwork, payroll, and taxes.
  • You keep providing care — and get paid for it. Continue the caregiving you’re already doing, now as an official, compensated role.
family caregiver

Why Families Choose This Program

  • You already know your loved one’s needs better than anyone
  • No disruption to routine — your loved one stays with someone they trust
  • Real income for the caregiving responsibilities you’re already carrying
  • Care Nest manages the administrative side, including payroll and paperwork
  • Ongoing support from our team if questions or needs come up

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certified caregiver to apply?

No formal certification is typically required to become a paid family caregiver. Most programs are designed specifically so that family members, with no prior professional caregiving background, can step into this role. Care Nest provides orientation and ongoing guidance to help you get started, make sure you understand your responsibilities, and feel confident providing safe, quality care for your loved one.

It depends on the program. Some Pennsylvania programs restrict spousal caregivers from being paid, while others may allow it depending on the specific waiver or plan your loved one is enrolled in. Because these rules can be nuanced and vary by case, our team will review your situation individually and confirm exactly what applies to you and your spouse before you move forward.

Pay depends on several factors, including the specific program your loved one qualifies for, the number of approved care hours, and the level of care required. Because every family’s situation is different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all rate. Our team will walk you through the details during your consultation so you have a clear, accurate picture of what to expect before you begin.

Timelines vary depending on your loved one’s current program enrollment status and how quickly the necessary documentation and approvals can be completed. If they’re already enrolled in a qualifying program, the process may move faster; if not, there may be additional steps first. Once we review your situation, we’ll give you a clear picture of next steps and a realistic timeline so you know what to expect at each stage.

Submit an Application