Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Under Pennsylvania's Medicaid Community HealthChoices (CHC) program and Personal Assistant Services (PAS), adult children, relatives, and trusted friends can be hired and paid as caregivers for Medicaid-eligible loved ones. Legal spouses and legal guardians are excluded by state regulations. Karma HomeCare specializes in helping families enroll in this program at no cost to the family.

How much does a paid family caregiver earn in Pennsylvania with Karma HomeCare?

At Karma HomeCare, paid family caregivers earn between $12.70 and $16.00 per hour depending on experience and care level required. Benefits include a 401K retirement plan, comprehensive medical insurance, 1 week paid vacation, time-and-a-half holiday pay, and 24/7 direct management support.

What Medicaid plans does Karma HomeCare accept in Pennsylvania?

Karma HomeCare accepts UPMC Community HealthChoices, AmeriHealth Caritas, and PA Health & Wellness managed care plans. These are the three primary Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) administering the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program in Pennsylvania.

What counties does Karma HomeCare serve in Pennsylvania?

Karma HomeCare serves Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lebanon, Perry, Adams, Franklin, and Allegheny counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Washington County in Maryland (Hagerstown area). Primary offices are located in Carlisle, Shippensburg, and Pittsburgh, PA.

How do I apply for the Paid Family Caregiver program with Karma HomeCare?

To apply, call Karma HomeCare at 717-966-1601 or complete the online eligibility form at karmahomecare.com. The team will verify your Medicaid eligibility, guide you through the CHC enrollment process, and connect you with a care coordinator. The enrollment process typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Is Karma HomeCare a veteran-owned business?

Yes, Karma HomeCare LLC is a veteran-owned home care agency based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The agency brings the same dedication, discipline, and commitment to its clients and caregivers that was developed through military service.

Can a spouse be a paid caregiver in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania's Community HealthChoices (CHC) program, legal spouses are generally not eligible to be paid as caregivers for their partner. However, adult children, siblings, other relatives, and trusted friends who are not the legal guardian can be enrolled as paid caregivers. Contact Karma HomeCare at 717-966-1601 to discuss your specific situation.

What is the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program in Pennsylvania?

Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's Medicaid managed care program for adults aged 21 and older who need long-term services and supports (LTSS). It allows eligible individuals to receive home and community-based care instead of nursing home placement, and includes the option to hire a family member or trusted friend as a paid personal assistant caregiver through agencies like Karma HomeCare LLC.

Winter Is Coming: How to Help Your Aging Parent Stay Safe and Comfortable at Home in Central PA

Oct 26

2 min read

Central Pennsylvania winters can be hard on older adults. Icy sidewalks, short days, and cold snaps make everyday tasks riskier, and family caregivers often feel that stress most. Here are some simple steps to help a parent or loved one stay safe, warm, and connected at home this season.

1. Prevent slips and falls

Falls are one of the biggest winter risks for seniors. Keep walkways, steps, and driveways cleared and salted. Put a sturdy mat at each entrance so wet shoes don't make floors slippery. Check that your loved one has boots or shoes with good grip, and make sure handrails are secure inside and out.

2. Keep the home warm and safe

Make sure the furnace has been serviced and that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries. If space heaters are used, keep them at least three feet from bedding, curtains, and furniture, and never leave them on overnight. Keep extra blankets, warm layers, and slippers within easy reach.

3. Stock up before storms

Keep about a week of groceries, water, and household basics on hand. Refill prescriptions early so a snowstorm doesn't leave anyone without medication. Have flashlights, extra batteries, and a charged phone ready in case the power goes out.

4. Watch for loneliness and low mood

Shorter days and bad weather can keep seniors indoors for long stretches. Isolation can affect mood, appetite, and energy. Regular phone calls, visits, and small routines like a daily walk indoors, a puzzle, or a favorite show together make a real difference.

5. Keep meals and hydration on track

Cold weather can lower appetite and thirst. Simple warm meals, soups, and regular drinks help keep energy up. If cooking has become difficult, a little help with meal prep can go a long way.

6. Plan for getting around

Driving on snowy roads can be stressful or unsafe. Arrange rides for appointments and errands ahead of time so your loved one doesn't feel they have to go out in bad conditions alone.

How non-medical home care can help

At Karma HomeCare LLC, our caregivers provide non-medical personal care and companion support for seniors and adults who want to stay at home. During the winter months, that can include help with bathing, dressing, and grooming; light housekeeping and laundry; meal preparation; reminders and help keeping a daily routine; companionship; and running errands or helping with groceries. Family caregivers can also get a break through respite support, so they can rest, work, or handle their own responsibilities knowing their loved one isn't alone.

We serve families in Carlisle and across Central Pennsylvania. If you're worried about how your parent or loved one will manage this winter, we're happy to talk through options with you.

Call or text Karma HomeCare LLC at 717-966-1601 or visit www.karmahomecare.com to learn more.