Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Georgia’s Structured Family Caregiving program

What is Structured Family Caregiving (SFC)?

Structured Family Caregiving is a Georgia Medicaid-funded program that provides financial compensation and support services to family members who serve as primary caregivers for their elderly or disabled loved ones at home. The program helps families keep their loved ones out of nursing facilities by providing a weekly stipend, professional health coaching, training, and ongoing support to family caregivers.

How much do caregivers get paid?

Caregivers typically receive 50-65% of the daily rate paid by Medicaid to the provider agency. The exact amount varies based on the care recipient’s level of need and the specific waiver program (CCSP or SOURCE). Payments are made weekly via direct deposit. The stipend is tax-free and is not considered taxable income.

Important: Contact us at 866-938-3738 for current payment rates specific to your situation.

Who is eligible to be a caregiver?

To qualify as a Structured Family Caregiver, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• Relationship: You must be related to the care recipient biologically (daughter, son, grandson, granddaughter, etc.) OR by marriage (daughter-in-law, son-in-law, etc.)
• Living Situation: You must live in the same home as the care recipient
• Primary Caregiver: You must be the primary caregiver and unable to work outside the home due to caregiving responsibilities
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old
• Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check
• Care Hours: You must provide a minimum of 5 hours of care daily

Who CANNOT be a caregiver: Spouses, legal guardians, parents of minor children, and conservators are NOT eligible to participate as paid caregivers in Georgia’s SFC program.

Who is eligible to receive SFC services?

The person receiving care must meet these requirements:

• Be Georgia Medicaid-eligible
• Be enrolled in the CCSP (Community Care Services Program) or SOURCE waiver program
• Require nursing home level of care (this doesn’t mean they must live in a nursing home, just that their care needs are significant enough to qualify)
• Need assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, medication management, and more
• Live in the same home as the family caregiver

Can I work another job while being a Structured Family Caregiver?

No. In Georgia, the SFC program requires that caregivers be unable to work outside the home due to the full-time responsibility of caregiving. Once enrolled in the program, caregiving must be your primary focus and you cannot maintain outside employment. This requirement ensures that the care recipient receives adequate attention and care throughout the day.

What is the CCSP or SOURCE waiver program?

CCSP (Community Care Services Program) and SOURCE (Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment) are Georgia Medicaid waiver programs that provide home and community-based services to elderly and disabled individuals who would otherwise require nursing home care.

These waivers allow eligible individuals to receive care in their own homes or community settings rather than in institutional facilities. To participate in SFC, your loved one must first be enrolled in one of these waiver programs.

How do I apply for the Structured Family Caregiving program?

The application process involves several steps:

1. Contact Us: Call Structured Family Caregiving of Georgia at 866-938-3738 or email info@sfcga.org to discuss your situation and verify basic eligibility
2. Medical Documentation: Obtain medical records (History & Physical) from your loved one’s primary care physician or specialist
3. Referral to AAA: We submit a referral to your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for screening
4. AAA Screening: The AAA conducts eligibility screening for Medicaid waiver programs
5. Case Management Selection: If approved, you’ll select a case management company
6. RN Assessment: A registered nurse will conduct an in-home assessment to determine level of care needs
7. Enrollment: Once approved, you’ll be enrolled as an employee of our agency and begin receiving weekly payments

Timeline: The process can take several weeks to a few months depending on waiver availability and documentation processing.

Is there a waiting list for the program?

Georgia’s CCSP and SOURCE waiver programs have a limited number of enrollment slots, and waiting lists do exist. Wait times can vary significantly depending on your county and the specific waiver program. We recommend applying as soon as possible to get on the list. Contact us to learn about current wait times in your area.

What kind of support and training do caregivers receive?

Structured Family Caregivers receive comprehensive support including:

• Professional Health Coach: Access to our dedicated care team who understand the complexities of home caregiving
• Individualized Training: At least 8 hours of personalized training per year based on your loved one’s specific needs
• Monthly Check-ins: Regular home visits and consultations to address concerns and adjust care plans
• Care Coordination: Assistance navigating healthcare systems, insurance, and community resources
• Emotional Support: Coaching and counseling to help prevent caregiver burnout
• Respite Care Options: Access to backup caregivers when you need a break
• 24/7 Support: Our team is available to answer questions and help solve problems

What daily tasks will I be responsible for as a caregiver?

Structured Family Caregivers typically assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), including:

• Personal Care: Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility assistance
• Nutrition: Meal planning, preparation, and feeding assistance
• Medication Management: Reminders and administration of medications
• Health Monitoring: Tracking vital signs, symptoms, and changes in condition
• Homemaker Services: Light housekeeping, laundry, cleaning
• Companionship: Social interaction, activities, and emotional support
• Transportation: Assistance getting to medical appointments
• Safety Supervision: Preventing falls, wandering (for dementia patients), and other hazards

Do I have to keep records of the care I provide?

Yes. As a Structured Family Caregiver, you are required to:

• Upload daily electronic notes documenting tasks completed
• Record any changes in the care recipient’s health status
• Track medications administered
• Document any incidents or concerns
• Maintain communication logs with your health coach

These records are reviewed regularly to ensure quality care and to identify any new needs. Don’t worry – we provide training and easy-to-use tools to make documentation simple.

Can my loved one receive other Medicaid services while in the SFC program?

No. Participants enrolled in Structured Family Caregiving are NOT eligible to receive:

• Personal Support Services (PSS) from another provider
• Extended Personal Support Services
• Other in-home personal care services

However, they can still receive:

• Medical services and physician visits
• Prescription medications
• Durable medical equipment
• Therapy services (physical, occupational, speech)
• Other healthcare services not related to daily personal care

What happens if I need a break or vacation?

We understand that caregivers need rest! The SFC program includes respite care options:

• Backup Caregivers: We can arrange for qualified substitute caregivers when you need time off
• Planned Respite: Coordinate breaks in advance for vacations or personal time
• Emergency Coverage: Support when unexpected situations arise

Note: SFC payments are not made on days when the care recipient is in a hospital, nursing facility, or other institution, or when you’re not providing the care.

Does participating in SFC affect my loved one’s Social Security or other benefits?

No. The care recipient’s enrollment in Structured Family Caregiving does not affect their:

• Social Security benefits (SSI or SSDI)
• Medicare coverage
• Veterans benefits
• Other federal benefits

However, SFC is a Medicaid program, so standard Medicaid eligibility and estate recovery rules apply.

What is Medicaid estate recovery?

Georgia Medicaid may seek recovery of expenses from the estate of a deceased Medicaid recipient for services provided including:

• Nursing facility services
• Home and community-based services (including SFC)
• Hospital services
• Prescription drug services

Estate recovery typically occurs after the death of the Medicaid recipient and their spouse (if applicable). Heirs may seek a hardship waiver if recovery would cause undue hardship. For more information, contact Georgia’s Medicaid Estate Recovery office at (770) 916-0328.

Can I care for more than one family member?

Each SFC caregiver-participant relationship is evaluated individually. If you’re caring for multiple family members, each would need to qualify for the program separately, and you would need to demonstrate that you can provide adequate care to each person. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

What if my loved one’s condition changes or gets worse?

This is exactly why we provide ongoing support! When your loved one’s needs change:

• Your health coach will work with you to adjust the care plan
• Additional training will be provided for new care needs
• The level of payment may be adjusted based on increased care requirements
• If care needs exceed what can be safely provided at home, we’ll help you explore other options

Regular monthly visits and daily documentation help us identify changes early and provide proactive support.

What if I’m not related by blood or marriage? Can I still participate?

Unfortunately, Georgia’s SFC program specifically requires that caregivers be related to the care recipient either biologically or through marriage. Close friends, neighbors, or unrelated individuals living in the home do not qualify for compensation under this program.

However, Georgia does have other Medicaid programs that may allow non-family caregivers. Contact us to explore alternative options.

Why can’t spouses be paid caregivers in Georgia?

Georgia’s Medicaid waiver rules specifically exclude spouses from receiving payment as Structured Family Caregivers. This is based on the legal concept that spouses have an inherent duty to care for each other. While we understand this can be frustrating for spouse caregivers, it’s a federal and state policy requirement.

If you’re a spouse providing care, contact us to discuss other support services and resources that may be available to your family.

How is Structured Family Caregiving of Georgia different from other agencies?

At Structured Family Caregiving of Georgia, we focus exclusively on supporting family caregivers. Our approach includes:

• Dedicated Support: Care teams who understand the unique challenges of family caregiving
• Personalized Service: We get to know you and your family personally
• Proactive Care: We anticipate needs and help you prepare for what’s ahead
• Complete Guidance: From application through enrollment and beyond
• Compassionate Team: We care about caregivers and promise you’ll never be alone on this journey

Is there any cost to enroll in the program?

No. There is no cost to families for enrolling in Structured Family Caregiving. The program is funded by Georgia Medicaid, and all services including screening, assessment, training, and health coaching are provided at no charge to qualifying families.

What areas of Georgia do you serve?

Structured Family Caregiving of Georgia serves families throughout the state of Georgia. We are based in Newnan, GA, but work with families in all Georgia counties. Contact us to confirm service availability in your specific location.

What should I do first if I think my family might qualify?

Take these simple steps:

1. Call us today: 866-938-3738
2. Or email us: info@sfcga.org
3. Have ready: Basic information about your loved one’s current care needs and living situation
4. Ask questions: Our team will answer all your questions and explain the next steps

There’s no obligation – we’re here to help you understand your options and determine if SFC is right for your family.

Still Have Questions?

Our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way.

Additional Resources

Georgia Medicaid

Learn more about Georgia’s Medicaid programs and waiver services.

Visit Georgia Medicaid

Area Agencies on Aging

Find your local Area Agency on Aging for additional support and resources.

Find Your Local AAA

Caregiver Support

Access resources and support groups for family caregivers in Georgia.

Empowerline Resources

Important Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Eligibility for Structured Family Caregiving is determined by Georgia Medicaid based on specific criteria. Structured Family Caregiving of Georgia is an approved SFC provider agency but does not make final eligibility determinations. All services are subject to Medicaid rules and regulations. We help guide families through the application process and provide support once enrolled.

Structured Family Caregiving of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion in admission, treatment, or participation in programs, services, and activities.