I know some people in family can and be paid. My sister and nephew have recently moved out. When they lived with us they help out financially. Now that they're gone, we are struggling financially as we live on my husbands disability check and savings. If I were to work we would'nt be getting anywhere as anything I earned could only pay a small portion of the days I work and we would'nt be getting anywhere. We will not look at reverse mortgages or annuities as a means of getting cash. Those kind of things only make more money for the lending agency in the long run. Can I, the wife, be paid to be his caregiver. I'm aware that other family members or folks other than family, can be paid by the state, but I have'nt heard anything solid in regards to the spouse. I would chart meticulous notes and charting for the care I give him so that a record of legitimacy would be established for state authorities. I live in Washington state.
Don't forget, a certified paid Caregiver from an Agency usually works 8 hours and goes back to his/her home to rest, and starts the next day fresh. If you plan to be your husband's only Caregiver, at some point later on you will be working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no vacation time, and if you are sick, there won't be anyone to call in to replace you. You will burn out rather quickly.
It would make more sense for you to work and use THAT money to pay a Caregiver to come in during the day while you are at work.... yes, you probably would break even, but you wouldn't have the stress of being a 24/7 Caregiver.
I have read where 1 out of every 3 Caregiver dies leaving behind a parent/spouse. Those aren't good odds.
Also,you need to have a Medicare trust created before it's too late.If not the nurcing home/Medicaid will seek the home and accounts.
So ... while I think it is unusual for a spouse to be paid I don't think it is totally out of the question. Where I would start with this is to call your county's social services department and ask for a needs assessment on your husband. They will evaluate him and see if he qualifies for any aid. If he is eligible for some assistance, the next step is to see if/how you could qualify to provide it. Are his care needs and your financial situation such that he might qualify for Medicaid?
The other avenue I'd try is the agency on aging for your area. Explain your situation to them as you have here.
The answers might all be No, but you won't know until you ask.