Ingham County Home Help: Get Paid to Care for a Family Member
If you're caring for a parent, grandparent or relative in Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Mason, Holt, Haslett or Williamston, you may be able to get paid for it. Genesis Care Network is a certified Michigan Home Help agency based right here in Okemos. We help Ingham County families turn the care they already give into a paid job, at no cost to the family.
Do You Qualify?
You may qualify if you can say yes to these:
My loved one has full Michigan Medicaid (or I'd like help understanding how to apply)
They need hands-on help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, meals or medications
They live in Michigan, in their own home or a family home (not a nursing home)
I'm 18 or older and can pass a background check
I'm not their spouse, and they're not my child under 18
Not sure about one? Apply anyway. We'll help you figure it out.
Start your caregiver application
This first step takes about 2 minutes: just your contact information. We'll call you within 1 business day to confirm you qualify and help you complete the full application. Questions? Call (517) 798-6039.
How Michigan Home Help Works in Ingham County
Home Help is a Michigan Medicaid program that pays caregivers to help people live safely at home. An adult services worker from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) visits your loved one, reviews what help they need, and approves a set number of care hours. You provide that care, and Genesis pays you.
Home Help covers everyday tasks such as:
Bathing, grooming and dressing
Help using the toilet and getting around the home
Preparing meals and help with eating
Taking medications
Housework, laundry and shopping
Who Can Be a Paid Caregiver?
Your loved one needs full Michigan Medicaid and help with at least one daily activity, and lives in their own home or a family home in Ingham County.
You, the caregiver, must be 18 or older and pass a criminal background check. Adult children, grandchildren, siblings, other relatives, friends and neighbors can all qualify. A spouse can't be paid to care for a spouse, and a parent can't be paid to care for a minor child.
How Much Does It Pay?
Genesis caregivers earn $17.33 an hour, plus a $300 sign-on bonus. Your first paycheck arrives about a month after you start (when the state's payments begin), then every two weeks by direct deposit or debit card. The number of paid hours depends on what MDHHS approves for your loved one.
Why Work With a Local Agency?
You could enroll with the state on your own, but many Ingham County families choose an agency so they don't have to manage enrollment, paperwork and payroll alone. With Genesis you get:
A local team in Okemos you can call or meet
Help with every enrollment step
Training, compliance and payroll handled for you, including paid CNA training if your loved one has complex medical needs
Support if your loved one's needs change
Ingham County Resources
Tri-County Office on Aging: aging services for Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties, (517) 887-1440 (tcoa.org)
MDHHS Ingham County office: where your loved one's Medicaid and Home Help case is handled
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get paid to take care of my mom in Ingham County?
Yes, if she has Michigan Medicaid and needs help with daily activities. You'd be her paid Home Help caregiver through Genesis.
Does my loved one have to live with me?
No. You can care for them in their home or yours.
Does it cost anything to use Genesis?
No. Home Help is paid for by Michigan Medicaid; there's no charge to you or your loved one.
How long does it take to get started?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the MDHHS assessment and your background check.
I'm a student at Michigan State. Can I be a caregiver?
Yes. If you're 18 or older and pass the background check, you can care for a relative or friend while in school.
What if my loved one doesn't have Medicaid yet?
Call us. We can explain the steps to apply and what to expect.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit us at 1745 Hamilton Rd, Suite 325 in Okemos, or send us your contact information online to get started.
Start your caregiver application
This first step takes about 2 minutes: just your contact information. We'll call you within 1 business day to confirm you qualify and help you complete the full application. Questions? Call (517) 798-6039.