CDPAP, or the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, is a Medicaid program in the state of New York that allows eligible consumers to choose their caregivers. The CDPAP caregiver salary can vary based on many factors, including the level of care required, the caregiver’s qualifications, and the area they live in New York.

Currently, the hourly pay range is $20.08-$27.83 with overtime hours and pay available. The maximum time worked per week is 60 hours and a nurse will assess how much care a consumer requires and determine your schedule. Overtime pay rates range between $24 – $31.63 an hour. A full breakdown of CDPAP personal care rates can be found on the New York State Department of Health Website.

CDPAP in New York

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a New York State Medicaid program that allows consumers to recruit, hire, and direct their own caregivers. CDPAP participants are those requiring assistance with daily tasks and/or have chronic medical conditions. CDPAP caregivers are often family members or friends of the person receiving care, but may also be professional caregivers.

The CDPAP program trains and pays the caregivers to provide personal care services to the participants. The participants have more control over their care, the program is flexible and can be tailored to meet every participant’s needs, and it can be more cost-effective than traditional home care services.

If you believe a loved one needs assistance and you are interested in being their caregiver, call us at (917) 808-8012 and see if they qualify.

Caregiver Duties and Qualifications

People may think that previous experience in the healthcare field is required to be a personal assistant, but that is not the case. Those providing in-home care as personal assistants are trained by the program and provide all the necessary information to provide quality personal care.

The caregiver duties vary based on the needs of the consumer being cared for. Those providing personal care may be responsible for tasks such as:

Personal Care:

• Assist with bathing, showering and grooming.
• Help with toileting and incontinence care.
• Assisting with dressing/undressing.
• Help with oral hygiene.

Mobility Assistance:

• Help getting in and out of bed or a wheelchair.
• Assist with walking or using mobility aids (e.g., walkers, canes).
• Helping the individual with transitions between different seating or resting positions.

Meal Preparation:

• Plan and cook meals that meet clients dietary needs.
• Feeding assistance (if required).

Household Chores:

• Light housekeeping tasks, such as doing laundry and cleaning.
• Grocery shopping and meal planning.
• Organizing and maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment.

Companionship:

• Provide companionship and emotional support.
• Engage in conversation, reading and/or playing games.
• Accompany the individual to appointments, social outings or running errands.

Respite Care:

• Provide temporary relief to primary caregivers (usually family members) to prevent caregiver burnout.

Medication Management and Health Monitoring:

• Administer medications according to prescribed schedules.
• Keep track of medication refills and coordinate with healthcare providers.
• Monitor the individual’s overall health and well-being.
• Report any changes in health status to family members or healthcare providers.
• Keep detailed records of care provided, including medications administered, changes in condition, and any incidents or accidents.
• Assist with medical equipment or devices as needed.

Safety and Security:

• Ensure the home environment is free from hazards.
• Implement fall prevention measures.
• Respond to emergencies or managing emergency situations.

Specialized Care:

• Some caregivers may have specialized training to provide care for individuals with specific medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or diabetes.

End-of-Life Care:

• Provide compassionate care and emotional support to individuals in hospice or palliative care situations.

Am I eligible for CDPAP in NY?

The Department of Health in New York works hard to ensure those in need of personal care services are able to receive aid. The current eligibility requirements include:

• Medicaid Eligibility: Individuals who are 18 years of age or older who are enrolled or qualify for Medicaid.
• Need for Assistance: Applicants should require personal assistance with home care services due to a medical condition or disability.
• Assessment: Complete an assessment with a healthcare professional to determine the level of care needed.
• Ability to Direct Care: The individual receiving care (the consumer) can hire, train, and manage their own personal assistant
• Doctor’s Certification: A licensed healthcare provider must certify that you require home care services.
• Ability to Self-Direct: The consumer should have the cognitive and physical ability to direct their own care or designate a trusted representative to help with directing care.
• Resident of New York: CDPAP is a program in New York State, so consumers typically need to be a resident of New York.