Saving Money on Care: How Friends, Family, and Neighbors Can Help

Caring for a loved one—whether it’s a child, an aging parent, or a family member with special needs—can be both a financial and emotional challenge. Professional caregiving services, from in-home aides to childcare centers, can be expensive and sometimes inflexible. But what if the best care solution was closer than you thought?

Relying on trusted friends, family members, or neighbors to help with caregiving can be a practical, cost-saving approach while also keeping your loved one in a familiar, loving environment. Beyond just saving money, this approach can create a deeper sense of community and shared responsibility for care.

The Hidden Value of Familiar Care

One of the biggest advantages of having someone you already trust care for your loved one is familiarity. Friends, family, and neighbors already know your loved one’s routines, preferences, and personality. This can be especially comforting for children who feel safe with familiar faces or for older adults who struggle with change.

Professional caregivers provide incredible value, but they come with structured schedules, hourly rates, and, sometimes, unfamiliarity with the unique needs of your loved one. Meanwhile, a trusted family member or neighbor might be able to provide more flexible, personalized care at a fraction of the cost—or even just as an act of kindness.

How to Make It Work Without Straining Relationships

While relying on loved ones for care can be a great financial alternative, it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. Clear communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings or unspoken expectations. Here’s how to navigate this arrangement:

• Discuss expectations upfront. What days and times will they be available? What tasks are included? Will compensation be involved?
• Be mindful of their time. Even if a friend or family member is willing to help, caregiving is a big responsibility.
• Recognizing their effort and offering something in return—whether financial compensation, meals, or help with their own needs—can keep the arrangement fair and sustainable.
• Set boundaries. If someone is stepping in to help, be clear about what’s expected and make sure they have the space to say no if needed.

Making Care More Affordable with Care Benefits

Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the state’s Medicaid agency or a third-party program administrator.

• Complete caregiver training (some states require a basic certification process).
• Submit documentation of care hours and tasks performed.

Some programs require third-party financial management services (FMS) to process caregiver payments, so be prepared to follow state-specific guidelines for timesheets and reporting.

Maximize Available Benefits

For many families, the idea of paying a loved one for caregiving might feel awkward, but it can be a win-win. The person providing care can receive fair compensation, and the cost is often lower than hiring a professional. Some companies now allow employees to use care benefits to pay friends and family for caregiving services, helping to make care more affordable while supporting those they trust most.

At Helpr, employees can pay family, friends, and trusted neighbors for caregiving services using their benefit dollars—setting their own rates to make it financially feasible. Because care should be about what works best for your family, not just what’s traditionally available.