Don’t Restrict Live-In Aides to Nonrelatives

Don’t refuse a live-in aide request just because the aide is related to the household member making the request. Relatives of disabled household members can be live-in aides if they fit the Handbook’s definition and aren’t married to the person in need of the aide’s supportive services [Handbook 4350.3, par. 3-6(E)(3)(a)(3)].

It’s true that when the live-in aide a household wants to add is a relative, the household is more likely to be trying to use the request to skirt the official requirements for adding a household member. An unscrupulous resident might realize the aide’s income isn’t included in the rent calculation. But relatives can be—and often are—legitimate and effective live-in aides. Be sure to verify the household member's need for a live-in aide.

For five more tips for dealing with live-in aides, see “Follow Six Dos & Don'ts to Avoid Problems with Live-In Aides,” available to subscribers here.