This is a very good question and I think that the answer can help a lot of people.  A lot of people have the belief that they can get paid for becoming their parent’s caregiver.  

The truth is that it is possible, but the truth also is that it is very difficult.  

Here is a link that I think nicely summarizes what it available.  http://www.caring.com/articles/paid-for-being-caregiver

The financial issue is generally, that most people that receive either Social Security disability or retirement are not eligible for Medicaid.    It is based on your location and the Medicaid thresholds for your area.   For example, in Hawaii the threshold is likely high due to the high cost of living and in Texas it is much lower because it is cheaper in general to live in Texas. 

Most retired people receive too much in retirement income to be eligible for Medicaid.  

The first call I would make would be to the Department of Aging and Disabilities Services in that State.     They can tell you what services are available in your area.

There also is www.eldercare.gov  which should be your first internet based search for assistance.  The website will tell you about your local resources and how to contact them. 

The key is to understand that each State is different.  Whatever resources are available will be either State or locally based programs.   There are no Federal programs that provide caregiving services in the home.

Home Health and Hospice, Medicare programs, both provide intermittent care and have varying qualifications for eligibility.  

If the person is a Veteran and their income falls within certain guidelines they could be eligible for community based assistance, read about it here. 

This Veterans program is not very well known.     Here is a link that explains the program.  http://www.veteranaid.org/program.php

I hope this information helps.  If you are persistent and the client is eligible, it is possible to be a paid caregiver for your loved one.