Can a Parent get paid to care for a Medically Fragile Child in Florida?
Many parents caring for medically fragile children ask the same question:
Can I get paid to care for my child at home?
In Florida, the answer may be yes for some eligible families through the Family Home Health Aide Program, also called FHHA. This program may allow an eligible family caregiver to complete approved training and work with a licensed home health agency to provide aide services for a medically fragile child under 21. Florida law says the program was created to support medically fragile children, reduce hospitalization or institutionalization, and provide training and employment opportunities for family caregivers.
Dynamiks Home Care helps families understand FHHA training, pediatric home care, private duty nursing, and home health aide support across Florida.
What is the Family Home Health Aide Program?
The Family Home Health Aide Program is a Florida program for eligible family caregivers of medically fragile children.
It gives approved family members a path to receive training and work with a licensed home health agency. The goal is to help support a child’s care at home while keeping services connected to the child’s care plan.
This program is not automatic for every family. The child and caregiver must both meet requirements.
Who may qualify?
A child may qualify if the child is under 21, medically fragile, and eligible for private duty nursing.
A family caregiver may qualify if the caregiver is at least 18 years old, is a family caregiver of the eligible child, can meet basic reading and writing requirements, completes approved training, and passes required background screening. Florida Statute 400.4765 outlines these eligibility requirements.
Does the Child Need Private Duty Nursing First?
Yes, This is one of the most important things parents should know. The child must already qualify for private duty nursing before FHHA services can be considered.
Private duty nursing is skilled nursing care for children with complex medical needs. FHHA works with the care plan. It does not replace the child’s full medical team.
Does FHHA Replace the Nurse?
No, FHHA does not replace private duty nursing. Florida law states that services provided by a home health aide for medically fragile children must reduce the child’s private duty nursing service hours and may not be provided at the same time as private duty nursing services.
That means FHHA is coordinated with the child’s approved care plan.
Can Payment Affect Medicaid?
It may, Families should ask questions before moving forward because income from FHHA work may affect Medicaid eligibility or coverage details. Parents should speak with DCF, AHCA, the child’s Medicaid managed care plan, and the home health agency before making financial decisions. Dynamiks Home Care can help families understand the home care process, but Medicaid eligibility questions should be confirmed through the proper agency or plan.
What Training Is Required?
Florida’s 2025 statute says FHHA training must include at least 76 hours. This includes home health aide training, child specific skills training, clinical training with a registered nurse, HIV training, and CPR certification.
Training is designed to help family caregivers safely support the child’s needs at home.
What FHHA Does Not Guarantee
The FHHA Program may be helpful, but it does not automatically guarantee:
Approval
Payment
Employment
Medicaid coverage
Training placement
Service authorization
The child’s eligibility, physician orders, care plan, agency participation, payer requirements, training completion, and background screening all matter.
How Dynamiks Home Care Helps
Dynamiks Home Care supports families with clear guidance and compassionate care coordination.
Families can contact Dynamiks to discuss:
Whether FHHA may be an option
Pediatric home care
Private duty nursing
Home health aide services
Service availability in their area
Dynamiks Home Care serves families in West Palm Beach, Coral Springs, Fort Myers, Sebring, Orlando, Melbourne, and surrounding Florida communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a parent get paid to care for a child in Florida?
Some eligible parents or family caregivers may be able to receive compensation through the Family Home Health Aide Program if all requirements are met.
Does FHHA apply to every child?
No. The child must meet program requirements and must already qualify for private duty nursing.
Can FHHA happen at the same time as private duty nursing?
No. FHHA services may not be provided at the same time as private duty nursing services.
Who should I contact first?
Start by contacting a participating licensed home health agency like Dynamiks Home Care to discuss your child’s needs and your interest in FHHA training.
Want to learn if FHHA may be an option for your family?
Contact Dynamiks Home Care today to ask about FHHA training, pediatric home care, and private duty nursing support in your area.
