If you just typed “I need a caregiver for my mother” into a search bar, you are probably somewhere between worried and overwhelmed. Maybe she fell. Maybe the hospital is discharging her Friday. Maybe you have been doing it all yourself and you are running on fumes. Take a breath – there is a clear path through this, and in Texas you have three realistic ways to get her help.
First: what kind of help does she need?
Most aging parents don’t need a nurse – they need a reliable person for the daily things: bathing safely, getting dressed, meals, medication reminders, laundry, errands, and someone keeping an eye on her. In Texas this is called personal assistance services (PAS) or attendant care. If she has wounds to dress, injections, or post-surgery needs, that is skilled nursing at home, which a physician orders. Many families need a mix, and a good agency will tell you honestly which is which.
The three ways Texas families pay for a caregiver
1. Private pay – fastest to start
You hire an agency and pay by the hour. No program enrollment, no waiting on approvals – care can usually begin within days. Families often start here and transition to Medicaid coverage once it is approved.
2. Medicaid STAR+PLUS – ongoing care at no cost to her
If your mother has Texas Medicaid (or may qualify), the STAR+PLUS program covers an ongoing caregiver for daily living help. Her health plan sends a service coordinator to assess what she needs and authorizes weekly hours; an agency like Newport provides the caregiver and electronically verifies every visit. If she is 65+ or has a disability and limited income, it is absolutely worth checking – apply or check status at YourTexasBenefits or call 2-1-1.
3. Become her paid caregiver yourself
Here is the option most families don’t know exists: if your mother is on STAR+PLUS, you can often be the one who is paid to care for her. Texas allows qualified family members to provide her authorized hours – either employed by Newport (we handle training, scheduling, EVV, and payroll) or through Consumer Directed Services (CDS), where the family employs the caregiver directly. Read our full guide: How to get paid to care for a family member in Texas, or see how enrollment works.
What to do this week
- Write down what she needs help with on a normal day (mornings, meals, meds, bathing, nights).
- Find her Medicaid or insurance card – or if she has neither, check eligibility at YourTexasBenefits.
- Call an agency and talk it through. Ten minutes with someone who does this every day beats ten hours of searching.
Talk to a real person: call Newport Home Health at 972-602-3500. We serve Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, and the consultation is free.
Common questions
How fast can I get a caregiver for my mother?
For private-pay care, often within a few days. For Medicaid STAR+PLUS care, the timeline depends on her plan’s assessment and authorization – Newport helps you request the assessment and starts care quickly once hours are approved.
Can I be paid to take care of my mother myself?
In many cases, yes. If she has Texas Medicaid STAR+PLUS, a qualified family member can provide her authorized personal assistance hours – either employed by an agency like Newport or through Consumer Directed Services (CDS). Spouses and legal guardians face additional restrictions.
What if my mother doesn’t have Medicaid?
You can start private-pay home care right away while applying for Medicaid through YourTexasBenefits if she may qualify. We will help you understand both paths during a free consultation.