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Ditto to the sage advice given so far.

Does your friend have any cognitive issues currently? How old is she? How old are you? When this arrangement isn't done properly, it can go very badly for both parties, but particularly for the caregiver.

Consulting with an elder law attorney can give you answers to critical questions that you may not know to ask. One is: What could happen if your client doesn't assign anyone durable PoA and she develops dementia or gets injured or falls ill and can no longer speak for herself or act in her own best interests? This is where things usually fall apart quickly. With no legal authority to act on her behalf, your employment comes to an end and you are stuck with the problem of calling APS to take guardianship of her and remove her to a facility.

If I were in your situation I would not consider this arrangement unless she had assigned a local and responsible PoA AND could show she had enough funds to pay you a full-time, fair market, livable wage for X amount of years plus compensate you for her expenses. What will happen if she needs 24/7 care? When will you sleep? When and how will you take breaks or go on vacations if she needs you all the time? Then there's the variables of her health and the decisions of the PoA, who could end your employment abruptly for any reason or by moving her to the VA or someplace else.

The VA made a suggestion but this doesn't mean it's a good or viable one. If you do move forward with this arrangement, please go into it with your eyes wide open. I wish you all the best.
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https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/personal-care-agreements-compensate-family-caregivers-181562.htm
Access the above link from the site. Also google the subject. Also access the search symbol on the flue AgingCare timeline and search the subject within the articles posted here.
Basically the problem with taking on this care is often that you cannot be well compensated at all. Often we get postings here from people who end up homeless and jobless at the same time, and without any job history or savings.
Do wish you the best of luck.
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You mention the VA hospital. Start with looking at collecting VA benefits for her. She can use that money to pay a caregiver’s salary.

Do see an elder attorney and have a signed contract from the person that you are caring for.

Best wishes to you.
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