In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a State program under the direction of the California Department of Social Services. IHSS provides assistance to eligible individuals who are aged, blind, and/or disabled, who would be unable to remain safely in their own homes without assistance. IHSS is an alternative to out-of-home care, such as a nursing home or a board and care facility.
The Calaveras County Health and Services Agency is committed to providing services to eligible individuals to assist them in living independently in the least restrictive environment.
In an effort to assist eligible individuals to remain safely within their homes, the IHSS program is staffed with social workers trained to assess eligible individual’s needs to receive assistance with completing activities of daily living.
Eligibility Criteria for all IHSS Applicants and Recipients:
- You must physically reside in the United States
- You must also be a California resident
- You must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination
- You must live at home or an abode of your own choosing (acute care hospital, long-term care facility and licensed community care facilities are not considered “own home”)
- You must submit a completed Health Care Certification form from a Physician authorizing services
Anyone who recognizes that a person is in need of in-home assistance may make a referral to IHSS. Once the requirements for the Health Care Certification and Medi-Cal eligibility are met a social worker is assigned to the case to conduct an assessment of need. The determination will take into consideration the applicant’s medical condition, living arrangement, persons living in the home and resources that may already be available.
Once the needs assessment is authorized, IHSS can assist a recipient with finding a caregiver. A friend or relative may serve as a caregiver, or a referral may be made through the Public Authority Registry. Once a caregiver is selected, the client acts as the employer and is responsible for supervision and signing of time sheets.
Working together, IHSS and the caregiver ensure that each recipient is able to remain in their home safely, comfortable and with as much independence as possible.