By Shannin Prather
October 2019 | 2019 Fall Newsletter
When issues arise between an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) recipient and their Independent Care Provider (IP), terminating employment may not be the best option.
Can this difficult situation be resolved? Attempt to work through any minor problems with your provider before you decide to end their employment. Discuss the situation openly and honestly to find agreeable solutions.
Talk to your provider about your concerns. Tell your provider as soon as you have a concern. Try not to let any concerns build up. Prepare a list of the concerns you wish to correct with your IP.
Define clear expectations. Decide which changes must happen in order for your provider to remain employed. Talk openly about your expectations for improvements in your providers’ job performance. Advise them of a date by which you expect improvements to be made.
Communication is key. Communication is a two-way street, so allow your care provider to ask questions and openly address any of their concerns. Perhaps they need additional training on how you expect tasks to be performed. If you prefer, ask a friend or family member to join the discussion to support you.
If you have hired an IP from a Public Authority Services Registry referral list, Registry Specialists are available to assist in finding solutions to the concerns you and your IP may be experiencing.
What if your provider is not willing to improve their performance? If your provider does not improve their performance after providing additional instructions and a deadline has been given, it may be time to end your IPs’ employment. If ending their employment is the final decision, give your provider a two week notice. This will offer time for your provider to find a new position and allow you time to hire a new provider.
For more tips on managing your role as an IHSS consumer, read the Consumer Handbook Modules on the Public Authority Services training webpage: pascc.org.