Even minor violations can take essential resources away from the people who genuinely rely on IHSS. By understanding what constitutes IHSS fraud and knowing how to report concerns, we can help protect the program for the elderly and disabled residents of Santa Clara County who depend on it every day.
Newsletter Catagories
Authorized Services
Receiving an Accurate Assessment or Reassessment from IHSS
When an IHSS social worker visits your home for assessment, it’s important to represent your strengths and limitations. You can do so by clearly communicating your needs and by avoiding overstating your ability to manage your care.
Safety Net Program: On-Call Registry
Qualifying consumers can access up to 80 hours of OCR services each fiscal year (from July to the following June). An exception may allow up to 160 hours for those with severe impairments. It’s important to note that the OCR does not cover IP vacations; it is strictly for unexpected and urgent needs.
Care Coaching Program for Consumers
This involves a range of responsibilities, such as interviewing, hiring, training, supervising, and, if needed, letting go of their IP. This process can be particularly challenging for consumers due to physical limitations, mental health issues, or other specific circumstances.
IHSS Notice of Action
All approved In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) recipients will receive a Notice of Action (NOA) form when they are approved for IHSS or if there is a change in their case. The NOA form will detail what services an IHSS provider can perform.
Provide a Safe and Healthy Work Environment
Your home is the work place for your IP. Providing a safe and healthy work place for the IPs is important and helps to build a successful and happy work relationship.
Care Providers Receive Pay for Authorized Services
By Shannin Prather January 2019 | 2019 Winter NewsletterClear and effective communication is crucial between consumers and their Independent Care...
Changes to IHSS In-Home Assessment Guidelines
Social Workers now assign each consumer a rank based on the level of care needed; and use the standard range of hours to assign tasks and times within that ranking. Social Workers are able to consider individual needs and circumstances when doing assessments and assigning hours.
Understanding Your Authorized Services: Assistance with Prosthesis/Meds
Service may be authorized to help with addition or removal of a prosthetic device; maintenance of a device (such as changing a battery on a hearing aid); and cleaning a device. IPs cannot physically place medications in the consumer’s body (such as through the mouth or via injection) unless the consumer has also been authorized for Paramedical Services.
Understand Your IHSS Authorized Services: “Other Shopping and Errands”
These errands may include: picking up prescriptions; delivering late payments to prevent a utility being shut off; and shopping for non-food supplies that you need to remain living safely at home.