April 2017 | 2017 Spring Newsletter
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is based on the philosophy of consumer direction. IHSS empowers consumers to direct their own care by managing and training their care providers to perform authorized tasks in the manner preferred by the individual consumer–within reason. Advocates of this philosophy believe that consumers are the experts in determining their own needs.
For example, a consumer has the choice to select who works for them and, also, has the right to terminate an independent provider’s employment, if necessary. However, when issues arise with a care provider, terminating employment may not be the only (or the best) option.
Can this problem be solved? Attempt to work through any minor problems with your provider before you decide to end 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 see a problem. Try not to let problems build up. Prepare a list of the issues you wish to correct.
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 provider’s job performance. Advise them of a date by which you expect improvements to be made.
Remember: Communication is a two-way street. 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.
What if your provider is not willing to improve? If your provider does not improve their performance after additional instructions and a deadline have been provided, the time may have come to end their employment. When possible, give your provider two weeks’ notice. This will offer time for your provider to find a new position and allow you time to hire a new provider.
Terminate an unsafe provider right away! If your provider is treating you in an abusive or threatening manner, you should call 911 and terminate their employment immediately. Your personal safety is most important. If you need help, call your IHSS county office, Public Authority Services Registry, family members, or friends immediately. (Refer to the back cover for important contact information.)
To learn more tips on managing your role as an IHSS consumer read the Consumer Handbooks on the consumer training page of the Public Authority Services website: pascc.org/consumer-training/.
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is based on the philosophy of consumer direction. IHSS empowers consumers to direct their own care by managing and training their care providers to perform authorized tasks in the manner preferred by the individual consumer–within reason. Advocates of this philosophy believe that consumers are the experts in determining their own needs.
For example, a consumer has the choice to select who works for them and, also, has the right to terminate an independent provider’s employment, if necessary. However, when issues arise with a care provider, terminating employment may not be the only (or the best) option.
Can this problem be solved? Attempt to work through any minor problems with your provider before you decide to end 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 see a problem. Try not to let problems build up. Prepare a list of the issues you wish to correct.
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 provider’s job performance. Advise them of a date by which you expect improvements to be made.
Remember: Communication is a two-way street. 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.
What if your provider is not willing to improve? If your provider does not improve their performance after additional instructions and a deadline have been provided, the time may have come to end their employment. When possible, give your provider two weeks’ notice. This will offer time for your provider to find a new position and allow you time to hire a new provider.
Terminate an unsafe provider right away! If your provider is treating you in an abusive or threatening manner, you should call 911 and terminate their employment immediately. Your personal safety is most important. If you need help, call your IHSS county office, Public Authority Services Registry, family members, or friends immediately. (Refer to the back cover for important contact information.)
To learn more tips on managing your role as an IHSS consumer read the Consumer Handbooks on the consumer training page of the Public Authority Services website: pascc.org/consumer-training/.