By Shannin Prather
April 2015 | 2015 Spring Newsletter
Clear communication is crucial between care recipients and their In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Independent Care Providers (IPs) so that both parties feel satisfied with the relationship. It can be frustrating when a consumer feels that their IP is not meeting their expectations. Often, misunderstandings arise about specific duties of the IP, and dissatisfaction results when expectations are not met.
It is very important to keep in mind that your IP will only be paid for services and tasks that have been authorized by IHSS. These tasks are itemized on your Notice of Action (NOA), along with the designated amount of time for each task. It is recommended that you and your IP review the NOA, and ensure that you both have a clear understanding of the expectations for care.
Your IP is not allowed to perform tasks that are not on your NOA. Unauthorized tasks
may result in injury, for which the care provider will not be compensated, either with pay or medical coverage. Any tasks not listed on the NOA are not covered by Worker’s Compensation for any injury that may result. In addition, if your IP is injured performing an unauthorized task, you may be held liable.
Remember, services are not covered when you are hospitalized, in a nursing home, or on vacation. In other words, the in-home care provider cannot work when you are not home. Please review your NOA and, if you have any questions about a service or task, call IHSS: (408) 792-1600.
Below are some services, tasks, and reimbursements which IHSS will not pay for:
- Gasoline, mileage, parking, or public transportation costs
- Routine gardening or other outdoor work
- Pet care (feeding, clean-up, or exercising)
- Moving furniture, boxes, etc.
- Washing walls, windows, or window coverings
- Household chores for visitors or family members who are not IHSS consumers
- Paying bills or reading mail to consumers
- Care when the consumer is in the hospital or other care facility
- Time spent waiting at medical appointments
- Companion services or social engagements
- Cleaning/shampooing carpets or rugs
- Deep cleaning appliances (oven, refrigerator, microwave, etc.)
- Heavy cleaning (exception: one-time only with IHSS social worker pre-approval)
Note: shopping and errands must be done at the nearest available stores that match the IHSS consumer’s cost, nutrition, and cultural needs. The IP is expected to shop without the consumer; extra time is not given for the consumer to shop with the provider.
Clear communication is crucial between care recipients and their In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Independent Care Providers (IPs) so that both parties feel satisfied with the relationship. It can be frustrating when a consumer feels that their IP is not meeting their expectations. Often, misunderstandings arise about specific duties of the IP, and dissatisfaction results when expectations are not met.
It is very important to keep in mind that your IP will only be paid for services and tasks that have been authorized by IHSS. These tasks are itemized on your Notice of Action (NOA), along with the designated amount of time for each task. It is recommended that you and your IP review the NOA, and ensure that you both have a clear understanding of the expectations for care.
Your IP is not allowed to perform tasks that are not on your NOA. Unauthorized tasks may result in injury, for which the care provider will not be compensated, either with pay or medical coverage. Any tasks not listed on the NOA are not covered by Worker’s Compensation for any injury that may result. In addition, if your IP is injured performing an unauthorized task, you may be held liable.
Remember, services are not covered when you are hospitalized, in a nursing home, or on vacation. In other words, the in-home care provider cannot work when you are not home. Please review your NOA and, if you have any questions about a service or task, call IHSS: (408) 792-1600.
Below are some services, tasks, and reimbursements which IHSS will not pay for:
- Gasoline, mileage, parking, or public transportation costs
- Routine gardening or other outdoor work
- Pet care (feeding, clean-up, or exercising)
- Moving furniture, boxes, etc.
- Washing walls, windows, or window coverings
- Household chores for visitors or family members who are not IHSS consumers
- Paying bills or reading mail to consumers
- Care when the consumer is in the hospital or other care facility
- Time spent waiting at medical appointments
- Companion services or social engagements
- Cleaning/shampooing carpets or rugs
- Deep cleaning appliances (oven, refrigerator, microwave, etc.)
- Heavy cleaning (exception: one-time only with IHSS social worker pre-approval)
Note: shopping and errands must be done at the nearest available stores that match the IHSS consumer’s cost, nutrition, and cultural needs. The IP is expected to shop without the consumer; extra time is not given for the consumer to shop with the provider.