By Jacky Topete
July 2018 | 2018 Summer Newsletter
Each In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) recipient has an approved number of hours and list of approved services to accommodate their specific needs. One service that may be difficult to understand is Assistance with Prosthesis/Meds, also known as Care and Assistance with Prosthesis.
Care and Assistance with Prosthesis services are defined as:
- Helping with prosthetic devices
- Helping consumers to self-administer (give themselves) their medications.
Consumers with prosthetic devices may be authorized for help. Devices may include hearing aids or artificial limbs. 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.
IHSS consumers may need help with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Under this service the Independent Care Provider (IP) is authorized to remind the consumer to take their medications on time, and to keep a log of medications and the times that they were taken. IPs must take care when helping with medications. 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, and the IP has been trained to correctly administer medications. IPs without proper training may be held responsible if something goes wrong.
If you have questions about your authorized services or your situation has changed and you need to be reassessed by your Social Worker, please contact IHSS: (408) 792-1600.