California's In Home Supportive Services program and proposed policy cuts

¶ … Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

The baby-boomers are getting to the age to need nursing homes or in home care. One of the programs for people in California is In Home Supportive Services. This program provides services that range from household care help, help with personal care to paramedical services. It is considered to be an alternative to assisted living or nursing facilities. If you are blind, disabled or over the age of 65, or qualify for SSI, the basic criteria for the program, a county social worker will conduct a needs assessment to figure out the types of services and number of hours you are eligible for. Some recipients qualify for up to 283 hours of service a month. (DB101)

The cost of nursing home care can take up to $3,000./month and Assisted Living facilities usually cost twice as much per month. People who don't have the assets to pay for these living arrangements must depend on the state to pay for their care. Any program that helps a person stay in their own home with assistance helps keep the cost to the state down. In Home Supportive Services has a who spectrum of available assistance. The household care help covers things like dusting furniture, sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning carpets, preparing food, washing dishes, washing clothes, helping people bathe and wash their hair, shaving, cutting hair is someone is unable to get to a barber or beautician. Transportation to medical appointments, taking medications, picking up prescriptions, helping people get up and walk around, mowing yards, almost any type of help you can think of to help a person stay in their own home. There are also circumstances where the supportive services will stay with a person twenty-four hours a day for seven days a week for someone who cannot be left by themselves. They can also provide respite help for family members who stay with a person who is unable to take care of themselves, so that they can have some time to themselves. This program can also provide medical care.