In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

About IHSS

In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a Medi-Cal based program that is funded by county, state and federal dollars. The goal of the IHSS program is to allow low income aged, blind, and disabled persons, including children, who are at risk for out-of-home placement, to remain safely at home by providing payment for care provider services.  IHSS is considered an alternative to out-of-home care, such as nursing homes or board and care facilities.

The types of services which can be authorized through IHSS are housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services (such as bowel and bladder care, bathing, grooming and paramedical services), accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision for the mentally impaired.

To Qualify

Eligibility Criteria for all IHSS Applicants and Recipients:

• Live in Nevada County
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident of California
• Be 65 years of age or older, blind or disabled of any age
• Must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination*
• Must live at home or an abode of your own choosing (acute care hospital, long-term care facilities, and licensed community care facilities are not considered "own home ")
• Be unable to live at home safely without assistance
• Must submit a completed Health Care Certification Form (SOC 873)

Information Needed to Apply for IHSS:

Whether you are calling for IHSS on your own behalf or on the behalf of someone else, please be prepared with the following information:

• Name
• Home Address (mailing address if different)
• Phone number
• Applicant's date of birth
• Social Security Number
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation
• Ethnicity
• Preferred spoken and written language
• Marital status
• Names of all household members
• Number of minor children related to applicant living in home (if applicable)
• Summary of services applying for
• Disability related accommodations
• Involvement with other community agencies (ex. Alta, STEP, etc.)
• Authorized Representative information (if applicable)
• Name of prospective care provider

How to Apply for IHSS:

To apply for IHSS call: (530) 265-1639
Monday – Friday (8:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Mail to:
In Home Supportive Services / Adult Services
950 Maidu Ave 
P.O. Box 599002
Nevada City, CA 95959-7902
Or Fax to (530) 470-2625

Application Process Overview:

Anyone who recognizes that a person is in need of in-home assistance may make a referral to IHSS. The person of need must be on the call to confirm they want IHSS services. Once the requirements for the Health Care Certification and Medi-Cal eligibility are met a social worker is assigned to the case to conduct an assessment of need. The determination will take into consideration the applicant's medical condition, living arrangement, persons living in the home and resources that may already be available.

Once the needs assessment is authorized, Connecting Point can assist a recipient with locating a caregiver. A friend or relative may serve as a caregiver, or a referral may be made through Connecting Point. Once a caregiver is selected, the client acts as the employer and is responsible for supervision and signing time sheets.

Working together, IHSS and the caregiver ensure that each recipient is able to remain in their home – safely, comfortably and with as much independence as possible.

CalAIM:

CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) is a broad and transformative plan that is making progressive changes to California's Medi-Cal program and allowing members access to improved, coordinated, person-centered services. For more information, refer to the DHCS CalAIM website, the CalAIM website for your Managed Care Plan, or contact your assigned Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan.

DHCS CalAIM Website