In-Home Supportive Services are financially supported through a combination of federal, state, and county funding sources. Residents of San Francisco who are living in their own home (not a board and care facility, nursing home, or hospital), who are U.S. citizens, or are otherwise eligible to receive SSI, are eligible for IHSS. Eligibility is determined by the City & County of San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services.
Clients must be low-income and possess limited financial resources (a home and a car are considered exempt assets). Elderly or disabled adults who do not exceed the financial assets limits allowed for free IHSS services may still receive them for a share-of-costs based on their income and assets.
When a client is referred to the Consortium for services, he or she is immediately assigned to a client services worker. The worker calls the new client to determine the time and days he or she would like services and to arrange a meeting to do an initial assessment of needs.
Within five days of referral, the worker meets with the client to explain services, assess the client’s needs, introduce the assigned home care provider, and describe communication and complaint procedures. Client services workers encourage clients to call as soon as possible whenever a problem arises, and the Consortium office sends a brochure reiterating whom to contact should problems occur.
Before services begin, the client services worker will ensure that the appropriate number of service hours has been authorized and that all necessary durable medical equipment is in place. After services are established, the worker will visit the client a minimum of three times a year. During the home visits, the worker will assess the quality of the home care provider’s work to ensure our services are meeting the client’s personal needs. As needed, the client services worker will help connect the client with additional services and provide appropriate follow up. |
