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IHSS Process

Understanding IHSS and SLS Services

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IHSS stands for In-Home Supportive Services. IHSS is a county-administered program that helps eligible individuals remain safely in their own homes by providing support with personal care and daily living needs. This may include assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, mobility, protective supervision, and other approved tasks.

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Supported Living Services (SLS) are funded through the Regional Center and focus on helping individuals with developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities live as independently as possible in their own home and community.

 

SLS may include support with independent living skills, community access, scheduling, advocacy, staffing coordination, safety planning, and working toward goals in the client’s IPP/ISP.

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For some clients, IHSS and SLS both play an important role. IHSS may help cover personal care and daily living support, while SLS provides broader support to help the individual live independently and safely. These services are separate programs, but they often need to work together so the client has consistent support, clear scheduling, and a plan that meets their needs.

 Overview of the IHSS Process
 

  • Apply for IHSS through the county social services department

  • An IHSS Social Worker is assigned to the case

  • Home assessment completed to review care and support needs

  • Physician completes required medical certification paperwork

  • County issues approved IHSS hours through a Notice of Action (NOA)

  • Recipient selects a care provider (family member, friend, or caregiver)

  • Provider completes enrollment, fingerprinting, orientation, and payroll setup

  • Provider is linked to the recipient’s case and timesheets are activated

  • Services begin based on approved tasks and monthly hours

  • Ongoing timesheet approvals, schedule coordination, and communication maintained

What IHSS Can Help With

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IHSS services may include support with:

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  • Bathing & hygiene

  • Dressing & grooming

  • Meal preparation

  • Grocery shopping

  • House cleaning

  • Laundry

  • Medication reminders

  • Transportation to appointments

  • Protective supervision

  • Mobility assistance

  • Toileting/incontinence care

  • Paramedical services (if approved)

  • Accompaniment to medical appointments

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Services are based on:

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  • The individual’s needs

  • Safety concerns

  • Medical conditions

  • Functional abilities

  • Living situation

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