One of the primary goals of the IHSS Advisory Committee is to implement improvements to the existing IHSS program that will enhance the safety of the individuals who need the services to survive on a day-to-day basis. Often when an elderly person or a person with a disability is released from the hospital, they require home care assistance to remain safely in their homes. However, it can take 3 - 4 weeks to hire and train a new provider. For those cases, the IHSSAC recommended to the Community Services Agency the “County Homemaker” program be implemented. In October 2003 the County Homemaker program began.

County Homemakers are persons who are trained to work as temporary providers for individuals who are in immediate need of IHSS services. They provide care for the person until a regular provider can be hired and trained. County Homemakers are on call every day to provide emergency IHSS services.

We thank the Board of Supervisors for putting this program in place. If you need more information on the County Homemaker program, please contact your social worker or call the IHSS main number at (209) 558-2637.