In-Home Support Services Public Authority

Caregiving is important work, a profession that helps members of our community have a better quality of life at home. In-home care allows older adults, seniors and residents of any age with disabilities to live safely and independently in their own homes. Eligible residents apply to get needed care through the In-Home Support Services (IHSS) program.

The In-Home Support Services Public Authority (IHSS PA) was created separately from the IHSS program to coordinate key functions for IHSS clients and their care providers. We make finding in-home care easier for clients and provide support for IHSS care providers, so clients and their care providers can have positive, meaningful and lasting care relationships.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update:
Information and Resources for IHSS Care Providers

Sonoma County Public Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase and Governor Newsom have issued public health orders directing everyone to stay home, except to provide or receive certain essential services. (En español bajo)

In-Home Supportive Service (IHSS) care providers are essential workers and should continue to provide care for their client, as long as both the care provider and client have not tested positive for COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, like a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Please Remember

Keep a distance of at least 6 feet away from another person
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available
Cough or sneeze into your elbow (not your hands)
Avoid touching your face
Clean high-touch surfaces often

What precautions do I need to take when working for my client(s)?

If sick and unable to work, call your client to talk about backup care provider options
Call your client before going to be sure they have no signs of a respiratory infection
Wash your hands upon arrival, often while there, and before you leave
Avoid close contact with others in the home, besides your client
Disinfect surfaces that you touch, including countertops, tables, faucets, sinks, light switches, etc.

What do I do if my client gets sick?

Help your client contact their medical provider
Stay home until you talk to a medical provider
Remind your client to follow the advice of their medical provider
Remind your client to avoid contact with others and to stay home.
Remind your client to stay in their bedroom away from others. If available, use a separate restroom.
If client tests positive for COVID-19, advise client to notify their IHSS social worker at (707) 565-5900.

Additional Information

For the latest information about the coronavirus in Sonoma County and advice from health experts on prevention and care, call 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit SoCoEmergency.org.

Governor’s Order – Stay at Home
covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/

Sonoma County Resources for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs
socoemergency.org/emergency/novel-coronavirus/resources-for-you/seniors/

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – People at Higher Risk for Severe Illness
cdc.gov/coronavirus/people-at-increased-risk.html

COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for Individuals with Access and Functional Needs
cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/guidance-for-individuals-with-access-and-functional-needs-03122020.pdf

Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information and Resources
mhanational.org/covid19

Actualización del Coronavirus COVID-19:
Información y Recursos para Proveedores de IHSS

El Oficial de Salud del Condado de Sonoma (Dr. Sundari Mase) y el Gobernador Newsom emitieron recientemente órdenes para que todos se queden en casa, excepto para proporcionar o recibir ciertos servicios esenciales.

Los Proveedores de IHSS son trabajadores esenciales y deben continuar brindando la atención y cuidado a su cliente, siempre y cuando el proveedor como el cliente no tengan un resultado positivo al COVID-19 y no tengan síntomas, como fiebre, tos o falta de aliento.

Por Favor Recuerde

Mantenga una distancia de al menos 6 pies de otra persona
Lavase las manos frecuentemente con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos
Use desinfectante para manos si no hay agua y jabón disponibles
Tosa o estornude en su codo (no en sus manos)
Evite tocarse la cara
Limpie las superficies de alto contacto a menudo

Precauciones debo tomar cuando trabaje para mi cliente(s)?

Si esta enfermo y no puede trabajar, llame a su cliente sobre opciones para un proveedor de respaldo
Llame a su cliente antes de ir a trabajar para asegurarse que no tenga signos de infección respiratoria
Lavase las manos al llegar, a menudo mientras este allí y antes de irse
Evite contacto cercano con otras personas en el hogar aparte de su cliente
Desinfecté las superficies que usted toque incluyendo, mesas, grifos, fregaderos, interruptores de luz, etc.

Hago si mi cliente se enferma?

Ayude a su cliente a contactar a su doctor primario
Quédese en casa hasta que usted hable con su doctor primario
Recuérdele a su cliente que siga los consejos de su doctor primario
Recuérdele a su cliente que evite el contacto con otros y que se quede en casa
Recuérdele a su cliente que permanezca en su habitación lejos de los demás. Si es posible, que use un baño separado
Si su cliente tiene un resultado positivo para COVID-19, aconseje a su cliente de notificárselo a su trabajador social de IHSS al 707-565-5900.

Información Adicional

Para obtener la información mas reciente sobre el coronavirus en el Condado de Sonoma y consejos de expertos de salud sobre prevención y atención, llame al 2-1-1, envié su código postal por texto a 898-211, o visite SoCoEmergency.org.

Orden del Gobernador – Quedarse en Casa
covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/

Recursos del Condado de Sonoma para Personas Mayores y Personas con Discapacidades y otros acceso y necesidades funcionales
socoemergency.org/emergencia/novel-coronavirus/recursos-para-usted-durante-covid-19/personas-mayores/

Personas con mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente
espanol.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

COVID-19 Guía de Salud Publica para Personas con Acceso y Necesidades Funcionales
cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/guidance-for-individuals-with-access-and-functional-needs-03122020.pdf

Salud Mental y COVID-19 – Información y Recursos
mhanational.org/covid19

We Help Manage the Details

For Clients

We enroll new IHSS care providers who will care for an IHSS client they know (including a client's family member, neighbor or someone found privately), so they can be paid for their work through the program.
Our care provider Registry gives IHSS clients a list of available, screened, qualified care providers they may choose to hire.
We also help clients find an urgent substitute if their IHSS care provider must unexpectedly be absent from work. Clients call us to assess their urgent care needs and, if appropriate, a care provider will be sent to their home.

For Care Providers

Care providers with experience or training who are looking for clients can apply to join our Registry of approved caregivers. We refer Registry caregivers to clients on request.
We sign up new IHSS caregivers (including friends and family) and offer training to help improve their caregiving skills.
For current IHSS care providers, we offer additional skills training and oversee payroll so you’re paid for your work and get employment benefits you may be due. We teach you to manage the needed forms, documents and timesheets.