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In-Home Support Services Public Authority

In-Home Support (IHSS) 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 

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.

Que 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

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

Resources