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Dear Consumers;

The IHSS Public Authority Advisory Board welcomes all new IHSS consumers, all current IHSS consumers, and all consumer family members and friends to the IHSS Program. We understand how complicated the IHSS system can be and are hopeful that this Consumer Handbook, along with the Consumer Training Materials offered by the IHSS Public Authority, will answer many of your questions and concerns.

The Public Authority Advisory Board feels strongly that a knowledgeable consumer can advocate for themselves, or with the help of family and friends, to effectively utilize the IHSS system to stay safely and comfortably in their own homes. This Consumer Handbook has the goal of helping you understand the IHSS system, and how you can assist in making it work for you.

The Public Authority Advisory Board makes recommendations to the Public Authority Governing Body, (the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors), on all issues relating to IHSS and personal care / home care assistance. We are in essence the voice of the consumer and take our role as consumer advocates very seriously. We welcome your comments, suggestions and input regarding the IHSS system in Santa Clara County.

Enjoy the Consumer Handbook and we look forward to meeting your training needs in various ways throughout the year.

Sincerely

Janie Whiteford Advisory Board Member  

 

 

 

 

 

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Reassessment The county is required to do a reassessment every year to determine if your needs have changed, if you need a different number of hours. You, the consumer, are again very important in this process. You, and your independent provider, know best what you require and must let the Social Worker know if there are changes.

A consumer can request a reassessment at any time if their needs have changed. Many things can occur to make this necessary; a change in your physical condition, a change in living arrangements, hospitalization, etc. Call your IHSS Social Worker if you want to request a reassessment.

Fair Hearing Sometimes a consumer will challenge the number of hours they have been given, or challenge a reduction in awarded hours or a termination of services. The following process can be used to help resolve the problem.

1. Contact your IHSS Social Worker and ask for a conference to discuss your concerns with them. If you are not satisfied,

2. Contact your Social Worker’s supervisor and discuss the situation with them. If you are still not satisfied,

3. Ask for a Fair Hearing: this must be done within 90 days of the date that the county mailed your most recent Notice Of Action (NOA). If you ask for this hearing before the date on the cutback notice, or before the reduction goes into effect, you will continue receiving all your hours until the hearing is over. If you believe you have not been allowed enough hours, you may challenge the county’s decision at any time. At a hearing, you can speak for yourself, or someone else (a lawyer, relative, friend, or other person) can speak for you. See Appendix B to find out more about fair hearing, or by clicking the

following link or copy and paste it into your browser’s search bar: http://www.cdss.ca.gov/Hearing-Requests

“Having an independent provider allows me to have

a better quality of life”

-Richard, IHSS Consumer

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