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IHSS

🧾 How IHSS Hours Are Determined

1. Home Visit & Assessment

A county social worker will:

  • Visit the home

  • Ask questions about the senior's health, mobility, memory, safety

  • Observe or ask how they manage daily tasks

2. Activities Assessed

IHSS divides needs into three categories:

CategoryExamplesTypical Time Allotted

Non-Medical Personal CareBathing, grooming, dressing, toileting10–60+ min per task/day

Domestic ServicesCleaning, laundry, cooking6–10 hrs/week typical

Paramedical ServicesMedication prep, wound care, blood sugar checksVaries by prescription

Also includes:

  • Feeding

  • Mobility assistance

  • Supervision for memory-impaired

  • Protective Supervision (for 24/7 cognitive safety needs)

3. Time Guidelines Set by State

California provides standard ranges for each task. For example:

  • Bathing: 20–45 minutes/day

  • Dressing: 10–15 minutes/day

  • Toileting: 20–40 minutes/day

These are used to calculate your monthly total hours.

4. Special Circumstances

Some factors may increase hours:

  • Severe dementia or cognitive impairment

  • Incontinence

  • Physical disability or paralysis

  • Frequent medical appointments

  • Living alone without informal support

🔒 Protective Supervision (Most Hours Possible)

If a person cannot be left alone safely due to mental impairment, they may qualify for Protective Supervision, which can add up to 283 hours/month by itself.

To qualify, documentation from doctors and evidence of risk (wandering, self-harm, fire danger, etc.) is needed.

✅ Summary: What Determines IHSS Hours

FactorInfluence on Hours

Ability to do daily tasksMore help needed = more hours

Mental or physical disabilityMay qualify for supervision

Doctor's verificationStrong evidence supports approval

Living situationAlone or with family affects assessment

📌 How to Get the Right Number of Hours

  1. Be honest and detailed during assessment

  2. Document all health conditions with doctor letters

  3. Keep a care log showing how much help is needed daily

  4. Request a reassessment or fair hearing if hours seem too low

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