Alternative Policy

Alternative Policy



Alternative Policy for In Home Supportive Services

Values

IHSS was set up to be consumer driven so the individual has a sense of control, independence and is able to determine the manner in which the services are provided (CWDA, 2003). In order to meet this goal, individuals are able to hire, fire and supervise their caregivers as they see fit (CWDA, 2003). This set up is consistent with a social work values right to self-determination since it is important to empower client's to make their own decisions as often as possible. Often times these older adult and disabled individuals lose a sense of their independence because they are needing help and becoming dependent upon someone else to assist them. By keeping IHSS as a consumer driven policy, clients can gain some of their independence back by making their own decisions on who they hire, fire and the way they decide to supervise their caregiver.

IHSS is unique in that it was set up as a social model rather than a medical model meaning services are determined and evaluated by a social worker (CWDA, 2003). Individuals who qualify for IHSS are assessed by a social worker, assigned a certain number of hours and then hire a caregiver who is paid by the state (Evans, 2011). Using the social model, the social worker assesses the individual's ability to function in their own home and focuses on their activities of daily living rather than their medical deficits (CWDA, 2003).

Purpose

The main goal of IHSS is to provide services “to aged, blind, or disabled persons, as defined under this chapter, who are unable to perform the services themselves and who cannot safely remain in their homes or abodes of their own choosing unless these services are provided” (State Supplementary Program for Aged, Blind and Disabled, 1979, section 12300b). The alternative policy will not be changing the main purpose of IHSS but other portions of this policy will be changed which will be addressed later.

Description and Analysis

Who

Currently in order to qualify for IHSS individuals must be either over the age of 65, disabled or blind (Taylor, 2010). It is now more common for people under the age of 65 to receive services often due to a disability. The IHSS program also provides services to help the eligible people live safely at home, or maintain an independent lifestyle (Sparer 1996).The alternative policy will eliminate the inclusion of children and focus solely on older adults to increase quality of services. Also because the number of older adults is expected to significantly rise and more older adults will be needing assistance. Therefore, the age restriction will be 65 years and older for older adults and 50 years and older for those who are disabled. It is important to lower the age range for the disabled older adults because of the growing population.

What

Often, the IHSS program is considered as an alternative to a home with assistance for daily activities or a nursing ...