LAKE COUNTY — May has been nationally-recognized as Older Americans Month. This year”s theme, as named by the Administration for Community Living, is “Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.”
Older adults are at a higher risk of unintentional injury and death than the rest of the population, according to Carol J. Huchingson, the social services director for Lake County Department of Social Services. Nationally, unintentional injuries to the senior population result in at least six million medically treated injuries and more than 30,000 deaths each year, according to the California Department of Social Services.
By taking control of their safety, older Americans can live longer, healthier lives, Huchingson stated.
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program offered by the Lake County Department of Social Services is designed to serve Lake County residents who need help maintaining their independence and safety.
Statewide, nearly 500,000 people participate in IHSS, Huchingson stated. In Lake County, there are more than 1,850 individuals receiving assistance provided through the program.
The IHSS program can help pay for services for eligible individuals so they can remain safely in their own home. IHSS provides a wide range of services to meet individual needs, including aid in preparing meals, doing laundry, personal care services and accompaniment to medical appointments.
Requirements for eligibility in the IHSS program include:
— Being 65 years of age or older or being disabled or blind. (Disabled children are also potentially eligible).
— Having a physician”s certification stating the person is unable to live safely at home without assistance.
— Being financially unable to purchase needed services.
Once eligibility requirements are fulfilled, a social worker will conduct an assessment with the applicant to determine the needs of the individual. The assessment is done in the applicant”s home and is based on medical condition, living arrangement and what assistance is provided by family, friends or available community resources. The assessment includes information provided by the person in need and, if appropriate, also by family, friends or a care provider. If eligible, service hours based on specific state criterion are then authorized and calculated.
Once approved for services, the IHSS recipient must hire a care provider to perform the authorized tasks. IHSS recipients are encouraged to call the Public Authority, which maintains a registry of screened IHSS care providers. Public Authority staff are also available to help IHSS recipients with other issues and concerns related to their care.
For information about the IHSS program and Public Authority, contact the Adult Services branch of Lake County Department of Social Services at 995-4680.
