Your Complete Guide to Home Care Programs in California
Navigating the various home care programs available in California can be daunting, but understanding your options can make all the difference in ensuring that you or your loved ones receive the best possible care. Here’s a detailed look at California’s key home care programs, their eligibility criteria, services covered, and application processes.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Description:
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is a state-funded initiative that helps pay for services to keep individuals safely in their own homes. This program is designed to support those who might otherwise need to move into a nursing home or other care facility.
Eligibility:
California residents who are aged, blind, or disabled and require assistance with daily activities to remain in their homes.
Services Covered:
- Personal care assistance (e.g., bathing, grooming, and dressing)
- Household chores (e.g., cleaning and laundry)
- Paramedical services
- Protective supervision
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through your local county IHSS office. To find the nearest office, visit the California Department of Social Services IHSS website.
Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Description:
Medi-Cal HCBS Waivers offer a variety of in-home and community-based services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries who need a higher level of care than what is typically provided in a standard home setting.
Eligibility:
Medi-Cal recipients who require a level of care that is usually provided in a hospital, nursing facility, or intermediate care facility.
Services Covered:
- Case management
- Personal care services
- Respite care
- Adult day health care
- Environmental accessibility adaptations
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through your local county social services office or the California Department of Health Care Services.
Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS)
Description:
The Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program provides daytime health services at licensed community-based centers for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
Eligibility:
Medi-Cal beneficiaries who meet specific medical necessity criteria and can benefit from structured day programs.
Services Covered:
- Skilled nursing care
- Social services
- Therapeutic activities
- Personal care
- Meals
- Transportation
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through your local county social services office or the California Department of Health Care Services.
Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
Description:
The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) offers social and healthcare management services to help frail seniors remain at home.
Eligibility:
California residents aged 65 or older who are eligible for Medi-Cal and at risk of institutionalization.
Services Covered:
- Care management
- Personal care
- Adult day care
- Housing assistance
- Respite care
- Transportation
- Meals
- Social services
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through local MSSP sites or the California Department of Aging.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Description:
PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services to frail elderly individuals who prefer to live at home rather than in a nursing home.
Eligibility:
Individuals aged 55 or older who meet the state’s criteria for nursing home care and can live safely in the community with PACE services.
Services Covered:
- Primary care
- Hospital care
- Home care
- Adult daycare
- Transportation
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through a PACE organization in California. For more information, visit the National PACE Association.
Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)
Description:
The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) offers support services to family caregivers of older adults.
Eligibility:
Family caregivers of adults aged 60 or older, or caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders.
Services Covered:
- Respite care
- Counseling
- Support groups
- Training
- Supplemental services
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through your local Area Agency on Aging. Find your local agency on the California Department of Aging website.
California Community Transitions (CCT) Project
Description:
The California Community Transitions (CCT) Project helps Medi-Cal beneficiaries transition from institutional settings back into the community.
Eligibility:
Medi-Cal beneficiaries who have resided in a state-licensed healthcare facility for at least 60 days and wish to return to community living.
Services Covered:
- Transition coordination
- Home setup services
- Personal care
- Medical equipment
- Case management
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through participating local organizations. More information can be found on the California Department of Health Care Services CCT page.
Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers (ADCRC)
Description:
ADCRCs provide specialized day care services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Eligibility:
Individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
Services Covered:
- Social and recreational activities
- Personal care
- Health monitoring
- Caregiver support
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through local ADCRCs. For more information, visit the California Department of Aging ADCRC page.
Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs)
Description:
Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) provide support services to family caregivers of adults with chronic health conditions.
Eligibility:
Family caregivers of adults aged 18 and older with chronic health conditions.
Services Covered:
- Counseling
- Respite care
- Training
- Support groups
- Legal and financial consultation
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through local CRCs. Find more information on the California Caregiver Resource Centers website.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/State Supplementary Payment (SSP) Program
Description:
The SSI/SSP program provides cash assistance to low-income aged, blind, and disabled individuals to meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Eligibility:
Low-income individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
Services Covered:
- Monthly cash assistance
- Medi-Cal coverage
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through the Social Security Administration. Visit the SSA website for more information.
Veterans Administration (VA) Aid and Attendance Benefit
Description:
The VA Aid and Attendance Benefit provides additional monthly payments to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses who require the assistance of another person for daily activities.
Eligibility:
Veterans or surviving spouses who are eligible for a VA pension and require assistance with daily activities.
Services Covered:
- Personal care assistance
- Homemaker services
- Respite care
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through the local VA office. Visit the VA website for more information.
How to Apply for Home Care Programs in California
For detailed information and to apply for various home care programs in California, you can contact the relevant offices or visit their websites:
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS):
- Phone: 1-888-944-4477
- Website: IHSS Program
Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers:
- Phone: 1-800-541-5555
- Website: Medi-Cal Waivers
Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP):
- Phone: 1-800-510-2020 (California Department of Aging Information Line)
- Website: MSSP Program
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE):
- Phone: 1-855-921-7272
- Website: PACE Program
Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS):
- Phone: 1-800-510-2020 (California Department of Aging Information Line)
- Website: CBAS Program
California Community Transitions (CCT) Project:
- Phone: 1-800-281-9799
- Website: CCT Program
Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers (ADCRC):
- Phone: 1-800-510-2020 (California Department of Aging Information Line)
- Website: ADCRC Program
Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs):
- Phone: 1-800-445-8106 (Family Caregiver Alliance)
- Website: Caregiver Resource Centers
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/State Supplementary Payment (SSP) Program:
- Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (Social Security Administration)
- Website: SSI/SSP Program
Veterans Administration (VA) Aid and Attendance Benefit:
- Phone: 1-800-827-1000 (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
- Website: VA Aid and Attendance
By utilizing these contacts, California residents can access a variety of home care services to help them remain in their homes and communities while receiving the care they need.