(This is the second in a series of articles about supportive services for local seniors that will appear in The Good Life.)

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program provides services to eligible individuals over the age of 65, the blind and the disabled.

The goal of the IHSS program is to allow persons to remain safely in their own homes and avoid the need for out-of-home care, such as a nursing home.

"Currently, we have about 6,700 consumers on the program," said Marsha Calhoun, IHSS unit manager. "We have seen a steady increase of consumers since the pandemic."

IHSS provides services in your home. The home can be a house, apartment, hotel or the home of a relative.

The following services may be provided under the IHSS program:

• Personal care services, like dressing, bathing, feeding and toileting;

• Paramedical services, like helping with injections, wound care, and colostomy and catheter care, under the direction of a licensed medical professional;

• House cleaning;

• Cooking;

• Shopping;

• Laundry;

• Accompaniment to and from medical appointments.

Eligibility Requirements

IHSS is a Medi-Cal program funded by federal, state and county dollars. If you or someone you know receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or meets all Medi-Cal income eligibility requirements, you may be able to receive IHSS Services.

You must submit a health certification signed by your physician before services can be authorized. This form will be provided to you when your application is received.

"Eligibility is determined by income/resources," explained Calhoun. "Based on income, services can be free or require a share of cost."

How to Apply for IHSS

Residents of Tulare County may apply at the IHSS office at 4025 W. Noble Ave., Suite A, in Visalia, or by calling (559) 623-0600 or 1-800-571-9555.

A county representative will ask you questions to gather information about the nature of your disability, things that you need help with, your income, and your assets. A social worker will come to your home and work with you to determine the type of authorized services you may need.

For more information, visit the IHSS office at 4025 W. Noble Ave., Suite A, in Visalia or call (559) 623-0600 or 1-800-571-9555.

Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.