ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
It has become widely popular for elders and seniors to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. The State of California supports this trend by paying relatives and others to provide care for roughly half a million low-come individuals. This program is called the In-Home Supportive Services.
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is eligible for elders and seniors that are over 65 years of age, with low-come, are disabled, or can prove that they need care in their own home.
The majority of IHSS caregivers are family members, most of whom are union members as well.
Caregivers are expected to be able to provide basic household chores and personal care, along with the some knowledge of administering medication.
IHSS seems to be a more comfortable and convenient way for elders and seniors to receive care, compared to being placed in nursing homes or similar institutions. However, despite the fact that most caregivers in the IHSS program are family members, elder abuse still exists. According to an investigation made by Kaiser Health News, the In-Home Supportive Services has limited regulation and supervision, often causing elders and seniors to experience abuse and neglect. Furthermore, no formal training is mandatory for one to become a caregiver. This can be problematic as it entails that anybody can become a caregiver, whether they have medical knowledge or not. According to the California Department of Social Services, 833 IHSS providers were people who have been convicted of serious crimes.
Therefore, it is crucial for family members to consider these factors before enrolling their loved ones in the IHSS program. To prevent elder abuse, one should be clear on who the care provider is, and to spot any physical injuries such as bruises or pressure marks on the elderly.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse or believe that you may have suffered from elder abuse, feel free to contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. at 415-441-8669 or info@evanslaw.com to speak with one of our experienced elder abuse attorneys in a free and confidential consultation.
