The IHSS System
The City's in-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) works closely with two partners: the San Francisco Public Authority and Homebridge. This partnership of coordinated services ensures that eligible San Franciscans can get the care they need in their own homes from qualified caregivers.
How IHSS partners work
- Manages how to become an IHSS Recipient.
IHSS determines if the applicant meets the financial requirements for eligibility.
- Conducts in-home assessments.
IHSS assesses Recipients' initial and ongoing needs for IHSS services including dressing, bathing, grooming, bowel and bladder care, meal preparation and cleanup, light housekeeping, shopping, and errands.
- Manages how to become an IHSS Provider.
IHSS guides caregivers through the IHSS Provider enrollment, orientation, and background check process.
- Maintains a registry of qualified IHSS Providers.
IHSS Recipients use the registry to find Providers who they can hire and manage.
- Offers Back-up Provider Services (BUPS).
IHSS Recipients can use BUPS for short-term, essential services when their IHSS Provider is unavailable or if they have not yet hired a Provider.
- Provides a Mentorship Program.
The program advises IHSS Recipients on how to hire and manage their IHSS Providers.
- Manages caregivers for IHSS Recipients.
Homebridge manages IHSS Provider hiring, scheduling, supervision, termination of employment, and training needs for IHSS Recipients who have difficulty coordinating their own care.
- Conducts caregiver training.
Homebridge provides required, IHSS Provider training and specialized courses for career advancement.
- Connects caregivers for ongoing support.
Homebridge's online platform allows IHSS Providers to connect, share experiences, and get advice from each other.