Care from a Loved One through In-Home Support Services (IHSS)

What Is IHSS? 

IHSS lets Coloradans hire and manage a loved one who provides home care. The Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) Program allows loved ones to be financially compensated for the home care they provide. Family members do not need a certificate or license to care for their loved ones. With IHSS, Colorado joins a handful of states that have programs that not only help families get the care from home they need but also pay family members to provide this care. Your paid family Caregiver can include a: 

• Family member 

• Spouse 

• Parent 

• Neighbor 

• Friend. 

Under IHSS, you also have the option to choose an Agency Caregiver to provide your care. IHSS is a great option if you prefer an agency-managed structure. We take care of the administrative tasks, allowing you to receive assistance with daily activities right in your home. 

Who Qualifies for IHSS? 

IHSS is available to residents under Colorado Medicaid’s Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) Waiver. To qualify for IHSS, you must: 

• Be at least 18 years old 

• Live in Colorado 

• Be Medicaid eligible 

• Have a condition that requires assistance with homemaking, personal care, and health maintenance 

• Be able to direct their care or assign a representative. 

Who Can Provide IHSS? 

Loved ones can earn a paycheck through IHSS but must meet specific criteria. Family Caregivers must: 

• Be at least 18 years old 

• Live in Colorado 

• Be a family member like a parent, sibling, or adult child (legal spouses are not eligible to be paid family Caregivers) 

• Be a close friend or neighbor 

• Undergo a background check if requested. 

If you prefer an agency-managed structure, you can select an Agency Caregiver to provide your care. The agency will handle all administrative tasks, allowing you to receive care from a trained professional. 

Benefits of IHSS 

The advantages of receiving care either from a paid family Caregiver or through an agency-managed model are significant. This is especially true for individuals who require long-term care but prefer to avoid the burden of administrative tasks. The main advantages are: 

Familiarity and Emotional Comfort 

With care from a family relative or close friend comes familiarity and comfort. This shared intimacy decreases feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, it creates trust between the individual and their paid family Caregiver, which contributes to a more positive overall care experience. 

Custom Care 

Family members and close friends have a deeper understanding of their loved one’s care preferences. Prior knowledge of their daily needs and routines allows them to provide more personalized care. Moreover, loved ones are more aware of subtle changes in the individual’s physical or emotional health, making for an easier response to their needs. 

Emotional Wellness 

Many people have difficulty trusting outsiders in their homes. The presence of a family Caregiver decreases feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression, improving their mental and emotional wellness. You feel empowered and respected when your family members are involved in your care, which makes them more likely to follow your plan and leads to better compliance.  

Reduced Burden 

Receiving IHSS through a home care agency takes away the burden of managing paperwork and administrative tasks, so you can focus on your well-being. With a trained and reliable Caregiver assigned to your home, you get personalized care tailored to your needs. This agency-managed model supports your independence, enabling you to remain comfortably in your own home while receiving the care you deserve. 

Avoiding Long-Term Care Facilities 

Whether you opt for a paid family Caregiver or an agency-managed structure, IHSS allows you to receive assistance with daily tasks from someone you trust, all in the comfort of your own home. This helps the care recipient stay out of costly nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. Care at home means remaining in a safe, comfortable environment while still preserving your independence and dignity. 

In Closing 

You can hire a loved one in Colorado as your paid family Caregiver. IHSS with its focus on family ties and increasing independence, lets you stay at home without needing a long-term care institution while enabling your loved one to receive payment for their caregiving. If you prefer an agency to manage the administrative tasks, In-home Support Services (IHSS) gives you that option. A trained Caregiver comes to your home to deliver the care you need, keeping you safe and comfortable in the place you cherish most. 

Do you prefer to place your care needs with your loved one? Learn how IHSS through Andrea’s Angels can support you.